Autofocusing in the dark

Hey. I use canon 550d with YN560-II flash and have a little problem. Do you have any suggestions how to focus in the night then there is not enough light and autofocus dont work. You can't do anything good with manual focus either. When you are using pop up flash, the infrared beam turns on and helps to focus, but the it doesnt light up when you are using external flash. Maybe there is any chance to make the beam work with ext flash? Now I'm using flashlight when i need to focus in dark or just use manual focus blindly until i get a good result but it's not very convenient. Any suggestions?

The YN560 has an AF assist beam. Have you tried checking the settings on your flash?

edit:
I take that back. Apparently that big red plastic piece on the front is not an assist beam...

Vytkius wrote in post #14762689
Hey. I use canon 550d with YN560-II flash and have a little problem. Do you have any suggestions how to focus in the night then there is not enough light and autofocus dont work. You can't do anything good with manual focus either. When you are using pop up flash, the infrared beam turns on and helps to focus, but the it doesnt light up when you are using external flash. Maybe there is any chance to make the beam work with ext flash? Now I'm using flashlight when i need to focus in dark or just use manual focus blindly until i get a good result but it's not very convenient. Any suggestions?

If your setting up a static shot which i'm assuming you are when its that dark then take a good torch to assist with focusing.

Yeah unfortunately a flashlight is more or less your best option. Aside from that, if you shot in the dark a lot (sounds like you do) you may be better off with the YN565 which does have AF-assist (or another more expensive flash like the 430EX).

The red infrared panel on the YN560 is NOT an AF-assist.

I don't see how you are going to use a torch, at least not without jumping thru some hoops... And nope, it's going to throw off the exposure, or you will need to adjust for it ( and it will be brighter than some parts of the scene. )

Now, if you autofocus with it, then switch to manual focus, turn off the light, and then take the shot...
But like I said- jumping thru some hoops.

wayne.robbins wrote in post #14764369
I don't see how you are going to use a torch, at least not without jumping thru some hoops... And nope, it's going to throw off the exposure, or you will need to adjust for it ( and it will be brighter than some parts of the scene. )

Now, if you autofocus with it, then switch to manual focus, turn off the light, and then take the shot...
But like I said- jumping thru some hoops.

Not necessarily, all OP has to do is manually expose and use One Shot AF. No need to switch to MF; they just click the flashlight off before using the trigger. They are very likely using Manual mode anyway with how dark it is.

wayne.robbins wrote in post #14764369
I don't see how you are going to use a torch, at least not without jumping thru some hoops... And nope, it's going to throw off the exposure, or you will need to adjust for it ( and it will be brighter than some parts of the scene. )

Now, if you autofocus with it, then switch to manual focus, turn off the light, and then take the shot...
But like I said- jumping thru some hoops.

Torch and manual focus, manual exposure for very dark shots. I'm sure many have done this in the past as it works for me.

wayne.robbins wrote in post #14764369
I don't see how you are going to use a torch, at least not without jumping thru some hoops... And nope, it's going to throw off the exposure, or you will need to adjust for it ( and it will be brighter than some parts of the scene. )

Now, if you autofocus with it, then switch to manual focus, turn off the light, and then take the shot...
But like I said- jumping thru some hoops.

Why would you have to switch to manual focus? Just use back button and once you are focused, it won't change.

Preeb wrote in post #14769666
Why would you have to switch to manual focus? Just use back button and once you are focused, it won't change.

Beat me to it.

I switched to BBF about 2 weeks ago, and I love it!

KirkS518 wrote in post #14770245
Beat me to it.

I switched to BBF about 2 weeks ago, and I love it!

just what i was about to say.

I assumed just as you all assumed. I assumed that metering was being done by one of the less than manual modes- like AV or TV- not assuming manual. Some of you all assumed that the OP is using BBF or will change over to BBF to make that shot. The OP is apparently wanting to use autofocus - aka his statement that MF is not any good ( a lot of people can't manually focus correctly for a number of reasons ). For those that can MF a lens, good for you!


Sorry, a number of ways to skin this cat.

I'm really confused, thought this was going to be a simple answer.

My new answer is wait until its light then take the picure when your auto focus works again

Scooby888 wrote in post #14770911
I'm really confused, thought this was going to be a simple answer.

My new answer is wait until its light then take the picure when your auto focus works again

What are you trying to shoot?

Scatterbrained wrote in post #14770920
What are you trying to shoot?

Me, nothing. Was offering op some advise on night shooting. Is it me of is it confusing what he's asking?

550d has bbf? not to sure about that.