Nikon D750 & D780

So used the 70-200 2.8e this weekend and Initial results were mixed. Its missed focus a number of times when tracking.

I'm not sure why, the F4 never missed focus when tracking. I am not talking about minor missed focus, the whole shot was just out of focus. The in focus shots were nice, clean and crisp but the end results were not any better than the F4 in daylight conditions.

Once the light was going the benefits of 2.8 became apparant as it allowed me to use a faster shutter speed at lower ISO numbers. However I then did some shooting at F4 and the high ISO performance of the D750 really did shine.

Again though, when I looked back at the pics on the PC, there were a few shots with nothing in focus at all.

I'm not sure because it being an E lens I need to update my D750 firmware, but don't think that was the issue.

I think I'm more frustrated not knowing how it happened lol
Shouldn't be missing focus like that (assuming it's nothing obvious like user error). That being said, my VRII missed focus more times yesterday than ever before, but the light was exceedingly poor yesterday first thing. Also, I've put theUV filter back on so not sure if that affected it. They were completely OOF, but focus was more on the ears for example than the eyes. Did you try another lens to see if the focus ring was 'loose' on that too?
 
Last edited:
Shouldn't be missing focus like that (assuming it's nothing obvious like user error). That being said, my VRII missed focus more times yesterday than ever before, but the light was exceedingly poor yesterday first thing. Also, I've put theUV filter back on so not sure if that affected it. They were completely OOF, but focus was more on the ears for example than the eyes. Did you try another lens to see if the focus ring was 'loose' on that too?

Yeah tried another and its just how it is! The light was good and I did have a UV filter on - maybe that was the issue but have never had that before when using one on the F4. I can't think of anything user error wise. Tracked sideways, fired off shot - in focus, 2nd shot completley out of focus, 3rd shot - in focus.
 
Yeah tried another and its just how it is! The light was good and I did have a UV filter on - maybe that was the issue but have never had that before when using one on the F4. I can't think of anything user error wise. Tracked sideways, fired off shot - in focus, 2nd shot completley out of focus, 3rd shot - in focus.
Shouldn't miss focus tracking sideways. Have you checked the focus points to make sure you were still on the target?
 
Shouldn't miss focus tracking sideways. Have you checked the focus points to make sure you were still on the target?

Yep - all settings are as per my usual for tracking. AF-C, 1/500-1/1000, using middle focus points only. When I was tracking there was no apparant shift in focus either.

It didn't happen everytime - was quite odd! Will have to try again next weekend and see what happens.
 
Also no idea why they moved the zoom ring to the front. I don't think it was a great move!
 
Yep - all settings are as per my usual for tracking. AF-C, 1/500-1/1000, using middle focus points only. When I was tracking there was no apparant shift in focus either.

It didn't happen everytime - was quite odd! Will have to try again next weekend and see what happens.
I'd be testing it ASAP just in case you've got a duffer and need to return it.
 
Just another thought, could it be the VR setting?
 
Just another thought, could it be the VR setting?

Maybe - I tried it on sport, but will try it without next time. Maybe I nudged the focus ring, but don't think I did. Could be wrong though as depending how you hold the lens it could be easily done!

Although lens was in focus release so not sure.
 
Last edited:
Maybe - I tried it on sport, but will try it without next time. Maybe I nudged the focus ring, but don't think I did. Could be wrong though as depending how you hold the lens it could be easily done!

Although lens was in focus release so not sure.
TBH that was my biggest concern with them swapping the focus/zoom ring around, the focus ring is right where I'd rest my hand so I'm sure I'd knock it from time to time. I'm sure if you're panning you're going to be putting some twist on the focus ring.
 
TBH that was my biggest concern with them swapping the focus/zoom ring around, the focus ring is right where I'd rest my hand so I'm sure I'd knock it from time to time. I'm sure if you're panning you're going to be putting some twist on the focus ring.

