Sharpening settings on D200

[marcotrov]

Hi guys wondering if anyone using a D200 might want to realy the settings they are using, both in camera, and in pp for the d200 sharpness settings? I am currently struggling with getting the sharp pictures I'm use to.
I am aware of the low default settings and the AA filter strength on the D200. I am also aware of the sensor resolving power that is less than forgiving of poor technique and poor lens quality BUT I have quality Nikon glass and whilst not perfect I believe my technique is ok. I know the D200 AF system is complex and the focus point area of influence regarding AF can be an issue in terms of accurate placement of the AF point in use, AF modes and patterns used etc, etc...BUT
Any advice, suggestions comments would be appreciated
There's probably a lot of information I have left out to make any real judgements but thoughts from others always help with my 'thinking out loud' and 'figuring out' phases. Frustratingly I have taken some quite sharp images with the D200 and various lens combinations with close up images, as expected I suppose, being much easier to get sharper images from than longer distance shots
cheers
marco

[Blackspear]

I use a Nikkor 18-200mm VR and set the D200 to:

Shooting Menu
Optimize Image
Custom
Sharpening +2 High

And images are sharp.

Cheers

[beetleboy]

On the PP question - I find myself sharpening in ACR with a level around 30 to get the same "default" sharpness as I did on the D70. All you do is set "Apply Sharpening to ALL images" in the preferences in Bridge and forget about it!

[shutterbug]

I turn my sharpening off in camera.

Sharpen in PS to your liking...every image is different.

What lens are are using? I notice my prime lens give me sharper images

[marcotrov]

Thanks Blackspear.
Liam and Shutterbug thanks. I prefer to use no sharpening in camera but I am having difficulty getting sharp pictures even with sharpening at 100 and radius .8. Yet with my 17-35 f/2.8 Nikon (but we are talking close to subject) I can get really sharp images straight out.

Unfortunately i get intermittent results with a significant number unsharp when distance is used e.g. with my 70-200VR. I am starting to think I may have a focus area point problem i.e. there may be an alignment problem between the focus bracket used and it focus sphere of influence. Not sure idf that makes any sense. Either way i think I'm due for a bit of testing. If anyone knows of any other test than a black line on white paper please let me know.
Mind you the other possibility is driver error
cheers
marco

[beetleboy]

This is the most useful test chart I've found in my travels...

http://focustestchart.com/focus21.pdf

or the original page here

[marcotrov]

Yeah thanks Liam. i have that one. i was hoping he had updated it to more account for the D200 AF system. But that's what I'll be using.
cheers
marco