topic Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working in EF & RF Lenses

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

kayleighhall — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:54:50 GMT

Hello!

As stated, I have an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens that I use on an EOS Rebel T7 Body. I got this in a set about 4ish years ago and have never had problems with it until recently. The case fell off a shelf, and I believe that's what caused this, although nothing else in the case seems to be broke

I also have an EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6III that works just fine with AF and MF on the same body.

When I press down halfway for AF, it makes a turning sound like it's attempting to focus, but the square on the screen turns red and I am unable to fully take the photo.

I've attempted using different AF modes and none of them work. MF does work. I have tried taking the lens off and turning the focus all the way to the left and right (while in MF) and this didn't do anything. I also cleaned the lens but not super thoroughly, since I don't think this is the issue.

Looking to see if this is fixable or if I should get a new lens, also wanting to confirm if it was indeed dropping the camera bag that caused it, as I want to make sure there isn't any other reason this may have happened. Thank you all so much!

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

ebiggs1 — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:56:01 GMT

Try this:

Take the lens off of your camera.

Put the lens in MF mode.

Twist the FOCUS ring (the tip of the lens) all the way to one side (extend it). You may hear a click noise or two, this is good, but don't FORCE the lens.

Twist the FOCUS ring all the way to the opposite side (retract it). Again, you may hear a couple of clicking noises. What we hope is happening is the focusing motor being put back into its proper place.

Put the lens back on the camera.

Put the lens in AF mode.

Turn the camera on.

Put the camera in AUTO or P mode.

Take a test photo.

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

Tintype_18 — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:57:19 GMT

Breakage can be internal. That is an obsolete lens from what I have gleaned; I have one, BTW. Would Canon even service it? Best to buy another?

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

ebiggs1 — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:05:27 GMT

"Looking to see if this is fixable or if I should get a new lens, also wanting to confirm if it was indeed dropping the camera bag that caused it, as I want to make sure there isn't any other reason this may have happened."

The lens doesn't like it if you move the MF ring while the camera is in AF mode. Not even a little. As to whether the lens is repairable, of course it is but at what cost. 9 times out of 10 it isn't cost effective. Shipping to and from plus insurance can exceed the value of the lens by itself.

Did dropping the lens cause this, perhaps, it is never a good thing to drop a camera or lens. However, the above mentioned movement of the MF ring is a known issue and if it is the cause my suggestion (previous post) of how to reset the AF motor usually works.

Thank you all so much!

You are very welcome. Good luck.

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

ebiggs1 — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:08:31 GMT

" Best to buy another?"

Hold on there cowboy, if my little fix works that is best since it is totally free.

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

dowew86666 — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:24:07 GMT

Hello,

I’ve been using a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens on my EOS Rebel T7 for about 4 years without any problems. Recently, my camera bag fell off a shelf. Nothing else seems damaged, but ever since, the 18-55mm lens won’t autofocus.

Re: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II on a EOS Rebel T7: Auto-Focus Not Working

ebiggs1 — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:46:40 GMT

Did you not read my reply to the OP on this thread? No, well here it is again. 🤔

Try this:

Take the lens off of your camera.

Put the lens in MF mode.

Twist the FOCUS ring (the tip of the lens) all the way to one side (extend it). You may hear a click noise or two, this is good, but don't FORCE the lens.

Put the lens back on the camera.

Put the lens in AF mode.

Turn the camera on.

Put the camera in AUTO or P mode.

Take a test photo.