D3 & 200VR AF-tuning --- distance dependent?

[arthuryeo]

I just re-tested the focus test with this lens and noticed a difference in the

AF-tuning.

I pasted the front page of a magazine on the wall to do this.

 

At 8ft, the AF-tuning is sharpest at -8.

At around 30ft, AF-tuning is sharpest at -15.

 

Camera shutter release done with mirror-up and electronic cable release on

tripod mounted using the lens.

VR=OFF.

 

How is Nikon USA going to fix this even if I send it in? Anyone?

[ellis_vener_photography]

I think your problem is individual lens specific: you are in effect tuning that individual lens's performance with that individual body. in for that specific body. That is the purpose of the tuning feature.

[arthuryeo]

That's true but why is the AF focus performing differently if I vary the distance between the static subject and the camera?

[tonybeach]

"...but why is the AF focus performing differently if I vary the distance between the static subject and the camera?"

 

> It's probably a problem with the lens.

[t_n1]

A number of users on dpreview and nikonians have reported similar discrepancies on the AF tuning at various distances (most notably at infinity versus ~10 ft), as well as discrepancies on the AF tuning at various focal lengths on a zoom lens.

 

This is particularly apparent on lenses such as the 18-200. On other zoom lenses, the difference isn't as apparent. This is a limitation of the current AF tuning tool.

 

A number of users have suggested allowing the user to set multi AF tuning settings at various focal lengths and/or at various subject distances. This presents another problem since focal length (on a zoom) and focus distance are continuous 'data' (and not discrete data).

[tonybeach]

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1021&message=26328347

[arthuryeo]

I hope mine is the same issue. I'm sending them all in to Nikon.

[tonybeach]

Good luck Arthur; please keep us posted.