D300 problem, need a favour

[Tobyh]

Originally Posted by Richard G.

Have you done any AF Fine Tuning for each lens Stu?
Just did this on mine last week and mildly surprised that the default was not the sharpest setting for any of my lenses, the Sigma 150-500mm needing a -15 setting

Forgive my ignorance Richard but how do you go about this?

TobyH

[Richard G.]

Reasonable description of it, with menu screen shots, here. I think Thom Hogan's book describes his method too.

It's obviously a bit subjective, since you just take several shots with different Fine Tune settings and pick the one you think looks sharpest, but I've definitely found that you can make quite a significant difference to your results by testing and tweaking these settings.

I've also read a number of different methods too, some say your subject should be at 90 degrees to the lens, other 45 degrees. Also by testing at the lenses largest aperture, you should gain even more sharpness when stopped down a little, which as has been said, is often required for DoF anyway.

[momji1971]

Thanks Richard. Have tried this but apart from shifting the point of critical focus, it doesn't correct the problem. This is on either lens.

Because of work will try manual focus at weekend though!

-15 sounds like a massive shift. Is it? And does that work at all distances?

Will keep you updated as to how I get on.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help and taking the time to post.

Kind regards.
Stu.

[Richard G.]

Originally Posted by momji1971

Thanks Richard. Have tried this but apart from shifting the point of critical focus, it doesn't correct the problem. This is on either lens.

Hmm, very odd then. Certainly seems to point to camera rather than lens, but couldn't hazard a guess at the cause.

Originally Posted by momji1971

-15 sounds like a massive shift. Is it? And does that work at all distances?

Certainly a higher figure than any other lens I own, but then all the others are Nikon and all are sharper than the Sigma. Haven't had a chance to shoot since fine tuning yet though, only in "lab" conditions.

Originally Posted by momji1971

Will keep you updated as to how I get on.

Yeah, would be interested if you get to the bottom of it.

[momji1971]

Will let you know ate weekend Richard.

After alot of research, have heard of a few people having to send their d300 back because of a misalignment of the sensor, too much to move with fine tune but easily sorted by a Nikon tech. Rare, but has happened.

As I say will post at weekend.

regards.
Stu.

[momji1971]

Well still no clue as to what is going on and with a few holidays coming up no time to send the camera back to Nikon for testing or an MOT!

Posted some shots in the Gallery of herons. Back in love with this camera. At one stop down, it shoots amazing detail with amazing speed.

Still have the problem at full app but guess I'll have to live with that until I can send it in to be checked. Trouble is, I shoot every weekend. I don't think I could be without it for a month!

regards.
Stu.

[jimmer]

Hello Stu I downloaded a test chart to see if my 60mm macro lens was focusing spot on and it is a good thing to try here is the address. focustestchart.com It is a nikon d70 site but the test is ok. Let me know if it was any use very kind regards Jimmer

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by pressld2

This reminds me of the effect of softening due to VR. See VR (or IS) - Is it worth it?.

I commented on in-lens image stabilisation in the above thread:

VR (or IS) - Is it worth it?

Jim