Solution
The lens's focus mode switch is set to ⋖MF⋗The subject is too close
An extender (sold separately) is used
Custom function settings are enabled
AF mode is set to One-Shot AF
AF mode is set to AI Servo AF
AF mode is set to AI Focus AF
This article describes countermeasures to take when the focus indicator in the viewfinder does not light up.
In the following cases, the focus indicator in the viewfinder might not light up.
The lens's focus mode switch is set to ⋖MF⋗
When the lens's focus mode switch is set to ⋖MF⋗, you can set the AF mode but AF will not function.
Set the focus mode switch to ⋖AF⋗.
The subject is too close
If you are too close to the subject (closer than the lens's minimum focusing distance), the camera might not be able to focus. Move further away from the subject and shoot. For details on values for minimum focusing distance, refer to lens specifications on the Canon Web site and in accessory instruction manuals.
An extender (sold separately) is used
When using an extender (sold separately), AF shooting is not possible with a lens that has a maximum aperture slower than f/5.6.
* Supported conditions might vary based on the AF point of the camera.
Check the specifications (maximum aperture) for the lens you are using. Also, refer to the extender' user manual.
Custom function settings are enabled
When the custom function settings (C-Fn) on the camera are enabled and the [Shutter button/AE lock button] is not set to [AF/AE lock] (default), AF operation might be disabled and the focus indicator might not light up if you press the shutter button halfway, depending on which settings are enabled.
Follow the steps below to revert the shutter button/AE lock button to the default settings.
1. Press the ⋖MENU⋗ button to access the menu screen, select [C.Fn III: Operation/Others] on the [ ] tab and press the ⋖
⋗ button.
2. Select [4: Custom Controls] in [C.Fn III: Operation/Others] and press the ⋖⋗ button.
3. When the next screen is displayed, select [ ] and then press the ⋖
⋗ button.
4. On the next screen, select [ ] (Metering and AF start), and then press the ⋖
⋗ button.
5. After the next screen is displayed, press the ⋖MENU⋗ button to return to the menu screen.
For details on how to use the menu, refer to the camera's user manual.
AF mode is set to One-Shot AF
Depending on shooting conditions, the camera might not be able to achieve focus even on a still subject and the focus indicator ⋖ ⋗ will blink. If this occurs, the picture cannot be taken even if the shutter button is pressed completely. Recompose the shot or use one of the following methods and try to focus again.
Caution
When shooting the following types of special subjects, focus may not be achieved with AF.
AF mode is set to AI Servo AF
When the shooting mode is set to a Creative Zone mode, the beeper will not sound even when focus is achieved.
Also, the focus indicator ⋖ ⋗ in the viewfinder will not light up.
AF mode is set to AI Focus AF
When focus is achieved with AI Focus AF with the Servo operation active, the beeper will beep softly.
However, the focus indicator ⋖ ⋗ in the viewfinder will not light up.