Canon EOS R3 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

December 12, 2023 Posted by By Salik Waquas
Canon EOS R3 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

The Canon EOS R3 is a highly regarded mirrorless camera, celebrated for its superior image quality, rapid autofocus system, and user-friendly operation. It’s an ideal choice for capturing everyday moments and is equally adept at both photography and videography. However, even with its impressive performance, users might occasionally face challenges, such as autofocus not working properly. This article is here to assist if you’re experiencing this issue with your Canon EOS R3.

We will explore the various reasons why the autofocus might malfunction and offer practical solutions to resolve these problems. By identifying the root causes and applying the recommended fixes, you can restore the full functionality of your Canon EOS R3’s autofocus system and continue enjoying a smooth photography or videography experience. Let’s delve into troubleshooting the autofocus issues of the Canon EOS R3.

Canon EOS R3 Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It

1. Incorrect Focus Mode

One of the most common reasons why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that you have selected an incorrect focus mode for the scene. The Canon EOS R3 has four focus modes: One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, and Manual Focus. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the subject and the shooting conditions.

  • One-Shot AF is suitable for still subjects, such as portraits, landscapes, or macro shots. The camera will lock the focus when you press the shutter button halfway, and will not change the focus until you release the button or take the picture. If the subject moves after the focus is locked, the picture may be out of focus.
  • AI Servo AF is suitable for moving subjects, such as sports, wildlife, or action shots. The camera will continuously track and adjust the focus on the subject as long as you keep pressing the shutter button halfway. This mode allows you to capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects, but it may not work well in low light or low contrast situations, or if there are other objects in front of or behind the subject.
  • AI Focus AF is a hybrid mode that automatically switches between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF depending on the subject’s movement. The camera will start with One-Shot AF, and will switch to AI Servo AF if the subject starts to move. This mode is useful for unpredictable subjects, such as children, pets, or street scenes, but it may not be as accurate or responsive as the other modes.
  • Manual Focus is the mode where you have to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens. This mode gives you full control over the focus, but it requires more skill and experience, and it may not be practical for fast or distant subjects.

To select the correct focus mode for your scene, you can use the Mode button on the top of the camera, and then use the Main Dial or the Quick Control Dial to choose the desired mode. You can also use the Menu button to access the AF operation option in the AF menu. You should always check the focus mode before taking a picture, and change it if necessary. By choosing the right focus mode, you can improve the autofocus performance of your Canon EOS R3 and get sharper images.

2. Manual Focus Mode Activated

Another possible reason why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that you have accidentally activated the manual focus mode on the lens. The manual focus mode allows you to manually adjust the focus ring on the lens, overriding the autofocus system of the camera. This mode can be useful for situations where you want to have precise control over the focus, such as macro photography, astrophotography, or creative effects.

However, if you forget to switch back to the autofocus mode after using the manual focus mode, you may encounter problems with the autofocus of your camera. The camera will not be able to focus automatically, and you may see a MF icon on the viewfinder or the LCD screen, indicating that the manual focus mode is activated. You may also hear a beep sound when you press the shutter button halfway, indicating that the camera cannot confirm the focus.

To fix this problem, you need to deactivate the manual focus mode on the lens. Depending on the type of lens you are using, you may have a switch on the side of the lens that lets you toggle between AF and MF modes, or you may have a button on the lens that lets you temporarily activate the manual focus mode while holding it down. You should check the lens manual for the specific instructions on how to change the focus mode.

Once you deactivate the manual focus mode on the lens, you should be able to use the autofocus system of the camera normally. You should also make sure that you have selected the correct focus mode on the camera, as explained in the previous section. By doing so, you can avoid the manual focus mode problem and ensure that your Canon EOS R3 autofocus works properly.

3. Autofocus Lock Engaged

Sometimes, the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work because you have unintentionally engaged the autofocus lock feature. The autofocus lock feature allows you to lock the focus on a specific area or subject, and then recompose the shot without changing the focus. This feature can be useful for situations where you want to have a creative composition, such as placing the subject off-center, or using the rule of thirds.

However, if you forget to release the autofocus lock after taking the picture, you may encounter problems with the autofocus of your camera. The camera will not be able to focus on anything else, and you may see a AF lock icon on the viewfinder or the LCD screen, indicating that the autofocus lock is engaged. You may also notice that the focus points are not highlighted, and that the camera does not respond to the focus mode or the focus area settings.

To fix this problem, you need to release the autofocus lock on the camera. Depending on the settings you have chosen, you may have different ways to do this. You can use the AF-ON button, the AE lock button, or the shutter button to activate or deactivate the autofocus lock. You should check the camera manual for the specific instructions on how to use the autofocus lock feature.

Once you release the autofocus lock, you should be able to use the autofocus system of the camera normally. You should also make sure that you have selected the correct focus mode and focus area for your scene, as explained in the previous sections. By doing so, you can avoid the autofocus lock problem and ensure that your Canon EOS R3 autofocus works properly.

4. Low Light or Low Contrast Scenes

Another possible reason why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that you are shooting in low light or low contrast scenes. The autofocus system of the camera relies on the contrast between the subject and the background to detect and adjust the focus. If the scene is too dark or too uniform, the camera may have difficulty finding the focus, and may hunt back and forth without locking the focus.

Some of the symptoms of this problem are:

  • The camera takes longer than usual to focus, or fails to focus at all.
  • The camera emits a beep sound when you press the shutter button halfway, indicating that the focus is not confirmed.
  • The focus points are not highlighted, or they flash red, indicating that the focus is not achieved.
  • The image is blurry or out of focus.

