Solving AF Problems - 8 Common Autofocus Problems - And Their Solutions

So, have you ever had a problem with getting proper focus and just couldn’t put your finger on the reason? Well, in this video, we’ll go over eight common AF problems and their solutions.
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[@backcountrygallery]

Have nature and wildlife photography questions? Check out the BCG Forums! Ask and answer gear and technique questions questions, post photos and more. Check it out and sign up today! bcgforums.com/index.php Bonus - I also post exclusive tips, tricks, and techniques to the forum you can't get anywhere else! Check it out!

[@pattibright55]

i tried today. said no new ppl now

[@goodnewstv6457]

Please 🙏 and a few others are doing it in the firstz lives kpmkkm0iipp~=~~××~~{1¶∆∆∆∆

[@JB-xv8my]

Another great video, Steve. I especially like the pacing of your presentations, the precise terminology, and the high production quality. And I always learn something! Many thanks.

[@philsmith774]

I wasn't expecting to learn much but was I surprised. Never knew AF sensors could get dirty and that the AF points in the viewfinder could be inaccurate. Will be printing the test chart and checking my cameras. Excellent.

[@carlantaki3250]

Thank you for the great review Steve, your experience and knowledge are what makes your reviews the best.

[@ALCOR_46]

Steve, you rock! What you made here is a simple, yet effective video on a subject that everyone kinda knows, however you gave it a meaning and logic behind it. Good job and thank you

[@bertiewooster4043]

Another great video, Steve! You are fast becoming a favorite photo channel for me! Keep up the great work!

[@garyadams5201]

You always present great videos Mr. Perry! Consistently clear, concise, and very informative. You, Lindsay Adler, Joe McNally, Daniel Norton and Jerry Ghionis comprise my A list of youtube instructors. I have learned a lot from your videos even after shooting professionally for 15 years. Please keep them coming!

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I'm a total novice and wilderness photography & mostly video will be my focus. Thank you for a well put tutorial that was easy to understand. Too many pros talk to newbies as if they are already packed with the technical terminology.

[@robbyscheffer5600]

Wow you have a way with words, so easy to understand and very informative.

[@plankie1965]

you never cease to impress with the tips and tricks you have in your videos. thank you so much

[@TheJoshuaborden]

I've purchased and chewed through your Metering/Exposure book as well as Secrets to Auto Focus. Both are fantastic. I'm a Canadian Military photographer, Imagery Technician, and both books have been invaluable to me at work and at home while shooting. Highly recommended.

[@MrRudyc]

Excellent, excellent, excellent. Steve shares professional advice with the world. And does so in a very instructive way. Thanks.

[@makaspla11]

You sir are the best! Straight shooter. I’ve learned more watching your videos than any other camera youtuber. Keep up the great work!

[@brucesmith9144]

Hi Steve, this is an excellent presentation. Judging by the ratio of likes to dislikes, it is amongst the best videos on the topic. Really appreciated your insight of the dirty AF sensor and the proper cleaning techniques.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! It's funny - on my last trip my D500 wasn't focusing very well and wasn't able to track anything. I actually thought maybe the camera was having an issue but first blew off the AF sensors. A small little dust bunny floated out of the mirror box and my AF problems were over :) And that's not the first time that little trick has worked for me.

[@senterpoint]

Holy Auto Focus Batman, that's a lot of info, Fast! Great Tutorial.

[@ungavaproductions]

Steve, I want to thank you for your wonderfull works. I love the way you present thing. Even if I am French from Quebec, I always understand your explanations. I follow you since at least 4 or 5 years and I realy appreciate your presentation. It's clear, accurate and very very interesting. And your shots sometime makes me falling down of my chair ! Sorry for my English. Thanks to you Steve

[@migazl]

Your absolutely an amazing photographer!! Thank you for all your videos! Lifesaver

[@EmadDesign]

One of the best photography videos I've ever watched, thaaaanks Steve

[@JaredRibic]

Thanks! I didn't even think to look for dirty AF sensors.

