I'm using my D90 with a 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens to take pics of birds at a feeder at around a metre distance through a single glazed window. I'm using an ML-L3 remote and manual focus. I've turned the AF-assist illuminator off in menu a3 but it still flashes just after shutter release. I realise this light is also used for the self-timer and for red-eye reduction, neither of which should matter because I'm not using a timer or flash.
I couldn't figure out why the birds were being scared off at shutter release because there's no way they could hear it. I then looked into the camera and the lamp flashed every time I fired.
I'm using aperture-priority f/5.6 at 105mm, ISO 200 and the shutter speed has been around 1/125sec.
Comments
Long answer. Read page 69 in your manual. The AF illuminator will always light when using the ML-L3. Probably for self portrait mode to let you know the shutter fired.
There's always gaffers tape...
Thanks for the short answer. I'm going to get a MC-DC2! I didn't bother cos the cord is only a metre long.
Thanks for the long answer. In the meantime I'll tape over the AF illuminator! I read page 69 loads of times....but obviously not that bit.
Did I say thanks?