New AF-S 80-400mm Question - Focus Hunting?

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OSOK

New member
I have a question for others out there concerning this lens.I used to shoot the 70-300 exclusively and was waiting for the new version of the 80-400 to come out.I saved diligently and when it was released I bought it.I have heard nothing but good about this lens and I am getting some very good shots with it from time to time. However, it seems like I struggle with getting it to focus with the AF system. I have tried multiple different settings and combinations to see if maybe my sensors are just struggling to choose a focus point.I have even shot on AF-C with a single point and still have this challenge.I find the lens seems to search and jump around alot when I am on a subject, especially one up close, which really seems counter-intuitive to me.When out a ways it doesnt jump as much but I still find many of my photos out of focus.I probably get 70% of my images out of focus and very rarely do I get the one I wanted in focus.I am using a tripod with a ball head, a monopod with a ball head, or a bag to shoot from in all cases (I am absolutely positive it is not a camera movement issue - I do get some with this issue as well but that's on me). I am shooting trying to keep my Shutter Speed at or above the max focal length of the lens and yes I am accounting for the crop factor in that as well (so my 400 becomes a 600 and I try to always be around 800 or above whenever possible). I have many pictures where there is something in the frame that is in very sharp focus and it always seems to be behind the subject I wanted in focus.So, here are my questions: Could this simply be caused by my lens and camera focus point not being in tune or do I ahve an issue with my lens and/or camera? Is this something I can take care of? If so, how?I don't seem to have this problem with other lenses.Very frustrated as I saved a while for this lens and was very excited about it but now this has kinda taken the wind out of my sails so to speak. Hopefully someone on here has some knowledge they can share.Thanks for your consideration
 
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pictaker64

Senior Member
Whats it on? some pics might help also.You might have to fine tune the auto focus, there a lot of help here from people who are very in the know but they need more info.I am but a hobbyist like yourself...fill out your profile and these guys will jump all over your problem
 
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Mike D90

Senior Member
Does it do this in good light conditions or in lower light conditions? I had a lens that hunted like that when the light got dimmer. Not that particular lens but still.
 
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OSOK

New member
pictaker64 said:
Whats it on? some pics might help also.You might have to fine tune the auto focus, there a lot of help here from people who are very in the know but they need more info.I am but a hobbyist like yourself...fill out your profile and these guys will jump all over your problem
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I did fill out my profile. Am I missing something? It is on a D7000I will post some examples when I can. Very good point. Thank you
 
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OSOK

New member
Mike d90 said:
Does it do this in good light conditions or in lower light conditions? I had a lens that hunted like that when the light got dimmer. Not that particular lens but still.
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It seems to do it much more in low light than in good light for sure, but either way my focus seems to be off the majority of the time, even in good light. I guess my concern is that I haven't heard of this as an issue for this lens so if it is the lens then I want it fixed :)
 
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Don Kondra

Senior Member
First thing to do is a focus test.

Set a tape measure at a 45 degree angle to the camera on a tripod, shoot wide open, single center point/AF-S and with a delayed shutter release.

Like this...

Focustest_zps55a4617e.jpg


It would also be helpful to see an image with exif info..

My copy also doesn't like to AF under minimum focusing distances :)

Cheers, Don
 
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OSOK

New member
Don Kondra said:
First thing to do is a focus test.Set a tape measure at a 45 degree angle to the camera on a tripod, shoot wide open, single center point/AF-S and with a delayed shutter release.Like this...
Focustest_zps55a4617e.jpg
It would also be helpful to see an image with exif info..My copy also doesn't like to AF under minimum focusing distances :)Cheers, Don
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Thanks Don, I appreciate the response and I will give this a go. Just a couple points of clarification. Does it matter on Focal Length? Delayed shutter release such as using the timer or mirror up with a remote? Thanks again
 
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OSOK

New member
My copy also doesn't like to AF under minimum focusing distances Cheers, Don Just caught this one. I am a little slow
 
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Don Kondra

Senior Member
I'd shoot @ 80mm/200mm/400mm just to cover your bases. Set the tape measure @ ~ 10'.

Two second delayed shutter release is fine.

Cheers, Don
 
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Mike D90

Senior Member
OSOK said:
Thanks Don, I appreciate the response and I will give this a go. Just a couple points of clarification. Does it matter on Focal Length? Delayed shutter release such as using the timer or mirror up with a remote? Thanks again
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There is a menu option to do a self timer shot with a delayed shutter release to allow the mirror to come up first, letting any vibrations cease, then the shutter releases.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Low light/low contrast always causes focusing issues you will find this in most lenses. Thats why you have an inbuilt focus light, even though we do not like to use it all the time it can be the difference between focus and no focus.
 
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OSOK

New member
Scott Murray said:
Low light/low contrast always causes focusing issues you will find this in most lenses. Thats why you have an inbuilt focus light, even though we do not like to use it all the time it can be the difference between focus and no focus.
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Another great point Scott, and you are correct, I never even think of using that. Thanks
 
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OSOK

New member
Just an FYI!

I decided to tae my lens down to a local shop and have it focus tuned just to make sure. I will let you know what I find out. Thanks for the pointers
 
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OSOK

New member
PS - I think I figured out why I was having the problems I was having with my signature and posts. I was posting from work and the pop-up blocker must have been causing problems.

Thanks for you patience whilst I figured it out
 
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Moab Man

Senior Member
I shoot with the Tamron 200-500mm and my best shots work with a) following the minimum shutter speed rule which you're doing and b) I set my shutter to 5 second timer release and hands off the camera. I find the 2 seconds isn't long enough to settle out. c) I have found the brighter the conditions the better the lens does.

I know we're talking two different lens and the Nikon far nicer, but the above shooting techniques might help.

By chance did we meet at eagle day here in Utah? The combination of D7000 and the lens you're shooting means it's you that I met or your clone :) We had the white truck parked next to your car and we chatted Nikon stuff for a bit before you headed out.
 
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OSOK

New member
Moab Man said:
I shoot with the Tamron 200-500mm and my best shots work with a) following the minimum shutter speed rule which you're doing and b) I set my shutter to 5 second timer release and hands off the camera. I find the 2 seconds isn't long enough to settle out. c) I have found the brighter the conditions the better the lens does.

I know we're talking two different lens and the Nikon far nicer, but the above shooting techniques might help.

By chance did we meet at eagle day here in Utah? The combination of D7000 and the lens you're shooting means it's you that I met or your clone :) We had the white truck parked next to your car and we chatted Nikon stuff for a bit before you headed out.
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Wow, how funny is that? It's me. Great to connect here for sure. Great pointers and thanks for your willingness to help.
 
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