D3300 is not focusing OK

NestorStura

Senior Member
Hi all,
It has been some time I have been noticing that I cannot get a good focus when taking photos with my D3300.
The following is a recent sample:

DSC_0181_red.jpg

I tried to shoot the full moon, last Sunday and simultaneously test this issue. I shoot it several times, focusing in each opportunity, in some cases AF in other manually, after AF I changed to manual, I have used tripod and programmed shooting after 5 sec in order to do not transfer my own tremble…
What I can assure is that every time, the image of the moon in the view finder or the LV was very clear… I could see the crater on it.
I have shared this with a friend that is a pro and works with Nikkon and he suggested to use the AE-L/AF-L button in AF function.
Also, I have seen this issue happens with all my lenses: 18-55mm, 35mm and 18-300.
Is it a problem with my camera or I am doing something wrong?
Thanks a lot
 

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
The shoot you put up is over exposed and will show no detail. Try spot metering. There was another thread recently with multiple suggestions, can't recall the title but think it had moon in the title.
Could also start with the loony 11 rule f11 and the shutter speed the reciprocal of the ISO.
 
Last edited:

nickt

Senior Member
The edges are sharp so focus was probably good. Use single point focus or manual focus. Auto focus usually gets it right. You should be able to get a good shot of the moon without a tripod. You don't want to go too slow on the moon anyway, it moves pretty fast. Either use spot meter like Needa suggested or shoot manually. Try a few test shots, you should be able to dial in the exposure within a few shots. Something in the neighborhood of ISO 200 and f8 to f11 should leave you with some good fast shutter speeds to try hand held. You don't have to wait for a good moon, practice on a street light or distant house light.

As for your other lenses and other situations, I would always move to single point focus, center point, for initially evaluating auto focus.
 

NestorStura

Senior Member
Thanks both, Needa and Nickt, yes, now that you mention it, it is must be more a n exposure problem than a focusing.
I was using single point but speed was certainly too slow. I will try tonight again.

I'll tell you tomorrow teh result.
 

NestorStura

Senior Member
Much better today... Although I think I need a tripod... It is difficult for me to keep it still. (age, probably) Thanks a lot for you advise...
DSC_0186_red.jpg

EXIF
Filename - DSC_0186_red.jpg
Make - NIKON CORPORATION
Model - NIKON D3300
Orientation - Top left
XResolution - 300
YResolution - 300
ResolutionUnit - Inch
Software - Ver.1.02
DateTime - 2020:02:11 22:37:37
ExposureTime - 1/250 seconds
FNumber - 11.00
ExposureProgram - Manual control
ISOSpeedRatings - 400
FocalLength - 300.00 mm
ExposureMode - Manual
White Balance - Auto
 
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