 Tara R. Swartzendruber |
Nikkor 24-70 lens focus issue Hi! I recently bought a Nikon D700 and have the Nikkor 24-70mm lens on it. Compared to my Nikon D80 with it's 18-135 lens, I find that the focus with this new combination is frustratingly slow. It seems to search quite a bit for a focus point before I can take the shot. (I do have it set to take a photo only when in focus). I have been using continuous focus....what could I be doing wrong? I've missed some great shots because it's still searching.
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Jeffrey R. Whitmoyer |
I would only use continuous focus for a dynamic object that needs to be tracked to maintain focus,such as a race car. If the object you're photographing is static the camera/lens may be responding to shakiness or background motion. I'm not as steady as I used to be and have found that my instability (mental is a different issue-LOL)causes the lens to hunt.
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Tara R. Swartzendruber |
I guess I use it because I am taking photos of children, who are often on the move, not very static. I did have it on single focus, but I had the same problem....with hunting, so I changed to continuous to see if that would help, but it hasn't. I wonder if I am not as stable with the D700. It's quite a bit heavier than my D80, but I think I'm pretty steady. I just know that with my D80 and 18-135 lens, focus was almost always instantaneous...the lens rarely "hunted." I am finding this very frustrating! It's affecting MY mental status!! :)
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Peter K. Burian |
Exactly which Nikon 24-70mm lens is it? If it's marked AF-S, then autofocus should be super fast. (Silent Wave ultrasonic focus motor.) And if it's the f/2.8 lens, autofocus should be particularly fast, even in low light. And the D700 has a fabulous autofocus system. I can see why you feel frustrated. Frankly, I suspect that the lens or camera may need repairs ... if you gto better autofocus with a D80 and an 18-135mm lens. Peter
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Tara R. Swartzendruber |
yes, it's af-s and 2.8. That's why I'm so frustrated! I did wonder about the fact that it's pretty heavy and so have taken that into account when I shoot (try to be very steady), but even then, I still think it hunts. I bought them both from Adorama. I think I'll contact them!!
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Peter K. Burian |
One suggestion, Tara. Instead of using the multi-point autofocus, try switching to the center point autofocus option. The small lever under the thumbpad on the camera back. Set it to the bottom one of the three options. BUT .... after you do so, the camera can focus only on whatever is in the center of the frame. But it will be faster to do so. OR try this if you do like to use wide area (multi-point) autofocus. Go into the Menu, CUSTOM section, select the Autofocus item ... scroll down to Dynamic AF Area ... scroll to the right and select the 21 points area. The fewer the points that are active, the faster the camera can compute all of the data re: focusing. Well, I suspect Adorama will tell you to send it to Nikon under the Warranty. (Especially because there is no way of knowing if the AF problem is caused by the camera OR the lens.) But sure, give them a call. From a Review of this lens: Autofocus Operation .. As is typical with Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF-S lenses, autofocus is exceptionally quick. http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1121/cat/13 Peter
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Thom Schoeller |
I have the same lens, auto-focus feature works brilliantly! I dont shoot action sports or birds in flight so I dont really take advantage of the multi-point autofocus on a regular basis. When I have done so (automotive shoots of cars in motion) the AF worked flawlessy. I would second what Peter B. suggested just above to try a few other AF options in the menu. Im thinking you have an issue with the lens. Curious if you have tried another AF lens with the D700? May eliminate the camera body as the issue.
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Peter K. Burian |
Good point, Thomas. If there is a problem, it's important to know whether it's with the lens or the camera. Peter
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