Nikon 18-55mm AFS-VR slow focusing problem?

[wxwayne]

I have recently acquired an 18-55mm VR lens(D60 kit lens) and I find that there are certain situations where the lens tends to hunt alot, in most situations it is ok but sometimes whn i change the focussing point(for my d40x) away from the centre, it focuses in and then out again without coming to a decision. The focusing is also pretty slow on my D300. Anyone else with the same experience? Or is my copy defective?

[peterjaena]

Originally Posted by wxwayne I have recently acquired an 18-55mm VR lens(D60 kit lens) and I find that there are certain situations where the lens tends to hunt alot, in most situations it is ok but sometimes whn i change the focussing point(for my d40x) away from the centre, it focuses in and then out again without coming to a decision. The focusing is also pretty slow on my D300. Anyone else with the same experience? Or is my copy defective?

Since the 18-55VR is not a fast constant 2.8 zoom... it will have the tendency to hunt on low light situations, this is normal. And also, you must focus on areas of contrasting colors to get accurate AF. Focus recompose if you havto. This is not a fault of your lens. Cheers.

[wxwayne]

Originally Posted by peterjaena Since the 18-55VR is not a fast constant 2.8 zoom... it will have the tendency to hunt on low light situations, this is normal. And also, you must focus on areas of contrasting colors to get accurate AF. Focus recompose if you havto. This is not a fault of your lens. Cheers.

Thanks! I had no such problem with the non-VR 18-55 AFS II lens tho so I might wanna bring it down to nsc for some checks since its still under warranty.

[huggable]

Yes, the 18-55 AFS is one of the slowest AFS lens. For hunting, it could be due to low light conditions, with the small aperture of 3.5-5.6. Also, if you focus on a plain area without any contrast, the camera would not be able to focus.

[wxwayne]

Originally Posted by huggable Yes, the 18-55 AFS is one of the slowest AFS lens. For hunting, it could be due to low light conditions, with the small aperture of 3.5-5.6. Also, if you focus on a plain area without any contrast, the camera would not be able to focus.

Thanks yah i know abt the plain area without contrast part, but for some objects while the camera focuses with the centre focal point, when i change it to the left or the right focal point, it wont focus.

[huggable]

If you suspect that the lens is unable to focus in some situations, which wasn't due to lack of contrast or low light, you can send the lens to NSC for checks. They'll be able to rectify the problem FOC if it's under warranty.

[Simon_84]

my vr version 18-55mm works faster than the old 18-55mm II-ED in all conditions.

[phunkiemonkey]

Originally Posted by wxwayne Thanks yah i know abt the plain area without contrast part, but for some objects while the camera focuses with the centre focal point, when i change it to the left or the right focal point, it wont focus.

I have the exact same problem on my D60 + kit lens. was considering to send it for servicing, but since the centre focal point works fine i just used it permanently then recompose, instead of using the left/right focal points.

same question, is this a lens problem though?

[Simon_84]

Originally Posted by wxwayne Thanks yah i know abt the plain area without contrast part, but for some objects while the camera focuses with the centre focal point, when i change it to the left or the right focal point, it wont focus.

just make sure there is always something in contrast you can focus on.
try switching AF-mode to single AF point.

[-ReignOfComputer-]

Maybe want to try the AF assist lamp?I know it is not very useful but why not give it a try?
The 18-55 is known to hunt in low light.What do you expect?It's a kit lens