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05/08/2010 02:08:24 PM · #1 |
Hello everyone.
I'm having trouble focusing with my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 APO HSM lens on a Nikon D40X body. I've been shooting team handball this winter and had an occasional frame with a wrong autofocus point but now the soccer season has started and I'm shooting for a local website dedicated to soccer.
My problem is that the lens (or camera maybe?) keeps focusing on whatever is in the background. My settings are f2.8, continous servo focus (AF-C), matrix metering. Although it doesn't seem to make a difference if I change the metering, autofocus area mode or whatever else, the focus still isn't on my preferred subject. Also, when using the "dynamic area" autofocus area mode, should the only active focus frame be the one on the right??
Am I misunderstanding some camera setting or is the lens simply not better than this? Another thing, I'm getting a distinct red and blue fringe when using the same lens, anyone else familiar with this?
I borrowed a Canon 5D MarkII with a 70-300 f4-5.6 for my match today and it did the job brilliantly.
Any ideas as to what the problem might be?? |
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05/08/2010 09:04:00 PM · #2 |
| Have you tried manually selecting the a single AF sensor and using that to focus? |
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05/08/2010 09:17:13 PM · #3 |
No, as I don't know how to do that.
How do I?
Thanks for the reply :) |
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05/08/2010 11:27:33 PM · #4 |
| I have the same camera and the same lens, I really think it's just a user error. I do have that problem sometimes and it's just where I have the focal point on the subject. If there is a fence or something in front of me I sometimes have to spin the focus on the camera to get it to the general area so it will auto focus. If you strongly believe that it's the camera you may want to send it in and have it checked out. |
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05/08/2010 11:44:30 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by dizus:
No, as I don't know how to do that.
How do I?
Thanks for the reply :) |
RTFM. I suggest if you are shooting for a website that specializes in soccer that you spend a fair bit of time learning your equipment. You need to use the center AF point and keep it nailed on your subject, preferably a high contrast part of the player.
Red and Blue fringe is pretty common for inferior type of lens such as the sigma that you are referring too when they are used wide open and have dark subject to light backgrounds, or light subjects with dark backgrounds.
Matt |
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05/09/2010 12:58:06 AM · #6 |
How can you be paid to take pics when you don't know your camera? Read the user's manual, get a Busch guide.
Practice focusing away from work. Try photographing objects at different distances and see how your camera works. |
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05/09/2010 07:54:21 AM · #7 |
Zeissman: I'm an amateur photographer, therefore it would be illegal for me to get paid for photographing in my country. It's also an amateur website that doesn't have money to pay, so they look for people who are willing to do pro bono work. It just so happens that the website is very good and popular and many people are willing to do pro bono work for them.
I've practiced tons away from "work" and never had any problem getting the camera and lens to work the way I want it to.
Also, and that goes to MattO too, I was just asking for advice, no need give me attitude. Pointing out politely that I may have overlooked something helpful in the manual would have sufficed.
With that said, thank you very much for taking the time to reply, I will RTFM for the fifteenth time. |
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05/09/2010 08:09:16 AM · #8 |
Þórdís
I also use Nikon equipment (albeit the D300) so here is my initial thoughts on things to try when shooting sports.
The D40 allows you to select both the Focus Mode (AF-A, AF-S, AF-C) and the Area Mode (closest subject, Dynamic, Single Area).
For the Focus Mode ( tend to use AF-C which stands for continuous focusing). You should have a lever on the body near the lens that will allow you to switch between modes. Continuous sometimes does not respond as quickly as I like, so I tend to shoot in AF-S (single) focus that way. I recommend trying both out and seeing which best for your kit.
For Area Mode, for sports photography I have found the single area point is the only way to go. You will see a little box in the view finder that shows you where the image will be focusing. You can use the little thumb lever on the back of the camera to move it to the position you want (typically in the center for sports).
I haven't used the Sigma 2.8 70-200 lens so I can't really provide any recommendations on chromatic abberation (fringing of blues/magentas etc), but I have seen it on occasion on my Nikon 2.8 80-200 - typically in tough lighting situations.
Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have other questions.
Cheers
Peter
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05/09/2010 09:02:17 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by bassbone:
You should have a lever on the body near the lens that will allow you to switch between modes. |
On the D40x the only way you can switch between modes like this is to go through the menu.
Hit the menu button on the back of the camera and navigate to the "Custom Settings Menu" which is the menu with the pencil. Then look for "Focus Mode", mine is 3rd down from the top of the menu with a 02 next to it. Make sure it is set to AF-C. Another thing you might want to check is AF area. That menu us the next one down and it says "AF-- Area Mode". Make sure that is set to "Single area". What that does is, it allows you to select the focus area during shooting.
Another setting you may want to check is your metering. Your camera should be set on Spot so you can focus and properly expose your subject.
