Tamron on Nikon autofocus.. I just bought a macro lens for use on my Nikon D5100. I will mainly use it for macro shots but may occasionally use it for portraits. The body of the Nikon...

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

I just bought a macro lens for use on my Nikon D5100. I will mainly use it for macro shots but may occasionally use it for portraits. The body of the Nikon does not have an AF motor but the lens (Tamron sp af 90mm f/2.8 di macro) does. The problem is that I can't get the lens to autofocus. It works fine in manual. Any ideas?🤔

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Nikon D3xxx and D5xxx lines do not have internal focus motors. You have to decide if you need AF and should invest in compatible lenses, or use as manual focus.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Semi-Amateur wrote:

I just bought a macro lens for use on my Nikon D5100. I will mainly use it for macro shots but may occasionally use it for portraits. The body of the Nikon does not have an AF motor but the lens (Tamron sp af 90mm f/2.8 di macro) does. The problem is that I can't get the lens to autofocus. It works fine in manual. Any ideas?🤔

Are your switches set to AF?

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

The lens has an in/out clutch mechanism, so I have that box checked. I don't see any focus switches on the body.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Semi-Amateur wrote:

The lens has an in/out clutch mechanism, so I have that box checked. I don't see any focus switches on the body.

Isn’t there a switch below the lens release button on the D5100?

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

I'll have to look when I get home tonight. Not sure.

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

Thanks Paul. I would have bought a better lens but my wife doesn't want me spending a lot of money right now.

Hydro47 Loc: NW Indiana

As far as I know, you cannot do a manual override with a Tamron lens. You mentioned that the lens worked fine in manual. I can't use the focus ring on my Tamron 18-270 on my D3400 unless the lens is set to MF.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Believe me, the Tamron 90 mm f2.8 is an excellent macro lens and it doubles as a portrait lens. If you have nothing against manual focus keep the lens.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

camerapapi wrote:

Believe me, the Tamron 90 mm f2.8 is an excellent macro lens and it doubles as a portrait lens. If you have nothing against manual focus keep the lens.

But the lens has a built-in motor, so will autofocus on a D5100. I’m not familiar with the camera, but it appears that there is no AF switch on the body so it may need to be set up up in a menu. The manual should explain how to do that. If it still doesn’t autofocus properly, there could be a problem with the contacts, or in the camera or lens.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I have that lens and I like the MF/AF clutch. If the ring is pushed forward it should focus. Now when you say it won’t focus do you mean it doesn’t do anything or it hunts and can’t find focus. If it’s hunting you might want to check the focus limit switch.

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

RWR wrote:

But the lens has a built-in motor, so will autofocus on a D5100. I’m not familiar with the camera, but it appears that there is no AF switch on the body so it may need to be set up up in a menu. The manual should explain how to do that. If it still doesn’t autofocus properly, there could be a problem with the contacts, or in the camera or lens.

That's kinda what I was thinking. I'll look into the menu. Thanks.

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

SuperflyTNT wrote:

I have that lens and I like the MF/AF clutch. If the ring is pushed forward it should focus. Now when you say it won’t focus do you mean it doesn’t do anything or it hunts and can’t find focus. If it’s hunting you might want to check the focus limit switch.

It does nothing. One of the focus points flashes red. I also have a Nikor 85 prime and it autofocuses with no problems on the d5100.

Semi-Amateur Loc: Central Indiana

camerapapi wrote:

Believe me, the Tamron 90 mm f2.8 is an excellent macro lens and it doubles as a portrait lens. If you have nothing against manual focus keep the lens.

Yes. I agree. I may just keep it and shoot old school for awhile.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Semi-Amateur wrote:

Yes. I agree. I may just keep it and shoot old school for awhile.

It really depends on what you paid for it. I’m assuming you got it used. I would check other used prices on that lens and unless it was well below market I would send it back.