Out of focus ring

[riverrat219]

Could someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong? I focused on the ring, but it never APPEARS in focus. What am I doing wrong? Do I need extension tubes? I do not own a "macro" lens, and I've never used extension tubes, so I don't know how they would affect the rest of my photo. Needless to say, I'm on the learning curve...
Thank you for ANY suggestions!

Nikon D90
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
105mm
ISO 200
f/5.6
shutter speed 1/60, with flash off camera

[ahorne]

I've got a Canon, but I'd assume it's the same either way.

Have you tried using your screen instead of the viewfinder and zooming in digitally? It doesn't actually zoom your image in, just lets you see a portion of the image multiplied. (I have no idea if this makes sense or not, I can't explain my camera, I just use it!)

That way you could make sure the focus is tack sharp. Sometimes your eye just can't see the tiny detail, and what looks sharp to your eye from the viewfinder is really blurry on screen

[fernampo]

Hi, I liked your photography! And the model is really good looking girl!

Well, I have some thoughts and I'm sorry if you already tried this, ok?

Did you push AF/lock button? If so, maybe the girl is too close to the camera and your lens didn't focus it! Her eye is in focus! But trully, I don't think this is the case.

Once checked that, I'd try:

1) Set the focus to AF-C + spot mode.
2) Then, I'd select a point the is exactly over the ring.
3) Press half way the shutter until it automatically focus it.
4) Push the shutter the other half way to get the picture taken. DON'T RECOMPOSE!

If it all fails, I'd thinks there is an issue with your gear.


Hugs from Brazil!

[SwissJon]

Don't use autofocus.. The AF takes an average which will not always give you focus on what you want.. Use manual focus and do what ahome suggests..

Your F stop gives you a fairly shallow depth of field. Since the subject is fairly still, use a tripod and increase the f stop to f/11 and then focus manually, at these settings your picture will be about 1/15th so make sure she stays still. You should be able to get both her face and the ring in focus. The ring is too small to be the only thing in the plane of focus, your picture will just look wrong.. If you want to make a feature of the ring, get closer to your subject, use a focal length between 35mm and 50mm and fill the frame with her hand, ring and the bright side of her face.. You should then be able to play with your F-stop to get her face out of focus but the ring in focus.. But still, use Manual focus, in an environment where everything is static, your eye should be a much better judge of focus than the cameras automatic settings (and it's good practice too!)

[locojain]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Don't use autofocus.. The AF takes an average which will not always give you focus on what you want.. Use manual focus and do what ahome suggests..

Your F stop gives you a fairly shallow depth of field. Since the subject is fairly still, use a tripod and increase the f stop to f/11 and then focus manually, at these settings your picture will be about 1/15th so make sure she stays still. You should be able to get both her face and the ring in focus. The ring is too small to be the only thing in the plane of focus, your picture will just look wrong.. If you want to make a feature of the ring, get closer to your subject, use a focal length between 35mm and 50mm and fill the frame with her hand, ring and the bright side of her face.. You should then be able to play with your F-stop to get her face out of focus but the ring in focus.. But still, use Manual focus, in an environment where everything is static, your eye should be a much better judge of focus than the cameras automatic settings (and it's good practice too!)

I agree with you mate.. mastering manual focus helps a lot..