Sports - When to not use center point focus

[Tandem]

Center point focus works fairly well most of the time but are there specific sports or special circumstances and camera/lens combinations where you would switch focus points? Do you have a focusing strategy to share?

I'm a center point focuser but I'm willing to listen and learn.

[Dermit]

This is a good point because I have been playing around with this issue lately. I also use center most of the time especially for AI Servo when tracking a moving subject since it has 'hidden' AF points around the center point that makes tracking 'better', so I am told. But a good example of when I do NOT want to use center is like when shooting the long jump event and I am positioned at the end of the sand pit shooting straight on at the athelete. The shot I want is when the reach the peak of the jump in the air at max stretch... but I also want the track and pit to be in the shot. The subject will be near the top of the frame so in a verticle shot I would want the AF point to be the one closest to the top of the frame. There are many examples, most involve the AI Servo mode of focus as you can not lock focus on a subject and recompose.

[Tandem]

Good example! and since we are talking sports lets say using AI Servo mode is a given for the sake of discussion.

[KirkHMB]

When I want to get action "into the Frame", I'll pick a trailing focal point.

Softball pitcher, volleyball server etc look better when the are directing the ball into open space, and they are off center. I'm trying to use it when shooting the VB hitters from the side view, but not having much luck yet.

[Pete]

What's wrong with using the Ring of Fire?

[bildeb0rg]

What's wrong with using the Ring of Fire?

Fussy backgrounds, multiple players in the shot, and the need to focus on your choice of subject.

[Dermit]

When I want to get action "into the Frame", I'll pick a trailing focal point.

Softball pitcher, volleyball server etc look better when the are directing the ball into open space, and they are off center. I'm trying to use it when shooting the VB hitters from the side view, but not having much luck yet.


Exactly. Which is why i've toyed with other AF points. But I usually stick with the center, shoot wide, and crop so the subject is off center.

[pworm14]

I shoot a lot of swimming and for backstroke I'll switch to the bottom focus point if I want to get the swimmers arm in the frame at the top of the arch. If I use the center point for that shot I usually end up cutting off part of the arm.