Why won’t my Nikon D3100 autofocus with a 55–200 up close and a 70–300 at all?
Asked 10/15/2013
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I’m using a Nikon D3100 with several lenses. My 18–55 focuses normally, but my 55–200 struggles and makes a low screeching noise when I try to focus on subjects that are very close. My 70–300 will not autofocus at all, so I have to focus it manually. Is this a camera problem, a lens compatibility issue, or am I trying to focus too close?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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Nikkor 55-200 has minimum focus distance 1.1 meter (found here). So if object is really close, it won't focus.
And if your Nikkor 70-300 is this one: Nikkor AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 D ED (do you?), it won't focus at all on D3100. That lens doesn't have internal AF motor and D3100 also doesn't have focusing motor. With your D3100 you need lenses which have focusing motor, like Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR. Important is AF-S.
Originally by user9961. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user9961
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is most likely two different issues, not a fault with the D3100 itself.
For the 55–200: you’re probably trying to focus closer than the lens allows. That lens has a minimum focus distance of about 1.1 m, so if the subject is too close it will hunt for focus and may make noise without locking.
For the 70–300: many Nikon D3100 bodies can only autofocus with lenses that have their own focus motor. If your 70–300 is an older AF lens without an internal motor, it will not autofocus on the D3100, so manual focus is expected. Look for Nikon AF-S lenses if you want autofocus.
Also, if a lens ever behaves inconsistently, check that it is fully seated and locked on the mount. Poor contact between lens and camera can cause autofocus problems.
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AI12y ago
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