Using focus peaking to confirm lens alignment with Nikon D850: I performed auto focus fine tune on my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens using the Lens Align target. When I was satisfied...

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I performed auto focus fine tune on my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens using the Lens Align target. When I was satisfied that it was aligned I turned to camera to MF and the focus peaking red color was right on the target area confirming the auto focus. What do the members think of doing this?

Waxhouse Loc: Tampa Via Philadelphia

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Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I think you should forget that method and use the Focus Tune software that works with LensAlign. Peaking is OK, but it's subject to interpretation and a touch of variability. Using multiple shots and the Focus Tune software is far more precise.

That said...

Your D850 also has Auto AF Fine Tune and that can work well too - I've used it with my D850 for my 600 and 300 with and without TCs. I'v never been happier with my AF Fine tune results. However, it has to be done correctly. Here's how I do it:

https://backcountrygallery.com/get-nikons-auto-af-fine-tune-system/

There are also focus targets you can download at the site.

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

[quote=Steve Perry]I think you should forget that method and use the Focus Tune software that works with LensAlign. Peaking is OK, but it's subject to interpretation and a touch of variability. Using multiple shots and the Focus Tune software is far more precise.

Thanks, but I did use focus tune and was not suggesting to use focus peaking to fine tune. I was just saying that using focus peaking after fine tune showed the area in focus and it was the area that I wanted to be in focus.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

[quote=Jerry Green]

Steve Perry wrote:

I think you should forget that method and use the Focus Tune software that works with LensAlign. Peaking is OK, but it's subject to interpretation and a touch of variability. Using multiple shots and the Focus Tune software is far more precise.

Thanks, but I did use focus tune and was not suggesting to use focus peaking to fine tune. I was just saying that using focus peaking after fine tune showed the area in focus and it was the area that I wanted to be in focus.

Ahh, gotcha. There's been a few threads floating around (other forms) about using peaking for fine tuning and I thought maybe that was what you were going for here.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Steve Perry wrote:

I think you should forget that method and use the ... (show quote)

Thanks for the link Steve. I'm a very happy purchaser of your "secrets of the Nikon Autofocus system" e-book, and suggest it when I can. There are so many things to learn, I read the book before I had my D-500, and completely forgot about the auto AF fine tune. Currently, I have no issues, but it's worth a try to see if I can eek out just a little more sharpness.

I just wish they had the same system for the 7000 and 7100. I manually did it, but would like to see what Auto comes up with.

Dan R Loc: Way Way Way Upstate NY

Steve Perry wrote:

I think you should forget that method and use the ... (show quote)

Steve...great video, thanks!

mleuck

Who cares! Just use your equipment and make photos!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have never had any of my lenses to give a problem with focus. If focus adjustment is needed I prefer a reputable technician doing the job.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Jerry Green wrote:

I performed auto focus fine tune on my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens using the Lens Align target. When I was satisfied that it was aligned I turned to camera to MF and the focus peaking red color was right on the target area confirming the auto focus. What do the members think of doing this?

Are you asking a "belt AND suspenders" question? Auto focus is automatic. Manual focus needs help and focus peaking works nicely. No need or use to use them together.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

The D850 has focus peaking? I did not know that.

I assume that would be in live view?

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Jerry Green wrote:

I performed auto focus fine tune on my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR macro lens using the Lens Align target. When I was satisfied that it was aligned I turned to camera to MF and the focus peaking red color was right on the target area confirming the auto focus. What do the members think of doing this?

I just received my D850 a few days ago and had never done any AF fine tune before. I decided to do it and was surprised at the results I got using the "Fine Tune" software to analyze the results. I did both my D810 and the 850 and about 5 lenses each. The results were dramatically different. On the 850 my 24-70 was spot on, but on the 810 it required +12 to get it there. My 70-200 was way off on both cameras. Now I know why my images have been soft even though this is a highly rated sharp lens. Wish I had done this years ago.

FYI the Fine Tune software is a bit finicky. If you don't have your camera settings perfect the software cannot read the files and says your AF is off. Once you figure it out, it goes pretty well. Just don't try to work it in LV mode.

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

bkyser wrote:

Thanks for the link Steve. I'm a very happy purch... (show quote)

I read Steve's tutorial on Nikon AF and that is why I started to do this. I found some large discrepancies and believe my images will get better / sharper as a result.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I checked it out too. Good procedure but I'm not going to open that can of worms if I don't feel a need.

Dan R wrote:

Steve...great video, thanks!

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Fotoartist wrote:

I checked it out too. Good procedure but I'm not going to open that can of worms if I don't feel a need.

Yeah, I had some issues with my D-7000, but the D7100 was tack sharp. I manually did the adjustments on the 7000 and was happy.
In reviewing the results with the D500, I've started to rethink doing it, because it's super sharp, and although it's plenty easy enough to "undo" why take the time. I decided it's probably a better use of time to do it when there is a problem, instead of looking for a problem.

I do like the fact that it is easily done now.... for when it's needed, since I generally buy used glass. I realize that there's a reason some people sell them, and it could be a manufacturing variance that doesn't play well with the variance in the body.