Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8 Front Focus issue

[dspmax]

Hi, new to the forum!

I've just purchased a Canon RF 70-200 lens, and after several days of usage appear to notice a front focus. It's not a severe issue, and mainly shows up in the shallow depth of focus circumstances, such as close-ups and portraits, where nailing the focal point is important, but it does make the lens feel soft. Given the $2700 price and the fact that I already sold my 70-200, I'm feeling a bit of buyer's remorse. I'm not the only one, seems like photography forums are beginning to get some momentum around this be a wide-spread phenomenon with this lens. 

I just wanted to see if Canon is aware and anticipates this to be addressed as a firmware update or something I need to get the lens sent out. 

[kvbarkley]

We can't answer for Canon, but it does appear to be a common problem with this lens. It is discussed in the comments in the teardown article I linked to here:

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/General-Camera-Discussion/RF70-200-Teardown/m-p/289111#M8240

I suggest you call Canon if it is still under warranty.

[RobertTheFat]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

We can't answer for Canon, but it does appear to be a common problem with this lens. It is discussed in the comments in the teardown article I linked to here:

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/General-Camera-Discussion/RF70-200-Teardown/m-p/289111#M8240

I suggest you call Canon if it is still under warranty.

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How do you get front focusing with a lens that projects its focusing image directly on the sensor? If there is a front focusing issue, wouldn't it have to be the fault of the camera, not the lens?

[kvbarkley]

I don't know except to say that control loops are wierd things.

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

I don't know except to say that control loops are wierd things.

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PID, PI, P.

[dspmax]

I called in support and will be looking to ship the lens to the service center. I'm wondering if I should also send in my Canon EOS R as well, since perhaps it is more of a camera issue than the R? I don't have the same issue with non-RF lenses (i.e. when using EF lenses with the RF adapter). Here's an example of what i'm seeing (this is my post on dpreview): https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63405288

[Stephen]

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@dspmax wrote:

I called in support and will be looking to ship the lens to the service center. I'm wondering if I should also send in my Canon EOS R as well, since perhaps it is more of a camera issue than the R? I don't have the same issue with non-RF lenses (i.e. when using EF lenses with the RF adapter). Here's an example of what i'm seeing (this is my post on dpreview): https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63405288

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If you think it's a good idea, by all means send it. Calibrating your gear with your gear is always a good idea. At the Factory Service Center (FSC) they have prescsion equipment to test and align your lenses and perform adjustments, however, if it turns out that there's a mis-alignment on your R (somehow - I don't know the ins-and-outs of the R technically speaking), then they may have to perform adjustments on the R as well. 

TL;DR: When I was a tech, I always advised folks to send the camera and lens(es) that were misbehaving. Our team might not be able to recreate the exact conditions of your situation without your exact gear. 🤷‍♂️

[dspmax]

Thanks Steven! Would I need to modify the service request to include instructions that I'm including the camera as well? 

[Danny]

You can simply include the camera with the lens.  We'll check in your gear when it arrives.

We look forward to getting your equipment back to working order!