Auto focus manually set to center- pros + cons

[learjet035]

I have noticed that when trying to get a specific shot my camera seems to auto focus on the closer object. Since most of my shots are done in AV it became a pain to get the focus point where I wanted it. I have sinced switched to manual center selected focus point. Then I recompose once I have the subject locked on. I use this all the time. I was wondering, what am I missing out on by using this? Is there a better way? Anyone have another way they do it? Thanks!

[Michaelmjc]

In AV you can manually select which AF point you want to use... push the zoom in button then rotate with click wheel.

Thats what I do.

[gasrocks]

What you are doing sounds fine, (especially if it is working.) Many different ways to do it - if you ask 10 people you might get 12 answers. Av and focus aren't really related.

[HJMinard]

Your method (and reasons for it) is common.

I have my camera set to the center focus point about 90 percent of the time. The only time I use the auto (multi) point selection is for large groups of people (A-DEP mode) and for some action photography (sports, flying birds) in conjunction with AI Servo.

[EddieA]

I started out using all 7 now I always use the centre point - one-click while holding the AF point button and you can shift to the point on either side.
Although it says in the manual to focus, hold the focus lock and recompose when your subject is not in the centre an article in EOS magazine recommended not to focus and recompose but to switch to a different focus point to focus. This is because the lens focusses in a plane parallel to the sensor and not an arc - so the radius distance from photographer to the edge is often greater than the distance from the photographer to the centre so throwing off the focus when you recompose.

[learjet035]

Very interesting, I'll try that and hopefully when the time comes, can remember how to do it. =)