Loop1

Newbie here, first post. Let me say I am mightily impressed with the quality of information provided by the contributors to this forum. Now to my problem: I value image sharpness very highly, and am confounded by my Nikon D7000. Yes, I have adjusted the "AF fine tune" function so that my 35mm f1.8 Nikon lens is spot on when I shoot a test chart on the wall. However, in shooting people, even under good lighting conditions, the results are not as sharp as I expect from this camera/lens combination. I suspect that the problem might be my confusion about the various "focus modes". I am not concerned about shooting moving subjects, I just want to produce sharp images when I put the viewfinder "center spot" on my target. Any advice will be appreciated.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Try using "live view" and zoom in on the subject to see if your focus through the view finder is any different than what you are seeing on a zoomed in image in live view. Adjust from there.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me begin by saying that most AF errors are operator's errors. I am not aware of your photographic expertise, I guess a newbie is just starting in photography if I am right.
I do not know what prompted you to fine tune the AF of your D7000 but I wonder if you did something wrong when you made the adjustments. I am sure you do not shoot a test chart everyday with your D7000.
I cannot remember of any of my lenses that required focus adjustment. If I ever encounter the problem I would prefer a trained technician to do the job for me.
Sharpness with any modern optics regardless of manufacturer is excellent. The photographer has more to do with good sharpness than the lens. What I am saying is that if your photographic techniques are not good enough the lens, regardless of its price and quality cannot do its job well.
The sharp, in focus pictures are gotten when AF-S is used. The camera will not fire if the subject is not in focus. The rest depends on the photographer.
If you want sharp pictures with any lens just set your camera on a tripod and observe good photographic techniques.

CO

You said you put the viewfinder center spot on the target but were the focus points set on single? It may be that outer focus points are focusing on objects that are closer to the camera than your main target.

(Download)

RickL Loc: Vail, Az

I have a D7000. Initially I struggled with sharp focus until I set to single focus point.

CO

Download Nikon View NX-i from Nikon's website. It can show you where the autofocus point(s) were landing. You may have all 39 focus points active now. You'll want to have only the center point active.

CO

There's something else you'll want to look at. Take a look at menu options a1: AF-C Priority Selection and a2: AF-S Priority Selection. Those can be set to either release or focus. Make sure they're set to focus.

tripwest Loc: Rochester, NY (Kodakland)

In the playback manual you can select to have the focus point (at capture) be displayed on review and it should always be included the metadata. I generally don't have this on, but I use it occasionally to confirm that I have things set up the way I want for various projects.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

If you are in live view, set the red square to center and set the lock lever so the red square doesn't move around the frame. If it moves, the camera will focus where the red frame is rather than the center of the lcd frame. I had focusing problems and realized the red square was floating around the lcd screen, while I was shooting.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, focusing modes can be confusing. I like the single center spot, too.

http://digital-photography-school.com/one-shot-vs-ai-servo-when-to-use-each/
http://www.slrlounge.com/understanding-nikon-af-modes/

Bill Waxman Loc: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

The D7000 is an excellent camera capable of outstanding images. Start by reading the manual and if you don't have one, it is downloadable for free from Nikon. I used that camera for several years and enjoyed it very much as well as getting very good pictures with it. Never had any problems using single spot focus (which can be moved around at will once you understand how to use it).

Mostly, have fun with it.

Bill Waxman Nikon film and digital user since 1965

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Where your in camera adjustments at infinity?

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

You might want to post a few photos and check the Store Original box so folks can view results and give advice based on the actual photos.. It's Anyones guess to your focusing problems and folks will continue to guess for several days, maybe even weeks.... I Guess.....

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

If you taped a test chart flat on the wall, you calibrated your lens wrong. You need to place the test chart at a 45 degree angle and shoot the center of the pattern and then look at the 100% view to see if your lens is front or back focusing. You need a good test chart with calibrated lines. Then make a small adjustment until you see just as much blur at the same spot on your chart front and rear.

bwilliams

I had problems with my D7000 until used single point focus as well.