Need help with Macro lens (Tokina w/ NikonD600)

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

I have a Tokina 100mm Macro lens on a Nikon D600. First time using a macro lens for me so please don't make fun

The auto-focus doesn't work but not too worried about that. When using manual focus I cannot get the lens to focus on anything to get a clear picture. When turning the focus ring manually it almost comes in focus but still off. I have other lenses that have no issues and take fantastic super crisp picture.

Thank you in advance for your help!

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

Yes I believe it does. Will check it out when I get home. Thank you!

SATXBrian · Jan 27, 2016

Also, make sure you are not inside the lens' minimum focus distance.

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

When I set the ring to 2.8 it won't take a picture. If it's on 32 it will.

Camera blinks FEE.

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

I got the auto focus to work. Still not as crisp even with auto.

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

Ok got it working. Don't know what I did

SATXBrian · Jan 27, 2016

Macro shots are tough, any slight vibration will throw off the shot. Are you on a tripod? How about your shooting mode? Aperture priority is my go for most shots.

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to insult you, just tossing out suggestions?

VelasCorals · Jan 27, 2016

SATXBrian said:
Macro shots are tough, any slight vibration will throw off the shot. Are you on a tripod? How about your shooting mode? Aperture priority is my go for most shots.

I'm sorry, I'm not trying to insult you, just tossing out suggestions?

Not insulting at all thanks for the help.

I have everything pretty much on auto. Going to try the red intensifying filter when taking pics of corals.

ahmed.boomer · Jan 28, 2016

Incredible Corals said:
Not insulting at all thanks for the help.

I have everything pretty much on auto. Going to try the red intensifying filter when taking pics of corals.

All Nikon AF/AFD/AI-P lenses or lenses that use this standard require you to put the lens into the highest f stop number to use. They'll have that one number in yellow or orange. The Tokina goes the f/32. Set it to f/32 and keep it there.

I use aperture priority or manual mode for any macro lens while shooting macro. Avoid auto mode and autofocus. Use manual focus. If you're uncomfortable shooting through the lens, use live view. The front dial controls the aperture by default (I don't know your familiarity with the D600 or Nikon's bodies). Make sure you're on a tripod as well. I use a remote shutter so that there is no shake from me touching it or from the mirror going up. Make sure to shoot in RAW. I remember you guys use the LEDs instore. LEDs throw the white balance off a lot. It's an easy fix in post. I've found with LEDs, if you have a fixture that can boost the red channel in particular, it will out perform your macro lens with a filter.

There are other techniques as well to getting really nice images. I photostack in Photoshop occasionally if I cannot get the depth of field I desire.

Let me know if you guys have any other questions.

Edit: Another note, with macro lenses, you will get a reduced aperture the closer you get to 1:1. The Tokina barrel extends. At 1:1 the aperture becomes an f/64-5.6.