Focusing Issues

[t2photog]

I shoot with a Nikon D80 (has nine focus points) and primarily use the Nikon 28-70mm and 70-200 mm lenses. When I shoot people up close at 28mm (2.8), I get really sharp images, but it seems the further back I get, the blurrier the images get. Even if my aperture is 5.6. Right now, I'm only getting about 50% of my images in focus and it's driving me crazy!! I find myself only showing my clients the ones that are in focus, rather than the images with the best composition. Please help!!!

[Mr Guy]

You are saying the lens isn't focusing AT ALL with distance, not that part of the image is in focus and part isn't, right? Can you focus manually and get the results you want?

I'm not a Nikon guy, so I'm not familiar with that lens. Generally, lenses are softer wider open, so it's possible that once you back up and zoom in you're in the soft part of the range and need to drop your aperture more. Have you tried a focus chart in a well lit area to look for a pattern of aperture/focal length combinations that don't focus well?

[t2photog]

I've never focused manually, but I'm on the verge of having to do that. The lens does focus with distance, just not where I'm intending, especially with people. For example, the person is not in focus, but the wall next to them is. And I am in the spot mode, so that's not it either. Great idea on the focus chart. I'm going to check that out for sure. Thank you. :-)

[dhart]

Make sure you aren't continuously focusing. There are three setting for focus: AF-A, AF-C, and AF-S. If you are in A or C, then you might be continuously focusing, so when you move to frame the shot, your focus point shifts. I shoot in AF-S (spot) unless I am shooting action for this reason. Don't know a lot about the lenses you have, but I do know that when I first got the camera, also a D80, I learned that I move a lot when I press the shutter. I know you said that the wall is in focus, so it's not a motion blur, but it could be that the camera is refocusing.

Another thing to watch is the actual spot on the grid that you are focusing with. Mine sometimes randomly changes if I am not careful. I am probably brushing up against buttons, but I have to watch it.

The only other thing I have found is that I also have to watch my shutter speeds, but that has to do more with camera shake than misfocusing.

Keep practicing, you will get it!!!!

[FullAperture]

Are you using a tripod? At long mm camera shake is possible even in the 1/200 range. If you're just out of focus it might be you're not locking focus in. Do you have examples?

[JerBear]

There are several ways to set your camera focus area, be sure to know them all and when to use them

Then check your lens

One of my photographers was having a similar problem and came to me for help. First thing I did was shoot a few tests shots with his setup, then I switched out his lens for one of mine and repeated the test. It was his lens. While that does not happen often, it did this time.

Good shooting

JM