Question Regarding Focusing on Canon T3

[rachel09985]

I got the Canon T3 for Christmas and I am still very much a beginner at this. I have a problem that I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction to look at.

Sometimes when I am taking a picture(I press the button halfway to focus in auto focus mode) and it just doesn't focus- therefore it won't take the picture. The green dot in the screen is blinking which means it isn't focusing.

When I try to take the same picture in manual focus it works fine when I move the focus ring and it is focused.

Why won't it focus when I am in auto focus mode? I don't know if I am doing something wrong.

If you need more details just let me know. Thanks!

 

[cpbjgc]

We need details! And not just because we are nosy about gear.


It's not uncommon for focus to hunt but not lock. There can be a variety of reasons:

1. Low light - not enough light for the focus system to lock
2. Too close - if you are inside the minimum focus distance it will not lock
3. Lenses - some lens will focus more easily and faster than others.
4. Bad lens or body

So we need to know:

1. Which lens or lenses is this happening with?
2. What are you trying to shoot?
3. What lighting conditions are you shooting under?

That should be enough to get going on your question.

 

[bob100]

I got the Canon T3 for Christmas and I am still very much a beginner at this. I have a problem that I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction to look at.

Sometimes when I am taking a picture(I press the button halfway to focus in auto focus mode) and it just doesn't focus- therefore it won't take the picture. The green dot in the screen is blinking which means it isn't focusing.

When I try to take the same picture in manual focus it works fine when I move the focus ring and it is focused.

Why won't it focus when I am in auto focus mode? I don't know if I am doing something wrong.

If you need more details just let me know. Thanks!

My guess is you are too close for the minimum lens distance (which is different for each lens) or maybe the light was too low and you didn't have the flash on. Some lens like f2.8 and larger aperture lens are better in low light

 

[rachel09985]

We need details! And not just because we are nosy about gear.


It's not uncommon for focus to hunt but not lock. There can be a variety of reasons:

1. Low light - not enough light for the focus system to lock
2. Too close - if you are inside the minimum focus distance it will not lock
3. Lenses - some lens will focus more easily and faster than others.
4. Bad lens or body

So we need to know:

1. Which lens or lenses is this happening with? The kit lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS type II Lens
2. What are you trying to shoot?A picture frame on the wall. I wasn't right in front of it- kind of to the side on the couch- not sure if that makes a difference.
3. What lighting conditions are you shooting under? Lower light conditions- inside with not many lights on

That should be enough to get going on your question.

1. Which lens or lenses is this happening with? The kit lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS type II Lens
2. What are you trying to shoot?A picture frame on the wall. I wasn't right in front of it- kind of to the side on the couch- not sure if that makes a difference.
3. What lighting conditions are you shooting under? Lower light conditions- inside with not many lights on

Thanks for your help. Ive been studying my book trying to figure this out and it is so confusing!

 

[mom2rtk]

1. Which lens or lenses is this happening with? The kit lens EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS type II Lens
2. What are you trying to shoot?A picture frame on the wall. I wasn't right in front of it- kind of to the side on the couch- not sure if that makes a difference.
3. What lighting conditions are you shooting under? Lower light conditions- inside with not many lights on

Thanks for your help. Ive been studying my book trying to figure this out and it is so confusing!

Was it during the daytime or at night? Try turning on a couple lights and see if it still has the same problem with auto focus.

The kit lens is not a "fast" lens (with a wide aperture), and doesn't do as well as others in really low light.

 

[mom2rtk]

In low light, it helps to focus on an area of more contrast. If the photo is dark but hanging on a white wall, try focusing on the wall, or the area where dark meets light, hold the button down half way, then recompose the shot to what you want.