diff --git a/samples/python/stitching_detailed.py b/samples/python/stitching_detailed.py
index cd3f063e35..7bf5a9ac0d 100644
--- a/samples/python/stitching_detailed.py
+++ b/samples/python/stitching_detailed.py
@@ -29,8 +29,9 @@ BA_COST_CHOICES['no'] = cv.detail_NoBundleAdjuster
 
 FEATURES_FIND_CHOICES = OrderedDict()
 try:
+    cv.xfeatures2d_SURF.create() # check if the function can be called
     FEATURES_FIND_CHOICES['surf'] = cv.xfeatures2d_SURF.create
-except AttributeError:
+except (AttributeError, cv.error) as e:
     print("SURF not available")
 # if SURF not available, ORB is default
 FEATURES_FIND_CHOICES['orb'] = cv.ORB.create