To fix this problem, you need to improve the lighting or the contrast of the scene. Some of the possible solutions are:

  • Use a flash or an external light source to illuminate the subject and increase the contrast.
  • Use a faster lens with a larger aperture (such as f/1.8 or f/2.8) to allow more light to enter the camera and improve the autofocus performance.
  • Use a tripod or a stabilizer to prevent camera shake and reduce the blur caused by slow shutter speeds.

5. Lens Compatibility Issues

Another possible reason why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that you are using a lens that is not compatible with the camera. The Canon EOS R3 is a mirrorless camera that uses the RF mount to attach lenses. The RF mount is a new system that was introduced in 2018, and it offers some advantages over the older EF mount that was used by Canon DSLR cameras. Some of these advantages are:

  • A shorter flange distance (the distance between the lens mount and the sensor) of 20 mm, compared to 44 mm for the EF mount. This allows for more compact and lightweight lenses, and also enables the use of adapters for other lens systems.
  • A larger diameter of 54 mm, compared to 46 mm for the EF mount. This allows for more light to enter the camera and improves the image quality and performance.
  • A 12-pin communication system between the camera and the lens, compared to 8 pins for the EF mount. This allows for faster and more accurate data transfer and autofocus, and also enables the use of new features such as the control ring and the drop-in filter mount adapter.

However, the downside of the RF mount is that it is not compatible with the EF mount lenses, which are more widely available and affordable. To use the EF mount lenses on the Canon EOS R3, you need to use an adapter, such as the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R or the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. These adapters allow you to attach the EF mount lenses to the RF mount camera, and retain most of the functions and features of the lenses.

However, using an adapter may also introduce some problems with the autofocus of the camera. Some of these problems are:

  • The autofocus speed may be slower than using a native RF mount lens, especially in low light or low contrast situations.
  • The autofocus accuracy may be lower than using a native RF mount lens, especially for moving subjects or complex scenes.
  • The autofocus compatibility may vary depending on the type and model of the lens and the adapter. Some lenses may not work at all, or may have limited functions or features, such as the image stabilization or the lens correction.

To fix this problem, you need to check the compatibility of the lens and the adapter with the camera. You can use the Canon Lens Compatibility List to find out which lenses and adapters are compatible with the Canon EOS R3, and what functions and features are supported. 

6. Dirty or Damaged Lens Contacts

Another possible reason why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that the lens contacts are dirty or damaged. The lens contacts are the metal pins on the back of the lens and the camera that allow the communication and data transfer between the lens and the camera. If the lens contacts are dirty or damaged, the camera may not be able to recognize the lens, or may not be able to control the autofocus system of the lens.

Some of the symptoms of this problem are:

  • The camera displays an error message on the viewfinder or the LCD screen, such as Err 01, Err 06, or Err 99, indicating that there is a communication problem between the camera and the lens.
  • The camera does not display the aperture value, the focal length, or the lens information on the viewfinder or the LCD screen, indicating that the camera does not recognize the lens.
  • The camera does not respond to the focus mode, the focus area, or the focus point settings, indicating that the camera does not control the autofocus system of the lens.
  • The camera does not focus at all, or focuses incorrectly, indicating that the autofocus system of the lens is malfunctioning.

To fix this problem, you need to clean or repair the lens contacts. Some of the possible solutions are:

  • Remove the lens from the camera, and use a soft cloth or a cotton swab to gently wipe the lens contacts and the camera contacts. Make sure that there is no dust, dirt, grease, or moisture on the contacts. You can also use a blower or a brush to remove any loose particles from the contacts. Do not use any liquids or solvents to clean the contacts, as they may damage the contacts or the electronics.
  • Reattach the lens to the camera, and make sure that the lens is securely mounted and aligned with the camera. You should hear a click sound when the lens is locked in place. You can also try to rotate the lens slightly to improve the contact.

7. Camera Firmware Outdated

The last possible reason why the autofocus of your Canon EOS R3 may not work is that the camera firmware is outdated. The camera firmware is the software that controls the functions and features of the camera, including the autofocus system. Canon regularly releases firmware updates for its cameras, which may include bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features. If you do not update the camera firmware to the latest version, you may miss out on these benefits, and you may also encounter problems with the autofocus of your camera.

Some of the symptoms of this problem are:

  • The camera displays an error message on the viewfinder or the LCD screen, such as Err 70 or Err 80, indicating that there is a malfunction in the camera.
  • The camera does not support the new features or the new lenses that are available for the Canon EOS R3, such as the eye control AF or the RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM lens.
  • The camera does not focus at all, or focuses incorrectly, indicating that the autofocus system of the camera is not working properly.

To fix this problem, you need to update the camera firmware to the latest version. Some of the possible solutions are:

  • Use the Canon EOS Utility software to connect the camera to a computer and download the firmware update from the Canon website. You can follow the instructions on the screen to install the firmware update on the camera.
  • Use a memory card to transfer the firmware update file from the Canon website to the camera. You can follow the instructions in the camera manual to install the firmware update on the camera.

Salik Waquas
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Salik Waquas is a seasoned professional in the world of cinema, bringing over a decade of experience as a cinematographer and colorist. With an eye for capturing the perfect shot and a passion for enhancing the visual storytelling of films, he has made a significant mark in the industry. Aside from mastering the art of cinematography and color grading, Salik also enjoys sharing insights and knowledge through the written word. As a dedicated blogger in the film industry, His articles cover a wide range of film-related topics, offering readers a unique perspective and valuable insights into the world of cinema.