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Reference—Focus
The AF-Assist Illuminator
The built-in AF assist illuminator enables the camera
to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. The cam-
era 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 eff ect. If these conditions are met and the subject is
poorly lit, the illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation
when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
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.). With the following lenses, autofocus with AF-assist
illumination is not available at ranges under 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
With the following lens, AF assist is not available at ranges under 1 m (3 ft. 3 in.):
• AF-S DX ED 55–200 mm f/4–5.6G
With the following lens, AF assist is not available at ranges under 2.5 m (8 ft. 2 in.):
• AF VR ED 80–400 mm f/4.5–5.6D
AF assist is not available with the AF-S VR ED 200–400 mm f/4G.
Continuous Use of the AF-Assist Illuminator
After the AF-assist illuminator has been used for several consecutive shots, it may turn off
briefl y to protect the lamp. The illuminator can be used again after a short pause. Note that
the illuminator may become hot with continuous use.
a9—AF Assist ( 152)
This option can be used to turn AF-assist illumination off .
With the following lenses, AF assist is not available at ranges under 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