Problems with D3200 & AF-S DX 18-200 3.5-5.6 ED VR II

rabc

New member
I upgraded from the lenses included with the D3200 to an AF-S DX 18-200 mm lens.
It has been inconsistent with shooting, especially at wider angles unless I focus recompose, which is still not a guarantee. If I switch to the included 18-55 lens it will shoot. Is it user area (the camera body settings are competing with the lens settings or I just don't know what the heck I'm doing) or is it a lens problem (malfunction or not within the capability of the lens)?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
 

rabc

New member
When it takes pictures, they come out great. I cannot figure out why the camera does not allow me to take pictures consistently. For example, the camera is set in AF-S, 3D tracking and the lens in M/A and I cannot take a photo under 35 mm. Is this because the camera does not have the capability to do so, I need to adjust the settings, or could it be a lens issue?
Thanks again!
 

rabc

New member
The shutter works occasionally at a wider angle if I focus recompose, focusing on an object closer to the camera
I am not getting a focus confirmation
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
The shutter works occasionally at a wider angle if I focus recompose, focusing on an object closer to the camera
I am not getting a focus confirmation
Then that may be the problem. Your D3200, by default, does not take a shot when it can not achieve focus-lock. If you want it to take a shot without having focus-lock you need to adjust the setting. You can find those settings in the Auto-focus section of the Custom Setting menu (pencil icon).

Look for the AF-C and AF-S Priorty Selection options; change those settings from "Focus" to "Release".

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nickt

Senior Member
Then that may be the problem. Your D3200, by default, does not take a shot when it can not achieve focus-lock. If you want it to take a shot without having focus-lock you need to adjust the setting. You can find those settings in the Auto-focus section of the Custom Setting menu (pencil icon).

Look for the AF-C and AF-S Priorty Selection options; change those settings from "Focus" to "Release".

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I don't think the d3x00 family has the option to set release priority. As far as I know, my d3100 does not. So if the camera cannot focus, you can not activate the shutter. (Unless you switch to manual focus)
 

cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Just another thought. Are you trying to get too close to your subject? If you are at a distance less than what the lens is capable of focusing at, the focus lock will prevent you from shooting. Each lens has a Minimum focus distance
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I don't think the d3x00 family has the option to set release priority. As far as I know, my d3100 does not. So if the camera cannot focus, you can not activate the shutter. (Unless you switch to manual focus)
Looks like you're right... Even AF-C is set to "Focus" priority with no option to change this behavior.

From page 36 of The Manual:
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D3200 Focus.jpg

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cwgrizz

Senior Member
Challenge Team
If you are trying to get a shot closer than 18", that lens will not focus and achieve a focus lock. The minimum focus distance on that lens is 18"
 

nickt

Senior Member
Like Walt said, maybe too close. Or maybe too dark. Or a complicated scene. Check your manual for sample of where autofocus might not work right.
I would say try single focus point mode. Make sure the point falls somewhere with good contrast. Maybe dynamic mode is having trouble deciding on a focus point. Or find a more simple scene that is brightly lit and not too close. This is not usually a big problem so if you are constantly having this problem at the wide end under good conditions, something might be broken.

As a test to confirm this is a lack of focus problem, try the lens in manual focus. The shutter should fire regardless of focus.
 

Danno

Senior Member
When I had my D3200 I used single point focus mostly. AF-C or AF-S. The 3D was just tough to use for me. I struggled to get it to lock on the object. Single Point or Dynamic worked best for me. Of those two I found the best results with single point.
 
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