Sony Zeiss lens 50mm SEL50F14Z Twitchy in Autofocus mode regardless of changing settings in Camera

[Reelyreel]

Good morning,

I own quite a few lenses and have tested autofocus with all Zeiss Batis lenses with no problem on the A7smk3

The Sony Zeiss SEL50F14Z on the other hand is almost unusable in Autofocus mode, human eye tracking. I am wondering whether the lens has a fault. I have tried varying the sensitivities of the autofocus with no luck.

Can Sony test the lens, what would be the best way to fix the problem, do I visit the dealer I bought from for e.g.?

Please could you advise, is the lens due a firmware update?

Kind Regards

[Win_88]

Hi @Reelyreel

The lens may very well need an update: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lenses-e-mount-lenses/sel50f14z

As far as the compatibility with your camera goes, what you're describing shouldn't happen. You may want to go back to the point of sale and test another lens if possible as well.

Win_88

[Reelyreel]

HI and thanks,

Point of sale want me to send back to them via post, eek.

I will wait until the shop opens again so I can go through with a member of staff.

The issue seems specific when you touch the A7s3 screen to start active tracking a moving object the lens focus  freaks out jitters.

It may be battling with eye AF and the active tracking window perhaps??

Perhaps this lens will need an update to fix?

I have upgraded to the latest A7s3 firmware and hope to do more tests this week with cam and lens.

I agree though, this lens probably needs to be tested by Sony and updated very soon unless I just have a bad lens.

Thanks again!

[Win_88]

Hi again

it's worth it to check the steps for updating the lens as you may be able to just fix the issue yourself: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lenses-e-mount-lenses/sel50f14z

Win_88

[Reelyreel]

Hi,

The lens has the latest firmware 0.2 from 2017!?

BTW the Sony update does not work on MACOS 10.15 I had to use an old Mac to check, am sure BIG SUR is also a no no. Because of this you have to turn off 'Ctrl with smartphone' on A7s3 to access Mass Storage.

Anyway, got all the way there and lens up to date.

I have tested the SEL50F14Z again this morning and the AF eye focus is still jittery, searching.

This is at 6 ft, 12ft and 18ft with single subject.

Also selecting the active tracking mode of subject the lens does not work either, jitters.

I have adjusted the sensitivities on camera which affects lens no luck.

Basically this lens is no good for any AF mode on the A7S3 or perhaps its my lens?

Sad times.

Can anyone at Sony confirm if the lens is getting an update?

Looks as though this is going back to the the point of sale and will hopefully test with another lens.

Although we are in lockdown.

Mmmmm

[Win_88]

I feel the lens is the culprit here, but as you concluded, a visit to the point of sale is the only thing I can think of doing next.

Win_88

[Reelyreel]

Yes I believe so,

The sweet spot or bad spot of the lens where it come unstuck is the 6ft mark, e.g interview range.

It twitches.

To combat this you have to turn down the sensitivities of the A7s3 which helps a little.

If the subject is standing still and moving head whilst talking it gets upset

A walk to camera from 18 ft in it tracks well.

In summary, confidence knocked regarding this lens.

I would like to add, it is important to test all your lenses for AF response.

Lastly lens manufacturers need to test their lenses and update firmware when AF tech takes a jump, like in the A7s3.

There doesn't seem to be a logical answer to why, it seems very erratic and I cant nail the problem sadly.

Thank you for your input 88

[Win_88]

If/Once you're certain your lens is especially defective, you can contact the Sony service centre for help getting it repaired on: 01656 867347

Win_88