Help with AF hunting in low light!

[big_apple_ken]

Here's my problem. I was at a strobist shoot the other day trying to shoot people with the sun setting in the distance. When the light was fading obviously the AF of my lens started to hunt. I would use MF but it was a tad dark to see anything properly though the viewfinder. So considering this is the case and also there are no AF assist beams (all flashes were off camera) how can I get around this? My friend use a small flashlight but I'm curious if that is the best or only solution. Help!

[fxk]

The off-camera flashes were not being controlled by ST-E2, were they? That has an AF assist light. If the flashes were in manual, then no af assist...

I'd guess a flashlight could work - another option is to imitate a Canon AF beam from a 550-580 flash - vertical lines - use a small hand-held laser either with a splitter or some pattern usually supplied and focus on that - watch the model's eyes. It may work better than a flashlight. Have not tried it - it was just a thought. There surely will be enough contrast.

[big_apple_ken]

The off-camera flashes were not being controlled by ST-E2, were they? That has an AF assist light. If the flashes were in manual, then no af assist...

I'd guess a flashlight could work - another option is to imitate a Canon AF beam from a 550-580 flash - vertical lines - use a small hand-held laser either with a splitter or some pattern usually supplied and focus on that - watch the model's eyes. It may work better than a flashlight. Have not tried it - it was just a thought. There surely will be enough contrast.

Not using ST-E2s. Using Ebay cactus triggers. My friend used the flashlight but it seemed a little cumbersome. I would use the little lazer but not looking to blind anyone...haha :D

I'm mainly asking cause I'm thinking I want to do some night time strobist shoots and this will surely be an issue.

[fxk]

I understand - somehow you need to get more light on the subject or create something the AF can lock onto - the laser won't be any less cumbersome than the flashlight - and the laser will not allow focusing on the eyes without blinding the subject - the flashlight will be far weaker and may not be enough.

Have you considered a modelling light on a stand?

[big_apple_ken]

I understand - somehow you need to get more light on the subject or create something the AF can lock onto - the laser won't be any less cumbersome than the flashlight - and the laser will not allow focusing on the eyes without blinding the subject - the flashlight will be far weaker and may not be enough.

Have you considered a modelling light on a stand?

What is a modeling light? Is that just essentially strapping a little flashlight to the stand? I guess this must me one of the major downsides of being a strobist versus having studio lighting....:(

[fxk]

Yeah - basically a light on a stand - (flashlight on a stand would qualify) -
Really a modeling light would be part of your light setup - at the same place as your strobe(s) to estimate what the light in the photo would look like. In this case, you'd have extra light for focusing, and predictably see if your strobes are placed where you want them.

[big_apple_ken]

Yeah - basically a light on a stand - (flashlight on a stand would qualify) -
Really a modeling light would be part of your light setup - at the same place as your strobe(s) to estimate what the light in the photo would look like. In this case, you'd have extra light for focusing, and predictably see if your strobes are placed where you want them.

I'm going to drop by the hardware store and pick up a few small flashlights then for my next shoot. Thanks!

Without commercial lighting is this my only solution?

[jgogums]

I'm going to drop by the hardware store and pick up a few small flashlights then for my next shoot. Thanks!

Without commercial lighting is this my only solution?

I haven't used these but since you live in NYC maybe you can check them out in person and B&H. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/11877/Continuous_Lights.html

[big_apple_ken]

I haven't used these but since you live in NYC maybe you can check them out in person and B&H. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/11877/Continuous_Lights.html

This is a great find. I'm going to drop by B&H today and ask after work. Thanks!

[jgogums]

This is a great find. I'm going to drop by B&H today and ask after work. Thanks!

Cool. Wouldn't be surprised if you find an assortment of other alternatives. Curious to see what you think of these if you get a chance to play with them.

[Moppie]

Please don't post duplicate threads in different forums :)