Auto Focus mismatch? (Page 2): I suspect you have two AF switches: One on the lens and one on the camera or in the camera menu. Both must be set to AF to enable autofocus. This is the...

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

LesWurse wrote:

I'm slowly learning to use my newish Canon 7DMII w... (show quote)

I suspect you have two AF switches: One on the lens and one on the camera or in the camera menu. Both must be set to AF to enable autofocus. This is the most likely source of your problem, given the message in your viewfinder.

FYI:
Note that if AF is not set to the shutter release and is set to set to the AF On button, then your camera will only focus when the AF On button is pressed.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

jackpinoh wrote:

I suspect you have two AF switches: One on the lens and one on the camera or in the camera menu. Both must be set to AF to enable autofocus. This is the most likely source of your problem, given the message in your viewfinder.

FYI:
Note that if AF is not set to the shutter release and is set to set to the AF On button, then your camera will only focus when the AF On button is pressed.

No, with all Canon DSLRs the only switch to turn AF on or off is on the lens itself (unlike Nikon).

AF "not set to the shutter release" is better known as "Back Button Focusing". Please see my earlier response for more complete description of what it is, how to use it and how to enable or disable it.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

bpulv wrote:

I have been told (could be wrong) that on Canon cameras the auto switch on both the body and lens must be turned on to engage autofocus. On Nikon, either switch alone will engage autofocus.

I've had 2 Rebels and 1 80D. None have had a second AF button.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I had the 18- 400 and found it is not a fast focusing lens. A great lens but did not focus fast enough for me. I went tho the 28-300. Shooting moving objects did do it. the other did.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Some more stuff you might find useful...

Video with general info about 7DII auto focus:

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/videos/tutorials/eos_7dmarkii_tutorials/1_afCoverage_v.shtml

Article with more info about the 7DII's various "focus patterns":

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2014/eos7dmkii_zoneaf_afpt.shtml

Article about Dual Pixel Auto Focus (DPAF) in Live View:

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2017/intro-to-dual-pixel-autofocus.shtml

PDF with complete Canon 7DII instruction manual, 500+ pages (printed manual shipped w/camera is only approx. 150 pages):

http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/5/0300016615/01/eos7d-mk2-im-en.pdf

Supplementary PDF Canon 7DII auto focus system instruction manual, approx. 50 pages:

http://downloads.canon.com/nw/brochures/pdf/brochures/eos-7d-mark-ii-af-guide-cusa-9-2014.pdf

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

There’s is an in camera option in the menu that allows you to set this function. You need to find it and make sure it’s off or set it up the way you want it.
Is the lens auto focusing at all?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

bpulv wrote:

I have been told (could be wrong) that on Canon cameras the auto switch on both the body and lens must be turned on to engage autofocus. On Nikon, either switch alone will engage autofocus.

I’ve NEVER heard that and have owned 6 Canon DSLR bodies.
Certainly that would not be a default setting.
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

LesWurse wrote:

I'm slowly learning to use my newish Canon 7DMII w... (show quote)

Les, welcome to the Hog!
I realize there are many reasons to own lenses that are not Canon.
One reason to own only Canon lenses is that when you have a problem, and call Canon, as right now, they would only be able to help you with the camera portion of your problem and not the camera/lens combo.
I’ve had problems at two in the morning and need an answer NOW, so I use only Canon lenses on my Canon Cameras!
There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with an equipment problem. Good luck
SS

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

So I'm not sure if you got your answer to this question but it sounds like your have your AF preferences set to AF-on button only in the camera's menu. This means that instead of your camera's normal half press on the trigger to focus you have to press and hold or press on/press off - AF button on the rear of the camera to focus set in the menu options. Check your manual on the AF-on button.

LesWurse wrote:

I'm slowly learning to use my newish Canon 7DMII w... (show quote)