Canon Rebel T3i kit lenses stopped autofocus and make a grinding noise
Asked 12/16/2012
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2 answers
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I’m using a Canon EOS Rebel T3i for newspaper sports photography. Two different 18-55mm kit lenses have developed the same problem on the same camera body: autofocus stops working, the lens makes a grinding noise when I half-press the shutter, and the camera eventually takes an out-of-focus photo. The issue happens in all AF modes.
The first lens worked for several months, then failed. I replaced it with another older 18-55mm lens, which worked for about six weeks before showing the same symptoms. I shoot a lot of sports and often use Tv mode with high ISO, taking hundreds of photos over multiple days. I have also photographed sunrises and sunsets near the horizon.
Could this be caused by my shooting habits, the camera body, or something else?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
4
The grinding noise is an indication that the lens motor is damaged. As mentioned in the comments, manually adjusting the focus while the AF is switched on can damage the AF motor. Certain lenses (usually the expensive ones) have full time manual focus where you can have the AF on and use the manual focus ring without worry.
I have not handled a lot of lenses, but from what I can tell if the AF moves the focus ring or if you can only move the focus ring so far in either direction then it does not have full time manual focus. Conversely, if the AF does not move the focus ring and/or the focus ring can be rotated infinitely in either direction then it does have full time manual control.
Edit: the AF motor does make noise during normal operation, but I imagine that you know what this sounds like by now. This is not the same as a grinding noise that could occur if you cause damage to the AF motor's gears.
Originally by user9510. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user9510
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely cause is damaged autofocus motors in the lenses, not sunrises/sunsets or your Tv/ISO settings. A grinding sound plus failure to focus is a classic sign of AF motor trouble.
With two 18-55mm kit lenses, the common issue is that many of these lenses do not have full-time manual focus. If the focus ring is turned while the lens is still set to AF—intentionally or accidentally—it can damage the AF motor. On lenses without this feature, manual focus should only be used after switching the lens/body to MF.
Heavy sports shooting can also contribute through simple wear and tear, especially if you use continuous AF a lot. Entry-level kit lenses are not built for the same level of use as higher-end lenses.
If both lenses now behave the same way on the body, the lenses themselves are the first thing to suspect. Check the exact lens models and whether they support full-time manual focus. To avoid repeats, don’t turn the focus ring in AF mode unless the lens specifically supports it, and consider a more robust lens if you shoot sports heavily.
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AI13y ago
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