Reply to Problems focusing

rich_gersh posted a reply:

Which lens do you mean when you say "standard lens?" Also, I think you're mistaken when you say "macro shots."



If by "macro shots" you mean "close up," then you should check your focus distance. You may be trying to focus on an object closer than the lens's closest focusing distance.



If by "standard lens" you mean any of the kit lenses (18-55, 18-70, 18-135 or 18-200 VR), you should understand that none of these are macro lenses (actually, micro is a more accurate term, but I'll get into that later).



Try backing up and putting more distance between you and your subject.



What most people mean when they say "macro," is actually "close up photography." Macro photography means creating a image-to-actual-size ratio greater than 1:1. In other words, the image on the sensor is greater than the actual subject. That is why Nikkor calls its close up lenses "Micro Nikkors," because the greatest reproduction ratios they create are 1:1.



Close up photography does require special tools, but they don't necessarily need to be expensive. You could get some close up filters to screw onto your existing lenses, reverse a 50mm lens onto the end of one of your existing lenses, or get yourseslf a dedicated micro lens like the Tamron 90 or Nikkor 105 VR.



Edit: Also, it would help if you allow others to view your stream so we can view the image in its original size.