EOS 3 focusing problems

[brian_lee3]

Hello,

I just bought an EOS 3 +PB E2 to replace my Rebel 2000. I also recently bought a used Tokina 80-200 2.8 ATX lens. All of the equipment (with the exception of my rebel) is in mint shape. For some reason, when the Tokina lens is on the EOS 3, the AF works for a split second the instant I depress the shutter button half way and then basically quits. I attempt to focus on subjects of various brightnesses and have not been able to conclude that it's a lack of light. It's a hit and miss issue as sometimes it'll pick up on something and focus but it'll quit again. It's quite testing to be pressing the shutter button for a minute or two to actually have the AF react and sometimes focus.

 

<p>

 

Even more confusing is that the Tokina lens works perfectly on the Rebel 2000. This leads me to think that it's a problem with the EOS 3 but my old Sigma 70-210 4-5.6 works fine on the EOS 3. For some reason it's the combination of the EOS 3 and the Tokina. Please help.

[Former P.N Member]

Brian,

 

<p>

 

What you are experiencing is most likely an incompatability between

the Tokina lens and the EOS-3, not a problem with the Canon. If it

was the body it wouldn't work with the Sigma either.

 

<p>

 

You will probably have to contact Tokina and see if it's possible to

have the lens upgraded by having it rechipped.

[brian_lee3]

Thank you for the response.

It still seems quite odd that it would work so well with the Rebel

2000 and almost not at all with the EOS 3. I guess the two cameras

are very different though.

[Former P.N Member]

There is a considerable difference between the two when it comes to

the electronics. If's very common for older 3rd party lenses to work

with older EOS bodies but not with the newer ones.

 

<p>

 

The 3rd party manufacturers design and build their lenses to work with

the current crop of Canon camera bodies but there is no guarantee they

will work with the newer stuff (as you found out).

[canonlover]

I had a sigma 170-400mm lens, that was bought brand new last summer,

and it did not work properly on my Canon EOS 30 (Elan7e). I took it

back to the shop I bought it from, and they told me it had not been

chipped to work on more recent bodies. I bought a Canon zoom

instead, as Canon lenses never have compatibility issues.

 

<p>

 

With the Sigma if I tried to take a photo it would focus OK, but when

I wanted to fire the shutter the mirror would jam up and the camera

would go blank. It sounds as if your EOS 3 is having a similar

problem with compatibility issues due to its advanced AF system. The

Rebel 2000 may work OK as it has a different, less complicated, and

possibly earlier technology based focusing system.

 

<p>

 

I would try to either get the Tokina chipped (which could be

expensive), or sell the Tokina on and get a compatible lens that you

have tried on your EOS 3 before buying it.

 

<p>

 

I would always buy a Canon lens for my Canon body from now on.

[isaac sibson]

Whilst I never had any incompatibilty problems with my lenses and

bodies, I came to the decision not to buy any non-canon lenses again

simply because the canon lenses are BETTER. Not necessarily

optically (my Sigma 70-300 APO macro was the equal of the canon 100-

300 USM optically, if not even a little better), but the Canon 100-

300 would have been a much more satisfying lens because it does not

extend/rotate during focus, and it focuses quickly and silently. I

replaced the Sigma with a Canon 70-200 F4L, which I am very happy

with.

 

<p>

 

However, this does indeed sound like a compatibility problem. Use

Canon lenses.

[brian_lee3]

I agree that the Canon lenses are better, maybe not always optically

(typically always seem to be near the top in reviews I have seen),

but from what I have heard focus the fastest and most silently.

There is a price premium to be paid for their lenses even if they're

not the L series. In a lot of instances, the standard Canon Ef and

EF USM lenses cost as much as a third party lens that is one-1.5

stops + faster. As well, Canon doesn't make any fast zoom lenses

within range of third party lenses of similiar speed. I guess this

justifies the existence of third party lenses, I just lost out in

this instance. (minus a few hundred bucks) Anybody want to buy a

Tokina Lens?

Thanks again for the responses, this is truly a community!

Brian

[puppy_face2]

Both Tokina and Sigma reverse engineer their ROM chips to work with Canon and,

hence, the incompatibility problems. If they licensed the operating code from

Canon, their products would work better but cost more. Apparently Tamron has

taken a different route and has few incompatibility issues.

 

<p>

 

When I bought an EOS 3 and Elan 7E, my 1999 Sigma 50 2.5 EX macro lens was

incompatible and needed rechipping (I sold it).