MiroFoto

I have a Nikon 7100 with a Tamron 16-300 lens. When trying to focus in low light , it just either takes too long or does not focus at all and I have to wiggle and try to find another spot. It is not the case with a flat uniform area . It was on children faces . When I tried with a black background - no good luck.

Does anybody have a similar experience? Is it common for the Nikon 7100 or the Tamron tele-lens. I am trying to find if it is the camera or lens limitation from the factory or if I have a broken equipment.

Thank you for the input, Miro

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Not really unusual, you have a crop sensor camera and a slow lens, not nearly the combo needed for GOOD low light focusing capability.
Your lens was designed as a decent general purpose OUTDOOR lens when you have decent light to work with.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Invest in a monopod.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

It might be worth mentioning that as a general rule, superzooms have relatively small maximum apertures. The opposite is true of primes and pros recommend bright primes for low light shooting.

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

Post a sample image.

BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY

Make sure you are focusing on a spot with sufficient contrast. Try to either move your focus point or focus and recompose keeping the focus shutter button half pressed. Consider using back button focus (BBF) if you are often in that situation.

jims203 Loc: Connecticut

I had the same set up for a short time. My lens was no were close to my Nikon 18-200 so I promptly returned it.

MiroFoto

OK, thank you all for the input.
I had a tripod and focused to relatively contrast area...buy it was DARK. So I had to find better spot. BBF is fine , if you have time and the same distance . But , with children 3y old, I miss many good shots. Otherwise, once it grabs the focus, the pictures are sharp (enough).

Basically, I have concluded from your comments, that camera is OK and lens also ….no technical problem. I just need a good lens - fast prime. For the "portraits" and indoor children probably 80mm.

Any suggestion what would be decent lens for the Nik 7100? I do not want to overChristmas my pocket.

Thanks Miro

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

For that shooting, find yourself a Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 lens, you will be amazed at the shots your D7100 can get in low light with that lens!

BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY

If you set your focus mode to AF-C (continuous) using BBF, the camera will keep focus if the distance changes as long as you hold the button down. Releasing the button locks the focus. I've found that this can minimize or eliminate missing the shot while the camera hunts for focus.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

MiroFoto the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro is a 18X Super Zoom and being a third party optic not likely to be a highly responsive performer on your Nikon D7100... You might have been far better served with the stellar AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED VR (DX) which I have and use on my D7100. This 4X zoom preforms AF wonderfully in low light and is optical rather good considering it's price point.

Here is DxOMarks review of your Tamron on a Nikon D7100...
https://www.dxomark.com/tamron-16-300mm-f-3.5-6.3-di-ii-vc-pzd-macro-review-jack-of-all-trades-part-i-nikon-mount/
As you can see from the Optical Field Test the Tamron isn't a stellar optic... and no match for Nikkors in the same Super Zoom Class... You get what you pay for...

But this isn't what you want to hear and I "get that" so here is a work around...

First DO NOT use BBF (back button focus) with this challenged optic.
Instead set your focus mode to (S) Single Point and make certain your have Focus Auto Assist enabled...
This can (and likely will) empower your Third Party glass...

btw, You can find this function under the CUSTOM SETTING MENU (a7) Built-in AF-assist illuminator.
You will hear your D7100 Beep (if you haven't turned off Beep) when you half press the Shutter Release when it finds & Locks focus... Once again DO NOT use BBF with (C) continous AF... this disables the Built-in AF-assist illuminator... and it's reassuring "Beep"

Also be absolutely certain you use only the SINGLE Center focus point on your D7100 since this is by far and away the most sensitive "Cross Type" sensor... the outer focus points are likely not up to the task of struggling with the f/6.3 aperture.

Best Advice? Sell the Tamron and invest in a Nikkor... Want a Zoom Optic, then go for 3X or less... I assist many commercial shooters in my market and not only do they typically use only primes they stay with their camera vendor's glass... the story is the same for those shooting Canon, Sony etc.

Yes I use a couple of Sigma optics (DX) since Nikon doesn't make pro-quality DX lenses...
the 17-50mm f/2.8 and the 50-150mm f/2.8 both are 3X Zooms
However the 35mm f/1.8 DX Nikkor is outstanding! and that optic should be in every DX user's kit!

Hope this helps MiroFoto...
Experience is a brutal teacher as well I've discovered...
And the compelling reason I'm using primes whenever practical...

All the best on your journey

uhaas2009

My 7000 does not like every lens....lol.....some Nikon lenses shows the same problem. My tokina 100mm 2.8 is definitely a problem the focus is off. Shooting Beautiful big birds flying is definitely a challenge. I have 70-300mm G,VR where the focus motor broke, got it fixed and works great now (did this lens got a better motor ?-maybe)
I have a 70-200mm 2.8 And my 7000 I feel okay but not really impressed either.....my 810 body makes me excited and most of the lenses works like charm......

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/1.8 (DX) are great prime lenses and will not break the bank. Purchasing factory refurbished will also save you dollars. KEH, and MPB offer 6 month warranties on used equipment for most grades and I have found both companies excellent to deal with.

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

Thanks for the tip! I was using AF-S with BBF and I think I will give your method a shot!

BillFeffer Loc: Adolphus, KY

You're welcome. Practice with it. It will become second nature. Also, the half press of the shutter button will still lock the exposure. Useful sometimes if you focus and recompose depending on your metering mode.