Sony A7R II focus issues
Feb 20, 2017 17:38:34 #
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoom and 24-70 G-Series lens. I'm not sure why, but the auto focus on this thing is not so good. It has been tested twice at Sony's repair shop for auto focus issues, they say it's fine. In my experience, the AF works about half the time. I always need to check it using the DMF capability. Of course, this causes lots of missed shots. I shoot travel: landscapes, wildlife and people. I have tries a number of manual settings; e.g. high shutter speeds 1/1000 sec. or faster, higher F-stops (5.6 -11). Of course, the ISO needs to go up to support these settings, even in daylight. When the camera does auto fucus, it's great. Sharp images, but sadly this is the exception. Given the purchase price, I expected better performance.
Is there anyone out there with the A7R II who can offer any ideas? Maybe a preset lists. Is there a way to connect directly with a Sony rep? I am getting tired of soft focus :(
Thanks
Bill
Is there anyone out there with the A7R II who can offer any ideas? Maybe a preset lists. Is there a way to connect directly with a Sony rep? I am getting tired of soft focus :(
Thanks
Bill
Feb 20, 2017 18:48:21 #
I think it would help members here to better advise if you would post one or two problem pictures as a download with the exif info.
Feb 20, 2017 19:46:59 #
Feb 20, 2017 19:51:51 #
Travel_pics wrote:
Not sure how to do that, but I like the idea.
Bill
Bill
Just go up to top of page and click on " help". You will find the instructions on how to post a picture.
Feb 20, 2017 20:23:52 #
Bird 1 1/2000 f 6.3 FL 240 ISO 400
Girl 1/400 f8 FL 191 Iso 400
Man and Girl 1/1000 f6.3 FL 122 ISO 400
Girl 1/400 f8 FL 191 Iso 400
Man and Girl 1/1000 f6.3 FL 122 ISO 400
Feb 21, 2017 05:55:50 #
I have a Sony A77 II and have had some focusing problems that can vary with different lenses... I experimented with different focus area settings and this seems to have resolved the issue. You might want to try that approach unless you already have.
Feb 21, 2017 06:27:59 #
cgp10019
Loc: New York City
Hello Travel Pics:
I also own the A7RII this camera has different focus settings which you need to understand and master. There are also an eye focus and smile setting in the menu. Once you practice in these different modes you will find your image quality much improved. The A7RII is not really an action camera for shooting wildlife as it only does five fps until the buffer loads.
I also own the A7RII this camera has different focus settings which you need to understand and master. There are also an eye focus and smile setting in the menu. Once you practice in these different modes you will find your image quality much improved. The A7RII is not really an action camera for shooting wildlife as it only does five fps until the buffer loads.
Feb 21, 2017 09:40:51 #
u1003074
Loc: Goshen, New York
With a zoom lens that goes from 24-240 I wouldn't expect great sharpness. But the 24-70 should be very sharp. If it's not, use the auto-focus micro adjustment tool to be sure your lens is focusing exactly on your sensor, rather than in front of or behind it. This is a super tool that many cameras don't have, so use it.
Feb 21, 2017 11:07:58 #
Travel_pics wrote:
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoo... (show quote)
I also have the same issue, and like you I need to go to DMF on each image. Of course this camera is not made for rapid shooting of high action scenes so I live with it. However, I am also looking into going away from the Sony system for just this reason.
Feb 21, 2017 13:23:31 #
Travel_pics wrote:
I've been using the a7rM2 for over eighteen months and never had a problem (other than of my own making) with soft focus. I'd say you really need to get a handle on the different focus modes. I would not expect that 10x zoom lens to produce the best shots but it's clear from the picture of the girl that the focus is on the shoulder or post rather than where it needs to be. You might need to set the camera to "focus release" if not already.......... In my experience, the AF works about half the time. ........... Is there anyone out there with the A7R II who can offer any ideas? Thanks Bill
cgp10019 wrote:
Hardly a reason not to use it for Wildlife..... The A7RII is not really an action camera for shooting wildlife as it only does five fps until the buffer loads.
u1003074 wrote:
Not necessary for an e-mount lens. The e-mount system is self correcting and focus will be spot on if the Photographer does his job. ........ use the auto-focus micro adjustment tool to be sure your lens is focusing exactly on your sensor, rather than in front of or behind it. This is a super tool that many cameras don't have, so use it.
I'm assuming that the 24-70 lens mentioned is the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM and not the A-Mount Zeiss.
Feb 21, 2017 15:09:48 #
jackpi
Loc: Southwest Ohio
Travel_pics wrote:
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoo... (show quote)
Are you using spot or flexible spot focus? If not, expect the camera to focus on whatever is closest in the focus area.
Feb 21, 2017 15:10:55 #
jackpi
Loc: Southwest Ohio
Travel_pics wrote:
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoo... (show quote)
Are you using spot or flexible spot focus? If not, expect the camera to focus on whatever is closest in the focus area.
Feb 21, 2017 15:11:33 #
Travel_pics wrote:
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoo... (show quote)
I have the A7S, A7 II and A7R II and almost always have the 24-240mm zoom on the A7R II. I've never had a problem with autofocus except under really low light. I normally shoot in "P" mode, and use the center focus and center aperture settings. I also postprocess everything in Lightroom to personal taste. Images off the 24-240mm lens can do with a bit of sharpening on occasions but they are easily cleaned up in Lightroom.
bwa
Feb 21, 2017 15:44:54 #
Travel_pics wrote:
Hi Guys, I have a Sony A7R II with Sony 24-240 zoo... (show quote)
My first a6000 had focus-hunting issues. Sony upgraded the firmware and that fixed the problem. Check to see that your A7R has the latest firmware. Since you had to rob a bank to pay for that camera and since the reviews are all very positive, call Sony. They should be able to help.
Feb 21, 2017 16:48:52 #
If Sony is saying the lens is good, I'd consider sending the camera and lens to them so they can see just what you're seeing...and fix anything in the camera.
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