Any good tips on using MF lens?

[Benny Pan]

I just bought a Nikon 50mm F1.8 AF but my D40 doesn't support AF on this lens. I will use this lens to shoot mainly portrait photo so I think MF wouldn't be a big problem.

But I do need some helpful tips on using MF lens as I'm quite used to AF. Anyone help??

[inkista]

Get a Canon? [ducks] Sorry sorry.

Obviously, if you're shooting wide open with the 50/1.8, you're going to have a very thin DoF to work with--if you're getting very frustrated by that, consider stopping down the lens (using a smaller aperture/higher f-number) a little to extend your DoF, so that focusing won't be quite so critical.

If you're taking portraits, concentrate on getting the eyes in focus--once the eyes are in focus, the shot will feel more focused.

Even though the AF system can't actually focus the lens, it can still tell you when it thinks the subject is in focus--use the autofocus confirmation (flashing dot in the finder) to help guide you.

[RexK_Cozumel]

Make sure your subject is in focus.... There should be a focus indicator light that turns on when the camera thinks it is in focus.

Focus bracket....

I am not sure if your D40 has a DOF preview button but if it does use it.

[LoveDSLR]

Check out Manual Focussing a Nikon 50mm 1.8.

[Benny Pan]

Thanks guys . . .
I plan to upgrade to D90 once save up enough that's why I chose 50mm 1.8 coz it's way cheaper than the AF-S F1.4

[wulf]

The "green dot" mentioned in the thread LoveDSLR links to and some of the comments above is a key tip, as is not always opening the lens all the way up. You get a much more forgiving depth of field at f/4 than at f/1.8. If you need to work in very low light then try standing further back from the subject, which is another way of increasing the DoF.

Wulf

[utsc2006]

Great tips. I'm in the same position myself but it's good practice until you can bump up your camera. Just think of it as a learning experience

[elkhunter]

The green light in your view finder is the cameras built in range finder and works pretty good. I just mainly judge the clairity through the viewfinder and as long as the green light at least flashes im pretty close on focus. Most of the time when shooting you will not always have time for the light to hold steady. I enjoy shooting manual focus with my 35mm f/2.8 i get some really great shots.Enjoy!