1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Question about Auto Focus

Question about Auto Focus


9 years 9 months ago #391717 by Scooter
If I have a shot that is framed up and in my lower left for example is something I want to focus on.  Is the best way to get just that in focus to focus recompose?  Or do you move your auto focus dots in the back of the camera so that they are around what you want in focus? 

I hope this makes some sense, I'm trying to understand and teach myself more of the features of my camera (D300). 

Thank you
,
9 years 9 months ago #391719 by effron
I focus and compose on almost every shot, however I also use back button focus which makes it a smooth action....;)
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 9 months ago - 9 years 9 months ago #391723 by Scooter
 Google'ing what "back button focus" is



:thx:
,
9 years 9 months ago #391777 by GLiDeR
I could be wrong Scooter as I am learning too, but I think he is referring to the same thing you were, "auto focus dots" or AF Point Dsiplay.
,
9 years 9 months ago - 9 years 9 months ago #391781 by effron
Sorry, here's a good description and how to.....
nikonrumors.com/2014/01/25/how-to-use-ni...tton-autofocus.aspx/
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 9 months ago #391783 by KCook
Phase detect AF with an optical viewfinder is very different from contrast detect AF with a LCD.  When using PD AF most of the time I will focus near the center, then re-compose.  But with an LCD picking an offset target can be handy, especially with a touch-screen.  Whatever you are comfortable with.

Kelly Cook
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
,
9 years 9 months ago #391785 by JeremyS

effron wrote: Sorry, here's a good description and how to.....
nikonrumors.com/2014/01/25/how-to-use-ni...tton-autofocus.aspx/


when doing this, do you tend to leave your AF on AF-C or AF-S, or a mix of both depending on the situation. I'm going to give back button focusing a try and I was wondering what was commonly used to do this. 
,
9 years 9 months ago #391839 by effron
(Copy and paste from a helpful thread by Ray Soars, at DPR).....

Settings: (D7000, but I think most modern Nikons are similar)
a3 -> 9 points 
a4 -> off 
Focus area and mode AFC - continuous focus with 9 points dynamic area 
a1 -> release 
Lock initial focus point to central point (w/ the focus lock selector ) 
Set AE-L button to AF-ON only (so you will not focus using shutter button!)

1- Just press AF-ON to focus the initial focus point; 
2- Keep pressing while you want to continuous focus and shoot at will
3- If you want to recompose, just lift your thumb and the focus will lock -> then recompose and shoot. 
4- For manual focus dont touch the AF-ON button

Use this a couple days and you'll never return to shutter button focus. You will get a few oof shots, but its digital, no?
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 9 months ago #391845 by Shadowfixer1

GLiDeR wrote: I could be wrong Scooter as I am learning too, but I think he is referring to the same thing you were, "auto focus dots" or AF Point Dsiplay.

Nope. Not the same thing. Different technique.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: GLiDeR
,
9 years 9 months ago - 9 years 9 months ago #391855 by GLiDeR
I found this discussion very helpful, I just set up my Canon 50D to Back Button AF.
I can see the benefits, thanks guys!
,
9 years 9 months ago #391983 by Joves
I too use the back button, but I do not recompose anymore. I just move the AF Point to the subject when I am putting it in a particular composition. I like to shoot what I see without doing much more than clicking the shutter when I have it composed. It takes me like a whole half a second to move it. 
,
9 years 9 months ago #391986 by effron

Joves wrote: I too use the back button, but I do not recompose anymore. I just move the AF Point to the subject when I am putting it in a particular composition. I like to shoot what I see without doing much more than clicking the shutter when I have it composed. It takes me like a whole half a second to move it. 


Oh yeah? It takes me a quarter of a second to recompose!......:P
Actually, I use your method often when my camera is tripod mounted, as my eyes don't hear like they use to. Hand holding, I just move the camera. Either method is easier than the half press, eh?
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 9 months ago #391992 by Joves

effron wrote:

Joves wrote: I too use the back button, but I do not recompose anymore. I just move the AF Point to the subject when I am putting it in a particular composition. I like to shoot what I see without doing much more than clicking the shutter when I have it composed. It takes me like a whole half a second to move it. 


Oh yeah? It takes me a quarter of a second to recompose!......:P
Actually, I use your method often when my camera is tripod mounted, as my eyes don't hear like they use to. Hand holding, I just move the camera. Either method is easier than the half press, eh?

:rofl:
Yeah the half press or the tripped shutter is of the Devil.
,
9 years 9 months ago - 9 years 9 months ago #392022 by Stealthy Ninja
Move the dot to as close as you can to the spot you want to focus on. Focus and recompose can throw your shot out of focus especially when shooting wide apertures and/or long focal lengths.

Focus and recompose is for noobs. :whistle:
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Question about Auto Focus

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Ikan

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages2/50off.jpgSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/nikon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
More Articles