Focusing issues with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4 - 5.6G ED DX lens

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Don;

I used Paint.net to get the pics conformable to your specsl: i.e., 1000 pxls, 72 dpi. I inserted/uploaded using the Insert Image Button. They appeared in Quick Reply draft as expected.

To the best of my recollection, after Select Imag(es) + Upload Imag(es) that "Image Settings" window didn't manifest itself, so I just posted the Reply. Same result his time: no Image Settings Window. The pics show up in Preview.

One more time:...
View attachment 224869View attachment 224870View attachment 224871

And they worked perfectly this time.

On the first one it looks like you missed the focus point. The limb behind and to the right is in focus. Not sure about the second bird shot and the third shot of the mountain I have no idea what you did there but the shot is very "muddy" What focus mode are you using?

 

[r00ster]

Don;

Firstly, thank you for your informed input.

If I understand your question viz. "focus point" on the Morning Doves, the camera was set on "Auto". A small red rectangle in the centre of viewing screen that included only the bird was hilit. I assumed the camera took that as its 'focus point'.

The "muddy" pic of Mt. Baker WA was also shot on Auto Mode. I held the release button half-way and the camera fussed away for >2 seconds trying to focus before settling. When I pushed it the rest of the way, well, you see the result. This "fussing factor" occurs most times using this lens on distant (>40') objects. You'll remember me mentioning how it drains the battery. If I'm not mistaken, the Properties/Details that hover on my submissions (10/2500 sec, f/5.6, @200mm) indicates there was ample light. The camera chose 1/250 sec on Auto. I feel the poor resolution of the figures on the water speaks directly to my observations about this specific lens.

That said, I have a lot to learn about digital photography in general and the D3200 in particular. I should say that pics taken with the 18-55mm and the 105mm Macro appear with flattering brilliance & clarity when viewed on my 60" Samsung Plasma 5300. Let the crowds go "OOOh" and "Ahhh".
When I get the time, I'll do some proper comparisons with all 3 lenses under the same conditions. Then I should know whether I'm goofing up or if the 55-200 just isn't a lens that meets my needs.

Merci encore et à bientôt,

rod

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Don;

Firstly, thank you for your informed input.

If I understand your question viz. "focus point" on the Morning Doves, the camera was set on "Auto". A small red rectangle in the centre of viewing screen that included only the bird was hilit. I assumed the camera took that as its 'focus point'.

The "muddy" pic of Mt. Baker WA was also shot on Auto Mode. I held the release button half-way and the camera fussed away for >2 seconds trying to focus before settling. When I pushed it the rest of the way, well, you see the result. This "fussing factor" occurs most times using this lens on distant (>40') objects. You'll remember me mentioning how it drains the battery. If I'm not mistaken, the Properties/Details that hover on my submissions (10/2500 sec, f/5.6, @200mm) indicates there was ample light. The camera chose 1/250 sec on Auto. I feel the poor resolution of the figures on the water speaks directly to my observations about this specific lens.

That said, I have a lot to learn about digital photography in general and the D3200 in particular. I should say that pics taken with the 18-55mm and the 105mm Macro appear with flattering brilliance & clarity when viewed on my 60" Samsung Plasma 5300. Let the crowds go "OOOh" and "Ahhh".
When I get the time, I'll do some proper comparisons with all 3 lenses under the same conditions. Then I should know whether I'm goofing up or if the 55-200 just isn't a lens that meets my needs.

Merci encore et à bientôt,

rod

The mountain area looked like it was overcast or late or early day. The camera needs contrast to focus properly.
Never use the fully Auto mode since it gives you no options at all. AT least start with the Program mode and you can pick the ISO. Good place to start and learn and then move on to other modes.
Get away from the fully Auto Focus setting. You will be much better using the Single-point AF
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Look it up in your camera manual. It is a rare day that I move away from Single-point AF Not to b e confused with AF-C and AF-S. AF-S for now until you get the hang of it. [/FONT]

 

[r00ster]

Don;

Thanks again. I have sooo much to learn.

You must be very old because you are very wise.

Could you clarify your last post?

Get away from the fully Auto Focus setting. You will be much better using the Single-point AF
Look it up in your camera manual. It is a rare day that I move away from Single-point AF Not to b e confused with AF-C and AF-S. AF-S for now until you get the hang of it.

Was the last line a typo? You seem to be saying I'm '...better using the Single-Point AF', then you state, '...use AF-S for now'.

Manual provides 3 options: AF-S, AF-F and Manual. No AF-C.
Camera Display Menu provides 3 options AF-A, "AF-area mode" and Manual. AF-S appears in sub menu under AF-A

The setting used in my pics was AF-A. If I understand you, I should be using Single Point AF-area mode; eh?

rod

p.s. Methinks thread followers would be best served if I/we postponed the discussion until I do a more systematic evaluation of the 55-200 and apply what y'all have taught me thus far. I just don't want to wander too far off topic... getting more into teaching me the basics (invaluable to me of course) which might be more appropriate under a different thread.

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

Don;

AF-C and AF-S

AF-C is continuous focus
AF-S locks into the focus and does not change till you shoot as long as you hold the button down half way

AF-Single point forces you to pick the point you focus on and generally works out a lot better. I use that mode 99.99% of the time and the other 00.01% that I do not use it I find that I really shouldn't have. LOL

And I am not old, I just have MANY, MANY, MANY years of experience.

 

[DavidT_NZ2024]

First Post

I guess the reason I registered here today is simply to vent. I wish I had something constructive to add. But I don't.

I am very disappointed with the Nikkor 55-200 zoom lens. I feel as though I got 'zoomed' by the positive hype I read on line before I made with the transaction. I didn't read far enough down the pages; I suppose.

Here are my Details/Comments on 2 recent shots copied at imgur addresses that follow.
One more thing: this lens eats batteries like my dog eats potato chips.

"Auto Focus with Nikon 55-200mm lens unreliable. I hear it struggling for several secs and result is very poor image/clarity. Auto Focus ON. VR ON. Polarizing Filter used. A sturdy tripod was used."


Imgur: The most awesome images on the Internet
Mt. Baker from Boundary Bay, BC - Imgur

Let this be a caution to nature photogs. Pic quality doesn't compare all that favorably up against my Kodak 110 Instamatic I got in college back in 64.

I owned a Kodak Instamatic 110 at the same age, in the ‘60’s, in New Zealand! My first colour film camera after getting my Mum’s Kodak Box Brownie to learn on. What a fantastic camera, the Instamatic. It had a little pop up flash that held single use replaceable bulbs, as I remember. And it took great colour slides. Many wonderful memories and photos ago.