Canon EFS 18-55MM Lens Autofocus Not Working : Causes and How to Resolve
One of the frustrating problems that many photographers face is when the lens won’t focus. The autofocus system plays an important role when taking a photo, but sometimes it may start acting up. There are several reasons why this may happen.
For one, it could be an issue with how the lens is mounted. The camera is not likely to focus if the lens is not properly attached. Another thing is to check whether the AF/MF switch is set to AF, otherwise the camera expects you to manually focus it. It could also be that you have exceeded your camera’s minimum focus distance. That means that you virtually cannot focus on the subject that is closer than that distance.
This article covers some of the common reasons why your lens’ autofocus is not working and how to resolve the issue.
Canon EFS 18-55MM Lens Autofocus Not Working
Sometimes the autofocus on your Canon 18-55mm kit lens may be malfunctioning. This is often demonstrated by the autofocus not working.
Basic Troubleshooting
If that is the case with your lens, below are some steps that can help you and spare you some costly repair.
Start by taking the lens off the camera and put it in MF mode. From there, twist the focus ring all the way to one side. It is normal to hear a click sound or two, but ensure that while doing so, you are not forcing the lens. Now twist the focus ring the opposite side all the way, sort of retracting it. And once again you will hear some clicking sounds. The point of extending and retracting the lens is to ensure that the focusing motor is put back in its proper place.
After that, you can then mount the lens back on the camera and set in in AF mode. Turn the camera on and then put it in P or Auto mode. From here take a test photo to see if you have successfully managed to solve the issue.
What to Do When Your Camera Won’t Focus
There are a number of things you can do if your camera’s autofocus is not working. Below are some common causes and how to resolve each of them to get your lens back in working order.
Remove and remount the lens
One common problem that is responsible for your camera not working lies with the lens. In design, the camera and lens feature metal contacts through which they communicate so they can function properly.
Hence, if the lens is not properly attached to the body, it is likely that the contacts are not touching, so no message to focus is sent to the camera when you press the shutter button. Worst case scenario is your lens falling off and getting damaged because it was not locked into place.
Either way, to avoid any of that from happening and be on the safe side, remove the lens and remount it properly. Ensure you listen for a small click when it locks into place and then try to focus again.
Check the AF/MF switch on the lens
You can also look on the lens itself. There is an AF/MF switch that is located at the lens barrel. Ensure that this switch is set to AF. MF (manual focus mode) would mean that the camera expects you to manually focus on the subject.
Use the center focus point
Canon cameras come with multiple focus points. It depends on the model of the camera you are dealing with. Still, one thing that all cameras have in common is a focus point at the center of the frame. This point is always the most accurate as it can find contrast in two directions. This way, you can easily find focus even in low light conditions.
Aim your focus point at an area of contrast
Typically, the camera uses contrast to determine the subject as well as focus the lens. If you are experiencing any difficulty focusing, look through your viewfinder and locate the active focus point (usually the one that lights up as a red dot).
Then, go ahead and try placing the spot carefully on something in the scene with some contrast. You can go for a line or part of the scene with a contrast between light and dark areas.
If need arises, you can use the ‘focus and recompose’ technique where you press the shutter button halfway to focus. Once the focus is achieved, maintain the pressure on the button and then recompose the image. As soon as you have it how you want it, press the button all the way down and take the photo.
Ensure you are not too close
Every lens has a minimum focus distance. If the subject is closer than that distance, the lens will not be able to focus at all. The fix for this is simple—just back up a little and try to take the shot.
Watch this video for better understanding
FAQs
What is the cross focus point?
The cross focus point is the focus point that is positioned at the center of the frame. It is regarded as the most accurate as it can find contrast in two directions.
How can I focus better in low light conditions?
Often, your camera will struggle to focus in low light conditions. To solve this, it is advisable to use a lens that has a larger maximum aperture. That way, it will let in more light for the camera to see better.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the ideas above will help solve your issue. If not, you can take your camera to a professional for repair.
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