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Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

Started Apr 4, 2017 | Discussions
Joss Delage
Joss Delage Contributing Member • Posts: 532
Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

All - I'm using a 6D and my go-to lens is the Canon EF 24-70 2.8L USM. I'm finding that the AF doesn't work well. It's chasing, sometimes not locking for several seconds, and the lens produces some vibration during the process. On a different lens  (EF 35 1.4L), I don't have this problem; AF is quick, smooth, assertive.

Am I correct to assume that the problem lies with the lens and not with the camera? And does my description sound familiar to anyone?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EOS 6D
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George Fotiadis
George Fotiadis Junior Member • Posts: 31
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L
1

Lens vibration? how is the lenses front element, is it a bid finicky and shaky? Maybe the lens needs some servicing if you have used him a lot or it has fallen sometimes?

The USM motor needs cleaning also as the zooming mechanism.

Mine has been on service three times the last 10 years, and is still going!

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Canon

JerryriggedTECH
JerryriggedTECH Senior Member • Posts: 1,098
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L
1

Joss Delage wrote:

All - I'm using a 6D and my go-to lens is the Canon EF 24-70 2.8L USM. I'm finding that the AF doesn't work well. It's chasing, sometimes not locking for several seconds, and the lens produces some vibration during the process. On a different lens (EF 35 1.4L), I don't have this problem; AF is quick, smooth, assertive.

Am I correct to assume that the problem lies with the lens and not with the camera? And does my description sound familiar to anyone?

I have the 24-70 f/2.8L version II, and had problems with AF consistency on my 6D.  I sent in to Canon to have them do a complete calibration and adjustment.  Even as a CPS member, there was still some significant cost (I think it was maybe between $100 and $200).  But, when I got the lens back, it was completely different.  Accurate, fast, consistent autofocus.  Just my experience.

 JerryriggedTECH's gear list:JerryriggedTECH's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS R Canon EF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM +5 more
Joss Delage
OP Joss Delage Contributing Member • Posts: 532
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

Thank you all. Sending the lens to Canon.

BlueRay2 Forum Pro • Posts: 14,816
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

JerryriggedTECH wrote:

Joss Delage wrote:

All - I'm using a 6D and my go-to lens is the Canon EF 24-70 2.8L USM. I'm finding that the AF doesn't work well. It's chasing, sometimes not locking for several seconds, and the lens produces some vibration during the process. On a different lens (EF 35 1.4L), I don't have this problem; AF is quick, smooth, assertive.

Am I correct to assume that the problem lies with the lens and not with the camera? And does my description sound familiar to anyone?

I have the 24-70 f/2.8L version II, and had problems with AF consistency on my 6D. I sent in to Canon to have them do a complete calibration and adjustment. Even as a CPS member, there was still some significant cost (I think it was maybe between $100 and $200). But, when I got the lens back, it was completely different. Accurate, fast, consistent autofocus. Just my experience.

i have had my canon 24-70 f2.8 II for almost 4 yrs. and never had a single issue with it, it is razor sharp. this is my go to lens and have been using the heck out of it from the day one!!! i didn't know anything about people having focus issue with this lens...good to know that!

gavin
gavin Veteran Member • Posts: 8,242
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

I only had problem with my old 5DII because the AF is bad. Sounds like your lens is broken or the lighting is very hard for AF to track.

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 gavin's gear list:gavin's gear list
Sony RX100 III Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM +5 more
Joss Delage
OP Joss Delage Contributing Member • Posts: 532
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

I've had mine since 2006. Never had a problem until now.

BlueRay2 Forum Pro • Posts: 14,816
Re: Problem focusing with EF 24-70L

Joss Delage wrote:

I've had mine since 2006. Never had a problem until now.

sorry, i was speaking of the rev. 2, which was introduced rather recently (a couple yeas ago?). but i am sure the rev. 1 was just as superbly built as the rev. 2!

Tazz93
Tazz93 Veteran Member • Posts: 3,484
Mirror Cleaning?
1

Have you tried cleaning the AF/viewfinder mirror? It's possible the wide aperture of the 35mm is enough to overcome the issue on it.

 Tazz93's gear list:Tazz93's gear list
Canon EOS-1D Mark II N Canon EOS 5DS Canon EOS R5 Canon Extender EF 2x II Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM +11 more
Joss Delage
OP Joss Delage Contributing Member • Posts: 532
Re: Mirror Cleaning?

Tazz93 wrote:

Have you tried cleaning the AF/viewfinder mirror? It's possible the wide aperture of the 35mm is enough to overcome the issue on it.

No, but I also tried with a long lens, which is slower than the 24-70, and didn't have the same problem.

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