quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Here's a few I tried out this morning with my new Nikon D3200 with just the 18-55mm lens and set on macro with 3D autofocus. I'm a bit of a newb with this stuff, so I need to figure out the programmable features on this thing rather than just the point and shoot. I was a little disappointed with the 3D focus as I thought that it would do a better job of focusing more of the subject. Maybe I'll try some of the other focus options, or just focus manually. Anyway, here's some moss on my trees.

quote:

Originally posted by the_sandman_454:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Here's a few I tried out this morning with my new Nikon D3200 with just the 18-55mm lens and set on macro with 3D autofocus. I'm a bit of a newb with this stuff, so I need to figure out the programmable features on this thing rather than just the point and shoot. I was a little disappointed with the 3D focus as I thought that it would do a better job of focusing more of the subject. Maybe I'll try some of the other focus options, or just focus manually. Anyway, here's some moss on my trees.

Looks like the autofocus is working fine, you just need a wider depth of field. You can achieve that if you figure out how to set it to aperture priority mode (not sure what that is on Nikon, Av on my Canon), and set the f/ number to a big number. Then more of your subject will be in focus.


http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html. The preceeding link allows calculation of your depth of field for different focal length, distance to subject, and aperture settings. Very useful at times. They have a mobile site and an app for some smartphones.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by the_sandman_454:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Here's a few I tried out this morning with my new Nikon D3200 with just the 18-55mm lens and set on macro with 3D autofocus. I'm a bit of a newb with this stuff, so I need to figure out the programmable features on this thing rather than just the point and shoot. I was a little disappointed with the 3D focus as I thought that it would do a better job of focusing more of the subject. Maybe I'll try some of the other focus options, or just focus manually. Anyway, here's some moss on my trees.

Looks like the autofocus is working fine, you just need a wider depth of field. You can achieve that if you figure out how to set it to aperture priority mode (not sure what that is on Nikon, Av on my Canon), and set the f/ number to a big number. Then more of your subject will be in focus.


http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html. The preceeding link allows calculation of your depth of field for different focal length, distance to subject, and aperture settings. Very useful at times. They have a mobile site and an app for some smartphones.

Thanks for the info. I think its just "A" on the Nikon. I'll give in a whirl.

Perhaps I understand it wrong though. If I have a larger f/number, won't that give me a narrower field of focus, and vice versa?

ETA: Never mind, I forgot its a fraction of the focal length.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
I have the D3100 and 90% of my shots are in aperture mode (A) because I like to have control of the depth of field. The smaller number for the f stop the narrower the DOF and the higher the number the deeper the DOF. I also use manual focus a lot to make sure the focus is exactly where I want it. Also with Nikons there is a setting in the menu called Active-D Lighting. This adjusts for shooting into or out of shadows. It's a fun setting to play with. There are a ton of useful videos on YouTube that will get you going with more creative shots. They've helped me a lot.

Jim