Focus Point

I am trying to find out why my focus point in the center is not what showed up in focus? Comments or tips please.

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What mode were you shooting in?

Hard to tell with such a small photo. Everything looks to be in focus, except the adult in the back.

usually it's a matter of you just missed it during the action...but you could have focus issues with the body/lens if it's happening non-stop. You need to supply a lot more info though.

I was shooting in Manual
F-stop f/5.6
1/500 sec
ISO 100

Here is a larger photo

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Is there a chance you focussed on the white player, and moved the framing before hitting the shutter? Considering you would be panning right anyway to follow the ball, I think.

Very possible, I just noticed it in a lot of shots.

WHY are you be shooting ISO 100 at 1/500th? 1/500th is the bare minimum for what you want...you have the best body for noise, bump up the ISO to 400 or so and get a faster shutter for one. You still haven't answered if this is happening often or just random? If random you probably are just not hitting the focal point or pre-focusing and the kid is moving out of it but you didn't refocus fast enough. If it's a lot you may need to send your stuff in to get checked. Also why not post the original image instead of a screen shot?

what speed setting do you have the AiServo on? It could be that you focussed and tracked the white player and then moved the focus point off him just before hitting the shutter button. If the camera is set to slow movement off the target when the AF point is moved then it could be that it is still tracking the white player and will soon switch to the red player.

I don't know why you would be complaining though because it seems like the right player is in focus? I sure wouldn't want the player in the background in focus instead of the kid with the ball. I think your MkIII has done well here to track even if you don't have the AF point on your target.

+2 concerning the watching your settings. In that bright sunlight you shouldn't be near 1/500. I don't know why lots people are afraid to bump up their ISO to get a faster shutter speed. You've got one of the best cameras out there for low noise at high ISO. Why not take advantage of that?

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #6296397
WHY are you be shooting ISO 100 at 1/500th? 1/500th is the bare minimum for what you want...you have the best body for noise, bump up the ISO to 400 or so and get a faster shutter for one. You still haven't answered if this is happening often or just random? If random you probably are just not hitting the focal point or pre-focusing and the kid is moving out of it but you didn't refocus fast enough. If it's a lot you may need to send your stuff in to get checked. Also why not post the original image instead of a screen shot?

probably because there are some here on the sports boards recommending those kind of settings. despite trying to set things straight, all that comes back is a defense of an incorrect position. so much for trying to help.

OP, my guess is its a focus/recompose issue most likely.

I owned one of the early MkIII's and experienced about every AF problem you have read about and never had it be as far off as the photo you show. Unless every photo you take is off similar to this, it is most likely you set your original focus on the player with the ball and your reflex movement anticipating the ball moving shifted your AF point and the camera is still catching up. If you shot a burst, what did the photo before and after look like?

I also don't shoot sports at 100 ISO any longer regardless of how bright and sunny it is. I am a sharpness freak and love being able to shoot at 1/2000 - 1/4000. I will adjust ISO to 800 before even considering letting the shutter speed below 1/2000. The performance of the MkIII, even at ISO 3200, is a huge benefit. Take full advantage of it.