ZS200 Autofocus Unreliable

JBN2337C wrote:

Recent ZS200 owner, and experienced FZ1000 & ZS100 owner. I find that at telephoto, the ZS200 misses focus pretty much 100% of the time, and I have to use manual focus. I get tack sharp images this way, and I know the lens isn’t the problem. I have also ruled out camera shake, and low contrast, as I’ve just been out again in bright sun photographing various test subjects at length. It simply doesn’t nail focus at all.

I’ve no such trouble on the other two cameras. I wanted a lighter “FZ1000” to use, and thought the upgrade from the ZS100 would be nice. If I can’t rely on it in a snapshot situation, then it’s not useful. Has anyone a suggestion?

(It’s configured identical to my other two, so I’ve ruled out settings. I’ve also shot identical subjects in identical conditions… Firmware is on the latest I found online. This is simply baffling. Never had an issue with sharp focus with my older and slower HX80 at 720mm in even poor light.)

Having had three copies of the ZS200 I suspect that yours has a fault.

My first copy was fantastic initially, sharp all the time in any circumstances, but after a year it lost it's sharpness and it was repaired under warranty. I'd say the issue became apparent when it was about 10months old but it got worse as time progressed. Panasonic replaced a module in the lens under warranty and it was improved, but it was never as good as it was initially. Both pre and post repair it displayed the symptoms that you describe. Sometimes it was very sharp, on other occasions it just didn't focus properly

I replaced it with a Sony RX100M6, but was never happy with the size, handling and lack of focal range and took a chance on another TZ200 from the Panasonic refurb store but the lens on that just wasn't sharp at all and I returned that and bought another new copy with a 2 year warranty from John Lewis in the UK who have fantastic after sales service. I've had this one for some time now and it's very sharp under all conditions.

I think the issue here is that it's a very complex lens at the limits of design and technology, but built to a budget. The Q.C. and/or construction methods and materials are at their outer limits, so it is subject to issues if perfection isn't achieved when they manufacture it. If you get a good copy it's an absolute gem and there is nothing else quite like it out there!

Dave