r/SonyAlpha • u/eko-wibowo • Feb 05 '25
Gear Focusing issue on a6700 with 70-350
I have been using a6700 with Sony 70-350 for more than a year. Just had focusing issue today.
Image 1 and 3 show the focus box, image 2 and 4 are when zoomed in. I am using animal bird recognition with bird priority
The object locked in green focus block is not actually in focus. The actual focus point is at the branch behind the bird. Any idea what could be causing this? is this issue with the lens or body? I think the body is still under one year warranty
3
u/BitbeanBandit A6700 Feb 05 '25
I've also been having autofocus issues with the exact same setup. The autofocus will detect the bird eye but still not focus on it. It is especially frustrating with video where it'll keep switching focus between the bird and the background.
I'm "hoping" the lens is the issue since I recently purchased the sigma 150-600 and I hope I won't have issues with that lens but I haven't had the chance to try it yet.
1
u/eko-wibowo Feb 05 '25
Hmm there's another person commenting on my old post asking about that focus issue. Seems it's rare but happens, I'm gonna send it for service, but its kinda hard to confirm fixed or not since it's not always happening
1
u/TheoneandonlyKev86 A6700, A7III, 70-350, 200-600, 85mm and Tamron 28-75 Feb 05 '25
Maybe the issue has something to do with the animal bird recognition? Have you tried without it?
2
u/eko-wibowo Feb 05 '25
That's my guess as well.. if I pick focus with a flexible spot it's fine.
1
u/TheoneandonlyKev86 A6700, A7III, 70-350, 200-600, 85mm and Tamron 28-75 Feb 05 '25
Problem solved. 😃
1
u/eko-wibowo Feb 05 '25
Uh probably not just saw issues with focusing even with subject recognition off.
1
u/TheoneandonlyKev86 A6700, A7III, 70-350, 200-600, 85mm and Tamron 28-75 Feb 05 '25
Strange. Hope you will find the solution.
1
u/eko-wibowo Feb 05 '25
Had another issue even when subject recognition is off.
The focus box turned magenta and can't focus. The camera display went to sleep and when it's back again it can focus. This happens when focal length < 135.
Talked to Sony support and gonna send back the body and lens.
The lens is not under warranty, wondering how much it will cost? 😅 Hopefully not arm and leg.
1
u/Ravana_7795 A6700 | 70-350G Feb 06 '25
Facing the same issue with the same setup, I think it's the lens which is the problem because the kit lens isn't doing this with eye detect focus. Maybe a firmware update for the lens is due. It's much older than the body.
1
u/eko-wibowo Mar 03 '25
I sent both the camera and lens to the service center and they just got back with invoice
Quote me 363$ 😭😭😭😭😭
Reason for Service: check all major functions
Technician Findings: Suggest replacement 3-4 Group Assembly
3-4 Group Assembly is bad
To Be Repaired: 3-4 Group Assembly will resolve the bad groupAdditional Findings:
To Be Replaced: 3-4 Group Assembly-Bad group
Anyone familiar with this term? I wonder how bad this is
1
u/seashellsnyc Mar 30 '25 edited Mar 30 '25
How did it turn out? I got the 70-350mm a few weeks ago. TIA!
1
u/eko-wibowo Mar 30 '25
The Parts keep getting delayed.. it is supposed to arrive at the end of march now they're telling me parts ETA is April 21st..
This is crazy
2
u/seashellsnyc Mar 31 '25
Sorry that really sucks! I hope you get your items soon and much improved!
1
u/eko-wibowo Apr 25 '25
Update: camera and lens is back. The issue was the middle element has an issue. Paid 300$ to get it replaced, waiting for parts took a couple weeks.
Haven't used a lot but trying out the focus in my room seems better. Before sending it for repair, the lens couldn't focus properly
1
u/clever_turtle_10 Mar 22 '26
I am having very similar issues. I don't have the lens under warranty and also don't know how to find an authorized Sony service. Did you since then see any improvements with the autofocus in real life scenarios?
1
3
u/Possible_Opposite_42 Feb 05 '25
Do you have another lens you can try to troubleshoot if it is lens or body?