Nikon D5100 zooming

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Kanishka Bhunia

New member
Hi all,
I have Nikon D5100 with AF-S 18-55 mm lens. Th problem is that while trying to zoom in any subject, the focus is getting blurred. The Lens is in A mode (auto). But the final picture is coming good. Do you guys have any solution ??
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
It could be because the lens "Vibration Reduction" is on and for the first moments when you go half way with the shutter the VR comes on and it can blur the viewfinder. This is what I read in the manual if my memory serves me well. Or the focus is hunting while you're zooming...

Just a hunch.
 
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Kanishka Bhunia

New member
Thank you very much. But, the subject is getting blurred for both the mode VR on and off while zooming in. But, when I am pressing the shutter release button half way, the subject through the viewfinder is becoming clear and photos are coming good.
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Kanishka Bhunia said:
Thank you very much. But, the subject is getting blurred for both the mode VR on and off while zooming in. But, when I am pressing the shutter release button half way, the subject through the viewfinder is becoming clear and photos are coming good.
Click to expand...

I think that is pretty normal since it is ONLY when you push the shutter release button half way that the camera actually "auto focus". So it is very normal situation the way you describe it. So you have to press half way to focus.
 
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Kanishka Bhunia

New member
Thanks a lot. I am afraid because it was not the case when I bought it and also It is becoming harder to focus at certain point since getting blurred.
 
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§am

Senior Member
You can zoom in with the lens, but if you want to focus you have to half press the shutter release button (if you're using auto mode).

If the focusing is off or getting worse and you're sure its the lens - take it back to the retailer to get it checked/replaced.
 
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Philnz

Senior Member
Kanishka Bhunia said:
Thank you very much. But, the subject is getting blurred for both the mode VR on and off while zooming in. But, when I am pressing the shutter release button half way, the subject through the viewfinder is becoming clear and photos are coming good.
Click to expand...
That is how it works, nothing to worry about, Just use and enjoy its a great camera.
 
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LensWork

Senior Member
This is a common misconception. "Zoom" lenses are by-and-large not true zoom lenses, but rather are technically vari-focal lenses. Virtually all "zoom" lenses must be focused (refocused) after you zoom to compose your picture. The term "zoom" lens has been generalized to be any lens that offers a variable focal length, however a true zoom lens is one that maintains focus throughout the zoom range and this type of lens is very rare.
 
S

Sandpatch

Senior Member
silvercreek said:
Although all of mine are AF-S lenses, I still like to manually focus.
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Me too. After shooting pictures for 35+ years, it's a hard habit to break. My previous 35mm had AF, but I rarely used it. I find AF most handy for impromtu family shots, but I prefer the confidence of manual focus on composed outdoor shots. However, I resolve to test the technology with my D5100 and perhaps come to trust it regardless of the subject matter.
 
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KWJams

Senior Member
Just adding to the discussion from the clutter in my head and not dragging my manual out -- depending on what focus mode setting you have and how much contrast the image has with its surrounding, the camera could be just doing what it is supposed to do when there is not adequate input from the operator.
If not set to spot focus as an example for a dark subject in a darkly lit back ground the focus points are searching for contrasting points to focus on.
 
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Philnz

Senior Member
KWJams said:
Just adding to the discussion from the clutter in my head and not dragging my manual out -- depending on what focus mode setting you have and how much contrast the image has with its surrounding, the camera could be just doing what it is supposed to do when there is not adequate input from the operator.
If not set to spot focus as an example for a dark subject in a darkly lit back ground the focus points are searching for contrasting points to focus on.
Click to expand...
Dead right. I do wonder about people who buy a camera with all the computing power in the world, and then don't want to use it. Remember the the saying "Use it or lose it" or to put it another way. "Forget how to use it"
 
Needa

Needa

Senior Member
Challenge Team
Rodcoe said:
I have the Nikon D5100, When I am taking video, the digital zoom will not work.... How do I zoom while taking video?
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There is no digital zoom in a D5100 other than when looking at an image in playback mode. The only way to zoom would to have a zoom lens and manually adjust it.
 
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