What setting do you use when photographing sports? Auto/A/M/P/S/Sports?
Originally posted by bassbone:
For Area Mode, for sports photography I have found the single area point is the only way to go. You will see a little box in the view finder that shows you where the image will be focusing. You can use the little thumb lever on the back of the camera to move it to the position you want (typically in the center for sports).
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For an amateur this is good advise but keep in mind dizus that once you zoom in on your subjects and they fill the frame you will need to either adjust your focus points to focus on their faces OR learn how to use the AF-L button on the back. |
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05/09/2010 09:37:23 AM · #10 |
Hello sister....
Did you try manual focus? I have a d90 with a $1500 nikon lens and had focus problems yesterday. I was shooting a play indoors and many were out of focus. I had to switch to manual to finish up.
Autofocus is not without problems. Some shooting conditions are better than others.
Oh....don't let nasty comments bother you here. You get that once in awhile here. I'm not sure why you would get rude comments in reply to a simple request for help though. |
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05/09/2010 09:42:15 AM · #11 |
Bassbone and Dirt_Diver, thanks a million, your replies are what I was hoping for :)
Regarding the chromatic abberration I'm gonna try using smaller aperture this afternoon (actually in about 20 minutes time) since I'm shooting outdoors in broad daylight, f2.8 can be sacrificed :)
I agree with the single area point when shooting sports, especially with the short DOF, it's no good that the ball is crisp and clear and the player's face slightly blurred. At least IMO.
I always use the manual setting, whatever I'm shooting.
Thanks again for great advice :)
Þórdís |
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05/09/2010 09:44:37 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by dizus:
Bassbone and Dirt_Diver, thanks a million, your replies are what I was hoping for :)
Regarding the chromatic abberration I'm gonna try using smaller aperture this afternoon (actually in about 20 minutes time) since I'm shooting outdoors in broad daylight, f2.8 can be sacrificed :)
I agree with the single area point when shooting sports, especially with the short DOF, it's no good that the ball is crisp and clear and the player's face slightly blurred. At least IMO.
I always use the manual setting, whatever I'm shooting.
Thanks again for great advice :)
Þórdís |
Closing down the aperture from 2.8 to 4 or higher should help get a bit more in focus as well from a DOF perspective....Good luck today.
Message edited by author 2010-05-09 09:46:48. |
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05/09/2010 09:47:54 AM · #13 |
Kenskid:
I agree completely, but hey, it tends to happen on the internet.
I would use manual focus, but I'm way to slow in any condition, so I prefer the quick autofocus when I'm not shooting just for me.
As it happens, my lens has complete manual override, so if its completely in the wrong zone, I can manually adjust the distance and then autofocus correctly. This I found out on a local forum, which is actually a c/p of DPChallenge here in Iceland ;)
Good luck and happy shooting! |
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05/09/2010 10:17:35 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by bassbone:
Closing down the aperture from 2.8 to 4 or higher should help get a bit more in focus as well from a DOF perspective....Good luck today. |
Peter has a good idea you should consider. I shoot a lot of sports and I usually stick to about F/5.6 just so my subjects are fully focused. The way I get away with separating them from the background is being at 150mm-200mm. This pulls them right out of the background. The closer I get to the subject the less blur I get.
The darker it gets the higher the ISO goes, once I hit my personal max which for the D40x is about 800 I start opening up the lens and dropping it f/2.8.
Good luck today, post some pictures later so we can see what's going on. |
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05/09/2010 11:15:21 AM · #15 |
A general observation:
For a lot of people, "reading the manual" is not a particularly effective way to learn. As cameras get more and more complex, and the manuals get thicker and thicker, there's an awful lot of information to wade through in search of what you need, and not everyone is particularly adept at separating the wheat from the chaff; they tend to get bogged down.
It seems to me perfectly reasonable to ask a specific question like the OP's in our forums, seeking hands-on feedback from people familiar with the camera and the situation she is facing. It's why the forums EXIST, isn't it? And it's the next best thing to having a teacher at your side *showing* what to do, which is, after all, the best way to learn.
If you extend the "RTFM" school of responding just a little further, there's no need for any of us to discuss any sort of technique, since pretty much all of it's in the manual, be it a camera manual, a flash manual, Photoshop help, or whatever. So I always get a little disturbed when respondents take posters to task for asking what, to them seem valid questions.
R.
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05/09/2010 11:50:17 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
A general observation:
For a lot of people, "reading the manual" is not a particularly effective way to learn. As cameras get more and more complex, and the manuals get thicker and thicker, there's an awful lot of information to wade through in search of what you need, and not everyone is particularly adept at separating the wheat from the chaff; they tend to get bogged down.
It seems to me perfectly reasonable to ask a specific question like the OP's in our forums, seeking hands-on feedback from people familiar with the camera and the situation she is facing. It's why the forums EXIST, isn't it? And it's the next best thing to having a teacher at your side *showing* what to do, which is, after all, the best way to learn.
