Lens Calibration: I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though...

JBrondos

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Most local camera stores can calibrate your body to your lenses. Some do it for free and some have a minimal charge. Wouldn't hurt to ask if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

My experience with SOME local camera stores is that they're very willing to help with something like this - if you purchased the camera and lens from them. If not, you might be in for a long harangue and extreme charges. One fellow went so far as to purposely ruin a lens for my friend because she didn't purchase it from them! So do be careful about who handles your camera. I have a lens that needs adjusting, and I've never done it. I'm afraid I'll make it worse.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

JBrondos wrote:

... Any suggestions?

Post an example image (or few) in new tread, store the original and ask for help. You're more likely to find a solution in technique than a micro adjustment to the lens / camera combination ....

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

JBrondos wrote:

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

Are you getting sharp results if you are using Live View focusing? If you are, then you may want to explore your options with Nikon service, but not until reading this:

http://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_solutions/d4s_tips/af_fine-tuning/

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/the-d5d500-blog/the-af-fine-tune-itch.html

Pay particular attention to the words in the Nikon link where it is stated, "Note that AF tuning is not normally required and may interfere with normal focus; use only when necessary." Despite it's vagueness, what Nikon is saying is that the AF Tune is pretty crude, and it affects focus at all distances, and if you have a zoom lens, at all focal lengths. Are you sure you are willing to make an adjustment that will affect all of that?

Technicians have access to tools and software that can make more granular adjustments at different points of focal length and distance, and can truly shape the focusing accuracy to be optimized where it is wrong without affecting all the focusing.

Under no circumstances would it make sense to try and do this with the crude, one point of adjustment capability built into the camera.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

JBrondos wrote:

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

This kind of sounds like a broader issue than calibration. You do not say that only one or two lenses have a problem but indicate it is a general problem with all your lenses. Either there is a problem with the camera body or in how you are using the focusing system. It is hard to say without a few examples.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Also, is this a problem during any particular type of shoot? Action, BIF, landscape, etc...

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Some people (myself included) calibrate all their lenses and can demonstrate (with comparative photos) the improved results. Other exceptional photographers swear it isn't necessary or should be done by the factory - there are half a dozen threads on the subject - use the search function. One thing for sure: when you cal a lens using the in-camera microfocus adjustment (MFA), you can't do any harm - if you don't like the results, just return the setting to zero. Some of the new Nikons even have an auto calibration routine built-in - makes you wonder why it would be included if it was worthless.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

JBrondos wrote:

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

I have owned over 45 Nikon lenses. I got great IQ out of ALL of them. I really don't get calibration. I have never had to use it. Nikon advises against it. As do many photography sites. All my sharpening comes in post processing if needed. I believe it is more about operator error than lens construction.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gene51 wrote:

"Note that AF tuning is not normally required and may interfere with normal focus; use only when necessary."

Right! Since this is happening with different lenses, look elsewhere for a solution. Lens calibration sounds like an easy solution, but that might not be the problem. Set the camera on a tripod and focus on a good, contrasty target. Lock the mirror up and use the self-timer to trip the shutter. Do this with both manual and auto focus and several different lenses. If you're unable to get sharp focus, then the camera probably needs work.

Let us know how this turns out.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

JBrondos wrote:

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

Keep in mind that you can always go back to the original zero point in the camera. All you have to loose is time so why not try it.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

JBrondos wrote:

I have a Nikon D7200 with several lenses. I haven't been able to get the sharpness I want and wondered if I should be doing something with lens calibration -- though I'm worried about making things worse if I try some of the various methods and resources that are out there. (I also know that some advise against it altogether.)

Any suggestions?

For most people, it's matter of raising the shutter speed or using a tripod. In other words, check your technique first.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Be careful - My understanding is that calibrating a zoom lens is for a particular millimeter - NOT the entire range of the lens

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So, suggestions have been made to help you determine the root / underlying cause. Will you take these suggestions?

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

A personal experience: I have an 18~300 zoom - when I shoot at 300, I used a shutter speed of 1/640. NOW I shoot at 1/1000 and there has been an improvement in sharpness. In other words, it was/is my technique, not the lens.