Sports photogs which do you shoot with, Servo or Focus?

[TheSportsGuy]

Hey, the question is in the title..

So which do you use?? I know AI Servo focus' on moving action, but I have been using AI Focus for my sports shots, and I get great pictures..

One more question, I heard that AI Servo kills your battery, is this true?

[Gatorboy]

AI Focus doesn't work as advertised. If you are shooting moving subjects, AI Servo is the only way to go.

Kills your battery? Never heard of such a thing. I've been using my batteries for years.

[900spg]

One more question, I heard that AI Servo kills your battery, is this true?

If they mean wears your battery out like shooting in any mode would do, yes. That is why they can be recharged. Not meaning to make fun but I use AI Servo mode all of the time and have never experienced battery issues.

[TheSportsGuy]

If they mean wears your battery out like shooting in any mode would do, yes. That is why they can be recharged. Not meaning to make fun but I use AI Servo mode all of the time and have never experienced battery issues.

Good, I heard that Servo kills your battery faster, but I guess his info was false.... I think il try servo today at the baseball game I have to cover

[primoz]

Theoretically AI Servo probably spends more battery then One shot. It does more, and it keeps trying to achieve focus all the time, while one shot tries once and that's it. But I don't think battery usage should be issue. I never noticed there would be all that much of difference, but it's also true, any of my cameras is ever in one shot mode :mrgreen:

[MT Stringer]

I switched from AI Focus to AI Servo and my keeper rate went up dramatically. Also, one of the first things I noticed was my batteries didn't last as long! :-( But, I have four so it's no problem to switch them out. I was able to shoot four high school baseball games back to back (approx. 2000 shots total) before needing to change the batteries. That was with the 20D and Sigma 120-300 f/2.8.

EDIT: Here is an example. I just aimed at the runner, it locked focus and I started shooting...7 frames total. All but one was in focus.

Mike

[PhotosGuy]

Keep in mind that all batteries aren't created equal. The one I got from Canon is 1500 mAh. One I bought is 1800 mAh & I've seen even higher rated ones.

[dave kadolph]

AI Servo and custom function 4-3

[argyle]

Here's a dumb question...will shooting in AI Servo (custom function 4-3, focus with 'star' button) place excessive wear and tear on the AF motor, especially if its constantly adjusting focus? I'm just now getting into marathon/triathlon shooting, and curious as to what to expect from a gear standpoint.

[poloman]

Here's a dumb question...will shooting in AI Servo (custom function 4-3, focus with 'star' button) place excessive wear and tear on the AF motor, especially if its constantly adjusting focus? I'm just now getting into marathon/triathlon shooting, and curious as to what to expect from a gear standpoint.

I don't see your having a choice....
I guess you could always focus manually?

[primoz]

I guess it will. But then again... everything what you do with camera will hurt it. So if you are thinking this way, it's best for equipment to just leave it in bag ;)