Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II focusing issue

[PEL]

I bought this lens new in 2011, it has not seen much use and should be in good condition. Suddenly it fails to autofocus. The problem is on and off unpredictably on different cameras. I have cleaned the contacts, but what seems to help sometimes is to turn the focusring 10-15 times. Or just leave the camera, take it up another time - suddenly the AF can work. When the AF works, there is no strange sound that indicate problems with the motor. Can the problem be caused by little use of the lens or corrotion in AF/M contacts og switch on the outside? This lens is common, so is there anyone in this forum that has an idea or experience with this problem?

[Erik Lund]

Could be that the internal sliding contacts has bad contact due to contamination, lack of use.
Or a loose connection somewhere, sounds like it needs a service.

[Ilkka Nissilä]

I bought this lens new in 2011, it has not seen much use and should be in good condition. Suddenly it fails to autofocus. The problem is on and off unpredictably on different cameras. I have cleaned the contacts, but what seems to help sometimes is to turn the focusring 10-15 times. Or just leave the camera, take it up another time - suddenly the AF can work. When the AF works, there is no strange sound that indicate problems with the motor. Can the problem be caused by little use of the lens or corrotion in AF/M contacts og switch on the outside? This lens is common, so is there anyone in this forum that has an idea or experience with this problem?

Not using a lens regularly can increase the probability of the AF not working again, according to the local Nikon-authorized service.

[Luke Miller]

Had the same problem with two of my AF-s lenses that don't see a lot of use.  What worked for me was exercising the autofocus by manually de-focusing to the focus limit and then autofocusing.  Eventually both returned to normal operation.

[charlie]

The first version of the 70-200mm has an issue where AF stops working at near focus distances and rotating the AF ring can temporarily fix it, until you bring the focus near again. The issue is described here at the 31:30 mark: https://youtu.be/o3XZor3RSno?t=1889

Not sure if this also happens with the VR II, from what I understand AFS motors fail more commonly on the later models.

[senecaman]

Sounds like the same problem I had with 2 AF lenses

Inactivity over the Covid timeframe saw my AF-S 200-400 f4 VR stop focussing and the manual focus wouldn’t engage either. Long story short Nikon was unable to repair it since it had been replaced by the VR II and non availability of parts. They offered me a 10% discount on something new to scrap the lens.

It was the same story with my AF-S 300 f2.8 VRII, although that was repairable for £750

A lot of our lenses are reaching end of life status, so if it’s important to you I recommend getting it repaired while you still can.

[PEL]

Thank you for feedback.

I have decided to keep the lens as it is, since I am not a professional. The problem is kind of upredictable. Focusing from near it begins around 3m, focusing from infinity it begins around 5m. Turning the focusring manually as described, activates the AF even with the object in the 3-5m area. Sometimes the lens will work for a long time, other times the flaw occurs almost all the time.

So, last weekend I left my D850 with the lens out in the heating sun by an accident. After a few ours I picked up the camera. And guess what! After this the lens has been working flawlessly. I have used it daily, also in two longer photosessions out in the nature. If the problem comes back, I’ll give a note.

I don’t know why I have not used the lens for a long time. The bokeh must be among the best in Nikons 70-200mm line-up. The limitation in the nearest focus distance (1,4m) is kind of irritating though.