Use of nikon 6t

[herc182]

I remember reading a thread here on how to best use the nikon 6t with the FZ20. i have purchased it and find that sometimes it focusses and sometimes it does not. what is the best way to focus on subjects with this lens?

also what distances at what zoom can i expect to achieve?

thanks

[Medic1210]

Here's the results I got the other day when I tested the working distances of the Nikon 5T and 6T. I had a 24" level/ruler that I laid on the table and put a bar code at one end. Then I focused on the barcode and took the measurement from the front of the lens. As you will see, there is a difference in working distance depending on whether you focus close or focus at "infinity". The distances in inches are below. Check out my Macro and Flower gallery for examples of the FZ20 using each of these lenses. As for the best way to focus, I personally find manual focus the best. Basically you want to positioin yourself in the general working distance and then move back and forth until the image comes into focus, then you can fine tune focus manually if you wish. DOF is quite shallow, especially at 12x zoom, so if possible, you will want to use a small aperture (larger number) for more DOF. Remember, you can use any zoom setting. You don't have to just use 12x, but that is where you will get the most magnification (and least DOF). Hope this helps.

Mike

Nikon 5T at 12x zoom
Close focus: 17" (216mm)
Infinity focus: Approximately 27" give or take a few millimeters as my ruler was only 24" so I had to take the measurement past the end of the ruler.

Nikon 6T at 6x zoom
Close focus: 10 3/4"
Infinity focus: 15"

Nikon 6T at 12x zoom
Close focus: 10 1/4"
Infinity focus: 13 5/8"

Nikon 5T and 6T stacked at 6x zoom
Close focus: 7 5/8"
Infinity focus: 9 3/8"

Nikon 5T and 6T stacked at 12x zoom
Close focus: 7 1/4"
Infinity focus: 8 7/8"