AF w/Strobes?

Hi,

I have a Rebel XT w/a Novatron light set. When the modeling lights are on or I'm using a softbox, the camera won't focus well enough to take the shot. Do I have to shoot w/MF?

Thanks!

And with the ML off the camera will focus???

Seriously though: Pretty dark ML I presume.
You could use a speedlite (In M mode, 1/32 power or so), which would project an AF assist pattern, and trigger the Novatrons as well....
Other then that: Focus on a spot of the subject that has good contrast, or use MF...

Hi tamhi, welcome to POTN!

Rene's suggestion is good.

Also, the lens you're using could be a factor. Fast lenses will AF better in low light.

René Damkot wrote in post #2724011
Pretty dark ML I presume.

It won't focus in any low-light situation. I'm assuming it's because the Rebel doesn't have AF assist??

You could use a speedlite (In M mode, 1/32 power or so), which would project an AF assist pattern, and trigger the Novatrons as well....

I have a Speedlite 430EX, but thought it would only trigger other speedlites, not the Novatrons. How do I set that up?

Other then that: Focus on a spot of the subject that has good contrast, or use MF...

Maybe it's my eyesight, but I'm awful at MF.

Thanks!

Curtis N wrote in post #2724042
Hi tamhi, welcome to POTN!

Rene's suggestion is good.

Also, the lens you're using could be a factor. Fast lenses will AF better in low light.

I've been using the Canon EF 28-105. Is it a slow lens?

Thanks.

"Fast" is generally f/2.8 or faster. Your 28-105, depending on version, is f/3.5-4.5 or f/4.5-5.6

With the 430EX, set to manual mode at a low power setting (1/32 or 1/64) and aim it at one of the novatrons so it's not throwing light directly at your subject.

The RebelXT has a small, dim viewfinder compared to higher end cameras, which makes manual focusing diffucult for anyone, especially in low light.

Check the documentation that comes with the Novatrons and make sure you're using the highest wattage modeling lights allowed.

Curtis N wrote in post #2724174
With the 430EX, set to manual mode at the lowest power setting (1/16?) and aim it at one of the novatrons so it's not throwing light directly at your subject.

Will that trigger the Novatrons? I have been using a hot shoe adapter and sync cord. I hadn't tried my speedlite because it didn't know it would trigger the strobes.

Also, do other cameras like the 30D have the low-light problem or is it just the Rebel?

Assuming the Novatrons have a built-in slave sensor, then they can be triggered by any flash. The important thing is to use the Speedlite in manual mode, lest the strobes be triggered prematurely by the E-TTL pre-flash.

The RebelXT is a great camera, but it's an entry-level DSLR. Its low light AF capability is not quite up to par with more expensive models. The 30D does a little better, though the difference is not great.

You have a combination of several minor details adding up to a major issue. If you had a 30D and a faster lens and more powerful modeling lights, the problem would probably go away. But using your Speedlite as Rene' suggested is a very practical solution that won't cost you anything.

If you are Using apack and head system a you will need to get a peanut slave to plug into the pack, then your Speedlite will fire the Novatrons.

Here is a Peanut slave...

http://www.novatron.co​m …cts/accessories​/4030.html

Thanks! I was just found that online and was going to ask about it...

Don't know what lights you have, but if it's the monoheads, there is a switch on the back labelled 'slave'.

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No, mine doesnt' have the slave option.

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Get a peanut slave then

Thank you all for your help! I've ordered the peanut and can't wait to try it out. I'm still worried about the low-light dilemma, but hopefully my speedlite solve that problem. Right now, I'm off to help blow insulation into the walls of my new studio--YEAH! My DH has lovingly sacrificed his workshop for me.