If you extend the "RTFM" school of responding just a little further, there's no need for any of us to discuss any sort of technique, since pretty much all of it's in the manual, be it a camera manual, a flash manual, Photoshop help, or whatever. So I always get a little disturbed when respondents take posters to task for asking what, to them seem valid questions.
R. |
Robert my RTFM had nothing to do with the OP's question, it was to her response that she didn't know how to manually select an AF point on her camera. IMHO you can't teach "technique" which the OP asked about in her original question when the OP could not manually select an AF point to get us to the point we could discuss technique. I then offered a solution to AF issues after she figured out how to select an AF point and a reason for her fringing because of the lens.
I don't think anyone took the OP to task here, but expecting someone to be able to manually pick an AF point who is shooting for a website is not too much to ask now is it? I posted an entire thread with questions and answers to Sports questions on technique and samples. I'm not above helping someone. But realistically you can't help someone who doesn't understand their own equipment.
Matt |
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05/09/2010 12:51:03 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by MattO:
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
A general observation:
For a lot of people, "reading the manual" is not a particularly effective way to learn. As cameras get more and more complex, and the manuals get thicker and thicker, there's an awful lot of information to wade through in search of what you need, and not everyone is particularly adept at separating the wheat from the chaff; they tend to get bogged down.
It seems to me perfectly reasonable to ask a specific question like the OP's in our forums, seeking hands-on feedback from people familiar with the camera and the situation she is facing. It's why the forums EXIST, isn't it? And it's the next best thing to having a teacher at your side *showing* what to do, which is, after all, the best way to learn.
If you extend the "RTFM" school of responding just a little further, there's no need for any of us to discuss any sort of technique, since pretty much all of it's in the manual, be it a camera manual, a flash manual, Photoshop help, or whatever. So I always get a little disturbed when respondents take posters to task for asking what, to them seem valid questions.
R. |
Robert my RTFM had nothing to do with the OP's question, it was to her response that she didn't know how to manually select an AF point on her camera. IMHO you can't teach "technique" which the OP asked about in her original question when the OP could not manually select an AF point to get us to the point we could discuss technique. I then offered a solution to AF issues after she figured out how to select an AF point and a reason for her fringing because of the lens.
I don't think anyone took the OP to task here, but expecting someone to be able to manually pick an AF point who is shooting for a website is not too much to ask now is it? I posted an entire thread with questions and answers to Sports questions on technique and samples. I'm not above helping someone. But realistically you can't help someone who doesn't understand their own equipment.
Matt |
While I can fully appreciate the altruistic endeavours of all concerned, the sad truth is that there were comments made that seemed a trifle belittling and offered no positive input. When you factor in the OP's age, the fact that she is new to photography and that English is in all probability not her first language, I can fully understand her plight.
Your assistance in this instance is, I am certain truly appreciated, and given time I would wager we will all rue the day that yet another Icelander is taking away all the ribbons.
Have a great day all.
Ray |
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05/09/2010 01:13:05 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by MattO:
I don't think anyone took the OP to task here, but expecting someone to be able to manually pick an AF point who is shooting for a website is not too much to ask now is it? I posted an entire thread with questions and answers to Sports questions on technique and samples. I'm not above helping someone. But realistically you can't help someone who doesn't understand their own equipment.
Matt |
Matt,
It's all water over the dam at this point, and I don't mean to be picking on you in particular; you're a very informative and useful fellow. But this happens to be a current instance of this sort of "careless" (for lack of a better word) response. From my perspective, there are basically three reasonable ways to deal with the OP's query:
1. Ignore it.
2. Teach in detail.
3. Politely refer the asker to a section of the manual; e.g. "There's a whole section of your manual discussing focusing modes and focusing points in more detail than I have time to go into here."
"RTFM" is just so... *dismissive*... if you catch my drift? I'm trying to think how I'd feel if someone said that to me. Fortunately, nobody ever has, possibly because I *DO* read my manuals, but then I've always learned well from books.
R.
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05/09/2010 02:01:31 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by MattO:
I don't think anyone took the OP to task here, but expecting someone to be able to manually pick an AF point who is shooting for a website is not too much to ask now is it? I posted an entire thread with questions and answers to Sports questions on technique and samples. I'm not above helping someone. But realistically you can't help someone who doesn't understand their own equipment.
Matt |
Matt,
It's all water over the dam at this point, and I don't mean to be picking on you in particular; you're a very informative and useful fellow. But this happens to be a current instance of this sort of "careless" (for lack of a better word) response. From my perspective, there are basically three reasonable ways to deal with the OP's query:
1. Ignore it.
2. Teach in detail.
3. Politely refer the asker to a section of the manual; e.g. "There's a whole section of your manual discussing focusing modes and focusing points in more detail than I have time to go into here."
