PitchurMan Loc: Michigan

I am using an AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm 1:3.5 - 5.6 G on a Nikon D70s. The issue is whenever I use the lens in available light, regardless whether it's on a tripod or handheld, the pictures are softly focused. The problem occurs whether the VR is turned on or off. However, when I use the lens with the SB800 strobe attached to the camera, photos are razor sharp.

I have tried using the setup without flash on a tripod with a 2 second delayed shutter release also with a remote shutter release. The softness occurs at all shutter speeds up to 1/500th of a second, hand-held or tripod mounted, VR on and off in both situations.

At first I thought the problem was mirror slap, but the softness doesn't occur with either the 70 - 180 Nikkor macro lens or the 12 -24 Nikkor wide angle zoom. Neither the wide angle or the macro have VR.

Does anyone have an idea how I can get sharp photos with the 24 - 120 mm lens in available light situations.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

pitchurman:

I have a 70s and use a nikkor AF 28-105 3.5-4.5 and my pictures turn out razor sharp when on a tripod and handheld. I usually shoot in apeture priority and just make sure I have sufficient shutter speed, usually 1/80 or faster. I have read several reviews of the nikkor AF-S, VR lenes that come as a part of a kit such as 18-55, 18-105, and 55-200. Many comments that the pictures are not tack sharp and are usually soft. May be an inherant problem with Nikon lenses.

PitchurMan Loc: Michigan

When I was growing up in photography, Nikon was the choice of professionals. When I made the switch to digital I stayed with Nikon, but in retrospect I wish I had looked more diligently at the Canon systems. You are probably right about the inherent problem with Nikon zooms.

What I don't understand is why my lens is so sharp when I use it with the SB800 flash and so soft when I shoot available light, regardless of shutter speed, tripod or not.

Art4940 Loc: Central New Jersey

There is no inherent problem with Nikon zooms. The three lenses you mentioned are kit lenses and are not Pro level.
I would try your 24-120 on another body or go to a full service camera store and have them check out your lens.

PitchurMan Loc: Michigan

Art4940,
Thanks for the reply. Can you give me an example of a "full service" camera store in Michigan (Grand Rapids or Muskegon)? Will they normally have technicians on staff who have the skills to evaluate my lenses? How much will I have to pay for this service?

jbush

Are the flash images sharp whether the light is a main source or used as fill?

Bush

Art4940 Loc: Central New Jersey

PitchurMan
Since I live in New Jersy I have no idea. You can contact a local camera club and I am sure the membership deals with someone.
I have always found Nikon customer service helpful. I guess being in the New York area I am used to many places to shop
and try out equipment.
Good Luck

PitchurMan Loc: Michigan

To those who replied to my first post on this thread: thank you for your responses.

I finally got it sorted out. The camera had a dirty mirror. I don't know why the problem only showed up with the 24-120 zoom, but all is good now. I noticed it accidentally when I was blowing dust off the sensor last week. Before I locked it up to get at the sensor, light hit the mirror at an angle such that I could see an incredible amount of dust and dirt that I hadn't noticed before. I cleaned it with lens cleaner and good old fashioned Kodak lens tissue and voila', problem solved.

LarryD Loc: Mojave Desert

The mirror only reflects the image up to your viewfinder.. It never translates to the image... you could have a bug on your mirror and your images would be just fine..

I suspect that when you say "available light", you are using your lens wide-open. Most lenses are softer at the exreme apertures available (fully open or fully closed). But when you use your flash, you are using an aperture that is sharper than wide open..

PitchurMan Loc: Michigan

I had done some reading prior to cleaning the mirror. Apparently the autofocus sensors in the D70s are behind and below the semi-transparent mirror, thereby causing my focus problem. When I cleaned the mirror, the problem went away.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Hi Charles. Like you, I read a lot of reviews in making my purchase decisions. I will regularly read what Ken Rockwell has to say about something, as well as others. Ken likes the 18-55 and the 55-200. He says that while they are cheap plastic bodies, the glass is sharp. I was reading his review of a much more expensive lens and he made the comment that the more expensive lens wasn't any sharper than the 18-55. So, I decided to try one. Checked Craig's List and found one for just over $100.00. I have been amazed at the performance of that little lens. It stays on my camera. In fact, I went back to Craig's List and found a 55-200 worth the money and bought it. I cannot dispute what Ken had to say. I am very pleased with both of these lenses. He isn't as fond of the 18-105, and neither am I. It's an okay lens, but I don't find it as sharp as the other two. Just thought I'd share first-hand experience.