Manual vs. Auto focus lens HELP!!! (Page 3): Base models Nikon DSLR's (ones that need a focus motor in the lens since there is none in the body) cannot meter with manual focus lenses.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Base models Nikon DSLR's (ones that need a focus motor in the lens since there is none in the body) cannot meter with manual focus lenses. When I say optimized for AF, that means they have no focus aids on the screen like microprisms or split images and are brighter than the older screens.. All Nikon DSLR's hold the aperture open on Ai or newer lenses (from 1977 on) until the shutter is released, thus stop down shooting isn't required. You seem to be referring to even older technology that was used by Pre-set lenses which had two aperture rings, one to set the aperture & the other to open it up to focus & compose before closing it back down to shoot.

PGHphoto wrote:

Not sure why you say manual focus lenses won't met... (show quote)

DTran

PGHphoto wrote:

Not sure why you say manual focus lenses won't met... (show quote)

Manual focus lenses won't meter on the lower end Nikon's and that's a Nikon restriction. Focusing screens for auto focus cameras do not have the split image focusing aid like most film cameras. Although I prefer not to use such an aid still because the focusing screen on the AF cameras have a layer of the LCD on it so that it can indicate the focus point. This LCD layer reduces the ability to manual focus.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

depending on the quality of the lens, it could be worth it. I have a few canon fd lenses that were the cats meow back I the day. I use them on my sony alphas. setting the exposure is simple, as for focusing, we took the same shots we are taking now. we found a way.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Screamin Scott wrote:

Base models Nikon DSLR's (ones that need a focus m... (show quote)

Thanks for the enlightenment on Nikons.

Yes, on the DOF, I was referring to the older lenses that do not stop down before the shot is taken. I have a number of older lenses and 'adapted' film lenses that force the aperture to always be stopped down. In that case I focus, stop down and shoot. Usually don't use the older lenses on action subjects though. Action shots I try to shoot with lenses that will stop down before the shot.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

DTran wrote:

Manual focus lenses won't meter on the lower end Nikon's and that's a Nikon restriction. Focusing screens for auto focus cameras do not have the split image focusing aid like most film cameras. Although I prefer not to use such an aid still because the focusing screen on the AF cameras have a layer of the LCD on it so that it can indicate the focus point. This LCD layer reduces the ability to manual focus.

Thanks - Learned something today !

Doesn't Nikon offer focusing screens with split prism ? I just installed one in my Canon. Always missed that in the digital world. Now I don't have to ! I don't notice any issues with the focus point screen making it more difficult to focus - but again I am only going by Canon bodies.

DTran

PGHphoto wrote:

Thanks - Learned something today !

Doesn't Nikon offer focusing screens with split prism ? I just installed one in my Canon. Always missed that in the digital world. Now I don't have to ! I don't notice any issues with the focus point screen making it more difficult to focus - but again I am only going by Canon bodies.

If you only use the plain area of the screen to focus you can see that the old film cameras are easier to focus than a modern AF camera. I know of third party screen with split image prism but I don't know of any Nikon one. May be because I am not interested.
The lower end Nikon's don't have the AI meter coupling because Nikon wanted to save money. Without the coupling stop down metering is possible if Nikon wanted to but I guess they figure these cameras are for beginners and it would make the beginners so confused so they decided to turn off the meter when manual lenses attached.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

They don't now but used to. I had a split image screen I got from a 3rd party that I had installed on my old Nikon D70s. They are basically cut down screens from old film cameras. I have since passed as I am able to nail focus without them anymore.... Guess practice makes perfect. At least I don't need them for macro shooting.

PGHphoto wrote:

Thanks - Learned something today !

Doesn't Nikon offer focusing screens with split prism ? I just installed one in my Canon. Always missed that in the digital world. Now I don't have to ! I don't notice any issues with the focus point screen making it more difficult to focus - but again I am only going by Canon bodies.

jacklewis014

Wow - lots of variables here. If you are shooting outside sports, "fast glass" isn't as big an issue. If you want to shoot inside you need a f2.8 or faster lens to be effective. The D70s only allows you to push the ISO to 1600 I believe. So, using a 4.5, 5 or higher lens is difficult as you can't compensate by using a higher ISO setting. Also, auto focus is really beneficial when you are shooting fast action. If the sport has players moving away or toward you quickly, you will have a difficult time getting the players in focus manually. Also, the D70s doesn't have a really fast burst mode (maybe in the 5 to 6 fps range). You will capture the sequence of movement with noticeable gaps between images.

I shoot a lot of sports competitions. I wouldn't try to get the pictures I want using manual focus lens. Maybe I am not that skilled, but I rely on the auto focus.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

A talented/skilled photographer can certainly take great photos even with a modest camera, BUT sorry to say that attempting to take acceptable indoor sports shots in dimly lit gyms with entry level cameras and slow lenses on a tight budget (a subject that is asked almost weekly) is an exercise in futility - sad, but that’s the reality. If you can’t use a flash, and you’re shooting something faster than bowling or curling, you’ll need to shoot at (and typically above) ISO 4,000, 1/500 and f2.8, or close to it.

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

TriX wrote:

But sadly it won’t be fast enough for shooting fast sports action in a poorly lit indoor gym.

Agreed. The D70S doesn't perform as well at high iso as modern equivalent cameras. That lens will be useless for indoor fast moving sport.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Nelcansan wrote:

I have been pricing lenses for my Nikon d70s. Been... (show quote)

Heck NO! You absolutely have to have autofocus. You will never get an in-focus shot if you are shooting a moving subject such as a sports event.

ecurb1105

Nelcansan wrote:

I have been pricing lenses for my Nikon d70s. Been... (show quote)

Look for an 85mm f1.8 used AF Nikon lens, it will give you the reach you want at f1.8. Then add a 35mm f1.8.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Nelcansan wrote:

I have been pricing lenses for my Nikon d70s. Been... (show quote)

I took three pictures of a deer today.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-512707-1.html
I took all three pictures with the same body, but I took two with a modern AF lens and the last with a old MF lens. I had time to "play around"; with sports you don't have that luxury.