Troubleshooting Auto Focus Issues with Nikon 35mm and 50mm 1.8G Lenses
Have you ever encountered auto-focus problems with the Nikon 35mm 1.8G or 50mm 1.8G lens? While issues are infrequent, some photographers may experience slight out-of-focus results. This article will guide you through simple steps to resolve these issues and maintain your Nikon lenses in optimal condition.
Common Issues and Solutions
It's worth noting that the specific issues you're experiencing might not necessarily point to inherent problems with the lenses themselves. Instead, they could be due to incorrect settings or a slight misalignment. Let's delve into the steps you can take to fix these issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Clean the Lens Contacts: Start by ensuring that the lens contacts on the Nikon camera are clean. Dust and debris can affect the electrical connection and cause lag in autofocus.
2. Secure Lens Mounting: Ensure that the lens is securely mounted on the camera. Loose lens mount can cause inconsistencies in focus.
3. Check Autofocus Settings: Verify that your autofocus settings are correct. Select Single Point Focusing, with the S option rather than C or M for continuous or manual focus.
4. Focus on a Fixed Point: Focus on a well-defined, fixed point to ensure accuracy. This will help the camera learn and calibrate itself correctly.
5. Use Autofocus Fine-Tune: If the problem persists, consider using the Autofocus Fine Tune feature. Repeat the process on a fixed, clear, well-defined point with high contrast, ideally using a focus scale chart or ruler at a graduated angle.
Eliminating Camera Body Faults
Repeat the process with the lens mounted on another camera body to rule out any potential issues with the camera itself. This can help ensure that the problem lies within the lens rather than the camera.
Professional Service and Calibration
In the unlikely event that none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be time to seek professional service. Generally, the need to fine-tune each lens separately increases with high-resolution modern cameras. Some lenses may require recalibration, which can be done at a Nikon repair center or by a third-party expert.
Common Concerns and Additional Information
One common concern is the need for AF calibration, which has become more prevalent with both Nikon and third-party lenses. Modern lenses often have higher sharpness requirements, leading to frequent re-calibration needs.
The Nikon 50mm 1.8G lens, while popular, comes with its own set of considerations. Although it is a great lens, it may be slightly bigger and heavier in comparison to its 1.8D counterpart. However, it outshines the 1.8D in terms of sharpness and is notably quieter due to the silent wave motor. These factors might contribute to occasional auto-focus issues, though they are not significantly impactful.
Silent Wave Motor
The silent wave motor in the 1.8G lens provides a smoother and quieter focusing experience, which can sometimes lead to confusion about the focus position, particularly when the motor is not functioning optimally.
Focus Calibration with Nikon Lenses
Owners of both the 35mm and 50mm 1.8G lenses should be aware that the focus settings can be adjusted using the camera's AF calibration settings. This involves setting the camera to Auto-Focus Fine Tune (AF-C) and adjusting the lens' focus to match a reference point accurately. The fine-tune settings can be done per lens to ensure the most precise focus.
Adjusting Focus Settings
To ensure the lenses focus correctly, it's important to set the switch on the lens to AM (Auto Mode) for the 50mm 1.8G lens and MA (Manual Assist) for the 35mm 1.8G lens. These settings can be found on the side of both lenses. Incorrect settings can sometimes prevent autofocus from working properly.
Conclusion
If you find that you are still experiencing auto-focus issues with your Nikon 35mm or 50mm 1.8G lenses, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. From cleaning the lens contacts to setting the correct focus settings, these steps can help you achieve the best possible focus every time.
Should these steps not resolve your issues, it might be wise to contact a Nikon repair center or a professional third-party service to further diagnose and calibrate the lenses. Remember, maintaining your lenses properly can greatly enhance the quality of your photos. Enjoy your photography!