Quote:

Thank you, Geo, I guess I was going by the AOL enhanced image which seemed sharper and brighter on my monitor (I haven't figured out how to adjust the monitor yet). Just to show you what I saw, here's how the 'AOL' version appeared to me, to give you an idea at least of what I was trying for.

Also I have been trying to get sharper focus with this lens, which I know is a great lens, but I must be doing something horribly wrong. Even in bright light with auto mode and auto focus on a tripod or handheld w/VR of a relatively stationary object like a tree branch, I can't get a sharp image. I was just hoping I could go for mood or effect anyway, but evidentally the technical issues undermine that.

Thank you, however, for the time you took to give me your feedback. Back to the drawing board I guess. I'll find a way to make this work since I can't afford anything else now until I get the lens paid off, haha.



Cathy,

The image you sent in your reply looked much better than the first one as far as exposure goes. Maybe it was something in the way you uploaded it that was the problem?? The focus problem was still there.

This time I took a look at your EXIF data and it confirmed my suspicion that you are shooting wide open and at high ISO. As I said these are killers for macro work. I would not really push the D90 sensor above ISO800 and that would be pushing it. High ISO noise is made even worse by underexposure.

It was a little troubling to hear that you have been unable to get a sharp image from your lens. Although Nikon has pretty good QC, it is not uncommon to get a lens that is out of adjustment. I have had to exchange a new lens on occasion because the lens didn't test out well when I received it. The D300 allows you to fine tune the autofocus on your lenses and I have one lens I'm using right now that required me to fine tune it. You might want to send that lens to Nikon for adjustment. There is nothing more frustrating that not being able to get a sharp image. You might want to take a look at this document that talks about testing your focus. It was originally writte for the D70 but it all applies to the D90.

Geo

http://www.lamsonweb.com/Photo/focustestchart.pdf

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