Nikon D3100 Help: Using the Nikkor 70-300mm (1:4-5.6) lens that came with the camera and trying to get a clear image of the moon. Adjusted diopter. Wearing glasses. Using tripod. Can't...

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

Using the Nikkor 70-300mm (1:4-5.6) lens that came with the camera and trying to get a clear image of the moon. Adjusted diopter. Wearing glasses. Using tripod. Can't seem to get a clear enough image...close, but no cigar. Did better with my old Nikon P90. Any suggestions?

Also, would like to get an AF zoom and need some recommendations on which one to get.

Bring it on! I'm listening...

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

Adding... the lens is a "Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300, 1:4-5:6" MANUAL focus. Would like a zoom that will AUTO focus.

khansotte Loc: PA

can you post a picture that you took with the D3100??

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

I am thinking this lens is NOT a manual focus??? but has a manual focus option. unless you really got the shaft from whoever sold you that lens..look on side and see if there is a switch to turn lens to AF...mine has a switch on lens MA-MF...switching to MA will solve your problem..BUT when you shoot moon you may actually want to shoot in manual focus..set camera to aperture priorty aperture to f8 tripod..and let shutter do its thing.

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

liv2paddle wrote:

I am thinking this lens is NOT a manual focus??? but has a manual focus option. unless you really got the shaft from whoever sold you that lens..look on side and see if there is a switch to turn lens to AF...mine has a switch on lens MA-MF...switching to MA will solve your problem..BUT when you shoot moon you may actually want to shoot in manual focus..set camera to aperture priorty aperture to f8 tripod..and let shutter do its thing.

No...it's a MANUAL focus. No MA-AF switch like on my 18-55mm lens. I'm in total manual focus mode. I'll try the aperture priority and see what I get. Thanks.

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

khansotte wrote:

can you post a picture that you took with the D3100??

Oh goodness...it's an UGLY sight.

tommyest Loc: N. Hollywood, CA

RockinRobinG wrote:

Adding... the lens is a "Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300, 1:4-5:6" MANUAL focus. Would like a zoom that will AUTO focus.

The AF in the lens name means that it is Auto Focus.

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

tommyest wrote:

RockinRobinG wrote:

Adding... the lens is a "Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300, 1:4-5:6" MANUAL focus. Would like a zoom that will AUTO focus.

The AF in the lens name means that it is Auto Focus.

Well shoot! That's what I thought! But it does not AF and there is a focal ring that I have to use to manually adjust the focus. I don't know how to get it to AF. Maybe I need to contact Nikon directly.

snowbear

The 3100 does not have the autofocus motor so you need the AF-S lenses to autofocus.

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

snowbear wrote:

The 3100 does not have the autofocus motor so you need the AF-S lenses to autofocus.

Now THAT'S what I needed to hear. Thanks snowbear. Although, my 18-55mm does AF... so what do you mean by the 3100 not having an autofocus motor? Or are you just saying the lens won't AF unless I have the AF-S lens? So maybe I need a different zoom. I just found my focus meter in my viewfinder! That will help a ton. I had one on my Nikon FE but didn't see it on the D3100. Sheesh! This gettin' older thing is tough. <Laf'n>

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

"Using the Nikkor 70-300mm (1:4-5.6) lens that came with the camera"

If this lens came with the camera..I would go back to where you purchased camera and lens and complain ..big time. You got scammed. if it was ebay..contact them..the new 70-300 vr is an AF-s lens and will work with d3100 ..the older 70-300 G and ED will not autofocus with your camera. Good luck

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

For focusing purposes, the moon can be considered an infinite distance from earth. It is always noon daylight on the lighted side of the moon, so your exposure should be 1/ISO (shutter speed) at f/16 (aperture). In other words, at ISO 400, 1/400-sec at f/16, lens at infinite focal distance.

At ISO 200, 1/200-sec at f/16 is equivalent exposure, but the longer your lens, the fast your shutter speed to reduce camera shake. At 300-mm, I recommend ISO 400, 1/400-sec at f/16.

When using a tripod turn OFF your IS (Image Stabilization) or VR (Vibration Reduction).

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

liv2paddle wrote:

"Using the Nikkor 70-300mm (1:4-5.6) lens that came with the camera"

If this lens came with the camera..I would go back to where you purchased camera and lens and complain ..big time. You got scammed. if it was ebay..contact them..the new 70-300 vr is an AF-s lens and will work with d3100 ..the older 70-300 G and ED will not autofocus with your camera. Good luck

SERIOUSLY? It is definitely 1:4-5.6 "G" and "AF" instead of the "AF-S" that I was supposed to get. I have already contacted the company. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for that information. I actually thought something was wrong but wasn't positive that I had the wrong lens.

Joyfullee Loc: South FL

RockinRobinG wrote:

quote=snowbear The 3100 does not have the autofoc... (show quote)

A lot of cameras have the motor in the camera itself, the D3100 does not.

In the D3100 the motor is in the lens, which is why that lens will not auto focus....it has no motor in the lens....but can be used in auto focus mode with a camera that has the motor built in.

RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska

Nikonian72 wrote:

For focusing purposes, the moon can be considered ... (show quote)

Thank you for that info. Will try, try again. I'm close...