Autofocus problems

Javan Rhino

Javan Rhino

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Hi all,

I have a Canon 350D second hand, and an EF-S 55-250mm zoom lens (along with a standard 18-55mm lens). My autofocus does not work at all - it will focus on everything except the animal, and even if I manual focus and just use auto to fine tune it, it goes straight out of focus again. Now, we know this happens when infront of wire or foliage, which can confuse the camera into wondering what the subject is. However, it refuses to focus in all cases, even if there is nothing else about.

I'm getting quite bored of using manual now and getting home to find all of my shots are useless. So, are peoples opinions that this is a broken camera/lens or just a wrong setting or anything in between? Thanks all :)
 
Does it focus correctly under controlled conditions? Shoot something static at home (sheet of paper with type is an adequate subject) and see if that is in focus.

Which focus point are you using? The 350D has seven, and if all are active, it will always focus on the point that falls over the nearest object to you, which may not be the subject you require. The outer points will also "hunt" far more if you're shooting through wire or glass.
 
Sorry to hear you're having problems JR, as SMR suggests a test in a simple bright environment would establish whether the lens is capable of focusing well.

Just a thought, its not set to 'servo' or 'AI focus' mode by any chance? Those modes are a lot more skittish then 'One shot'.

I find life far simpler with all but the centre focus point disabled. If I require the subject to be off centre I will focus, half press the shutter and recompose before completing the shot. With all of my focus points enabled (I use a 40D) the camera never seems to select the subject I want, especially so in a zoo.
 
Just ensured I was on one shot - still not doing anything. I can't really describe it, but in auto-focus it isn't even taking a picture. Hold down the button and it just focuses back and too if that makes sense without settling on anything.
 
Oh dear, sounds like it could be a fault in camera or lens. Does the autofocus work with your standard zoom on?
 
We're the same. I also had 350D but I gave it to my younger sister. Back when I was using 350D, I really love the output after doing all the shots. However, just like you, I also had problems with its auto-focus. I didn't have any choice but to use Manual. So I guess you didn't do anything wrong. It's Canon's fault. Besides, it's an old model already :)
 
Sorry Jessie, I have to disagree. Aside from the usual challenges of zoo photography (fences, cages, etc interfering with focus) the 350D should be fine, and I have shot with one from time to time with no focusing problems.

If the camera/lens are working as they could/should and your technique is OK there shouldn't be a problem. Maybe you suffered the same issue as JR though.
 
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