Cryppy Loc: Gouldsboro, ME

Just took my new lens out for a "spin" only for the third time since purchasing it 10 days ago through Amazon (Cameta Camera). The first two times out it worked fine, although the barrel movement was/is stiff and I don't like the vignetting (only at full extension) with the thread-on tulip hood. This morning the auto focus failed after using it for about 10 minutes. I had to shift to manual focus to capture the image I wanted. The auto focus failed in both manual (aperture priority) and automatic modes. My body is a D7200. I will call Cameta Camera today to ask for guidance on returning this lens. In the meantime, has anyone experience this type failure with this lens? Also, has anyone else experienced the vignetting with this screw-on (not twist on) hood? I have mine threaded (67mm) over my UV filter. It appears to me that I must either live with the vignetting at 300mm or buy a different hood.

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

Or take the UV filter off. I think that is contributing heavily to the vignetting. Sounds to me like the lens is due for a trip to the dealer.

Cryppy Loc: Gouldsboro, ME

Yeah, the filter is on my mind too. I mistakenly said "at full extension" and "at 300mm" - the vignetting is only at the widest setting (18mm), not zoom.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

UV filter off, clean contacts (esp. camera pins), maybe a reset, and try it again....if no improvement, send it back!!!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Cryppy - Regarding returning the lens, I wouldn’t advise confusing the important “failure to focus” issue with the “vignetting” issue. Cameta or B&H may be able to solve the vignetting issue by suggesting a different lens hood. You might consider adding some photos to this post, being sure to check “store original” and clicking “add attachment” so we can see what you are talking about. Respectfully, the issues in your post are a bit jumbled. When you address the focus issue with Cameta, be well organized (as of course you were in your technical profession):
- I have a Nikon D7200
- I purchased a Nikon AF-S DX 18-300...
- The camera (has stopped focusing) or (intermittently won’t focus) after... when in (xxx) mode(s)
- This occurs when I use the lens at its widest setting

As an aside, I briefly visited your website and was highly impressed. You are a skilled photographer, sir!

KenBlackwell Loc: Killeen, Texas

I recently bought the same lens. Had similar problem. You need an HB39 lens hood. The tulip is cut to work with the 18-300.

Cryppy Loc: Gouldsboro, ME

Thanks, Ken. Yes, I've already shipped the lens & hood back and will receive a new lens and HB-39 hood.

ecurb1105

You failed to report your focus settings, f stop and subject. That might help in solving problem unless it was just pilot error.