[@chesbayview]

Another great and extremely informative video. Thanks so much Steve, your knowlege and ability to present has helped me out a several times. It is greatly appreciated.

[@stephenmcorby]

Good video! This is my first time watching your stuff and you have a couple of points I have never heard of before. I appreciate the effort!

[@kennethsmith2952]

Thank you Steve, and I also know that that alot of people are not getting a sharp focus because their camera's auto focus is on while using a tripod, with this, the camera will think there is something it needs to adjust just when you take a photo shot.

[@paulhudson117]

Thanks for this great video! Easy to understand, well paced so that notes can be taken while listening to your presentation. Biggest challenge for me with my Canon t7 has been trying to capture birds in flight. I am a newbie that is trying not to get frustrated in trying to capture them. The good news is that this is digital and I am not going through a lot of film (LOL), so the saving grace on that. Thanks

[@destinyaaiyana]

You’re really growing on me, Steve! Thanks for all the awesome content

[@tristanrujano]

I was super happy and a lucky one to fixed the issue by just cleaning the connectors. the af would not focus at all, or would work but in af-c would constantly rattle, trying to find focus. Now it's buttery smooth. thanks!

[@Needacreate]

Very helpful content, Steve. Also like your unpretentious yet passionate presentation style. Would not hesitate to recommend your channel to anyone looking to improve their technique and get more out of their zoo/wildlife photography.

[@gray10111]

Hi Steve. I came across your video while looking for a solution for my autofocus problems. Thanks to your advice I'm back up and running!

[@joeschmitt5704]

Thanks Steve! An excellent and worthwhile video!

[@StevenSugref]

There is so much information in their video, thanks for taking the time to make it.

[@joshnlevinson]

Really excellent video, Steve! Some things covered in here I've never seen covered elsewhere before.

[@davesmart3051]

THANK YOU for this video! My Canon EOS 5D Mark IV began being unable to autofocus when the central AF point was selected and I've spent the most horrific 24 hours pretty much tearing my hair out, convulsing out of despair, and wondering what to do, as I have a planned trip coming up soon and I'm just not going with a slightly malfunctioning camera. Your advice to clean the AF sensor solved my problem and I am nearly in tears of joy at the moment. My camera got me quite emotionally unstable these past 24 hours, but I love it so.

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

Excellent. I had a major focus problem with my K-1 for only one lens, a TAMRON 28-75, i have gone to the K-1 setup to fine adjust the focus for this lens and got a right focus now. Thank you for these useful informations.

[@rvnmedic2709]

Thanks Steve. I like your pace and straight forward style.

[@PeoplePlateAndPlaces]

Awesome 👍. Your tutorials are always rich in information . Thanks

[@nandi123]

Thank you so much for this informative, organized and articulate video.

[@gamalelleithy3300]

thanks Steve.. you are really my inspiring mentor in wild life photography:)

[@romanis6660]

I saved this so that I can watch it again after following your suggestions. Thanx

[@waltervail3213]

Excellent! I got some great tips from this video! Will be watching it again and again.

[@DanielHebardArt]

An enjojable well thoght out video about one of my gret passions. Great work Steve.

[@clintonrenshaw4276]

Your work is awesome, thanks for sharing your experience & knowledge. Gratitude mate.

[@JohnAnderson-vo6bj]

I haven,,t watched his videos before but I find this one very informative. I hope to here more from him in the future.

[@NoeBritez]

Hi Steve, I just found your channel I'm a so happy! You're so amazing giving this information and teaching so clear, so easy. Thanks! Greetings from Paraguay.

[@rhesson6]

Great tutorial! This really helped! Thank you!

