Focus Consistency With D3x + Nikon 35mm f/1.4G Using LensAlign Target

Just published in DAP a study showing the focus consistency of the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G, using Michael Tapes LensAlign tool (available at B&H Photo). LensAlign is a well designed tool, and probably worth your investment for any camera that has an “AF Fine Focus Adjust” feature, so long as the lens+camera can focus consistently.

But while LensAlign is a very nicely designed tool for detecting focus errors, when a lens won’t focus consistently, not a lot can be done other than trying to minimize the average error.

In this case, the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G is a brand-new sample (replacement) that I received a few weeks ago. Which shows that there was nothing unusual about the first sample with respect to focus. I still have not had any explanation from Nikon on this focusing behavior (2+ months have elapsed)— not even a statement that it’s the way it is. I wish Nikon were more open in their discussion of equipment issues, starting with acknowledging issues.

A badly back-focused result from the 35/1.4G and Nikon D3x