Sony 200-600mm focusing problem past 300mm

[Axutin]

Hey everyone, 

Ok so I have had this weird focus problem over year now, where Sony A9 with 200-600mm sometimes doesn't focus further than like 3-4meters away. Even if I try to manual focus the focus doesn't seem to move. So it feels like it has somehow shifted the focus range backwards closer than intended if that makes sense. So for example if I autofocus to tree 3 meters away and turn manual focus on, it shows that the tree 3 meters away is at infinity even though it obviously isn't.

Luckily this problem happens quite rarely, sometimes I can go month without seeing it, and it's usually fixed by removing the lens and putting it back on. Although sometimes I can see it multiple times a day. First I thought it might be just like some dust or dirt on connections but after dealing with it for over year now I'm 90% sure it's not that. Sometimes removing the lens and turning camera back on doesn't help either.

Also I tested my 200-600mm on my dad's Sony A7RIII and could replicate the issue, so the problem seems to be on the objective, not on the A9. 
Also noticed that when that problem occurs the autofocus works normal up to 300mm, and after 300mm the focus breaks and only focuses on subjects close to camera like 2.4-5meters away. So it seems like 300-600mm range is the problem here, but no idea what causes it.

This focus problem has been present with both firmwares, so the newest update didn't fix it. This might be hardware related problem.
Also when this problem occurs the camera body still recognizes the lens, so it's not like it loses connection.

I searched all the forums and couldn't find anyone with problem like this.  

 

Videos of the problem. Part 2 shows the manual focus and camera thinks its focused at infinity when focus is on a tree like 3 meters away.

 

 

[Axutin]

Anyone know what could cause this? Weird thing is that sometimes it even happens when camera is turned on, so focus works perfectly for example 5 minutes, and then suddenly it just stops focusing beyond like 5 meters and even with manual focus you can't focus beyond that 5 meter.

[grsnovi]

Is it possible that you have the limit set wrong or that you are somehow hitting the switch (or the user-configured button on the lens)?

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[Axutin]

2 minutes ago, grsnovi said:

Is it possible that you have the limit set wrong or that you are somehow hitting the switch (or the user-configured button on the lens)?

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Hey,

You can see in the video the Focus limiter is set to full. 

I sent it to repair and they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer. 

[grsnovi]

37 minutes ago, Axutin said:

they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer.

Are they going to fix it under warranty? Or have you had it too long?

[Lez325]

On 3/22/2023 at 12:21 AM, Axutin said:

Hey,

You can see in the video the Focus limiter is set to full. 

I sent it to repair and they said it's faulty zoom position potentiometer. 

I was about to suggest that being the issue- It sounds like an expensive fix , Hope you get this sorted these are very capable lenses

 

Les  

[Bramstenga]

Hi, did replacing potentiometer resolve an issue? I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do.

[Axutin]

Yeah, my repair technician couldn't replicate the issue either but videos I took while I had the problem really helped him to figure out what was the problem. He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now! So problem was that zoom position potentiometer was giving wrong values to focus motor? and that's why it couldn't focus between certain distances.

[ohaya]

On 7/6/2023 at 6:41 AM, Bramstenga said:

Hi, did replacing potentiometer resolve an issue? I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do.

Hi,

I am curious... so did their fix eliminate the problem?

Thanks,

Jim

[Pieter]

On 8/21/2023 at 12:01 AM, ohaya said:

I am curious... so did their fix eliminate the problem?

The answer is right there:

On 7/6/2023 at 1:52 PM, Axutin said:

He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now!

 

[walkinwood]

To the OP - I hope you're still following this thread.

I have a very similar issue with my 200-600G.

Did you send it in to Sony for repair? If not, would you provide the store/person who repaired this for you.

Thank you.

[Paradox.db.3]

Has anyone found a solution? My lens will stop focusing to infinity after being out in the cold for an extended period of time. Not sure it's the same issue.

[walkinwood]

On 7/6/2023 at 4:41 AM, Bramstenga said:

...I'm asking about it, because I had (have?) exactly the same problem. I sent my lens to authorized service (it is still under guarantee) but they didn't manage to recreate the problem, didn't find anything wrong and said everything was OK. They decided to change control panel (whatever that means) and tomorrow I will get the lens back. Hopefully it will be OK otherwise I really don't know what to do.

Bramstenga, did changing the "control panel" solve your issue? Could you share who you sent the lens to (ie, if you're in the USA).

Axutin hasn't reviewed this thread in a while - I hope you do.

[Austin Susan]

On 7/6/2023 at 6:52 AM, Axutin said:

Yeah, my repair technician couldn't replicate the issue either but videos I took while I had the problem really helped him to figure out what was the problem. He changed zoom position potentiometer and it works like new now! So problem was that zoom position potentiometer was giving wrong values to focus motor? and that's why it couldn't focus between certain distances.

I've been having the same issue. Where did your tech get the part, or is it the full (round) circuit board that was replaced? I was quoted a minimum of $550 if I sent the lens to Precision.

[Austin Susan]

On 12/19/2023 at 5:46 PM, walkinwood said:

Bramstenga, did changing the "control panel" solve your issue? Could you share who you sent the lens to (ie, if you're in the USA).

Axutin hasn't reviewed this thread in a while - I hope you do.

I have found that the problem occurs pretty repeatably when the camera comes out of standby, on either my a7iii or a7RV. I have a workaround, but think Sony should fix this since it seems to be somewhat widespread. The workaround: turn the camera off, set the lens to 300 mm or so, turn camera on, hold shutter button down halfway and zoom out to 600mm at the same time. Lens should focus properly at that point. Works for me.

[Austin Susan]

Bringing this back up because it's been suggested that the problem may be related to the use of 3rd party batteries. Any potential truth in that?

[Cameratose]

Sounds like BS to me. 

Do you not have any Sony batteries with which to compare?

[Austin Susan]

Of course I have the OEM batteries that came with my cameras. I know it's virtually impossible for the battery to be part of the problem. Sony uses this as a diversion. 

[Cameratose]

So I guess I don't understand the question. Or was it meant to be a comment? 

[Marsha Kirschbaum]

On 12/13/2023 at 7:46 AM, Paradox.db.3 said:

Has anyone found a solution? My lens will stop focusing to infinity after being out in the cold for an extended period of time. Not sure it's the same issue.

Came across your comment regarding failure to keep focus at infinity after being out in cold for a while.  Did you ever get a response to this?  Also same issue I had w/ my 200-600.