The Sony a7 II 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 Sony a7 II.
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 Sony a7 II’s autofocus system and continue enjoying a smooth photography or videography experience. Let’s delve into troubleshooting the autofocus issues of the Sony a7 II.
Sony a7 II Autofocus Not Working: Causes and How to Fix It
1. Incorrect Focus Mode
One of the possible causes of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is using an incorrect focus mode. The Sony a7 II has four autofocus modes: wide, zone, center, and flexible spot. Each mode has a different way of selecting the focus area and tracking the subject. Depending on the situation and the subject, some modes may work better than others.
- Wide mode covers the entire frame and automatically selects the focus point based on the contrast and phase detection information. This mode is suitable for general scenes where the subject is not moving too much or is unpredictable.
- Zone mode divides the frame into nine zones and lets you choose one of them as the focus area. The camera then selects the focus point within the selected zone. This mode is useful for subjects that are moving within a specific area of the frame.
- Center mode uses the center of the frame as the focus point and ignores the surrounding areas. This mode is good for subjects that are in the center of the frame or when you want to focus on a specific part of the subject.
- Flexible spot mode allows you to move the focus point anywhere on the frame using the multi-selector or the touch screen. This mode is ideal for subjects that are off-center or when you want to focus precisely on a small area.
If you use the wrong focus mode for your scene or subject, the camera may not be able to focus properly or may focus on the wrong area. For example, if you use wide mode for a subject that is moving fast or unpredictably, the camera may lose track of the subject or switch to a different focus point. If you use center mode for a subject that is off-center, the camera may focus on the background instead of the subject. If you use flexible spot mode for a subject that is moving too much, you may not be able to keep the focus point on the subject.
To fix this problem, you need to choose the appropriate focus mode for your situation and subject. You can change the focus mode by pressing the Fn button and selecting the focus mode icon on the screen, or by assigning the focus mode to a custom button. You can also use the AF-A mode, which automatically switches between single and continuous AF depending on the movement of the subject. However, this mode may not work well in some situations, such as when the subject is partially obscured or when there are multiple subjects in the frame.
2. Manual Focus Mode Activated
Another possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is having the manual focus mode activated. The manual focus mode allows you to adjust the focus manually by using the control ring on the lens or the multi-selector on the camera. This mode is useful for situations where the autofocus may not work well, such as low light, low contrast, or macro photography.
However, if you accidentally switch to the manual focus mode without realizing it, you may find that the autofocus does not work at all. The camera will not focus automatically, and you will have to adjust the focus manually. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you are shooting fast-moving or unpredictable subjects.
To fix this problem, you need to check the focus mode setting on your camera and make sure it is not set to manual focus. You can change the focus mode by pressing the Fn button and selecting the focus mode icon on the screen, or by assigning the focus mode to a custom button. You can also use the AF/MF/AEL switch lever on the back of the camera to toggle between autofocus and manual focus. If you want to use manual focus temporarily, you can press the AF/MF button while holding the switch lever in the AF/MF position. This will activate the direct manual focus (DMF) mode, which lets you fine-tune the focus after the autofocus is done.
You can also use some features to assist you with manual focus, such as focus peaking and focus magnifier. Focus peaking highlights the edges of the in-focus area with a color of your choice, while focus magnifier enlarges the image on the screen to help you see the details better. You can activate these features by pressing the C2 button or by assigning them to a custom button. You can also adjust the settings of these features in the menu.
3. Autofocus Lock Engaged
A third possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is having the autofocus lock engaged. The autofocus lock is a feature that allows you to lock the focus on a subject and recompose the shot without losing focus. This is useful for situations where you want to place the subject off-center or when the subject is stationary.
However, if you accidentally activate the autofocus lock without realizing it, you may find that the autofocus does not work when you try to focus on a different subject or when the subject moves. The camera will keep the focus locked on the previous subject, and you will have to release the lock to focus again. This can be annoying and confusing, especially if you are shooting dynamic or unpredictable subjects.
To fix this problem, you need to check the autofocus lock setting on your camera and make sure it is not activated. You can activate or deactivate the autofocus lock by pressing the AEL button on the back of the camera, or by assigning the autofocus lock to a custom button. You can also use the AF/MF/AEL switch lever on the back of the camera to toggle between autofocus and manual focus, or between autofocus and autofocus lock. If you want to use the autofocus lock temporarily, you can press the AEL button while holding the switch lever in the AEL position. This will activate the auto exposure lock (AEL) mode, which lets you lock the exposure and the focus at the same time.
You can also use some features to assist you with autofocus lock, such as focus peaking and focus magnifier. Focus peaking highlights the edges of the in-focus area with a color of your choice, while focus magnifier enlarges the image on the screen to help you see the details better. You can activate these features by pressing the C2 button or by assigning them to a custom button. You can also adjust the settings of these features in the menu.
