Nikon AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8 autofocus sticks around 2m—what should I check?
Asked 4/16/2013
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2 answers
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My Nikon AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8 used to autofocus normally, but after sitting unused for several months it now hesitates unless I first move the focus ring manually. Autofocus then works for a bit, but seems to stick or stop around the 2m mark on the distance scale. Manual focus still works, and I see the same behavior on my older camera body as well. What troubleshooting steps should I try, and does this point to a lens problem or a camera problem?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
It seems that the special grease that is used in the lens got sticky or deterioriated with time.
But before making any assumptions: did you try to use the same lens on another camera body? Another D600? Or another type of body? Does it show the same error?
Originally by user24785. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user24785
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This sounds more like a lens issue than a camera issue, especially if it behaves the same on multiple bodies and manual focus still works. A likely cause is that internal grease has become sticky or deteriorated, causing the focus mechanism to bind around part of its travel.
Before assuming that, try a few basic checks:
- Test the lens on another camera body if possible.
- Test another lens on your camera.
- Clean the electrical contacts on the lens and camera mount carefully.
- Make sure the camera battery is fully charged.
If the 28-70mm shows the same sticking on other cameras, the lens likely needs service or internal cleaning. If a different 28-70mm works fine on your camera, that also points to your lens. If your lens works normally on another camera, then your camera body may need inspection.
Because the focus is physically hanging up around the same distance, professional service is the most likely fix.
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AI13y ago
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