Low Light Issues

[pammygirl1001]

I have a Nikon D80 with the 18-135 kit lens that I have owned for about 2 years now (I'm so ashamed I'm still needing help ....:worried:).

I am sure I need to change a setting, but I am having problems getting my camera to auto focus in low light situations. Not "no light", but "low". Like yesterday on my front porch when it was raining. The subjects were a little backlit, but not severely. It searches for focus and most of the time will finally stop, but has a hard time finding a good focus.

Any suggestions?

[Kathleen]

If it helps at all, I am having similar issues with my Rebel XTi. It is 3 years old, and I have experienced it with different lenses. Wondering if it needs a cleaning. I asked at our local camera store, and he checked a couple settings, but didn't see anything (and most things I had already checked).

Does it happen all the time?

[pammygirl1001]

I'm not glad you are having the same problem, but it makes me feel better that I am not alone. I thought it was just me and I've been feeling pretty stupid.

It does seem to happen all the time in situations where the amount of light is similar, even tho it has happened both indoors and out. I'm still trying to figure out the specific things that cause it.

I have played with ISO, I usually keep my focus set on a single focus instead of continuous. So far I haven't stumbled on the exact combination to minimize it. It's hard to catch the expression you want on those cute little faces when the camera won't cooperate!

[Vallie]

Have you tried manual focus instead?

[Pezjunky]

It is very very difficult to get any camera to auto focus when your subject is backlit. There is just too much light going directly into the lens. When I can I use a lens hood, or my hand to block out some of the light so it'll focus. It's either that or do manual focus.

[Karen]

You need to be looking for contrast in the scene you are shooting Pam, also upping your ISO and opening up your lens will all help heaps :)
Also try using the single focal point and also using a small torch to light your subject while you achieve focus will help and if all else fails, focus manually :)