nikon 35mm f/1.8

[Claudio17177]

After a few weeks thinking about it and asking for opinions, I finally got it, my first prime lens, I have only took a few shots (had it for a few hours) and I really like it, however I m struggling much more to use autofocus compared to my other standard 18/55 mm, I have bee trying af-a/s/c, and I have got some crispy photos although I struggle to get a good focus at first shot, is this due to inexperience? as I said is the first lens of its kind for me, is it because I used a lot of f/1.8 (love that dof)? Here a quick photo that i took as soon as the lens got home with me.
p.s. gutted I missed the edge of the handle :bonk:

 

[Charlatan]

Can you post the EXIF data please.

 

[Martyn...]

Can you post the EXIF data please.

1/13 sec f1.8 EV+1 ISO 200

I assume that was tripod mounted.

You have a fairly small depth of field at f1.8, and that close to the subject, so not a lot of margin for error, plus razor sharp wide open is probably not going to happen poor light, a stronger light source defining the edges would help no end, but you would loose that look in that shot.

Your focus success will improve with practice.

 

[Claudio17177]

1/13 sec f1.8 EV+1 ISO 200

I assume that was tripod mounted.

You have a fairly small depth of field at f1.8, and that close to the subject, so not a lot of margin for error, plus razor sharp wide open is probably not going to happen poor light, a stronger light source defining the edges would help no end, but you would loose that look in that shot.

Your focus success will improve with practice.

correct, I was in the process to post a RAW file, but it is no need it. I will take the tripod mounted as a compliment as the camera was handheld (resting my arm on me leg). Regarding the dof I also got some close up portraits in which only my eyes or eye was in focus.

 

[Raymond Lin]

That's more camera shake than missing the focus...it seems there is nothing in focus there.

When you are hand holding 1/focal length should be you shutter speed.

 

[gad-westy]

I agree that this is more of a camera shake issue due to low shutter speed. In this example shot, if you'd cranked the ISO up to 800 or maybe even higher, you'll be up to a usable shutter speed (1/50+) for hand holding at this focal length.

 

[casts_by_fly]

Have you set auto iso on your camera? The D3k should have it and I find it very useful when I'm not paying attention. With the 1.8 you're going to tend to push the limits of low light. In that situation, I'd bump the shutter speed up to 1/60 and let the ISO fall where it may. In auto ISO, tell it to use 1/60 as the cutoff speed and it will do the math.

Don't forget that 1.8 and close focus is very thin DoF. While I love 1.8 on my 35, 2.4 has the same effect on DoF pretty much, but gives just a little sharper shots, better contrast, and a little more leeway on getting the focus point right.

Also, for static subjects like this, choose single point AF and AF-s (or AF-A). Then make sure you put the correct focus point over the intended focus point.

thanks,
rick

 

[Claudio17177]

Have you set auto iso on your camera? The D3k should have it and I find it very useful when I'm not paying attention. With the 1.8 you're going to tend to push the limits of low light. In that situation, I'd bump the shutter speed up to 1/60 and let the ISO fall where it may. In auto ISO, tell it to use 1/60 as the cutoff speed and it will do the math.

Don't forget that 1.8 and close focus is very thin DoF. While I love 1.8 on my 35, 2.4 has the same effect on DoF pretty much, but gives just a little sharper shots, better contrast, and a little more leeway on getting the focus point right.

Also, for static subjects like this, choose single point AF and AF-s (or AF-A). Then make sure you put the correct focus point over the intended focus point.

thanks,
rick

thanks, I took iso into account, there was only one thing I hadnt thought about it and it was the setting of the AF area mode, which i just changed and autofocus is greatly improved, yet I had post it the wrong photo, on the coffee machine it was a shaking issue and I agree with all of you, I had experience problem at focusing automatically before which i why i was asking about in the post, cheers

 

[ptdborth]

Defo +1 for whacking the ISO up higher..I really struggled to get a decent shot on 200/400 once I went up to 8/16 it was pulling out some stunners