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Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

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wezgulf3
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Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by wezgulf3 » Sun Jul 22, 2018 8:55 am

Morning All, I purchased the Nikon 70-200vrii lens a few months ago. I have had some stunning results with it, but I’m getting more throw away images than I have ever had before with a Nikon lens.

The issue is a very soft side to my images, I’m certain it’s not the body as my other lens is tack sharp across the image.

So, I took it to get calibrated to my D850 body and came away needing to change the AF fine tune levels manually from -2 for 70mm to -8 for 200mm, now In aviation when something is moving past you this is far from ideal!! Has anyone else had such issues with their lens?

Wes...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32846945@N06/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alan425
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by Alan425 » Tue Jul 24, 2018 6:26 pm

I've not needed to fine tune any of my Nikon lenses yet but have looked into the process, and it does seem that testing can result in the sort of adjustments that you describe, ie different adjustments needed for different focal lengths.

The advice on various photography forums suggests that you should either adjust for the focal length that you use most (if you mostly use 200mm then set to -8) or use an average (the average of -2 to -8 would be -5).

Personally I would try the average fine tune setting to begin with and see how well it works!

Alan

wezgulf3
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by wezgulf3 » Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:29 pm

Alan425 wrote:
Tue Jul 24, 2018 6:26 pm
I've not needed to fine tune any of my Nikon lenses yet but have looked into the process, and it does seem that testing can result in the sort of adjustments that you describe, ie different adjustments needed for different focal lengths.

The advice on various photography forums suggests that you should either adjust for the focal length that you use most (if you mostly use 200mm then set to -8) or use an average (the average of -2 to -8 would be -5).

Personally I would try the average fine tune setting to begin with and see how well it works!

Alan
Thanks Alan, have tried that and still getting a soft left image.

Wes...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32846945@N06/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alan425
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:23 pm

Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by Alan425 » Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:12 pm

Sorry Wes, didn't realise it was just soft on one side. In that case it sounds as if you have a faulty lens (perhaps a de-centred element).

I've just had the same problem with a brand new Nikon lens, so returned it to LCE and the replacement is fine.

Can you return yours to the seller for a replacement or refund? Sounds as if it was faulty when you purchased it.

Alan

wezgulf3
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by wezgulf3 » Sat Aug 04, 2018 11:15 pm

Alan425 wrote:
Wed Aug 01, 2018 10:12 pm
Sorry Wes, didn't realise it was just soft on one side. In that case it sounds as if you have a faulty lens (perhaps a de-centred element).

I've just had the same problem with a brand new Nikon lens, so returned it to LCE and the replacement is fine.

Can you return yours to the seller for a replacement or refund? Sounds as if it was faulty when you purchased it.

Alan
They have agreed to send it to Nikon to get it repaired, if still no good I’ll take a refund. Very disappointed to be honest, as lost a lot of RIAT/Farnborough pictures.

Wes...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32846945@N06/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alan425
Posts: 251
Joined: Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:23 pm

Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by Alan425 » Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:57 am

I know how you feel - I spent a very busy 3 hours at Coningsby trying out my new lens earlier in the year only to discover that all of my shots were slightly blurred/distorted on the left hand side. With any new lens now, I take a few shots of an old test chart just to make sure all is OK before using in anger.

Hope the repair works out - your 70-200 lens has the reputation for being a very good lens.

Alan

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jaydean
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by jaydean » Thu Aug 09, 2018 2:07 pm

Don't give up on this lens, it is fantastic and i love mine. I only calibrate my Prime, as with zooms theres too much variance in focal length. When its right it won't disappoint, its just a shame you've lost those images

wezgulf3
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by wezgulf3 » Sat Sep 29, 2018 7:45 am

An update, the lens needed a new barrel as the elements inside had moved, was able to prove this had been the problem since purchase, so have been given a replacement. New lens is awesome 😊

Wes...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32846945@N06/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alan425
Posts: 251
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Re: Nikon 70-200 vrii focus problems.

Post by Alan425 » Sat Sep 29, 2018 9:35 pm

Good to hear that you got it sorted. Now all you need is a time machine to go back and retake all of those Fairford & Farnborough shots!

Alan

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