It never ceases to amaze me how I can make some basic errors while shooting. Maybe this is a bit of getting some miles on the old gray cells, but in any case, I have put up this thread so we can remind each other to check certain things when doing a shoot.
So, me first. Had the camera set with shutter speed/aperture manual, auto ISO, focus "C" with 9 point for moving targets, 7 FPS, both vertical and horizontal release active so I could switch easily, and the IQ at RAW, 14 Bit Lossless, compressed. I am ready! So, I am shooting bicyclists on a ride, doing it for the cycle club so they can see themselves on the "big screen" at the next club meeting. Everyone enjoys seeing themselves. The lens I have chosen for this shoot is the 70-200mm, f/2.8 VR II Nikkor. A great lens.
What error did I commit? Well, these things have a focus range limiter so the focus will not wind in and out from very close to infinity when it cannot find something to lock onto. So, the wise one, checks to make certain VR is "on", autofocus is "on", but does not move the limit switch to the full focus range. The result is it cannot focus on the close up shots.... the ones I really wanted.
I did have the foresight to shoot the bikes as they were approaching, and the lens is so very sharp I could crop and still have great photos, but the close up shots, well, furry is the way i describe them.
So, we all do make mistakes. And this is where we can find out which one of us wins the prize! Or just be reassured we are not out of the ordinary.
