The 500mm is out for repair.

[Nature_Photo_Mastery]

Would you be so kind as to describe the focusing issue your 500mm has?

I have been experiencing some weird focusing problems occasionally when using my 500, but have been thinking it might be my camera (never considered the lens). AF microadjustments did not remedy the problem.

I haven't had time to swap a different lens on to test it either way yet.

Would appreciate any insights you have into your issue, how you determined it was the lens and not the camera, etc. Hopefully the info can enlighten me on my issue.

Thank you very much

p.s. What has your experience been like when sending the lens to Canon? How do you package it? What shipping method is used?

 

[zombiesniper115 14]

My focus issue was that the lens would focus hunt on the last foot i.e. it would rack back and fourth for the last foot either side of the intended focus point.
I determined it was the lens as I tried to recreate the problem with other lenses but they were fine. Tried the 500mm on two other cameras with the same effect.

Shipping was taken care of for me by my local camera shop where I have a warranty through them. They couriered the lens in the original case. I also dealt with Canon through the shop.
Service was quick. I knew within a week that they has cleaned contacts, flashed new firmware an the lens was now running flawlessly. Within a couple of weeks had it back and it's been perfect since.

Cost. Since there really wasn't a repair done there was no cost to me.

 

[Nature_Photo_Mastery]

My focus issue was that the lens would focus hunt on the last foot i.e. it would rack back and fourth for the last foot either side of the intended focus point.
I determined it was the lens as I tried to recreate the problem with other lenses but they were fine. Tried the 500mm on two other cameras with the same effect.

Shipping was taken care of for me by my local camera shop where I have a warranty through them. They couriered the lens in the original case. I also dealt with Canon through the shop.
Service was quick. I knew within a week that they has cleaned contacts, flashed new firmware an the lens was now running flawlessly. Within a couple of weeks has it back and it's been perfect since.

Cost. Since there really wasn't a repair done there was no cost to me.

Trevor, thanks a lot for taking the time to answer in detail. I truly appreciate it! And glad you got your 500mm back in perfect order.

 

[zombiesniper115 14]

What issues are you seeing?

 

[Nature_Photo_Mastery]

What issues are you seeing?

Using either of my two 7D mk II camera bodies with the 500mm + 1.4x, I have noticed a very low percentage of shots that are in acceptable focus (I've had the camera since it came out a couple years ago).

Lately I have been shooting mostly Short Eared Owls in flight (which could be half the problem as they are extremely fast and erratic, not to mention they rarely come close). It just seems like the shots are almost never in focus...always in front or behind...the in focus ones almost feel like random luck). I have tried changing all of the relevant AF settings, such as the tweaking the AF cases sub-settings, the focus / shutter priority settings, and so on. I'm using AI Servo AF, with high speed shutter drive for burst shooting. Fast shutter speeds (1/2000+). Lighting is good. Have used gimbal head on tripod as well as handheld panning. Image Stabilizer set to mode 3 (always works great for me). Single point AF so I can focus on the body / head.

Anyway, I am pretty confident in my knowledge of photography, settings, and equipment technique. But there still a chance maybe I'm doing something wrong here...that said, I have this strong feeling that I should be getting a far higher percentage of in focus shots. Many people talk about the 7D mk II saying they get amazing AF on BIF (birds in flight) with very high keeper rates.

I haven't been able to pinpoint if: 1. there is some setting I need to tweak on the camera, 2. if I am just doing something else wrong, 3. maybe the lens is having an issue.. 4. maybe i'm getting too greedy with the teleconverter on while shooting agile birds. So many possibilities.

It could also be my imagination (probably is) but I feel like the AF gets worse when it's really cold outside. Typically it's around freezing temps where I am shooting (above or below 32 F throughout the day). There could also definitely some thermal wave issues in the air from the cold temps vs sunny weather which might be throwing off the AF, but I doubt it would be this significant / common.

I need to do some more tests and try swapping on a different lens to double check the camera AF.

Thanks for input you might have

 

[zombiesniper115 14]

For testing I would take the 1.4x TC off. That will narrow at least one variable down.
On a still subject at the same basic range can you get a good in focus shot? If not then I would say look into micro adjusting your focus.
The other issue is that this is a small bird and at any distance I guarantee you can't keep that centre focus point dead on the bird the whole time. I've had many shoots where I was just off of the bird which will usually make your focus off. If the above isn't the issue this is the next likely candidate.

If you think both of the above are good. Find a location with plenty of seagulls. I know not the most exciting bird but they are plentiful and will allow for consistent tracking so you can judge if the camera/lens are getting focus. If it doesn't pass this test. Try another body to narrow down if it's the lens or body having the issue.
If all these tests come back good. put on the 1.4x TC and try again.

If the camera/lens pass this test it's just practice thats needed.

