Nikkor 24-70mm issue

[dbose]

I had However, after using it for the last few months, I am still not 100% happy with the lens. I still have issues with soft focus. Using all the basic rules such as using single focus, focusing on the eyes, using a narrow DOF like 5.6 (as opposed to a very shallow DOF like 2.8) still does not seem to bring out those crisp, sharp images. I am starting to think that there may be some issues with the lens itself. Is there a way to ensure that the lens is absolutely not faulty? I bought it over the INTERNET but do have warranty on it for 12 months.

How do I ensure that the lens is not faulty?

[ronaldhw]

can you post some images that is not sharp, along with the shutter speed and aperture information?

Have you done some back/front focus testing? have you tried to fine tune the auto focus in your camera?

My 24-70 is sharp, and razor sharp when I use -3 from the AF fine tune.

[dbose]

can you post some images that is not sharp, along with the shutter speed and aperture information?

Have you done some back/front focus testing? have you tried to fine tune the auto focus in your camera?

My 24-70 is sharp, and razor sharp when I use -3 from the AF fine tune.

I will post some shots that I think have issues - in the mean time how exactly do you do back/front focus testing? Also how do I fine tune the auto focus in camera? I use a Nikon D90 (is it possible that using a FX lens on a DX body could have issues)?

[ronaldhw]

there should be no problem using the FX lens in DX body.

it's not possible to do AF fine tuning with D90. but the AF fine tune won't help much if the lens AF is faulty.

you can read the focus test here http://focustestchart.com/chart.html

post the result from the focus test here too.

[kiwi]

Tripod mount
Use flash on 1/200s f/4
Shoot at a beer can 20 feet away
Drink beer

Report

(I'm happy to test it for you, I have one myself, just provide the beer)

Yours quite ntp so I'm going to guess user error but you never know

Where in Brisbane are you ?

[mongo]

What Kiwi said to try (although Mongo does not need the beer). Also do NOT rely on the auto focus when testing. Do one using AF and at least several others NOT using AF (use manual focus). That will at least eliminate any camera/focus issues

PS Just because it may be new does not mean if may not have a problem

[kiwi]

Yip, and d90 has fine tuning too I think

But to reiterate it's possible the lens is out

[Wayne]

Mine is like a razor with no fine tune and that is on 2 FX bodies. These are not known to have too many issues from factory, but you could need to get it calibrated.

You have to follow the advice above to eliminate user error first.

[dbose]

Hi Kiwi/Mongo - I'd be happy if turns out to be a user error (at least I can fix it). I am worried that the mens may be faulty and as I bought it over the internet (for the first time) I am even more worried.

Kiwi I live on the western suburbs near Mt. Omeney. I am on holidays gthis week so could come and see you - I'd be more than happy if you could test it out for me and even show me any faults to rectify (oh I am more than happy to bring the beer - a good way to have a drink together...)

[kiwi]

Hmm, I'm Albany creek, I do work in the valley though so one day next week could catch up for lunch and do some quick testing if you still think there's a problem, my phone numbers on my website

[dbose]

Hmm, I'm Albany creek, I do work in the valley though so one day next week could catch up for lunch and do some quick testing if you still think there's a problem, my phone numbers on my website

That'd be very kind of you Kiwi. I work in the city and can easily come and see you next week. I'll call you early next week.

[kiwi]

No worries. Try the tests first though eh

[dbose]

No worries. Try the tests first though eh

Yep will do...

[dbose]

Hi Kiwi I did the test (not set up quite with a beer can). I did not have exactly 20 feet but was about 15 feet away from the red flower vase (which was my point of focus for all 3 shots). The first was taken with AF (changed the settings in the menu to set the AF-area mode to be Dynamic Area). The second was also taken with AF this time chaning the AF-Area to Single Point. the last one was taken with manual focus. All 3 was focused (middle focus point) at the middle of the red flower vase at F4 at 1/200 with external flash and tripod mounted.

I think all of them are soft focused (the first one being the worst with AF and Dynamic area).

[dbose]

Ok here are 2 more with my old 18-105 DX - the first with AF (single area) and the second with manual focus at 30mm and everything lese the same.

[kiwi]

Too small an object too far away. Try 5 feet

[dbose]

Too small an object too far away. Try 5 feet

Will do today and repost. The only thing is when I zoom in to the vase it looks quite soft. The shots are large format so would have imagined that they would not pixilise on a bit of zoom.

[kiwi]

Dont use the vase, not enough contrast - use something like a cereal box at 45% angle to camera, focus half way along the box half way up on a particular letter, try to fill the frame from about 5 feet away at 70mm and f/8 using 1/200s tripod mount flash

[farmer_rob]

If the lens is OK, then there should be some point in sharp focus.

I'd guess there are three possibilities:
a) User error - we all make them - Lens OK
b) Front or back focus (it focuses, but not exactly where you want) - factory adjustment or camera adjustment with "fine-tune" - minor issue
c) A sharp point of focus does not exist - warranty claim - major issue.

To distinguish, you need to give the camera a chance to show that there can be a point in sharp focus. Most lens tests involve a set of similar objects in a row receding away from the camera, so that something will be in focus. From your test images, it is impossible to see if any point in the frame is in focus. (A cheap and quick method I use is shots of a grassy lawn - some of the lawn will be in sharp focus.) Don't forget to use an open aperture (eg f4 or lower.)

BTW, are you shooting jpeg or RAW? If RAW, you need to be doing PP to add sharpening. If JPEG, check the sharpness settings in the camera.

[farmer_rob]

Kiwi, are you sure about f/8? I would have used f/5.6 or f/4 to give more definite OOF areas. (Or used a range of apertures)