580exII - way to use its AF-assist without firing? -- Flash and Studio Lighting in photography-on-the.net forums

Senior Member

278 posts
Gallery: 7 photos
Likes: 63
Joined Nov 2006
Location: KY

More info

Apr 25, 2009 19:40 | #1

I think sometimes for receptions and other dim environments i'd like to be able to AF and stay with the dark feel.

My Tamron 17-50 f2.8 cant always focus and using the popup flash just strobes and is annoying and i think it doesnt focus very well b/c my pics usually turn out a little soft and OOF maybe.

I'd like to be able to sometime use the 580ex for throwing an IR beam and hopefully getting perfect focus. Is there a way?

My Site - www.apimagery.com
Canon R5 (x2), Canon RF 15-35 f/2.8L IS, Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L, Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8L, Canon RF 100-500L, Sigma Art 35 f/1.4, Canon 85 f/1.8, Canon 100 f/2.8L Macro

LIKES 0

canonphotog

Senior Member

796 posts
Likes: 2
Joined Nov 2005
Location: Texas (Greater San Antonio Area)

More info

Apr 25, 2009 21:07 | #2

Look in your 40D menus. I'm pretty sure you can set it to emit, but not fire. That way you get your AF focus beam. Might have to put it in manual to keep it from emitting a ETTL burst.

-Ken
Gear List|Kenny D. Photography

LIKES 0

kay188

Senior Member

825 posts
Joined Apr 2009

More info

Apr 26, 2009 06:32 | #3

Focus with flash on, keep holding button, turn off flash, shoot, turn on flash for next focus.

Ya that's inconvenient, but that's the only way I do it and can think of.

And it's not an IR beam. If it was IR, we wouldn't be able to see it.
It's just a red light.

LIKES 0

dpds68

Goldmember

1,464 posts
Likes: 2
Joined May 2008
Location: Trinidad and Tobago W.I.

More info

Apr 26, 2009 07:34 | #4

Yes in the Cam Menu you can turn it off from firing .

Gripped Canon 7D,20D,XT / Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, Canon 85mm f1.8 , 70-200 2.8L,EF50mm1.8 II,Sigma 150-500mm OS, Sigma 105mm 2.8 Macro, Sigma 10-20mm 4-5.6
Vivitar285Hv x2,Canon430EX,Nissin Di866,CTR-301P Triggers,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpds68/

LIKES 0

kay188

Senior Member

825 posts
Joined Apr 2009

More info

Apr 26, 2009 07:46 | #5

dpds68 wrote in post #7805858

Yes in the Cam Menu you can turn it off from firing .

That's for turning off the the flash from strobing to AF.

I don't think OP is wanting to turn it off.
I'm assuming OP wants to be able to use the AF assist light from the 580EX flash unit to help focus, and have the 580EX NOT fire flash at all.

As if you have a flash unit on and connected to the camera, it tells the camera you want to flash.

LIKES 0

dpds68

Goldmember

1,464 posts
Likes: 2
Joined May 2008
Location: Trinidad and Tobago W.I.

More info

Apr 26, 2009 08:02 | #6

You can turn of the flash while still retaining the AF light Page 103 in the 40D Manual .

LIKES 0

Shamir

Senior Member

508 posts
Likes: 1
Joined Oct 2008
Location: Santo Domingo

More info

Apr 26, 2009 08:14 | #7

go manual.. Then set your flash at its lowest power .. saay 1/64 and turn the head backwards.. it should cause no visible effect most of the time..

Shamir
My Website - Click Here

LIKES 0

kay188

Senior Member

825 posts
Joined Apr 2009

More info

Apr 26, 2009 08:17 | #8

dpds68 wrote in post #7805962

You can turn of the flash while still retaining the AF light Page 103 in the 40D Manual .

Well, problem solved!

LIKES 0

dpds68

Goldmember

1,464 posts
Likes: 2
Joined May 2008
Location: Trinidad and Tobago W.I.

More info

Apr 26, 2009 08:19 | #9

Here it is .

IMAGE: http://i44.tinypic.com/t8vngo.jpg

LIKES 0

aparis99
THREAD STARTER

Senior Member

278 posts
Gallery: 7 photos
Likes: 63
Joined Nov 2006
Location: KY

More info

Apr 26, 2009 09:50 | #10

thank you sir!

My Site - www.apimagery.com
Canon R5 (x2), Canon RF 15-35 f/2.8L IS, Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L, Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8L, Canon RF 100-500L, Sigma Art 35 f/1.4, Canon 85 f/1.8, Canon 100 f/2.8L Macro

LIKES 0

bacchanal

Cream of the Crop

5,284 posts
Likes: 22
Joined Jan 2007
Location: Fort Wayne, IN

More info

Apr 26, 2009 10:37 as a reply to @ aparis99's post | #11

Keep in mind that the AF Assist beam only works in One Shot mode.

Drew A. | gear | photos external link

LIKES 0

dsldub

Senior Member

309 posts
Joined Nov 2008
Location: Canada

More info

Apr 26, 2009 15:08 | #12

Can it also be done on a 30D? I checked under custom functions #7, and there is something similar to that.

LIKES 0

k_strecker

Senior Member

428 posts
Joined Jul 2008

More info

Apr 26, 2009 16:24 | #13

dsldub wrote in post #7807661

Can it also be done on a 30D? I checked under custom functions #7, and there is something similar to that.

yes it can be done on a 30D

LIKES 0

Jump to forum... • Rules • Forums • New posts • RTAT • 'Best of' • Gallery • Gear • Reviews • Member list • Polls • Image rules • Search • Password reset • Home

Not a member yet?

Registered members may log in to forums and access all the features: full search, image upload, follow forums, own gear list and ratings, likes, more forums, private messaging, thread follow, notifications, own gallery, all settings, view hosted photos, own reviews, see more and do more... and all is free. Don't be a stranger - register now and start posting!

COOKIES DISCLAIMER: This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and to our privacy policy.
Privacy policy and cookie usage info.

THEME: Paper White | Darker
MARGINS: (this page: defaults)

Latest registered member is ealarcon
847 guests, 142 members online
Simultaneous users record so far is 15,144, that happened on Nov 22, 2018

Photography-on-the.net Digital Photography Forums is the website for photographers and all who love great photos, camera and post processing techniques, gear talk, discussion and sharing. Professionals, hobbyists, newbies and those who don't even own a camera -- all are welcome regardless of skill, favourite brand, gear, gender or age. Registering and usage is free.

	x 1600
	y 1600