topic Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image in EF & RF Lenses

EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:00:31 GMT

I purchased this lens used about a year ago and have been noticing that I have images that are blurred at the bottom when shooting horizontal. I first assumed it was my camera shutter as I have a 1DXii that had a fairly high shutter count; however, I just obtained another and I’m seeing the result.
Anyone have any suggestions on what’s going on and if this is possibly an expensive fix?

Here is a link to a photo for reference: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pq9cdar782nuz55ufmrrw/Photo-Feb-28-2026-10-01-07-PM.jpg?rlkey=c63mvi8663141gwf4jloepgsi&st=mx7z0trn&dl=0

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

shadowsports — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:42:45 GMT

Greetings,

Since you've gone to the effort to post an image for us, please upload the RAW version if you have it.

Thanks,

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

rs-eos — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:54:23 GMT

Do any photos in vertical orientation show blur along the left- or right-hand sides?

Since you've tried with two different camera bodies, looks like a potential lens issue.

Also, is this at any aperture?

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:58:02 GMT

Here is a link to view 4 raw images, 2 vertical and 2 horizontal. I hadn't really noticed it in the veritical ones but it seems to impact them also.

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:58:15 GMT

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/tovjf0ikk6070ru4dj7gt/AK3YDHI8tbx7KUA8fv0Mi5c?rlkey=xkb82rze6qpn0q6bk6dk1flg2&st=aiiza45f&dl=0

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:56 GMT

Appears to be at both vertical and horizontal. I can't say about any aperture. I mostly shoot sports and don't often move off 2.8

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

ebiggs1 — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:15:43 GMT

First keep in mind most OOF issues are user caused and not equipment. That's not a slam it's just a reality. People make more misques than the gear does. You need to set up a test. You need to use a tripod and a 90 degree perpendicular to the lens target. A newspaper taped to a wall for instance. A brick wall can work.

There are so many things that can cause OOF and you stripped all exit info so there is little to gain from your samples except proving some of them are soft. Your issue could be as simple as you were at an angle to the girls which impacted DOF. It could be motion blur from too slow SS. It could be subject motion form the girls. Who knows without all the info. But, my friend, the first place to look is behind the camera/lens. Do the simple test.

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:25:00 GMT

I am curious if you looked at the RAW images I uploaded. They should have all of the information accessible. You can see that the shutter is plenty high to stop action and some of them are straight on and not shot at an angle. I will perform some additional tests, but it's pretty clear to see that the images are pretty sharp in some spots but as you move down on horizontal and to the right on the verticals that they get extremely soft more than they should.

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

FloridaDrafter — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:59:36 GMT

@kirtapp wrote:

I first assumed it was my camera shutter as I have a 1DXii that had a fairly high shutter count; however, I just obtained another and I’m seeing the result.

Another camera or lens? I'm assuming camera, just want to make sure I'm understanding 🙂

Newton

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

kirtapp — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:13:40 GMT

Correct. Same outcome on two different camera bodies.

Re: EF 70-200 IS iii USM - partial blurred image

ebiggs1 — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:38:12 GMT

"I am curious if you looked at the RAW images I uploaded."

No, sorry I didn't notice you u/l some raw images with exif intact. I have now corrected that error. Now looking at the samples I still recommend you do the static test. Not knowing the actual distance from subject but DOF at f2.8 and 75mm isn't going to be forgiving. There is going to be a lot of the scene OOF. To be honest most of the sample are soft not just the edges, IMHO. You may very well have a decentered element especially if the lens has suffered a drop or impact, etc. Even small ones. No use guessing do the test to be sure and do it without a preconceived mind.

BTW, #33 black is committing a foul on white.