EOS R7 Focus Issues continue even after Factory Service

[edwardfranklin]

I bought an EOS R7 with kit lens RF-S18-150mm 3.5-6.3 IS STM and a separate RF 100-400 5.6-8 IS USM lens in December 2025. After seeing that my RAW files with both lenses were not tack sharp and talking with Customer Service, my equipment was sent in to the Factory Service Center for evaluation. All products "performed according to specifications" and sent back to me. 

In their notes they suggested some recommendations to see if those ideas helped my images and my focus concerns, but they did not. 

I would expect to see tack sharp images in Photoshop and Lightroom with my RAW files, but I still do not. Maybe my visual expectations are too high (I don't expect it to be top of the line camera), but I expect my images to be sharp. Maybe this camera just doesn't perform well even though "it meets specifications". Canon says I can't return it at this point. I'm not satisfied. I'd like to return it and get maybe a better camera. What can I do?

[kvbarkley]

How are you viewing the image? Even a maximally sharp image looks blurred at a high enough magnification while viewing

[Stephen]

Hello.

For context, we'll need to know quite a bit more information.

• What kinds of images are you creating that aren't "tack sharp?"
• What AF mode(s) have you tried?
• What was your previous camera?
• Have you used a Canon EOS R camera before?

The EOS R7 was designed specifically to be used in high-speed shooting situations that require fast autofocus. If you haven't used one of our cameras that relies on the DPAF system, it will be different, and may require some practice. 

If you need help or advice, don't hesitate to contact support during the week from 9am to 6pm (ET) at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666)

[stevet1]

edwardfranklin,

Are you using a tripod or some other means to keep your camera steady, or are you taking pictures handheld?

Are you trying to take pictures of still subjects, or are they in motion?

Can you post a picture you are not happy with, and include the EXIF data so that we can see what settings you used?

Steve Thomas

[LeeP]

Why is tack sharp so important? i.e. what is the subject matter?

For example, if you're doing street photography, sports photography, action photography I'd argue that tack sharp isn't "all that".

[Enthusiast]

edwardfranklin,

You mention RAW files only. Have you tried JPEG file format? If so, how do those images compare to the RAW files that appear soft?

[jrhoffman75]

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@edwardfranklin wrote:

I bought an EOS R7 with kit lens RF-S18-150mm 3.5-6.3 IS STM and a separate RF 100-400 5.6-8 IS USM lens in December 2025. After seeing that my RAW files with both lenses were not tack sharp and talking with Customer Service, my equipment was sent in to the Factory Service Center for evaluation. All products "performed according to specifications" and sent back to me. 

In their notes they suggested some recommendations to see if those ideas helped my images and my focus concerns, but they did not. 

I would expect to see tack sharp images in Photoshop and Lightroom with my RAW files, but I still do not. Maybe my visual expectations are too high (I don't expect it to be top of the line camera), but I expect my images to be sharp. Maybe this camera just doesn't perform well even though "it meets specifications". Canon says I can't return it at this point. I'm not satisfied. I'd like to return it and get maybe a better camera. What can I do?

---

Can you p[ost some example images to One Drive or Dropbox?

[shadowsports]

@edwardfranklin

To add further to everyone's comments.  The R7 is by no means inferior or lesser from a quality standpoint.  It's every bit as capable of taking sharp, clear, beautiful photos like any of Canon's mirrorless bodies, even those costing thousands more.  I suspect your issue(s) might be related to technique.  There are millions of examples posted online from R7 owners which clearly demonstrate the camera's attributes and wonderful capabilities.

[edwardfranklin]

I am viewing the images in Photoshop at 200% and they are blurry.

[edwardfranklin]

Stephen,
I am shooting still life scenes primarily. I just shot a picture of a walkway, a side of a house with horizontal siding, a fire hydrant and a lamp post and they all are fuzzy at 200% viewing. I had a Canon Rebel T3i previously DSLR. Yes, I rented a EOS R6 to try previously. I can send you photos to see my results if you'd like