The more I think about it the more I think you are right, I was panning and zooming slightly so it could have been so easy to do so. I'm going to try my technique later and see if its what is happening. Seems a lot of people have the same issue:

https://photographylife.com/nikon-70-200mm-f2-8e-fl-vr-handling-concerns

The amount of time I started to try and zoom with the focus ring was quite annoying!
 
So anyone using the 18-35 on a D750? I'm looking for something wide to go with my 50 and 70-200. Not after a lens for low light, but there will be times when I want to shoot wider than 50 and wider than 35.

Don't want anything to big and heavy like the F4 version.

I've got the old Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4. It's very affordable second hand and really rather good for an occasional wide angle user like myself.
 
I've got the old Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4. It's very affordable second hand and really rather good for an occasional wide angle user like myself.

Yep I like my 50mm, but there will be times when I will need/want wider so 17-35/18-35 seems logical even if its not used a lot!
 
TBH that was my biggest concern with them swapping the focus/zoom ring around, the focus ring is right where I'd rest my hand so I'm sure I'd knock it from time to time. I'm sure if you're panning you're going to be putting some twist on the focus ring.

This is exactly my issue. Just been trying it and when I support the lens so it's comfortable. My left finger sits on the zoom ring allowing me to rotate easily with one finger and both my thumb and 2nd finger support the lens, but both fingers are directly sitting on the focus ring!!!

As I zoom I can feel myself accidentally turning the focus ring too. People may have different ways of supporting the lens but to me this is not a good design at all. They needed to make a mode with full auto for this lens design to work where manual override was not possible.

I know people love this lens and will have a different technique or use it differently, but this really could be a deal breaker for me.
 
This is exactly my issue. Just been trying it and when I support the lens so it's comfortable. My left finger sits on the zoom ring allowing me to rotate easily with one finger and both my thumb and 2nd finger support the lens, but both fingers are directly sitting on the focus ring!!!

As I zoom I can feel myself accidentally turning the focus ring too. People may have different ways of supporting the lens but to me this is not a good design at all. They needed to make a mode with full auto for this lens design to work where manual override was not possible.

I know people love this lens and will have a different technique or use it differently, but this really could be a deal breaker for me.
Yeah, for those that handle lenses in a certain way I can certainly see it being a deal breaker, especially as the focus ring is so loose. If it was stiffer like the VRII it wouldn't be moved so accidentally

So these 2 are In focus - the picture I took before (which was a better shot) was completely out of focus due to the above issue!

Bliss & Nikki by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr

Bliss by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr

That first one really is a cracking image. Very crisp with lovely rendering. With the many function buttons on the lens is there no way of disabling MF?
 
Yeah, for those that handle lenses in a certain way I can certainly see it being a deal breaker, especially as the focus ring is so loose. If it was stiffer like the VRII it wouldn't be moved so accidentally



That first one really is a cracking image. Very crisp with lovely rendering. With the many function buttons on the lens is there no way of disabling MF?

I don't think you can, but will have another look. I will try it again and see how I get on but take along the F4 at the same time just in case I get super frustrated!
 
Yeah, for those that handle lenses in a certain way I can certainly see it being a deal breaker, especially as the focus ring is so loose. If it was stiffer like the VRII it wouldn't be moved so accidentally



That first one really is a cracking image. Very crisp with lovely rendering. With the many function buttons on the lens is there no way of disabling MF?

I think it does render better than the F4, but hard to tell without the same light. This was with the F4, same horse, same settings but shot at F4, where as the one with the 2.8 was at 2.8.

DSC_3052 by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr
 
I think it does render better than the F4, but hard to tell without the same light. This was with the F4, same horse, same settings but shot at F4, where as the one with the 2.8 was at 2.8.

DSC_3052 by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr
Another great shot. As you say, difficult to compare with different light and processing (looks like the shadows have been lifted more on the f2.8?)
 
Another great shot. As you say, difficult to compare with different light and processing (looks like the shadows have been lifted more on the f2.8?)

The light was really helping on the first shot, it was at such a kind angle and just worked!

Both processed using identical settings, and not can't really fault either lens IQ wise.

Both seem pretty good wide open, and in daylight conditions I am not sure if there is a huge difference in the end results.

