lens calibration: Since i've been using my nikkor 55-300mm af lens, Iv'e noticed that when I shoot long distance (like moon shots) my shots are soft. I have gone to great lengths to...

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

Since i've been using my nikkor 55-300mm af lens, Iv'e noticed that when I shoot long distance (like moon shots) my shots are soft. I have gone to great lengths to assure that its not camera movement. (like using a tripod, remote release, etc.) I've turned off the vr, put it on manual focus and tried to manually focus. I've done about everything that I can think of to assure that it's not the operator. Is it possible the my lens needs calibration? If so, can someone guide me in getting this done?

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Maybe post a photo Tom...that would help. Also....do you have any problems with that lens at 300mm?...I mean down here on this planet?.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Bret wrote:

...do you have any problems with that lens at 300mm?...I mean down here on this planet?.

Good point - it could be the atmosphere causing the softness in your moon shots. Location and atmospheric conditions are real keys in getting quality photos of the moon.

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

Tom Brownell wrote:

Since i've been using my nikkor 55-300mm af lens, ... (show quote)

Both of these shots were taken with use of tripod, wireless remote on auto focus with vr turned off. I tried about every setting on the camera I could think of and these are the best shots I could get.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Tom Brownell wrote:

Since i've been using my nikkor 55-300mm af lens, ... (show quote)

Here's some info -

Checking Focus on a DSLR

Focusing Charts
http://mansurovs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Siemens-Star-Focus-Chart.pdf
http://mansurovs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Focus-Test-Chart.pdf
http://regex.info/blog/photo-tech/focus-chart

How to Check Focus
http://photographylife.com/how-to-quickly-test-your-dslr-for-autofocus-issues
http://www.nphotomag.com/2013/03/05/how-to-recalibrate-your-nikon-dslrs-af-autofocus/
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/are_your_pictures_out_of_focus.shtml

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Bret wrote:

Maybe post a photo Tom...that would help. Also....do you have any problems with that lens at 300mm?...I mean down here on this planet?.

Good point, my 70-300 is soft shooting at the moon too, it is soft shooting at other things also but that is generally me. I know a couple of things about the moon shot, one is there is a lot of atmosphere between here and there and plenty of opportunity for dust etc. to "soften the image. Two is that infinity on my lens is not at the end of the focus but just a couple of hairs before that. So turning the focus until it stops is too far. This is, as I understand it, by design to allow for expansion and contraction by the elements and the mechanism that supports them to be able to move and still reach absolute focus automatically.

And thanks Jerry for the focusing charts. I, for one, am going to make good use of them. I know the autofocus in the camera is better than my eyesight and we both struggle in very low light. lol.

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

Thanks Jerry, I'll check them out. and yes Bret, I have had some difficulty with fine focus on some bird shots. It seems that some of them are nice and look good until I crop them up to see fine detail. I shoot almost everything in RAW setting.

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

Tom Brownell wrote:

Thanks Jerry, I'll check them out. and yes Bret, I have had some difficulty with fine focus on some bird shots. It seems that some of them are nice and look good until I crop them up to see fine detail. I shoot almost everything in RAW setting.

Thanks for the charts Jerry! I've read the articles that you posted a link to, that is what made me question the possibility that I needed lens calibration. I just didn't have the charts to check it with. Thanks again!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Tom. Everyone here is putting you on the right track. I have a 28-300 that I had to add +7 in camera to get it sharp at the long end. Pretty easy to do. Just take your time and get a good target to shoot at. And if you can tether the computer to the camera so you can see the changes while you play with the settings.
Erv

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

Thanks Erv! unfortunately, I don't have the option of settings in the camera. I have a d5100 and that option is not available on my camera. I did notice that there is a blowout sale on d7000 cameras advertised here on this site though. I may have to up grade.!

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

That I didn't know. I wonder why they don't put that in every camera? So it is a trip to Nikon or an up grade.:(
Erv

Tom Brownell wrote:

Thanks Erv! unfortunately, I don't have the option of settings in the camera. I have a d5100 and that option is not available on my camera. I did notice that there is a blowout sale on d7000 cameras advertised here on this site though. I may have to up grade.!

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Tom Brownell wrote:

Since i've been using my nikkor 55-300mm af lens, ... (show quote)

If you are manually focusing on something and it is still soft it is not a camera/lens calibration problem.
Calibration is to correct autofocus issues with it not focusing at the right distance.
If you are focusing manually that would not apply.
How are you manually focusing?
Have you tried autofocusing at 5x or 10x in live view and/or fine tuning in manual.

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

lighthouse wrote:

If you are manually focusing on something and it is still soft it is not a camera/lens calibration problem.
Calibration is to correct autofocus issues with it not focusing at the right distance.
If you are focusing manually that would not apply.
How are you manually focusing?
Have you tried autofocusing at 5x or 10x in live view and/or fine tuning in manual.

Lighthouse,
I'm testing the auto focus. I thought maybe it was out of calibration, however the chart test that i just did shows that it's pretty much on. Don't know for sure where to go from here. This was taken at 6ft away 300mm, here is the chart test.

Tom Brownell Loc: Chassell, Michigan

The problem seems to be in long distance shooting, it's dead on at six feet away! Is there a test I can do for shooting at infinity? (other than just getting soft pics) Is it possible to have the lens go slightly out of focus at infinity? (like the distances between the front lens and the back lens be off a little at infinity)

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Tom, that 55-300mm 'kit lens' might be an inexpensive lens, but it is an inherently sharp lens. I have not used mine for moon shots, but I have used it hundreds of times at 300mm (on a D3100 & a D7100), mainly on wildlife/birds, & sharpness has never been an issue. I would be extremely surprised if the lens was your problem. Of course, it is possible that you might have a dog, but I doubt it. Earl. :D