The Canon 70D is ideal for both professional photographers and enthusiasts. But unfortunately, the camera does sometimes struggle with focus issues. If you’re facing Canon 70D focusing issues, look no further. This article will show you how to troubleshoot the issue within minutes.
Many users have complained about the autofocus system with Canon 70D. The problem seems to be that the camera struggles to focus and stay on a moving subject (like a child or animal). It also has trouble getting accurate focus when shooting in low-light situations.
Also, the Canon 70D has a few focusing-related issues in recording video. These issues can be worked around in photography, but they make it difficult to use the Canon 70D as a video camera.
The autofocus systems in Canon cameras aren’t always reliable, and this is one of the biggest complaints people have about the 70D. It may take a while before you figure out how to get your camera working the way you want it, but luckily there are all sorts of tips on this page that can help you figure out where your focus went wrong and how to fix it.
Quick Overview of Canon 70D:
- The Canon 70D autofocus system is the world’s first AF system that uses phase-detection in live view and video mode.
- The Intelligent Viewfinder works with the autofocus system to provide a clear, detailed view of your subject and surrounding area.
- The Canon 70D autofocus system has a feature called Dual Pixel AutoFocus
- The autofocus system on the 70D has both an optical viewfinder and a live view mode.
- The Canon 70D’s autofocus system is a hybrid phase-detection/contrast-detection model.
Canon 70D Focus System – Is It Worth It?
The Canon 70D has a focus system that is in demand by photographers. The device uses a 3D Focus engine to achieve excellent color depth and perfect focus. While this device may focus on macro and landscape photography, it can also be used for motion photography.
The best part of 70D is that the camera doesn’t lose focus even if you move it in multiple directions. In addition, the intuitive system allows you to use the device without the camera being out of focus or too close to your subject.
If you need a good focus system, then look no further than the Canon 70D. It comes with everything you need and is easy to use, so there is no reason why you should look elsewhere for your photography needs.
One-Shot AF
This is the default mode of most Canon DSLR cameras. An Autofocus mode locks focus on your subject when you press the shutter button halfway.
Once the subject is in focus, it will not refocus unless you release and press the shutter button halfway again. This is great for stationary subjects.
AI Servo AF
It engages continuous autofocus, meaning it will continue to search for objects as long as you hold the shutter button halfway down. This is good for moving subjects, and it is the best for sports and action photography.
AI Focus AF
Similar to One-Shot AF, it will switch to AI Servo if it detects motion (like if your subject starts moving). It can detect if a subject is moving or not and adjust its focus accordingly.
If a subject is still, it will use One-Shot AF; if it’s moving, it will switch to AI Servo AF. This is a good mode to use if you aren’t sure what sort of subject you will be shooting.
Manual Focus
Manual focus helps you select what part of the image you want sharpest and then take the photo. This can be useful if your automatic focus isn’t working well in a given situation (e.g., low light).
This setting is best to use when you want to get precise with your focus or if you are in low light and having trouble getting the camera to autofocus.
Read Also: Can I Use Sony Lens On Canon Camera?
Canon 70D Focusing Modes Chart
The chart below describes the modes of focus and their respective functions.
| AF Modes | How it works | When to use it |
| Autofocus single AF-S / One-Shot AF | It works in a way that your camera will lock on the object you want to capture.
The object has to be in a position because if it moves, you will have to re-focus again. |
It is the best choice for static images. |
| Autofocus continuous AF-C / AI Servo | This is an advanced mode.
The camera will always track the focus object even when it is in motion. The efficiency of this focus mode depends on lots of factors such as the camera technology, light conditions, and the movement of the subject. |
It is perfect for moving objects which makes it a great choice for wildlife photography, sport and many more. |
| Automatic autofocus Hybrid autofocus / AF-A / AI – Focus AF | This is the combination of the single and the continuous AF modes.
In this mode, the camera will always switch between both models to complement the picture. |
It is perfect for unpredictable movement which makes it best for children photography. |
Why Is My Canon 70D Camera Not Focusing?
It can be frustrating when trying to take that perfect picture, and your camera’s autofocus system isn’t doing its job. The problem is usually one of two things:
- Your camera lens isn’t in good working order, or
- The focus setting on your camera itself isn’t right.
Now, there are few ways you can troubleshoot Canon 70D autofocus issue. Here’s how:
Step #1- Clean your Lenses
Make sure the lens is clean. This is the simplest solution, but it is easy to overlook. Sometimes, if a lens is dirty or has condensation, the autofocus can have trouble getting a reading. Try wiping it down with a dry cloth.
Step #2- Clean the Viewfinder
Next, check the viewfinder. Make sure you don’t have something blocking the viewfinder by looking through it and trying to focus on subjects at different distances. If everything looks clear and unobstructed, move on to the next step.
Step #3- Set Up to Autofocus
You should also look at the camera’s setting for the autofocus mode. Your camera may have been switched into manual focus mode. Switch it back over if this is the case.
Step #4- Change the Lens
In addition, try taking some test shots of subjects both near and far away from you (and in between). If the images are blurry or out of focus in general, you may want to consider taking your camera in for repairs or testing with another lens to see whether or not the issue is with the lens.
Sometimes, certain lenses can cause your Canon 70d to struggle with focusing. If you have this issue, try putting another lens on your camera and see if the problem persists.
If the lens seems to be fine, here are a few things to try instead:
- First, check that your lens is attached tightly.
- Check that the aperture ring isn’t stuck or broken.
- Make sure that the lens aperture isn’t set to manual mode.
Canon 70D Focusing Issues and How To Fix Them?
There are a couple of problems with the 70D that can make it more difficult to focus than one might hope. First of all, no matter how you are trying to focus, there will be times when it just doesn’t work.
This is especially true if you deal with low light or very dark conditions. It is because the camera has to be able to see something for it to know what to focus on.
Another problem is that you need a fast shutter speed for your photos not to be blurry due to motion blur. Therefore, if you are shooting a moving subject, this can get tricky because as soon as they start moving, they will get out of focus again.
However, if you have enough light or use flash instead, then the chances of this happening is quite low. Everything will appear bright even if the subject moves quickly through space relative to where your camera’s pointing at any given moment in time.
If you are still having focusing issues with your Canon 70D, here are the most common solutions:
Clean the Lens Contacts
The first thing to do if you have a lens autofocus problem is clean the lens contacts. Use a soft, clean cloth and gently rub the contacts to remove any grease or dirt.
The lens contacts transfer information between the camera and lens, so if they are dirty, it can result in bad photographs.
Check for Obstructions
If your lens is having trouble locking onto a subject, check the front of the camera for any obstructions like your finger or a piece of tape. If something is blocking the camera’s view, it won’t be able to focus.
Adjust AF Micro-Adjustment Settings
Try adjusting your autofocus settings if cleaning and checking for obstructions don’t resolve the problem.
Adjusting Autofocus takes a lot of experiments, and there’s no “perfect” settings for this. I’ll add a video guide below to help you get a better idea of how AF works and how you can take better photos with a Canon 70D adjusting the focus settings.
Take Your Camera in For Repairs
Finally, if all else fails, take your camera in for repairs if it is still under warranty. Otherwise, you will have to decide whether or not it is worth it to pay for repairs given how old your gear is and what kind of value it has in the current market.
Conclusion
The Canon 70D camera is one of the best DSLR cameras for beginners. It is one of the most popular cameras that Canon makes and is used by beginners and professionals alike. However, it has its setback, which leads to the focus issue.
The setback is not a serious reason for you to overlook the camera. With the information on this page, you can always find it easy to get through with any tips and ways of solving the focusing issue.