I fine-tuned the focusing on my 58/1.4 lens this evening.
As I suspected, it was off.
I suppose I could be annoyed that it needed a “+15” adjustment, but I’m mostly relieved that it can be corrected easily.
[Edit (November 21): Upon further testing – in daylight 🙂 – it turns out I need to make a +18 adjustment!]
—Peter.


Does this mean it was back focusing or front focusing (excuse my ignorance or lack of education on this!)?
It was front-focusing.
Here is an explanation of the focus fine-tuning process, directly from Nikon:
https://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/51633/~/how-to-use-the-af-fine-tune-function
Thank you for posting the link! I’m going to give this a shot tomorrow. I was trying to figure it out myself, but I like that Nikon provides a simple and cost-efficient way to figure this out. If you are looking for some autofocus options for your kids events, I’ve picked up the 200-500 5.6 lens. I used this for a soccer tournament last week and having all that focal length, with great autofocus was absolutely incredible for my images. Cool stuff.
No problem!
Truth be told, I didn’t use their method. I just shot around the house at text on containers at various distances and figured out the correct adjustment. Thanks for mentioning the 200-500, I’ve heard it’s nice but I haven’t had a chance to view any sample images.
Hi Peter,
When I owned Canon DSLRs, I used a software called Reikan FoCal to correct for lens based auto-focusing issues.
FoCal supports many Canon and Nikon camera and lens models (D810 included); It might be worth checking out.
Hi Peter, recieved my 35mm 1.4G today! Wow, what a lens! Amazing rendering. It seems mine needs a +7 AF fine tune, haven’t experienced this before with my ofther lenses. Is this normal and should just be corrected and not worry about it. Or should I ideally send my lens and camera to Nikon Service for calibration?
Excited about my new lens.
Thanks,
Mads
One more, when you shot around the house at text on containers, did you just shoot hand held or on tripod as prescribed? Thanks
My 58/1.8 needed +18. I would find anything up to +/- 10 acceptable. I fine-tuned without a tripod, but I would recommend a tripod for anybody who’s uncertain about the process.
Thanks, Peter. So you are sending yours for calibration or just using as is?