Has anyone had problems with auto focus on the d800? Can't seem to get the razor-sharp focus that I should be seeing with the 36mp. Not terribly out of focus, just not super sharp. The 5dmkiii seemed sharper when I rented it, which shouldn't be the case. This is for stills BTW. Thanks in advance.
Focus issues on d800
- Thread starter Danny1280
- Start date
They say part of the problem is 36mp is sharper than some of the lower end Nikon lenses can handle, but if you've got a D800 you probably arent using a lower end lens anyways.
A lot of D800s had problems with the left side auto focus points, mine was one of them and had to be sent back to Nikon. Even with the AF Fine Tune it wouldnt focus consistent.
Definitely use a lens cal and the AF Fine-tune if you havent done that yet.
A lot of D800s had problems with the left side auto focus points, mine was one of them and had to be sent back to Nikon. Even with the AF Fine Tune it wouldnt focus consistent.
Definitely use a lens cal and the AF Fine-tune if you havent done that yet.
Michael Carter
Veteran
There are two issues - AF, for all it does, is still an inconsistent technology. Pixel-peep a dozen shots with all settings the same and you'll usually see some focus creep, regardless of system. The other is the physics of light being directed through all that glass - every lens has slight differences in the critical focus point, and huge-megapixel images can show that. Thus the addition of micro-fine tuning per lens. The camera "knows" which lens is on it, and it calls up your settings. It takes some testing to work out. In my D7000 manual it's indexed as "AF fine tune". There are several youtube videos showing how to do it with a sheet of graph paper and a book (you can do it with any flat sheet of text, really).
My D7000 and my D90 both had to be repaired for AF issues - the D90 after a major fall, the 7000 after a minor bump. If you can get great focus via live view, but your prism, Af system, and in-foucs indicator show tight focus while your shots are way-soft - the mirror/sensor alignment relationship needs adjustment.
Nikon DSLRs are nowhere near as robust as their old film bodies - I had a strap break on an N90s which left a giant scuffed dent on the bottom - I've had 8008's take drops to concrete floors that pancaked pricey lenses. They still work like champs.
My D7000 and my D90 both had to be repaired for AF issues - the D90 after a major fall, the 7000 after a minor bump. If you can get great focus via live view, but your prism, Af system, and in-foucs indicator show tight focus while your shots are way-soft - the mirror/sensor alignment relationship needs adjustment.
Nikon DSLRs are nowhere near as robust as their old film bodies - I had a strap break on an N90s which left a giant scuffed dent on the bottom - I've had 8008's take drops to concrete floors that pancaked pricey lenses. They still work like champs.
Michael. That was very helpful. Many thanks. Just curious. Is the same routine necessary for the 5dmkiii. I just ask because when I rented it, it seemed to nail each AF shot, and I've shot on two d800s with this same issue. Granted, I have not yet tried the fine tune, which will hopefully make the difference.