Nikon D60 and Tamron 16 to 300 zoom lens doesn't always communicate. Looking for advice: I recently purchased a Tamron 16-300 zoom lens used from our local camera shop. It had been...

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

I recently purchased a Tamron 16-300 zoom lens used from our local camera shop. It had been tested and is in like new condition. The problem is that occasionally it will stop communicating with my camera, (I have carefully cleaned the connections, it helped but the problem still occurs) The lens has a 45 day warranty, I still have about 30 days left.

This happens when I have been using the camera for a little while. My menu screen will just show F instead of the F stop. If I turn the camera off for a little while it will start working again, sometimes if I take the lens off and replace it, it will fix the problem for a short time. It is hard to get the problem to repeat at the camera shop.  or just when I want to show somebody the problem.

I’m thinking the lens is almost too much for my camera, its battery…. Is this possible? Could something be wrong with the lens? Its motor perhaps. I’m not sure how to check. I don’t have a problem with the kit lens I purchased with my camera, but it is ten years old too. I would appreciate any insight, suggestions, advice…..

Thank you, Betty

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Have you ever updated your camera's firmware? Try cleaning the contacts at the base of the lens, and get your body professionally cleaned.

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

Hi, thank you for your reply. I have never updated the firmware and when the camera store tried,there was no update available. I guess the camera is too old. I did clean all contacts but I will look into getting my camera body profesionally cleaned. :)

CO

I had a Nikon D90 and I got that message a couple of times with my Nikon 70-300mm AF-S lens. I just removed the lens and put it back on and it was good. I've noticed that there's a slight amount of rotational play at the lens mount even when the lens is locked in place. I think they designed in some play because of manufacturing tolerances. That play could affect the contact pins connection.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

xamier wrote:

I recently purchased a Tamron 16-300 zoom lens use... (show quote)

No offense but you have a very old entry level camera and a much newer third party lens. The Tamrons USD focus motor is much faster than the old first generation Nikon DX lenses. Its a pretty good bet the cameras focus motor just cannot keep up at times.
Slightly loosening the lens and re-tightening it will re-register the lens to the body and it should work again for awhile.

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

Thank you CO and MT Shooter. I didn't think there was a problem with the lens, I suspected my camera all along. I know it is an old entry level camera, I am planning to upgrade as soon as I can. (My father passed away a few months ago, I am still dealing with his estate, bills.....)

I will try keeping it on manual focus, perhaps that will help. Do you think I should turn off the VR too?

Respectfully, Betty

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

xamier wrote:

Thank you CO and MT Shooter. I didn't think there was a problem with the lens, I suspected my camera all along. I know it is an old entry level camera, I am planning to upgrade as soon as I can. (My father passed away a few months ago, I am still dealing with his estate, bills.....)

I will try keeping it on manual focus, perhaps that will help. Do you think I should turn off the VR too?

Respectfully, Betty

Try it with VC off, that may allow more power to flow to the AF motor. Can't hurt to try.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

You said the lens is used, relatively new but used none the less. Do you have access to another newer Nikon body? If you do then try the lens on a different body. If it does not fail on a newer body then you know for sure it's related to your older body.

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

Very good advice, sadly this is my only camera. It came from a good local camera shop, they test all used equipment. I didn't think about the age differences when I got the lens, I always wanted a super zoom and it was a really good buy.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

xamier wrote:

Very good advice, sadly this is my only camera. It came from a good local camera shop, they test all used equipment. I didn't think about the age differences when I got the lens, I always wanted a super zoom and it was a really good buy.

Your local shop seems helpful.
Perhaps they could loan/rent you a newer body, they might have a used newer body for a loaner/renter to try the lens on for a couple of days.
Then if the problem doesn't repeat itself you will know it is your camera.

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

We are lucky to have such a great store, that is a really good idea. The lens communicates fine with the auto focus and vibration turned off, but trying out a newer body would tell me for sure.

xamier Loc: Citronelle, Alabama

Thanks again architect 1776
It was the lens. My camera shop gave me my money back and I upgraded to Tamron 18 to 400 and a Nikon 3300 :)

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

xamier wrote:

Thanks again architect 1776
It was the lens. My camera shop gave me my money back and I upgraded to Tamron 18 to 400 and a Nikon 3300 :)

Glad the suggestion could be of help.
You are most welcome.