Do you guys normally use center focus point during events?

or do you use more than 1 AF point?

It would make more sense to me to use only centre point as it gives you way more control at thin apertures to get only what you want in focus.

How about when people are dancing / moving around? Would it be better to use more focus points then...

I've upgraded from a T3i to 5D3 so its a giant leap for me in terms of AF points... from 1 cross type to 43 (i think) cross type lol.. with my T3i i used to use center point for everything because i had no other choice.. but should i be using more points on 5D3 during EVENTS only... i mean obviously during sports you would use more..

Not sure how I might change my shooting habits if I had a 5D3. That said, I use center focus when my subject and composition changes frequently or when I move around a lot. It depends on the event.

I find it easier to use center focus and recompose when shooting candids at weddings because I cannot always plan for composition when I'm scaning the room looking for moments to capture. I can crop later.

When it comes to the dance or cake cutting, I will have selected my focus point because I will have already determined how I want to compose the shot.

If I'm at an event where I don't move around much and I know where my subjects will be, I'll just choose the focus point that makes sense.

I almost never use the center focus point.

Spot center focus for thin DOF.
Expanded Center focus for fast moving objects.
Normal center for rest of shots.

I've been playing with the 5D3's 61 points, and it's very quick to shift from center focus to left or right. I'm going to stop focus and recompose as much as possible.

pick a point, use AI servo, compose and shoot. I've never had a problem hitting focus on my XTi, 50d, t2i, 5d2 or 1d3.

Your 5D III is such a capable AF machine, use the other AF points, use them to your advantage. Not only it will make your shots better composition-wise but also you'll avoid problem with focus-and-recompose when shooting open wide. There is a way to register a point and come back quickly...

http://www.canon1dx.co​m/af-points-area-selection/ for more info check your 5D III User Manual.

5W0L3 wrote in post #14435967
or do you use more than 1 AF point?

It would make more sense to me to use only centre point as it gives you way more control at thin apertures to get only what you want in focus.

How about when people are dancing / moving around? Would it be better to use more focus points then...

I've upgraded from a T3i to 5D3 so its a giant leap for me in terms of AF points... from 1 cross type to 43 (i think) cross type lol.. with my T3i i used to use center point for everything because i had no other choice.. but should i be using more points on 5D3 during EVENTS only... i mean obviously during sports you would use more..

We use the D700...I personally go back and forth between focus/recomposing and using multiple AF points. It essentially comes down to a question of how much time I have to get the shot.

When shooting events, yes I leave it on centre focus... however, the 50d AF system is a lot more basic than the 5d3

I have always used single focus point from the start. I never use the multi point system.

robertwsimpson wrote in post #14436337
pick a point, use AI servo, compose and shoot. I've never had a problem hitting focus on my XTi, 50d, t2i, 5d2 or 1d3.

Are you using AI Servo on portraits / glamour? I haven't yet but have been considering giving it a try.

Single point, nearly always center. I only use multiple point AF when shooting flying planes at an airshow.

Center and Single shot is your best and most reliable regardless of camera.
Recompose if required since events are so easy to do such.
But sometimes you need to vary with Action events.
Nothing ruins your day - and clients - more than OOF.
The new 5D MKIII appears more capable with outside edges and multi shot continous.
The very delayed 1DX will be interesting at that high FPS and AI Servo.

I use AI servo on everything. I take 2 or three shots to make sure that one of them is in focus, but I like it. you've got all those points to choose from, why would you only use the center one?

robertwsimpson wrote in post #14440066
I use AI servo on everything. I take 2 or three shots to make sure that one of them is in focus, but I like it. you've got all those points to choose from, why would you only use the center one?

Well I'm constantly moving around through all of my points, but I'm usually in One Shot for portraits / glamour. So using back button focus, how would you use AI Servo for portrats? Focus on an eye, keep AF-ON depressed, and shoot?