Focus

The AF-assist illuminator

The built-in AF-assist illuminator enables the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. The camera must be in focus mode S (single-servo autofocus), an AF- Nikkor lens must be attached, and the center focus area or focus area group must be selected or closest subject priority in effect. If these conditions are met and the subject is poorly lit, the illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter button is pressed halfway.

CAUTION

After the AF-assist illuminator has been used for several consecutive shots, it may turn off briefly to protect the lamp. The illuminator can be used again after a short pause. Note that the illuminator may become hot with continuous use.

MEMO

For the AF-assist illuminator to function correctly, the lens must have a focal length of 24-200 mm and the subject must be in range of the illuminator. Lens hoods should be removed. With most lenses, the illuminator has a range of about 0.5-3 m (1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.).

AF-assist is not available with the AF-S VR ED 200-400 mm f/4G.ZLenses for which vignetting occurs

Autofocus using the camera’s AF-assist illuminator cannot be performed due to vignetting with the following lenses at shooting distance within 0.7 m (2 ft. 4 in.):

-AF Micro ED 200 mm f/4D-AF-S ED 28-70 mm f/2.8D-AF-S VR ED 24-120 mm f/3.5-5.6G-AF Micro ED 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6D

Autofocus using the camera’s AF-assist illuminator cannot be performed due to vignetting with following lenses at shooting distance within 1 m (3 ft. 3 in.):

-AF-S DX ED 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G

Autofocus using the camera’s AF-assist illuminator cannot be performed due to vignetting with following lenses at shooting distance within 1.5 m (4 ft. 11 in.):

-AF-S VR ED 70-200 mm f/2.8G-AF ED 80-200 mm f/2.8D-AF-S ED 80-200 mm f/2.8D

Autofocus using the camera’s AF-assist illuminator cannot be performed due to vignetting with following lenses at shooting distance within 2.5 m (8 ft. 2 in.):

-AF VR ED 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6D

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