Slow focus with 75-300 IS

[chuckindetroit]

I just purchased a used 75-300 IS lens for my D30 and am very disappointed with the auto focus. Indoors or out it takes from 5-10 seconds to focus, with either 1 or 3 focusing points selected. It focuses in very small increments and pauses in between. It does this if IS is turned or off. This is about useless! On an EOS film camera it behaves much better. The IS portion works quite well. Any thoughts on the problem source or is this normal for the combination? I have cleaned the contacts on camera and lens.

[EugeneK]

I have that lens with my D60 and have no problems. Maybe there is a problem with the lens. Go to a local camera and try a new lens on your camera and see how it works.
-Eugene

[Longwatcher]

I also have that lens and have had no major problems, except in low light or against dark or black backgrounds, when it keeps trying to focus for about 5-10 seconds. My question would be is it creeping in one direction or going back and forth in focus. since mine pauses slightly between directions, it sounds like what you sort of describe. If you have not done so try focusing on a complex object or where a line crosses the focal point. Then if that does not work, take the advice previously posted and try on a different D60.

[gordon davis]

I have that lens and don't have any more problems with it compared to my 28/90 Canon or my Sigma wide zoom. They are all a bit slow and you do indeed need something contrasty to focus on in the centre of the frame