4. Low Light or Low Contrast Scenes
A fourth possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is shooting in low light or low contrast scenes. The Sony a7 II has a hybrid autofocus system that combines phase detection and contrast detection. Phase detection is faster and more accurate, but it requires a certain amount of light and contrast to work. Contrast detection is slower and less reliable, but it can work in darker and lower contrast situations.
When the light level is too low or the contrast is too low, the camera may not be able to use phase detection and will switch to contrast detection. This will slow down the autofocus speed and may result in hunting or missing focus. Low light and low contrast scenes can include night scenes, indoor scenes, backlit scenes, foggy scenes, or scenes with similar colors and textures.
To fix this problem, you need to increase the light level or the contrast in your scene. You can do this by using a flash, a reflector, a light source, or a different angle. You can also use a faster lens with a larger aperture, such as an f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens, which will allow more light to reach the sensor and improve the phase detection performance. You can also use the AF assist light on the camera or on an external flash, which will emit a beam of light to help the camera focus in low light situations.
You can also use some features to assist you with autofocus in low light or low contrast scenes, such as focus peaking and focus magnifier. Focus peaking highlights the edges of the in-focus area with a color of your choice, while focus magnifier enlarges the image on the screen to help you see the details better. You can activate these features by pressing the C2 button or by assigning them to a custom button. You can also adjust the settings of these features in the menu.
5. Lens Compatibility Issues
A fifth possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is having lens compatibility issues. The Sony a7 II has a Sony E-mount, which means you can use these cameras with any FE (full-frame) lens that has a Sony or third-party E-mount. However, not all lenses are fully compatible with the Sony a7 II, especially older or third-party lenses that may not have the latest firmware or communication protocols. Some lenses may not support certain autofocus modes, features, or functions, such as phase detection, eye AF, or lock-on AF. Some lenses may also have poor autofocus performance, accuracy, or speed, due to the lens design, quality, or calibration.
To fix this problem, you need to check the lens compatibility with the Sony a7 II and make sure you are using the latest firmware for both the camera and the lens. You can find the list of compatible lenses and firmware updates on the Sony support website. You can also use the search tool on the website to find the best lenses for the Sony a7 II based on your needs and preferences. You can also read reviews and comparisons of different lenses from various sources to find out their pros and cons.
You can also use some features to assist you with autofocus with different lenses, such as focus peaking and focus magnifier. Focus peaking highlights the edges of the in-focus area with a color of your choice, while focus magnifier enlarges the image on the screen to help you see the details better. You can activate these features by pressing the C2 button or by assigning them to a custom button. You can also adjust the settings of these features in the menu.
6. Dirty or Damaged Lens Contacts
A sixth possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is having dirty or damaged lens contacts. The lens contacts are the metal pins on the lens mount that communicate with the camera body. They transmit information such as aperture, focal length, and focus distance to the camera, which then adjusts the settings accordingly. If the lens contacts are dirty or damaged, they may not be able to send or receive the correct signals, resulting in autofocus errors or malfunctions.
To fix this problem, you need to clean the lens contacts and check for any damage. You can follow these steps to clean the lens contacts:
- Turn off the camera and remove the lens.
- Use a blower to remove any dust or debris from the lens contacts and the camera mount.
- Use a soft cloth or a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to gently wipe the lens contacts and the camera mount. Do not use any organic solvents such as thinner or benzine, as they may damage the contacts or the coating.
- Let the contacts dry completely before reattaching the lens.
- Turn on the camera and check if the autofocus works properly.
If the lens contacts are damaged, such as bent, broken, or corroded, you may need to replace the lens or have it repaired by a professional service center.
7. Camera Firmware Outdated
A seventh possible cause of Sony a7 II autofocus not working is having an outdated camera firmware. The camera firmware is the software that controls the camera’s functions and features. Sony periodically releases firmware updates to improve the camera’s performance, stability, and compatibility with new lenses and accessories. Some firmware updates may also add new autofocus modes, features, or functions, such as phase detection, eye AF, or lock-on AF.
If you have an outdated camera firmware, you may experience autofocus problems or errors, such as slow or inaccurate focus, focus hunting, or focus failure. You may also miss out on some of the latest autofocus improvements or enhancements that Sony has introduced in the newer firmware versions. For example, the Sony a7 II firmware version 3.30 improved the operability of the camera when AF area is set to flexible spot, added live view display into custom button assignation, and improved the release time lag when wireless flash is used.
To fix this problem, you need to update the camera firmware to the latest version. You can download the firmware update from the Sony support website and follow the instructions to install it on your camera. You will need a computer, a USB cable, and a fully charged battery or an AC adaptor to perform the firmware update. You will also need to remove the memory card from the camera before starting the update process. The firmware update may take several minutes to complete, and you should not turn off the camera or disconnect the USB cable during the update.
You can also use some features to assist you with autofocus after updating the firmware, such as focus peaking and focus magnifier. Focus peaking highlights the edges of the in-focus area with a color of your choice, while focus magnifier enlarges the image on the screen to help you see the details better. You can activate these features by pressing the C2 button or by assigning them to a custom button. You can also adjust the settings of these features in the menu.
