50mm f/1.8D Focus issues

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
My wife got me a 50mm f/1.8D for Christmas. She asked me ahead of time if it would work with my camera, and I told her it would, but that the AF wouldn't work on the D5000.

Now, I'm getting used to focusing manually with the lens. It seems that when I'm close up everything is fine, but at a distance, either I'm not seeing what the lens is seeing or something is wrong with my eyes. For example, this shot looked perfect in my viewfinder:
408170_919974581718_31700281_40366375_1575771495_n.jpg


but her eyes are slightly out of focus. Is there something I'm missing here?
 

evisphoto

Senior Member
Yes, if you did focus at f1.8, Like Bill said, D.O.F. is very shallow and focusing is very, very critical. Another problem is the focusing screen on most Dslr's is not optimized for manual focusing. Back in the film days, we had the split prism on the focus screen to aid us. But, since it's assumed you will be using autofocus, which of course, the 50 1.8D wont do with the D5000, the focusing aid is not there. Manual focusing is possible, just be patient and practice.
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
I don't know if this feature works with the D5000, but if it does, try using the focus confirmation light in the viewfinder. When I use this feature, I personally prefer to use AFS with only one point focus. Give it a try.
 

Just-Clayton

Senior Member
you will still get a focus light in your view finder. i have one in the 3100. i use it for my dark and distant shots and im using a 50mm/1.4 fully manual.
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
ohhh... I was thinking since there was no AF that the focus light wouldn't work. Good tip, thanks guys!
 
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