When Autofocus Fails

The camera has a high-precision AF system which can focus almost all subjects. However, it can fail to achieve focus (the focus confirmation light < > blinks) the subjects listed below.

Difficult Subjects for Autofocusing

Low-contrast subjects. Example: Blue sky, flat surface with a solid color.

Subjects in very low light.

Extremely backlit or reflective subjects. Example: Automobile with a strong reflection.

Overlapping near and far objects. Example: Animal behind bars in a cage.

In such cases, use one of the following methods to focus:

(1)Focus lock an object at the same distance as the subject and recompose.

(2)Set the lens focus mode switch to <MF> or <M> and focus manually as explained below.

If focus cannot be achieved even with the EOS-dedicated Speedlite’s AF-assist light, select the center AF point.

Manual Focusing

1 Set the lens focus mode switch to <MF> (or <M> on older lenses).

The < > icon will be displayed on the LCD panel.

2Focus the subject.

Turn the lens manual focusing ring until the subject is in focus in the viewfinder.

If you hold down the shutter button halfway while focusing manually, the active AF point will flash and the focus confirmation light < > will light when focus is achieved.

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