[@ctonylowe]

I really enjoy how present your content. one of the best I listen to thanks

[@robertnicholson7192]

Steve: I enjoy your videos much, even though I have a hard time understanding them. For two years I have been unable t walk which puts limits on my mobility and thus my ability to make a contribution to your website at this time, plus I suffer from a form of dimentia related to my condition. I hope you understand. Bob Nicholson

[@RobertAngel]

Thanks, Steve. Very helpful information. Easy to understand and to apply. You've packed a lot into 14 minutes of video. RCA

[@genemaysonet3558]

Great video explained a lot to me as a beginner in photography having a blast TY

[@billvanderford2351]

Your videos are always great with a lot of info, your books are also packed full of info. Thanks for your efforts

[@october001]

I had never seen the tip on checking the AF detection with the target trick before! Neat! Subscribed!

[@senged]

Thank you for helping me solve a decade old problem on my Nikon D90. Subscribed!

[@rodiron]

Wow! I've had problems with focus for a while! Big piece of lint on af sensor. Thank You!

[@raymondcook8364]

Thank you so much. You advice was very valuable to me. I just bought a Nikon F4s and it is suppose to arrive today. I am so excited to start taking pictures of wildlife.

[@skiprope536]

Plain, simple, fact presentation, solutions...GREAT VIDEO! TY!

[@didg9566]

Really usefull and pratical advices from the field, great job Steve!

[@bobrutan4735]

Excellent video Steve.... Lots of detail. Appreciate your sharing.

[@Banditronnie]

Wow. 2 minutes googling autofocus issues and found this. The information in this video will keep me experimenting for days. Thanks Steve.

[@gentlefun7828]

I have a problem with Nikon D810.The problem is there is a dark side in the outline of the pic.Anyone can help me.

[@jodydavid3753]

Great tutorial, I appreciated the time you put on this video. Thanks so much for your advices. You have a new subscribed today.

[@sewclevr]

Clearly explained. Easily followed. Great info!! Thank you!

[@fusion-music]

Excellent presentation. Very valuable even if you have been using a camera for 40 years. Love your pdf book

[@coreybrooks3493]

Great video. Learned a lot. Strangely when I take my z6 out in the cold, sub zero temperatures, these days, i just can't get anything in focus. I'll look at these issues but so odd that one day it's fine and now I have a keeper rate of 0%

[@droppingcoconuts]

hi steve, your videos are very helpful, thank you! i am now a convert backbutton focus shooter and love it. i am now trying to come to grips with auto ISO and manual, but it is taking a bit more. anyway, thankyou again for what you offer.

[@dimples5669]

Love your video's. Your very good at explaining things and I have learnt a lot from you. Keep making great video's. Thank you.

[@jamesbulan9241]

Thank you for this.. just tried the 1st step.. and it works perfectly on my 70-200 gm1 lens..🙏🙏☺️

[@joelazalde8268]

Thanks Great information You’re a gifted communicator

[@caseybalvert7161]

Great video, Steve. I did buy your ebook a while back and found it to be a treasure trove of useful information to help me in my wildlife photography.

[@backcountrygallery]

+Casey Balvert Thanks for the purchase - and for the kind words :)

[@agharaza9670]

Hey Steve, This is a great video. My camera's problem is solved. Thank you so much.

[@jensbondarenko9195]

Excellent explanation and representation. Thanx a lot.

[@nelsoncheetube]

Hi Steve, I had been shooting for....rrrr...and embarrassingly I had been shooting single point AF-S for over 20 years until i bought your ebook yesterday. One word for you here is - a BIG THANK YOU for reducing the amount of my blurry images moving forward!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the purchase and I'm glad it helped :)

[@eurogael]

OMG! Thank you. Just bought a 7200 and could figure out why my AF was off across the entire frame. From a distance it seemed like it was sort of focusing but zoomed in nothing was and having watched this I adjusted my camera from AF-S A to AF-S S and bingo problem solved. I love this camera now.

[@RussellMWebb]

Stopped by, picked up some valuable information, liked and subscribed. I've had my Canon 5D Mark IV almost 3y, and it's a BIG learning curve up from a 50D. Many thanks.

