C.Fn 4-1 Having trouble with focus being sharp

[bestbyte]

Hi,

I have a 1d2n and recently switched my custom function 4 to 4-1 so i could focus with the star button. Although I like the functionality of this my action shots are either soft or Im missing focus as opposed to having to focus on the shutter release. Im shooting in servo mode with 2.8 glass or better. Any one else having issues or is this more of I have to get used to it and timing with my thumb and brain.

[basroil]

here's a hint, get a rubber band, and rubber band your thumb to the star button. it'll help. just as you say, it is just an issue of mind-hand coordination.

[nickybegood1998]

Basroil, I don't get it? Rubberband your thumb to the star button? Can you explain just a bit further? I have been using this technique as well for about 2 months. Finally getting the hang of it, getting more focused pictures which is good.

Karman

[Dan-o]

It realy shouldn't be a timing thing as you should be holding it in the whole time you are tracking your subject. Also try changing your focus point to the top point. Then just keep that point on your subject face and it will usualy end up framing the shot well and will make sure the face in in focus.

[Spearin]

Hi,

I have a 1d2n and recently switched my custom function 4 to 4-1 so i could focus with the star button. Although I like the functionality of this my action shots are either soft or Im missing focus as opposed to having to focus on the shutter release. Im shooting in servo mode with 2.8 glass or better. Any one else having issues or is this more of I have to get used to it and timing with my thumb and brain.
I think you just have to get used to it some more. Also, what are you using for AF points? From what I have read about the 1D Mk II N, usually any problems with sharpness are user error.

[grego]

The * button just takes getting used to. Especially if you are doing sports. All just a matter of practice.

[Choderboy]

Give it a few weeks. I found it hard at first using the * button. At first you are likely to introduce some camera shake. Forgetting to actually hit the button can be a bit annoying too :)

Now when tourists ask me to take their pic I find myself thumbing the back of their camera seaching for the * button.

[freeflydrew]

whats the advantage with this CF over using the half press on the shutter?

[Choderboy]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=72779&highlight=custom+function+4

[kram]

am in the same boat. I'm sure its user error - but I'm unable to figure out why I cant get the focus right!!

[StewartR]

It realy shouldn't be a timing thing as you should be holding it in the whole time you are tracking your subject. I think this bears repeating/emphasising.

[bestbyte]

Thanks for the advice!, I was recently shooting a indoor volleyball and caught myself not pressing the star all the time when I need to refocus, so I will try a rubber band, if anything the other shooters will ask whats up with my thumb, lol.

[Moppie]

I got used to useing it very quickly, what Im stilling working on is focus, then recompose and finding Iv left my finger on the * button and as I take the photo the focus changes. Its ok if the camera passes the subject off to another focus point from the one I had selected, but it dosn't always seem to do it, something to do with how Im selecting the focus points I think, or I might just need more practice.