Q: What does long focal macro mean? What is the benefit of this lens?

The long focal macro (or macro in telephoto mode) involves using the macro mode of the lens not at 35 mm, but at 105 mm - its longest focal length. Principle: With this Nikkor 35-105 mm, you can activate the macro function at any focal length using the macro ring. At 105 mm, you retain this macro capability (minimum distance 0.27 m at 35 mm, approximately 0.43 m estimated at 105 mm), while benefiting from a more pronounced optical compression. Advantages: Compressed perspective: At 105 mm, close objects appear more “flattened” and detached from the background, which is highly appreciated in macro. Greater working distance: You photograph close subjects without being right next to them, making lighting easier and avoiding casting a shadow on the subject. Blurred background (bokeh): The compression and aperture (f/4.5 at 105 mm) create a more pronounced subject-background separation effect. On this lens: The minimum distance in macro is 0.27 m at 35 mm with a maximum magnification of 1:4. At 105 mm, close focusing remains possible (via the macro ring), but magnification will be slightly reduced. The compensation comes from the optical compression that naturally creates the effect of visual enlargement.

Question 1

What does long focal macro mean? What is the benefit of this lens?

Accepted Answer

The long focal macro (or macro in telephoto mode) involves using the macro mode of the lens not at 35 mm, but at 105 mm - its longest focal length.

Principle: With this Nikkor 35-105 mm, you can activate the macro function at any focal length using the macro ring. At 105 mm, you retain this macro capability (minimum distance 0.27 m at 35 mm, approximately 0.43 m estimated at 105 mm), while benefiting from a more pronounced optical compression.

Advantages:

Compressed perspective: At 105 mm, close objects appear more “flattened” and detached from the background, which is highly appreciated in macro.
Greater working distance: You photograph close subjects without being right next to them, making lighting easier and avoiding casting a shadow on the subject.
Blurred background (bokeh): The compression and aperture (f/4.5 at 105 mm) create a more pronounced subject-background separation effect.

On this lens: The minimum distance in macro is 0.27 m at 35 mm with a maximum magnification of 1:4. At 105 mm, close focusing remains possible (via the macro ring), but magnification will be slightly reduced. The compensation comes from the optical compression that naturally creates the effect of visual enlargement.

Question 2

Does the macro function work throughout the 35-105mm focal range?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the macro function is operational throughout the 35-105mm focal range of this lens. You can activate macro mode at any focal length, from wide-angle to telephoto, by pressing the macro button while turning the macro ring to the left (in the direction of the engraved orange arrow).

However, macro performance varies significantly depending on the focal length used. At 35mm, you achieve the best performance with a minimum distance of 0.27 meters (0.9 feet) and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:4. As you increase the focal length up to 105mm, the minimum focusing distance increases and the reproduction ratio becomes less favorable, although the macro mode remains fully functional.

To use macro, press the macro button located on the lens while turning the macro ring to the left. This operation can be performed at any zoom setting and any focusing distance. Once in macro mode, focusing is done by moving the focus/zoom ring back and forth rather than turning it.

To return to normal focusing mode, simply turn the macro ring to the right, opposite the arrow, until you hear a locking click. Note that in macro mode, the focal lengths engraved on the lens barrel no longer correspond to the actual settings, as the focus ring is mechanically shifted forward.

For work requiring critical sharpness, such as document copying or slide duplication, Nikon recommends using a Micro-Nikkor lens rather than using the macro function of this zoom.

Question 3

Macro ring: should it be set to position M or can an intermediate position be used?

Accepted Answer

According to the manual for this lens, the macro ring must be turned to the left (marked by an orange arrow) and you must press the macro button to activate macro mode. Therefore, it is not an intermediate position that activates the macro, but a precise positioning combined with the activation of the button.

Once macro mode is engaged, the operation changes: you will focus by moving the zoom ring longitudinally, instead of using the traditional focus ring.

Macro capabilities of this lens:

Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:4 at 35 mm
Minimum focusing distance: 0.27 m at 35 mm
The macro mode works across the entire focal range

In summary, do not simply position the macro ring in an intermediate position - you need to turn it fully to the left and press the macro button to activate the mode.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the dial with the infinity symbol on this lens?