Hope this helps.

 

[goooner]

What issues are you seeing?

Using either of my two 7D mk II camera bodies with the 500mm + 1.4x, I have noticed a very low percentage of shots that are in acceptable focus (I've had the camera since it came out a couple years ago).

Lately I have been shooting mostly Short Eared Owls in flight (which could be half the problem as they are extremely fast and erratic, not to mention they rarely come close). It just seems like the shots are almost never in focus...always in front or behind...the in focus ones almost feel like random luck). I have tried changing all of the relevant AF settings, such as the tweaking the AF cases sub-settings, the focus / shutter priority settings, and so on. I'm using AI Servo AF, with high speed shutter drive for burst shooting. Fast shutter speeds (1/2000+). Lighting is good. Have used gimbal head on tripod as well as handheld panning. Image Stabilizer set to mode 3 (always works great for me). Single point AF so I can focus on the body / head.

Anyway, I am pretty confident in my knowledge of photography, settings, and equipment technique. But there still a chance maybe I'm doing something wrong here...that said, I have this strong feeling that I should be getting a far higher percentage of in focus shots. Many people talk about the 7D mk II saying they get amazing AF on BIF (birds in flight) with very high keeper rates.

I haven't been able to pinpoint if: 1. there is some setting I need to tweak on the camera, 2. if I am just doing something else wrong, 3. maybe the lens is having an issue.. 4. maybe i'm getting too greedy with the teleconverter on while shooting agile birds. So many possibilities.

It could also be my imagination (probably is) but I feel like the AF gets worse when it's really cold outside. Typically it's around freezing temps where I am shooting (above or below 32 F throughout the day). There could also definitely some thermal wave issues in the air from the cold temps vs sunny weather which might be throwing off the AF, but I doubt it would be this significant / common.

I need to do some more tests and try swapping on a different lens to double check the camera AF.

Thanks for input you might have

@coastalconn has had similar 'problems' with hid 7D II if I remember correctly, see here:
Momma, I'm coming home!

I'm sure there is another thread where he explains the symptoms. I know some people have had problems with focussing when using 3rd party batteries, and grips as well.

 

[ZombiesniperJr]

What issues are you seeing?

Using either of my two 7D mk II camera bodies with the 500mm + 1.4x, I have noticed a very low percentage of shots that are in acceptable focus (I've had the camera since it came out a couple years ago).

Lately I have been shooting mostly Short Eared Owls in flight (which could be half the problem as they are extremely fast and erratic, not to mention they rarely come close). It just seems like the shots are almost never in focus...always in front or behind...the in focus ones almost feel like random luck). I have tried changing all of the relevant AF settings, such as the tweaking the AF cases sub-settings, the focus / shutter priority settings, and so on. I'm using AI Servo AF, with high speed shutter drive for burst shooting. Fast shutter speeds (1/2000+). Lighting is good. Have used gimbal head on tripod as well as handheld panning. Image Stabilizer set to mode 3 (always works great for me). Single point AF so I can focus on the body / head.

Anyway, I am pretty confident in my knowledge of photography, settings, and equipment technique. But there still a chance maybe I'm doing something wrong here...that said, I have this strong feeling that I should be getting a far higher percentage of in focus shots. Many people talk about the 7D mk II saying they get amazing AF on BIF (birds in flight) with very high keeper rates.

I haven't been able to pinpoint if: 1. there is some setting I need to tweak on the camera, 2. if I am just doing something else wrong, 3. maybe the lens is having an issue.. 4. maybe i'm getting too greedy with the teleconverter on while shooting agile birds. So many possibilities.

It could also be my imagination (probably is) but I feel like the AF gets worse when it's really cold outside. Typically it's around freezing temps where I am shooting (above or below 32 F throughout the day). There could also definitely some thermal wave issues in the air from the cold temps vs sunny weather which might be throwing off the AF, but I doubt it would be this significant / common.

I need to do some more tests and try swapping on a different lens to double check the camera AF.

Thanks for input you might have

Are short eared owls fast flyers?

 

[coastalconn]

Sorry for your issues, but you may well be experiencing the results of a bad body.. I went through 3 and never got the results I expected. It was very hit or miss (mostly miss). The best way to describe it was a fuzzy viel over the image. Once in awhile a shot would come out and I was like this is what it supposed to be like... Then nothing would be sharp for the next 3-4 days. I found it useless to even shoot with the 1.4x on the 500 with the 7DM2. I would recommend you join CPS and ship it to them. I hope they can give you a resolution. For me they could not so I sold it all and happily went back to Nikon. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Nature_Photo_Mastery]

Thanks a ton everyone, this has all been every helpful. I really appreciate it (sorry I don't have the time to reply individually right now). Will get out sometime when I can to do further testing.