"RTFM" is just so... *dismissive*... if you catch my drift? I'm trying to think how I'd feel if someone said that to me. Fortunately, nobody ever has, possibly because I *DO* read my manuals, but then I've always learned well from books.
R. |
Matt-O,
I apologize for "picking" on you. However, I feel it's now time to say my piece to you sir.
This is, or has become, a pattern for you, I often feel insulted or generally dismissed when I read your responses. Now-- To be fair- you are an excellent photographer who often provides spot on advice, and who certainly knows your equipment. As it is, you are now viewed as being "the" sports photo around here right now.
So, with that said, your presentation of that information often leaves much to be desired, I am referring to many, many responses, not simply this one. My assumption is that you are a naturally likable guy, so when you say these things in real life, you're probably much more able to ease the sting with personality... That clearly doesn't help in the forums.
In any case, I've been wanting to say this to your for a while. I have lots of respect for you, and I wouldn't say anything to you unless I felt there was enough potential benefit to justify my speaking out... In your case, I think you have a huge amount to offer, and that's worth quite a bit.
So, Cheers, and please do forgive me for speaking up.. |
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05/09/2010 02:03:31 PM · #20 |
For the OP-
I do find that when I'm tracking moving subjects I often do a quick-tap of the half-press to keep focusing on my subject, although tiring, it does give me much better results to keep the focus refreshed (and no, I don't like servo mode... Rarely gives me great results..)
Also remember that cameras focus on hard edges, so if your player looks softer than that hard-lined fence behind them, your camera might focus on the fence occasionally... Nothing really much to do about this, except try to make sure your subject is the most contrasty thing in the frame (good luck ;) )
Message edited by author 2010-05-09 14:07:05. |
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05/09/2010 06:07:30 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Matt-O,
I apologize for "picking" on you. However, I feel it's now time to say my piece to you sir.
This is, or has become, a pattern for you, I often feel insulted or generally dismissed when I read your responses. Now-- To be fair- you are an excellent photographer who often provides spot on advice, and who certainly knows your equipment. As it is, you are now viewed as being "the" sports photo around here right now.
So, with that said, your presentation of that information often leaves much to be desired, I am referring to many, many responses, not simply this one. My assumption is that you are a naturally likable guy, so when you say these things in real life, you're probably much more able to ease the sting with personality... That clearly doesn't help in the forums.
In any case, I've been wanting to say this to your for a while. I have lots of respect for you, and I wouldn't say anything to you unless I felt there was enough potential benefit to justify my speaking out... In your case, I think you have a huge amount to offer, and that's worth quite a bit.
So, Cheers, and please do forgive me for speaking up.. |
Cory to be honest I don't worry about how I come across on the forums. I'm a straight forward person, I tell you what is on my mind and I don't sugar coat it because I worry about your feelings. Maybe I should but truthfully I'm a bit busy to stop my life to compose thoughts and writings to prevent everyone from getting their feelings hurt. Perhaps I should just stop offering advice all together to avoid people getting upset. |
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05/09/2010 08:38:29 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by MattO:
...truthfully I'm a bit busy to stop my life to compose thoughts and writings to prevent everyone from getting their feelings hurt... |
Matt, with all due respect, that's a cop-out. It takes no longer to be polite and helpful than it does to be snarky and condescending. |
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05/09/2010 08:50:48 PM · #23 |
So how did today's shoot go Diz? I'd like to see some of the photos.
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05/09/2010 09:10:44 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Originally posted by MattO:
...truthfully I'm a bit busy to stop my life to compose thoughts and writings to prevent everyone from getting their feelings hurt... |
Matt, with all due respect, that's a cop-out. It takes no longer to be polite and helpful than it does to be snarky and condescending. |
You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.
I don't think it's too much to ask of someone to understand the basic functions of their camera when they are providing work for hire, whether they are paid for it or not. And if suggesting that they read their manual to understand those functions, before we spend time trying to teach technique, is snarky and condescending then, perhaps you are right. But you can't tell me that someone who is "shooting for a website that specializes in Soccer" should be able to understand the basic functions of their camera, especially after looking at her portfolio of photos. |
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05/09/2010 10:13:21 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by MattO:
I don't think it's too much to ask of someone to understand the basic functions of their camera when they are providing work for hire, whether they are paid for it or not. And if suggesting that they read their manual to understand those functions, before we spend time trying to teach technique, is snarky and condescending then, perhaps you are right. |
That isn't the point... If you had said "There's a wealth of material on this in your manual, that's the best place to start." or somesuch, there wouldn't be a problem. But "Read the Frickin' Manual!" is rude and snarky. It's not the kind of response that helps the website attract and retain new members; and without 'em, we die. So think of it in pragmatic terms, OK? If you don't have the time to come up with a constructive response, then no response at all would be preferable.
R.
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