[@boatman222345]

Steve, As always a very impressive video! To say that you have a remarkable talent for explaing technical subject matter with absolute clarity would be quite an understatement. Although a very experienced photography I never fail to learn something new when reading your articles or watching your videos. And if your fantasic E Book "Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography" was a printed on paper version I'd have worn the pages out months ago I refer to it so often. Keep up the Great Work!

[@backcountrygallery]

+boatman222345 Thanks so much for the kind words and the book purchase! I'm glad it's been helpful :)

[@mikecurtis881]

Great straight forward video and a good refresher on autofocus - thanks

[@DigitalMediaCanada]

Thank you! I blew the AF sensors with the blower and now AF works.

[@tinareid1]

Thank you so much for your video, very helpful. Will go and try those tips right now.

[@stefansmuts8882]

Thanks Steve! Your videos are awesome!

[@heathbrowning34]

Another fantastic and helpful video Steve. Thanks!! 👍🏻📷

[@tericalynn5134]

you've given me hope and tools. thank you

[@cupcakeworksathome8924]

So glad I just found you. Was about to sell my Nikon d3300 and pay much more for another camera. Thanks.

[@WanderlustVanlife]

Perfect video on the subject, thanks for your effort!

[@krishnarajl4251]

Great tips Steve!!! Thanks a lot for this very informative video.... It helps a lot

[@RAJMAN181]

Fantastic video, Steve really A+, keep up the good work.

[@sylvia2692]

Thank you Steve - much appreciated.!. Very Interesting presentation - It gave me a chance to learn new functions of my camera - while trying to figure out why my D7200 body and 200-500 doesn't seem to synch. I'll make sure to listen to your other presentation as well.!.

[@matthewbell1968]

Another excellent and highly professional video thanks Steve

[@manok9512]

thank you so much..was facing issue with AF...i cleaned the contacts ..it worked

[@apxpandy4965]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@mariolimabuso8269]

Thanks, you really explain the difficult very simply.

[@SteveWebster376]

Excellent video Steve; thank you.

[@paulhudson117]

Great video that covers a ton of information., THANK YOU

[@user-ys1ki8sp8s]

This helped me so much! Thank you.

[@madmanmadani]

your wildlife shots are amazing!

[@louvega8414]

Excellent video. Thanks, Steve.

[@KrishnaPrasadKotti]

Thank you for the Video. I brought your book , Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography E-Book and I absolutely love it.

[@backcountrygallery]

+Krishna Prasad Kotti Thanks so much!

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

still relevant. thank you for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

[@rachelbellenoit3803]

I love your videos. I have a Nikon D7100 and a D800. I've learned to much from you.

[@seda6967]

Thank you so much for this video! I tried everything on my mirrorless Olympus Pen EPL9. One of my lenses was working fine while the other was no longer able to autofocus, which I need for videos. I thought I broke my lens as the problem occurred after my lens was exposed to humidity during a longer trip. I don't have a cleaning mode on my camera, but I blew air inside after turning it on without the lens, as I figured this was the only way of getting in that area. The problem was solved thanks to this, really appreciate your time in making this video!!

[@backcountrygallery]

That's awesome! Glad it helped :)

[@andyjgill5750]

Didn’t know about the AF sensor, and contacts clean! 👏

[@JohanSchmidt]

Thanks Steve. I'll check out the cleaning of the contact points. My D500 has been dissapointingly soft vs the D4

[@hhKJgf1M8a0rzt8hP]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial.

[@OhSoCheesy]

How did I miss this video? Great stuff as always Steve! I never knew about the autofocus sensors in the bottom. If it's in your book, then I guess I slept through that part LOL.

[@JohanSchmidt]

Steve, I tried your tip of using AF GRP setting for my sports images with the D500 and my images are actually sharper than using single focus point - thanks - wonderful reviews