Nightime manual focus tips?

First time here, looks like a great forum. I have a Digital Rebel and was trying out some bulb shots the other night, but had trouble trying to get a good manual focus--using the small viewfinder image wasn't much help, since my eyes are lousy at night and were probably already adjusted to the dark. Setting to infinity doesnt help either, since some of the subject matter was closer up. Anyone have tips on how to get a good focused image in the dark?

use Cfn 4-1 and carry a small bright torch (flashlight for you americans)
turn light on to illuminate subject, press * button to focus
when subject is in focus, remove thumb from * button
turn light off, press shutter button

yep, flash light is the key. manually focus using the flashlight, then shoot.
I recommend using a remote at night.

You could go one step further and aim the flashlight/torch at the camera from the subject's position if it's fairly far from the camera, then focus on the bright spot of light.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! i never would have thought of that--ill give it a shot (pun intended)

I use a RC-5. But, you mentioned focus. Just keep on, keeping on.
The more you shoot at night. The more you will like it.
Just think fun and the better you will be.

If there's room, you could put the light just out of the frame, but the same distance away & leave it there. Then just swing on it, half-press, swing back & take a 2nd pic.

Or you can use one of those little laser pens to focus on. Locks on instantly.

Better than that... use an infra-red light source..
http://www.nvginc.com/​irlasdio.htm

Great idea!!! I have not tried it yet.
Focus on the dot and instant focus..

Eat more carrots.

rhys wrote in post #2286548
Better than that... use an infra-red light source..
http://www.nvginc.com/​irlasdio.htm

But the drawback is that you won't be able to see the light source NOR the camera will be able to focus properly.

remember the IR mark on the lenses?

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2301288
But the drawback is that you won't be able to see the light source NOR the camera will be able to focus properly.

remember the IR mark on the lenses?

The STE2 uses IR for focus assist. All that does is shine a beam of IR light on command.

rhys wrote in post #2301763
The STE2 uses IR for focus assist. All that does is shine a beam of IR light on command.

I thought that it's not really IR cause you can still see the light.

If it's an IR laser, you won't be able to see it for sure simply because there's one wavelength with no "spill" to other frequencies.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2303293
I thought that it's not really IR cause you can still see the light.

If it's an IR laser, you won't be able to see it for sure simply because there's one wavelength with no "spill" to other frequencies.

It could well be near IR.

Hold a compact digital up in front of the IR beam with the LCD on and you'll be able to see the IR beam more easily.