Backfocusing problem - HELP please

[tom.ganc]

Hi there
A couple of weeks ago I bought Nikkor 18-70mm lens for my D90. Everythink looked nice but I notticed lack of sharpness in this lens (compare to 50mm f/1.8 I have) but it was bit strange. I did sharpness tests and it isn't good in my opinion.
Please take a look on this pictures.

Please tell me what could I do to get it sorted, is it camera or lens?
It suprizes me because AF lens (50mm) worked perfectly fine but AF-S is OOF.

Thanks

 

[GeneralBenson]

Sure looks like it's back focusing. Take it back to where ever you got it from. It's called sample variance or something like that. Not all lenses are created equally. From every batch of lenses, there will always be some that not up to snuff, and some that are even better than usual.

 

[tom.ganc]

Hi.
Thanks for reply
I sent it back to nikon so I'll see what they say.
I'll keep you posted.
Tom

 

[inTempus]

I had a similar issue with my Canon 50D. My 24-70mm lens ever so slightly front focused. I popped into the menu system, selected the microadjustment option and gave it one click of back focus and poof, all fixed.

I guess it's pretty common, I've ready many posts where people send their cameras to the manufacturer with their new lens to get them calibrated. Canon finally put this feature on their semi-pro line (the 5D and 1D already have it) and I am so glad they did.

Let us know how long it takes Nikon to fix you up.

 

[Josh66]

Canon finally put this feature on their semi-pro line (the 5D and 1D already have it) and I am so glad they did.

Does it remember which lens needs which setting, or do you have to adjust it every time you change lenses?

 

[inTempus]

Does it remember which lens needs which setting, or do you have to adjust it every time you change lenses?

It remembers each lens and that lenses particular settings. When you attach the lens, it automatically uses that lenses profile. You don't have to do anything after you calibrate each lens.

Here's a thread I started on the subject with test pics and a shot of the menu system on the camera.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-50ds-micro-adjustment-af-useful-you-bet.html

 

[djacobox372]

It remembers each lens and that lenses particular settings. When you attach the lens, it automatically uses that lenses profile. You don't have to do anything after you calibrate each lens.

Here's a thread I started on the subject with test pics and a shot of the menu system on the camera.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...-50ds-micro-adjustment-af-useful-you-bet.html

the D300 includes that feature, I'm surprised that the d90 doesn't as well... maybe the TS should return is d90 and buy a used d300 for about the same price.

 

[tom.ganc]

Hi there
I just get estimate from nikon service centre. For full cleaning, checking and focus calibrating they say £96. It looks like I need to buy different lens. I'm going to send this lens back where I got it from.
Thanks for help
Tom

 

[inTempus]

Hi there
I just get estimate from nikon service centre. For full cleaning, checking and focus calibrating they say £96. It looks like I need to buy different lens. I'm going to send this lens back where I got it from.
Thanks for help
Tom

As common as the problem is, I don't know that this will help.

Over on the Canon forums people are talking about how cool it is that we can now calibrate our lenses with the 50D. Almost everyone that has 3 or more lenses has posted that at least one (some, all of their lenses) needed some minor adjustment. Some were +/-9!!.

You *might* be better off sending the camera in with the lens for calibration. As I said before, it appears to be a common practice. Most people don't notice or don't care if their focus is just a little off. I would venture a guess and say the majority of the lenses sold don't focus 100% accurately on all cameras. That's why the microadjustment feature on the 50D/D300 is so nice.

Good luck, I hope you get a lens that focuses a little better with your body (which could be the culprit too I suppose).