1D Mark II: Changing AF Point Up/Down?

[DwightMcCann]

When I'm shooting Live Performance images I need to change the AF point frequently, sometimes for focus (getting to the drummer's face behind a sea of chrome) and sometimes for exposure, in order to get the composition and/or exposure on what is often a field of black. While I can scroll the AF point horizontally with index finger while pushing the button with my thumb, when I want to move it up or down and therefore have to use the "big wheel" it becomes very awkward. I would much prefer to have it scroll off the end and to the next row horizontally, sigh. Am I missing something? Do I have bad technique and should really be using AF-L and AE-L? What do other people do?

[vwpilot]

You dont have to hold the button. Press it then let go and use your thumb on the rear command dial. It wont "set" the point till you press the shutter button part way again (like to set focus).

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, thank you, thank you, VW! Just tried it ... what a relief!

[primoz]

Another option is to set assyst button to switch to pre-registered af point. I have it done like that when shooting sport and I would be shooting mostly in landscape but occasionaly I need to switch to portrait (or vice versa) so instead of switching af points I just use assyst button to switch to registered point for that shoot. Cfn.18 comes handy for this.

[DwightMcCann]

Primoz, I have looking into some of the AF point and AF start options using the * and X buttons on my list of things to research. My problem usually is that I want to shoot a whole stage but the main subject is 2/3s of the way right or left for both landscape and portrait, or I want to include/exclude audience heads, or something else, so I use a lot of points as the scene is changing constantly. BTW, which lens is that in your icon image? (Is that image called an avatar?)

[primoz]

Sorry Dwight if I missunderstood your question. My suggestion works only if object is always on same af point like it's in my case. If it's moving around stage and you need to switch between different af points (not just 2 of them) then it won't do. Using * button for af (cfn. 4-3) is just personal preference. I got used to this and I can't image shooting different, but I think it won't influence af point selection speed at all.
PS: That lens is 300/2.8.

[DwightMcCann]

I'm sure I will need to investigate all the options, sigh. :-)