The 2.8 will have the edge when it gets darker. Actually I did try it when the sun had gone down and we were back home. Let me go upload one!
 
I don't think you can, but will have another look. I will try it again and see how I get on but take along the F4 at the same time just in case I get super frustrated!

There's always gaffer tape to stop the focus ring moving. :)
 
So this was around 630 and the sun was completely gone so was working with low light!

First one was at F4 and second was 2.8. This was quite a bit more testing for the camera and lens!

This is Brendan our new youngster who is coming on very nicely indeed, think he will be a bit of a star as he grows up.

Brendan by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr

Brendan by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr
 
This is exactly my issue. Just been trying it and when I support the lens so it's comfortable. My left finger sits on the zoom ring allowing me to rotate easily with one finger and both my thumb and 2nd finger support the lens, but both fingers are directly sitting on the focus ring!!!

As I zoom I can feel myself accidentally turning the focus ring too. People may have different ways of supporting the lens but to me this is not a good design at all. They needed to make a mode with full auto for this lens design to work where manual override was not possible.

I know people love this lens and will have a different technique or use it differently, but this really could be a deal breaker for me.
What switch settings is on on the side for AF. Is there a A-M or M-A switch? I seem to remember on the vr2 it has both and one takes more of a turn of the focus ring to change over to manual focus. Poor with release priority is it isn't infallible as it can see a point has caught focus, its possible that the focus isn't on your subject.

In good light there probably won't be much better the f4 and f2.8, it's when the light really drops the vr2 comes into its own.

Edit: just downloaded the manual, it seems A/M should be used to stop unintentional turning of the focus ring. M/A mode changes focus as soon as the focus ring is moved. It would be interesting to hear if you are in A/M or M/A mode on the switches.
 
Last edited:
Do you support the lens with your hand underneath or over the top like many seem to do? I've seen some odd combinations over the years. I found it different moving to a 70-200 zoom ring from the back to the front of the lens, must agree that the it's easier at the back.

I do miss the compression at times but just don't use often enough.
 
So this was around 630 and the sun was completely gone so was working with low light!

First one was at F4 and second was 2.8. This was quite a bit more testing for the camera and lens!

This is Brendan our new youngster who is coming on very nicely indeed, think he will be a bit of a star as he grows up.

Brendan by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr

Brendan by Justin Akehurst, on Flickr
Not a lot in it is there. The horse's head and reins look better on the f2.8 to me but it might just be the way it's facing as it looks as though it's facing the light in this one.
 
What switch settings is on on the side for AF. Is there a A-M or M-A switch? I seem to remember on the vr2 it has both and one takes more of a turn of the focus ring to change over to manual focus. Poor with release priority is it isn't infallible as it can see a point has caught focus, its possible that the focus isn't on your subject.

In good light there probably won't be much better the f4 and f2.8, it's when the light really drops the vr2 comes into its own.

Edit: just downloaded the manual, it seems A/M should be used to stop unintentional turning of the focus ring. M/A mode changes focus as soon as the focus ring is moved. It would be interesting to hear if you are in A/M or M/A mode on the switches.

I'm in A/M mode and a slight touch of the focus ring is all that is needed.
 
I'm in A/M mode and a slight touch of the focus ring is all that is needed.
I've just check my lenses (not the 70-200 f2.8 e but the 70-200 vr2 and 200-400 vr2) they take quite a bit of movement to fully disengage auto focus in A-M but very little in M-A. What i did find to re-engage AF after turning into manual was it wouldn't auto focus until I restarted AF. To do that I would have release the shutter button and depress to half press to start AF again. It must be the movement of the focus ring is not fully disengaging auto focus to manual focus but is enough to interfere with AF operation. I guess supporting the lens with a monopod and not hold the lens barrel is the only way to test if it's accidental focus ring movement and not something else like a more sensitive outer AF point.
 
All shots using middle point. Tested both modes and on this copy of the 2.8e it's very easy to disengage AF in both A/M And M/A. In actual face I can't really say there is any difference at all in how quickly it changes.

