water droplet - unable to focus

[idlebrain]

I am using Nikon D60, with 18-55 MM VR - trying to take the pic of water droplet falling into a bowl. I am unable to focus on the spot where water is dripping. Appreciate any ideas how to focus in this scenario. Thanks.

[sybren]

Set it to manual focus?

[idlebrain]

Nope, manual also doesn't work.

[wulf]

Assuming you have your camera fixed on a tripod or other static support, focus on where the drop will be using something else as a reference point (such as your finger). You can either do this manually or use auto focus and then switch the lens to manual mode.

If the drop is still blurry then the chances are that the problem is the drop moving too fast (motion blur) rather than being out of the area of sharp focus.

Wulf

[Trader]

If you post a picture along with the EXIF data, we could see exactly what you are talking about.

[har06053@byui.edu]

Wulf's idea works. I've done it that way, but I use a q-tip instead of a finger because a finger is a little too big for perfect focus.

[Chip]

You might be trying to focus on spot that's too close to the lens.

[idlebrain]

Originally Posted by wulf

Assuming you have your camera fixed on a tripod or other static support, focus on where the drop will be using something else as a reference point (such as your finger). You can either do this manually or use auto focus and then switch the lens to manual mode.

If the drop is still blurry then the chances are that the problem is the drop moving too fast (motion blur) rather than being out of the area of sharp focus.

Wulf

thanks for the tip. I will try this one.

[Insomniaq]

Good tip...I've always wanted to shoot one of those pics with the water drippin/hitting and get the rippled effect

[dcclark]

Another way to get the focus right, is to let the water drop into the bowl (or whatever), and put the tip of a pencil right where it hits. Turn off the water, focus on the tip of the pencil, and then set your lens to manual focus and leave it there.