Focusing problem - Nikon AFS 80-400 4.5-5.6 G + Nikon AFS TC-1.4E II on D500: Yesterday my well used, almost nine-year old lens wouldn't focus properly. It was constantly search, and...

Strix

Yesterday my well used, almost nine-year old lens wouldn't focus properly. It was constantly search, and the barrel of the lens emitted a loud clanking sound as it searched, focusing in and out without locking onto the stationary subject. Today it hadn't "fixed itself". Anyone have a similar problem, and how was it corrected.
My thanks - Strix.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Strix wrote:

Yesterday my well used, almost nine-year old lens wouldn't focus properly. It was constantly search, and the barrel of the lens emitted a loud clanking sound as it searched, focusing in and out without locking onto the stationary subject. Today it hadn't "fixed itself". Anyone have a similar problem, and how was it corrected.
My thanks - Strix.

Don't sound good!!!

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Strix wrote:

Yesterday my well used, almost nine-year old lens wouldn't focus properly. It was constantly search, and the barrel of the lens emitted a loud clanking sound as it searched, focusing in and out without locking onto the stationary subject. Today it hadn't "fixed itself". Anyone have a similar problem, and how was it corrected.
My thanks - Strix.

If you were using it with the teleconverter you need really good light and it's still marginal at best. If you are not using the teleconverter then I'm of zero help

Strix1 Loc: Michigan

I’ve used this set-up for two years, with natural, at times, very low light without a problem until now. With the tele-extender removed, the problem persists. Strix.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Package it up and send it to Nikon. Probably in about 2.5 weeks it will show up looking and working like new. Simple. Easy.
…Cam

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I’ll vouch for the Nikon repair service, assuming it is a USA lens. My 80-400 needed a new focus motor, which wasn’t cheap, but got it back in great condition. They will give you a quote before doing any work, so you can decide if you want to go ahead with the repair.

willy6419

Examine the plastic that holds the contacts. I had similar but inconsistent focus and discovered that plastic was cracked so contacts were not always in contact.

photoman43

willy6419 wrote:

Examine the plastic that holds the contacts. I had similar but inconsistent focus and discovered that plastic was cracked so contacts were not always in contact.

In addition to checking the contacts, clean them too, on the camera and the lens. Once cleaned, see if your problem persists. If it does, send the lens to Nikon for repair. They might want to check the camera too in case it might be contribution to the problem.

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/eu/BV_article?articleNo=000006511&configured=1&lang=en_GB

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

Strix wrote:

Yesterday my well used, almost nine-year old lens wouldn't focus properly. It was constantly search, and the barrel of the lens emitted a loud clanking sound as it searched, focusing in and out without locking onto the stationary subject. Today it hadn't "fixed itself". Anyone have a similar problem, and how was it corrected.
My thanks - Strix.

It's expected to happen, the combination of the lens and the 1,4 TC makes the max aperture to F8 at the long end says 560mm, it's difficult for the camera to auto focus and causes it to 'hunt'. General speaking, F4 is the limited aperture that can be used with any TC adapter.

Strix1 Loc: Michigan

Thanks to all who replied. The lens and tele-extender are off to Nikon. Strix.