But there is a number or reviews saying the same thing. The one I linked earlier for example.
 
All shots using middle point. Tested both modes and on this copy of the 2.8e it's very easy to disengage AF in both A/M And M/A. In actual face I can't really say there is any difference at all in how quickly it changes.

But there is a number or reviews saying the same thing. The one I linked earlier for example.
I've read that review, more of a quick hands on review saying there could be a potential issue rather than saying there is specifically an issue like you are experiencing. Are you having to re-engage AF (releasing half shutter press or finger off BBF) after accidentally turning the focus ring? Turning the focus ring lock should you into manual focus until you re-engage AF.

It sounds like Nikon have made a mess of moving the focus ring if it's easier to disengage AF via accidental movement of the focus ring if A/M doesn't take much movement to disengage it and acts similar to M/A. The whole point of the A/M mode being added was to stop accidental AF disengagement, which is probably going to occur more often with rings how they are (I still don't believe it was a change many asked for otherwise the new 24-70 should be the same way round. Having the two workhorse lenses that many pros use together different in this way won't help. The ease of construction argument make more sense here). Have you checked it against another 70-200 f2.8E lens it see if it's definitely a model issue rather than your specific lens?
 
I'm engaging AF, but using AF-S so as I was tracking the horses I was also zooming in and out as they made it over 2 different jumps.

It's not something that has ever been an issue using the F4 so it's either lens specific or just the way I support the lens because having tried it last night it's really easy to change focus accidentally when turning the zoom ring.

The way I got round it was using the foot to support my hand rather than the lens itself. This kept me from getting near the focus ring. Although not the most comfortable way to support a heavier lens!!
 
I've read that review, more of a quick hands on review saying there could be a potential issue rather than saying there is specifically an issue like you are experiencing. Are you having to re-engage AF (releasing half shutter press or finger off BBF) after accidentally turning the focus ring? Turning the focus ring lock should you into manual focus until you re-engage AF.

It sounds like Nikon have made a mess of moving the focus ring if it's easier to disengage AF via accidental movement of the focus ring if A/M doesn't take much movement to disengage it and acts similar to M/A. The whole point of the A/M mode being added was to stop accidental AF disengagement, which is probably going to occur more often with rings how they are (I still don't believe it was a change many asked for otherwise the new 24-70 should be the same way round. Having the two workhorse lenses that many pros use together different in this way won't help. The ease of construction argument make more sense here). Have you checked it against another 70-200 f2.8E lens it see if it's definitely a model issue rather than your specific lens?
By the sounds of it Nikon have cocked up twice, moving the focus ring and also making it loose. The 24-70mm has a loose focus ring which is easily knocked off focus, however, it's not where you place your hand so it doesn't happen. It's such as shame as the optically the 70-200mm e is a triumph, and it doesn't focus breathe.

I'm engaging AF, but using AF-S so as I was tracking the horses I was also zooming in and out as they made it over 2 different jumps.

It's not something that has ever been an issue using the F4 so it's either lens specific or just the way I support the lens because having tried it last night it's really easy to change focus accidentally when turning the zoom ring.

The way I got round it was using the foot to support my hand rather than the lens itself. This kept me from getting near the focus ring. Although not the most comfortable way to support a heavier lens!!
To be honest I wouldn't want to buy a £2k+ lens and then 'fudge' how I hold it.

Can you tape over the focus ring to stop it moving?
Likewise I wouldn't want to buy a £2k+ lens and have to tape it up because Nikon made a faux pas (imo).
 
There is no denying the IQ is excellent and in all fairness its not too heavy once you have it supported. The focus ring is damped, but where my hands rest naturally (and more importantly are comfortable) I can actually fel myself turning the focus ever so slightly as I zoom and no matter what mode the lens is in I see a slight shift in focus.

I didnt notice myself doing this at the weekend as was concentrating on my panning.

Need to either adjust my grip, stick with the F4 or get a VRII but the focus breathing concerns me due to shooting at 200mm quite a lot - although I don't fully understand focus breathing or how much of an issue it is.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top