Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D autofocus is stiff on a D600—can it be fixed?
Asked 5/8/2015
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I bought a used Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D and on my Nikon D600 the screw-drive autofocus will not reliably focus closer than about the 10m mark. The AF coupling in the lens feels noticeably tighter at closer focus distances than on another older AF lens I own. In manual focus, the lens can still focus, but it seems to require more force than expected.
Are there any safe ways to improve stiff autofocus on a screw-drive Nikon lens? For example, would opening the rear mount and lubricating parts help, or is that likely to make things worse? Also, is there anything specific to check on this lens before sending it for repair?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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The driven part of the AF coupling in the lens should be easy to turn for the entire travel. Most of the mechanical parts that make the AF happen are toward the front of the lens, so removing the lens mount and poking around isn't likely to net you anything.
In your situation, I'd send it in if you can't get a refund. $200 for the lens plus $375 for Nikon to fix it still puts you ahead of the game if it's the push-pull version of the lens and way ahead if it's the two-ring version. The latter is a very good lens, and having one that's just been serviced is worth something.
Originally by user6508. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6508
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
First, check the obvious: make sure the focus limiter is not engaged. If it is, the lens may be restricted to part of the focus range. Also test manual focus—if it feels sticky or noticeably tight near 10m, that points to a mechanical issue in the lens rather than lack of power from the D600.
On this lens, the AF drive should turn fairly easily through the full range. If it becomes stiff at closer distances, that suggests internal mechanical resistance. Simply removing the rear mount and adding oil is unlikely to help, because much of the focusing mechanism is farther forward in the lens. DIY lubrication can easily make things worse.
If the limiter is off and the lens is still stiff, the practical options are service or return/refund. A proper repair is the safest fix if you want to keep the lens.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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