D90 focus issue

vRSG60

vRSG60

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Name
Shaun
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I can't say I've ever been overwhelmed by the focus on my pictures when using my D90 but I've recently started a portrait course and I need to get the focus issue nailed.
These images were taken during our lesson last night, I'm not after critique regarding composition, lighting exposure etc but comments regarding the focus.


10965878526_33653b478e_c.jpg

Week 2 (2 of 15) by barrowfordred, on Flickr

Now to me these pictures (and nearly all of my other photos) just don't look as focused or as sharp as other pictures I see posted on the forum.
Spot focused on the face. Is it because an aperture of f/1.8 has been used? Shutter speed 1/160 & 1/100 or am I being to critical?
 
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Hi, Not an expert but it must depend how far from the subject you are to determine the Aperture you are going to use and also what you want to be in focus, I think that F4 or F5.6 would give you better results.
I don't see a lot wrong with the left side of the faces as you look at the monitor but the right side does IMO look OOF.
As I say no expert but hope it helps.
Oh yes if you go to the Sekonic website there are some videos (not 5 minute jobs more like an hour) on portrait photography.
Russ
 
F1.8 very narrow dof there, try shooting at F5.6
 
same as the others, very narrow DoF, close it down a click or two especially two on the closer shots.....Also your shutter speeds are on the low side for studio lighting, just within camera shake/hand held problems but only just, you're using a short focal length lens right? Less than a 100mm say.
 
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Forbiddenbiker said:
same as the others, very narrow DoF, close it down a click or two especially two on the closer shots.....Also your shutter speeds are on the low side for studio lighting, just within camera shake/hand held problems but only just, you're using a short focal length lens right? Less than a 100mm say.
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Yes 50mm Nikon 1.8D
 
Again it's down to how much dof you want in your photo,you don't have to shoot wide open as others have said shut the lens down a bit,and give yourself the dof you need.

:)
 
Stop it down to f/9, take similar shots, post the results :)
 
i ve only had the d90 for a couple of months due to having dropped a d50 and killing it ,,,but ive questioned some of the shots focus wise ive taken with it ,,,i didnt seem to have a problem with the d50 ,,,just the 90 ,,,,got to say it seems to be a bit hit and miss sometimes ,,,,,im now wondering if there's any known problems with the focussing on the 90
 
donut said:
i ve only had the d90 for a couple of months due to having dropped a d50 and killing it ,,,but ive questioned some of the shots focus wise ive taken with it ,,,i didnt seem to have a problem with the d50 ,,,just the 90 ,,,,got to say it seems to be a bit hit and miss sometimes ,,,,,im now wondering if there's any known problems with the focussing on the 90
Click to expand...

I have both D50 and D90 and the D90's focusing on moving subjects is better than the D50. On static subjects they are both the same and mostly accurate.

The D50 is set up for single point AFS, focusing by shutter button half press. (It is the mrs' camera and she likes it this way). The D90 is set up for single point AFC back button focus.

Maybe if you could post some examples with exif we could figure out if you maybe have a technique or camera problem.
 
mmmmm maybe i should rtfm and make sure its set up ok
 
if you have bought a s/h d90 and its been set up for wildlife ,the settings are going to be totally awry for studio portrait work ,as you suggested read the manual and get it right in camera .
 
@the black fox , for mine and Shauns info , in what way would ( could ) it be set up differently for wild life or studio ? ( got mine new a couple of months ago )
 
I had a D90... but since moved to Canon. Never had an issue with focusing... in fact, focus wise, I found it better than my current 7D.
 
lots of subtle different ways for a starter you would want to be shooting wildlife in high speed burst modes where as in the studio you would want just one shot at a time ,for wildlife you would want easy iso to quickly change for different lighting conditions ,whereas in the studio its set lights or flash ,for wildlife you would want it set for easy exposure compensation to compensate for birds at ground level and birds in flight .
it really is two different disciplines and the first thing you need to do is understand your camera .and don't get it wrong we ALL make mistakes its part of the learning curve
 
I'm a little surprised you need or want f /1.8 for studio work and as the others I think thats the problem. If you have control of the lights add more power and shoot around f/5.6-f/8
 
in that case Jeff ,my setting have been alright ,,,,,
 
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