AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm DX VR manual focus problem?

[desertdonn]

I noticed that I seem to have a focus problem with my new D3300 18-55mm lens when used in the manual focus mode. When I use the focus ring to manually focus on a distance object when I reach the proper focus I am not at the end of travel on the focus ring which I would expect to be when I reach infinite focus. If I continue to move the focus ring it then goes out of focus when the focus ring stops. I do not think this is right, it should reach infinite focus when it stops, not go out of focus. Is this normal for this lens, or do I have a defective lens? I was trying to do some night sky star trail photos but can not get the stars in focus because of this manual focus problem.

 

[cwgrizz]

First @desertdonn Welcome to the Forum.

Now, Your lens is acting normal. It is the nature of the beast, unlike manual focus lenses of old that did stop on the infinity settting. There are a few ways to get around what you are wanting to do. Use live view and zoom in to focus. The focus has to be done slowly in very small steps because live view responds slowly. Some others have done it by focusing the lens in the daylight and taping the focus ring to hold it in place for the night shoot. Disclaimer: I have not done much of this type of photography, but have found the zoom in view of live view seems to work best.