lENS PURCHASE (Page 2): Thanks to all who have volunteered responses. Some information I knew but a lot was new to me. I see many explanations for my questioning why the sharpness of...

moosus

Thanks to all who have volunteered responses. Some information I knew but a lot was new to me. I see many explanations for my questioning why the sharpness of "GORDON" was less than I expected. I was wondering about my technique as well—lots to consider. I especially like the responses that say if you are not happy with it, don't buy it. A realistic approach. Many thanks.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

moosus wrote:

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this q... (show quote)

Lens "VR" for most full frame or APS-C is usually about 3 stops. It will still require a fairly fast shutter speed for handholding. Or still mounting on a tripod. If it is just for a simple one time shoot or specific trip for landscape, you could try 4/3rds with its 5.5 or more stops IS and the ability to shoot at 50mp / 80mp RAW for landscapes. I would not suggest getting 4/3rds since your system is Nikon unless you plan to shoot a lot of landscapes.

You are probably expecting too much or being overly critical.

moosus

Thank you for your input.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

CHG_CANON wrote:

If you want the letters of Gordon to be the sharpe... (show quote)

Those letters at their sharpest point seem sharper than the statue. It looks to me like it’s front-focusing and needs calibration.

moosus

That's what I was wondering, if perhaps the camera was having issues with the lens. A hogger yesterday suggested fine-tuning with "live view", without filters, no VR, and on a tripod, which I did. That seems to have helped sharpen the image output. It's been suggested loose the filters, at least while fine-tuning the lens. I figure it's on me, Nikkor lenses are pretty reliable. Thanks for ur input.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

moosus wrote:

Thank you for your input.

1) If you clicked "Quote Reply" under the post you are replying to as I did here, we would know what it was.
2) Let me add my voice to those that already said "Stop it down, try f/8". Wide open gives little depth of field.

moosus

PHRubin wrote:

1) If you clicked "Quote Reply" under the post you are replying to as I did here, we would know what it was.
2) Let me add my voice to those that already said "Stop it down, try f/8". Wide open gives little depth of field.

10-4. I've already set the F/stop to 7.1 and/or 8 and am out testing the lens with a few other suggestions from the Hog crowd. Thanks to all.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

FWIW, I own this lens and find my copy very sharp, very light and very useful. YMMV. Best of luck.

moosus

camerapapi wrote:

I hope it is clear to you that you need this lens.... (show quote)

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I've always used a CPL for what I perceive as color enhancement but just as importantly, for me, protection for the front element. I have recently focused the lens on a tripod using the "live view" method I saw on YT, with all the protocols in place (no VR), etc. and the images seem somewhat sharper. And your buy a lens useful for (my) needs makes good sense. I'm going to try and limit my F/stop to around 8 as suggested and pay closer attention to shutter speed other things related to personal technique. Thanks for your POV.

moosus

cjc2 wrote:

FWIW, I own this lens and find my copy very sharp, very light and very useful. YMMV. Best of luck.

Thanks for the input. I just couldn't believe the soft focus, on most of the images, I got from that new lens. I'm thinking more and more that it's either me or my D7200 that might be having some issues. I'll see. Thanks.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

moosus wrote:

Thanks for the input. I just couldn't believe the soft focus, on most of the images, I got from that new lens. I'm thinking more and more that it's either me or my D7200 that might be having some issues. I'll see. Thanks.

Others have made suggestions. I would not expect the issue to be with the lens or body, but it's not impossible. Check your focus, shutter speed, aperture and ISO. The 300/4 PF is a superior lens, but it must be used properly. Practice, practice, practice. Adequate light is important to focus speed and accuracy. Best of luck.

moosus

cjc2 wrote:

Others have made suggestions. I would not expect the issue to be with the lens or body, but it's not impossible. Check your focus, shutter speed, aperture and ISO. The 300/4 PF is a superior lens, but it must be used properly. Practice, practice, practice. Adequate light is important to focus speed and accuracy. Best of luck.

Yeah, I'm re-reading parts of my Dave Bosch's D7200 manual and re-searching on YT. It's probably me. I just couldn't believe the "soft-focus" images I was seeing on my computer were made by a brand new, off-the-shelf, Nikkor lens. I am mentally paying more attention to how I physically execute the shot. Thanks.

colt4x5 Loc: Central Connecticut

Used to own this lens. Loved it. Did not have issues with focus/sharpness.
Everyone who has mentioned depth of field is right on the money here: On a 300mm lens, the depth of field at f4 is tiny. Yes, get a dof calculator on that phone and use it. With time, it will become instinctual.

agillot

I dont think there is anything wrong with the lens .You are dealing with a difficult subject , with weird light conditions , sideways angle , light reflection at the bottom where the writing is , [ a polariser would have taken care of that ] .You cant expect miracle here .

moosus

colt4x5 wrote:

Used to own this lens. Loved it. Did not have issues with focus/sharpness.
Everyone who has mentioned depth of field is right on the money here: On a 300mm lens, the depth of field at f4 is tiny. Yes, get a dof calculator on that phone and use it. With time, it will become instinctual.

Yeah, that DOF calculator app has come up a lot. That'll probably be my next purchase.