Slow auto focus on a Nikon 18-200mm: I own this lens for about 3 yrs. and never had any problems, however the auto focus has become really slow the last few days. I have tried it on...

augieg27 Loc: Central California

I own this lens for about 3 yrs. and never had any problems, however the auto focus has become really slow the last few days. I have tried it on different cameras, no difference.

Is there any solutions for this issue?

Thank you for your advices.

Augie

Bill_de Loc: US

augieg27 wrote:

I own this lens for about 3 yrs. and never had any problems, however the auto focus has become really slow the last few days. I have tried it on different cameras, no difference.

Is there any solutions for this issue?

Thank you for your advices.

Augie

Clean the electrical contacts. If that doesn't work send it to Nikon for a clean/repair estimate.

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augieg27 Loc: Central California

Bill_de wrote:

Clean the electrical contacts. If that doesn't work send it to Nikon for a clean/repair estimate.

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Thanks Bill, I'll do that.

Lou Salamon Loc: Calabash, nc

augieg27 wrote:

I own this lens for about 3 yrs. and never had any problems, however the auto focus has become really slow the last few days. I have tried it on different cameras, no difference.

Is there any solutions for this issue?

Thank you for your advices.

Augie

If you’re at the long end if the range, and happen to have a CPL attached, it can be hunting for a place to focus unsuccessfully...remove the filter, and see what happens.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Balance the repair estimate against the cost of just buying a new copy.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

If it is absolute necessary to send the camera talk to Nikon first about your issues with the lens.
I own this lens and I speak very highly of it. The AF is fast and precise.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Thank you all for your suggestions.
I cleaned the contacts and is working better but not as fast as it used to be.
Augie

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

augieg27 wrote:

Thank you all for your suggestions.
I cleaned the contacts and is working better but not as fast as it used to be.
Augie

We have two of these in our household. My wife has an older one that has seen light use and still works fine. I have a newer, but more heavily used one. Both say that they were made in Taiwan, as I recall. It seems to me that there is a lot of variability among these lenses, and that some of them can be pretty unpredictable and flaky. You should check whether yours might still be under warranty (if you bought it new). And you might call NikonUSA to see if they can add any wisdom around the problem you are seeing. Another possibility is that the battery in your camera is aging or failing and cannot provide sufficient power to drive the motor as fast as before. That would actually be much easier and less expensive to fix.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

larryepage wrote:

We have two of these in our household. My wife ha... (show quote)

Thank you larryepage for your suggestions.
My was made in Thailand, I don't know what difference does it make. I bought it used about 3 years ago and was working well until recently.
I cleaned the electrical contacts and is now working better but not as fast as it used to be.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

In addition clean the contacts on ur camera body as well

augieg27 Loc: Central California

GLSmith wrote:

In addition clean the contacts on ur camera body as well

Will do, thanks.