CF#4 -1 Experiences & Question

[dsze]

Since reading about separating the AF and the AE by using the star button and the shutter release button rather than just the SR button, I've been using it that way and have taken somewhere between 2000-3000 images that way. Here's my conclusions/problems:

When my subject and I are fairly stationary, I really like this. I also really like this in odd lighting conditions where I don't want the AE-lock to be the same as my AF-point. I've gotten good results with posed portraits.

However, these are the situations that I've gotten FAR fewer in-focus images than I used to get: my kids playing at the park, my daughter in a recital, kids playing outside, etc. I've tried using both 1-shot AF and AI-Servo AF. AI-Servo never really seems to get the focus quite right, even though they are close. The 1-Shot mode either gets it right on or not even close. I should add that this is with both 10D bodies and with all of my lenses.

Is there something that might allow me to get more keepers using the star button for AF? Or, for important events like weddings and such where my subjects may be moving, might it be best to move the AF back to the shutter release button with the AE?

thanks,
daniel

[SkipD]

In my opinion, you would NOT want to change modes for an important job like a wedding. The reason is simple. When the chips are down, you do what you have trained yourself to do. If you have trained yourself to use the * button to focus, then that's what you are going to try to do at the wedding.

My suggestion is to just get better at focussing. I don't know the 10D, but with my 20D, I use only the center focussing point. This makes it easier for me to have control. I never use AI focussing. Again, I want control. I may even elect to use the manual focus ring on the lens (I have L USM lenses that allow this without switching AF off).

[dsze]

Yeah, I understand about training yourself to do things a certain way, which is why I shot nearly 3000 images with the * button before posting my opinion. I've got plenty of time to train myself back though, if need be. QUESTION: Since you say you never use AI-Servo, would you mind telling me how you shot moving subjects (like a bride walking down the aisle). Do you attempt to press the * and the Shutter release at the same time? ....also, I fail to see how AI-Servo gives up control? (if it works, that is).

thanks,
daniel

[PacAce]

For moving subjects, AIServo is your best bet. You just have to remember to keep pressing the "*" button so that you can track the subject. And make sure you start focusing before you actually take the shot to give the camera a chance to lock the focus on the subject.

[SkipD]

QUESTION: Since you say you never use AI-Servo, would you mind telling me how you shot moving subjects (like a bride walking down the aisle).Daniel, I come from the "old school", long before auto focus was invented for cameras that you and I could afford. Manual focus was what I used then, and is what I would tend to revert to these days for tricky situations. I do have lenses that allow you to just twist on the focus ring without turning off the autofocus mode. I suppose if I had to switch AF on and off to be able to use manual focus I might think differently.

The problem I have with auto focus, used in a fully automatic mode, is that the camera may or may not pick the point which I want to focus on. Manual focus allows you to gradually change the focus as the subject moves. I have, over the years, used this method for weddings, auto racing, and everything in between.

[dsze]

Skip, I see. I'm not against using Manual focus either. My cameras have never seen full-auto mode though...I agree, I never trust the camera to chose the AF point... I manually select it in either M or Av. Maybe I just need some more practice using the *. I'd really like to keep using it given the metering benefits, but if I can't get more in-focus photos I may have to switch back.

Anyone else care to share their *-Focus techniques for slowly moving subjects like people?

thanks,
daniel