Focusing on Nikkor 24-120 f4 VR (Page 2): It certainly was the go-to lens on my D750. Many overseas trips with just that combo. I loved that lens and that focal length range. Very...

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Apaflo wrote:

You will note that among advanced photographers who have a need for focal lengths from 24 to 120mm that lens is commonly touted as being a "go to" choice.

It certainly was the go-to lens on my D750. Many overseas trips with just that combo. I loved that lens and that focal length range. Very versatile with none of the compromises that come with too wide a focal length range. Which reminds me, I must get a Leica 12 - 60 for my MFT cameras.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

To check a lens for sharpness, you need to do it in a controlled setting with a tripod and a target. There are lots of YouTube videos that show how to do this. Takes most all of the subjective out of it but you still have to do a little bit to decide what's "sharpest". And that starts with sharp vision.

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

Sharpness is also the result of the lack of camera shake. Seeing the snow/sleet fall angle and the fact that it had to be cold, you had to be shaking. The vr on the 24-120 can only do so much. I also noticed that what is in focus is to the left of the birds eye. That's the same direction as the snow is being driven. You may have inadvertently focus locked to the left due to the wind pushing your camera. However others opinions are also very valid possibilities.

nitin10

Leon S wrote:

Sharpness is also the result of the lack of camera shake. Seeing the snow/sleet fall angle and the fact that it had to be cold, you had to be shaking. The vr on the 24-120 can only do so much. I also noticed that what is in focus is to the left of the birds eye. That's the same direction as the snow is being driven. You may have inadvertently focus locked to the left due to the wind pushing your camera. However others opinions are also very valid possibilities.

Yes Leon it is true. It was snowing and it was cold too. I came out just to take a quick shot and get inside. But then this cardinal came. By the time I was done, I was literally frozen 🙂. As rightly pointed by other when it comes to bird and if it is cold time to increase the shutter speed. Thanks for your feedback.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

nitin10 wrote:

... It was snowing and it was cold too. I came out just to take a quick shot and get inside. But then this cardinal came. ....

Don't let it get you down, its just pictures.
There is a bunch of flowers in my nice warm front yard i have tried to capture a half dozen times over the past week.
Haven't gotten a shot yet i would dare post even in the peanut gallery much less be something i could be proud of.
When i get back from the super market the light should be right for another attempt.

nitin10

oldtigger wrote:

Don't let it get you down, its just pictures.
There is a bunch of flowers in my nice warm front yard i have tried to capture a half dozen times over the past week.
Haven't gotten a shot yet i would dare post even in the peanut gallery much less be something i could be proud of.
When i get back from the super market the light should be right for another attempt.

Wishing for nice warm weather just like your front yard, here in NJ. It won't be better atleast next week. And you are right. There is always something to learn.

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

Don't get too comfortable out there on the east coast. Here in Minnesota and Wisconsin we are getting a pretty good snow storm. It should last till tomorrow some time. Then we are sending it your way. We do want to share, so you might want to cover your plants on Wednesday or so.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

cfbudd wrote:

The cardinal seems not to be in focus. If you look at the railing, it seems it is in focus not on the same plane as the cardinal's eye. This might be a fine-tuning problem, and I suggest that you check the focus of your 5300 with this lens. (I assume the 5300 has fine-tune capability.)

Also, 1/80 is way way to slow to expect sharp images. VR can help camera movement but not subject movement. I have this lens and I consider it to be tack sharp.

I too have this lens and stopped down to f/8 it is very sharp. You should use a higher shutter speed and let your ISO go up to say 3200. My D750 does not show noise in shots I have taken at 6400 ISO to get depth of field with a macro lens.