Accepted Answer

The dial with the infinity symbol (∞) is the manual focus ring. It allows you to manually adjust the sharpness by turning it, and displays a distance scale to guide you.

Operation:

The NIKON 18-200mm lens offers three focus modes via the mode switch (item 14):
- AF Mode: full automatic focus
- M/A Mode (Manual/Autofocus priority): autofocus works, but you can fine-tune manually by turning the focus ring
- MF Mode: fully manual focus
The ring displays a graduated scale from 0.5 m to infinity (∞) in meters and feet
The symbol ∞ indicates the focus point at infinity, used for landscapes, the sky, or any subject very far away

Practical tip: In M/A mode, you benefit from the reliability of autofocus while still having the option to slightly correct the focus by turning the dial if the autofocus hesitates.

Question 5

What settings to use for photographing moving people and animals outdoors?

Accepted Answer

To capture moving subjects (people and animals) outdoors, here are the optimal settings for your NIKKOR 18-200mm:

Autofocus mode

AF Mode: Activate standard autofocus so that the focus adjusts automatically with each press of the shutter. This is the ideal choice for dynamic subjects.
Alternatively, use the M/A mode if you want to manually adjust the focus while still benefiting from active autofocus.

VR II Stabilization

Make sure to activate VR (Vibration Reduction) - this system is particularly effective for fast movements:

NORMAL Mode: To be used in most cases, including for panoramic shots. The system automatically detects the subject's movement and differentiates between camera shake and intentional movement.
ACTIVE Mode: Preferable if you are photographing from a moving vehicle or in a situation where camera shake is significant - this mode further reduces vibrations.

Shutter speed

Thanks to VR II, you can use slower shutter speeds (about 4 stops slower than without VR). For fast-moving subjects, prefer a shutter speed sufficient to freeze the motion (generally 1/500 or faster depending on the subject's speed). The VR will compensate for any residual camera shake.

Question 6

How to use the NIKKOR 18-200mm for street and portrait photography?

Accepted Answer

The NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II is an excellent versatile choice for street photography and portraits with your D7200. Here’s how to make the most of it:

For street photography

Ideal focal range: Use the 35-50mm range for a natural and discreet perspective, typical of street photography. This range allows you to capture urban scenes without distortion.
Focus: Take advantage of the fast AF-S system. If you encounter difficulties (low contrast, very detailed distant background), switch to M/A mode for manual adjustment after autofocus.
VR II stabilization: Activate the NORMAL mode to compensate for micro-movements in low light conditions (sunset, alleys). The VR II allows you to shoot about 4 stops slower, very useful in low light.

For portraits

Background compression: Use the telephoto range between 85-135mm to achieve pleasing compression and natural bokeh that flatters faces.
Minimum focusing distance: The lens focuses down to 0.5m at all zoom settings, allowing you to frame tightly on faces if needed.
Aperture: Note that the aperture changes from f/3.5 at 200mm to f/5.6 in telephoto. In low light, increase the ISO (your D7200 handles high ISO very well) or use the VR II.

General advice

This lens features three aspherical elements and two ED elements that correct chromatic aberrations, ensuring excellent optical quality for all your framing. The 18-200mm range eliminates the need to change lenses on the street, which is a major advantage for capturing action quickly.

Question 7

What does the error code E3 mean on the Nikon Nikkor AFS ZoomNikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens and how can it be resolved?

Accepted Answer

The error code E3 on a Nikon Nikkor AFS ZoomNikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED lens generally indicates a communication problem between the lens and the camera body. This malfunction can be caused by dirty contacts, improper mounting, or hardware issues.

Steps to resolve the E3 error code:

Check the contacts: Remove the lens from the body and inspect the metal contacts on both the lens and the body. Gently clean them with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or dirt.
Properly remount the lens: Reattach the lens, ensuring it clicks securely and firmly onto the body.
Test with another body: If possible, try the lens on another compatible Nikon camera to determine if the problem lies with the lens or the body.
Reset the camera settings: Perform a factory reset of the camera settings to eliminate any potential software issues.
Update the firmware: Check that the firmware of your body and lens is up to date by visiting the official Nikon website and perform updates if necessary.

If the error code persists after these checks, it is advisable to contact an authorized Nikon service center for further inspection or repair.

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