Soft Focus: Am I doing something wrong?
1869621
I have the same problem with this camera. Focus is soft and there are noticeable chromatic aberrations (aura you're talking about), there's also noticeable barrel effect (people look wider off-center). Honestly, optics is pretty bad on this camera. The focusing system also seems to be hit and miss but mostly miss. I set mine in manual mode with center focusing and even then the image is far from what I'm used to call "in focus". I'm surprised this camera is rated this high. My older Canon S410 takes consistently better images.
1868331
Exactly, I have the same experience. Once the lens focusing is a bit stiffer then the follow focus jumps up and down.The only solution is to replace this follow focus with the one without the quick release, as I did and I am quite satisfied now:Fotga upgrade DP500IIS dampen follow focus with A/B hard stop for DSLR CameraFotga upgrade DP500IIS dampen follow focus with A/B hard stop for DSLR Camera
1111212
I can only get one side at a time to focus, I have not been able to get both sides to match. One or the other is always out.
1131172
I had the same experience, I was not able to get it to focus at all . I have tried during different time of the night/ and month with no luck.
529194
Thanks so much for your suggestions! As I mentioned in my previous post, I've used locking pre-focus when shooting sports, and that works fine. For grandchildren, though, it doesn't work--their direction (especially distance to or from the camera) is likely to change wildly, so pre-focus doesn't work as well. If they're running toward you, for example, I've tried using the AF Tracking, but getting that first lock on their faces is a real challenge. 8O
408668
Yes. You can focus very close, probably about an inch or so from the subject.
1170303
That's what I have and it didn't work with mine. Now, I wasn't sure if it was faulty or if it needed another attachment. But it was all out of focus and not right at all.
1256230
No focus peaking -- many have requested that -- and there are rumblings that it will be in a firmware update, but nothing solid that I know about.
449696
I'm a moderator at Nikonians.org and a more detailed discussion to help you could be handled more effectively there. Generally speaking the D7000 is set up with defaults for a consumer orientation. That means images are a little softer and brighter to be optimized for small prints shared among friends or on the web. When you look at magnified images optimized for small prints, it will look soft. The assumption is if you are more advanced, you'll also know or learn to optimize your settings. Frustratiing but true. :) For me, that means increasing the in camera sharpening, keeping noise reduction off for most situations, and using a single focus point rather than letting the camera automatically select the focus point. If you choose a single focus point, you have to watch how you use it. You need to place the point on the part of your subject that needs the sharpest focus. Maybe it is the eye of a person, or for landscapes about 1/3 of the way into the frame. Also keep in mind that a 16 MB image is going to show more resolution and reveal technique errors that were not seen on 12 MB images. We saw the same thing when we moved to the D200 from D100/D70 cameras. Generally the camera and lenses are pretty good. You can buy better lenses, but it's best to learn to optimize the gear you have. Make sure you have enough light to freeze the subject and eliminate movement. Your shutter speeds need to be fast enough to hand hold - 1/500 sec or more is best if you are testing. Don't shoot at the extremes of your zoom and expect perfection - most lenses perform better if you stay away from maximum and minimum focal lengths. Stop down your aperture a little to f/6.3 or even f/8. Most lenses perform better stopped down a stop or two - which also gives you more depth of field. And for testing, pick a simple target with clear contrasting edges. It normally takes a little practice. You have to make your errors predictable - not just your successes. Know when you are at or beyond your limits. Hope this helps.
839581
Do not overlook the need to turn OFF the Focus Check setting! Realize that the default setting slows the AF down markedly. If this setting is left on, it will result in wandering focus ...
298942
I second guessed myself as well in the beginning. The lens has a pretty long manual throw. i.e. it takes some big turns to get things into focus manually. Keep trying and it should eventually get things into focus.
1076525
Focus is good, but blurred background is a much more complicated issue involving a clear understanding of the elements of depth of field. Apeture/shutter speed combinations control depth. High shutter speeds will help by givng a larger apeture
2246941
I'm not sure about the auto focus, but I can say that the focus is very soft. I returned the one I ordered because of that.
934916
Make sure you're using the correct lense. Don't use the high powered one yet. Use the lowest power. Point it at a far away house's window and get it focused. Next get the spotting scope calibrated on that window. Once you've done that, point it at the moon and focus on that. Sounds like you're just way out of focus.
19868
That is difficult. I have not used mine too much yet. Try moving the camera. The depth of field is very small when using these. Practice will work for both of us.
1080089
I leave the i-Contrast turned ON. That might help. I also find when I use the ZOOM I need to give it a second or two to focus and then I can take the photo. Still learning too but love this camera!!!!
1570876
Yes there should be a small screw next to the lens..tightening and loosening should focus it for you