Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I'm looking at this camera very seriously. But, all the different AF points and options are confusing. I've watched several YouTube videos, many times. I feel by the time I figured out what "group" of AF points I actually needed, the shot would be lost. Can you tell me your experience with AF points, what you use most of the time? Were you overwelmed at first with all these options?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Honestly I despise auto focus...

Manual is faster and more accurate, in my opinion.

willowpix

I don't use them, except for when I have time for setting up the shot. Also, keep playing with them until it becomes second nature. I'm working toward that skill now, but it takes time. Good luck.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

I've only got 9 points (I think), but I stay with the center one.....spot focus.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yea, I wondered that too. I just use center point focusing mostly when in auto focus mode...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Tracy - think of the classic 9 points: a center and 8 others in an oval. Now, imagine a box of six instead of just a single point at each of those traditional nine positions. That's essentially all a group is and you move around those groups in the same manner as you would cycling around the nine. (Actually, there's more than 9 positions, but the analogy is accurate.) It's a great camera. The current lower price is not cheap, but much lower than original and even a year ago when I got mine. I use zone 99% of the time. Only when I'm working with something small that will be cropped later to access the details will I change to single point or single point with expansion.

So, a few others have added some comments since I started writing. If you only use the center point, a 6D might be a better choice. In addition to the large array of focus points, the 5DIII also has the AI Servo AF of the 1DX for tracking moving subjects. It won't capture 10fps like the 1DX or the new 7DII, but it tracks the subject via continuous focus like these other two models. I've shot so birds in flight and sporting events with the appropriately fast shutter speed to freeze action and results are awesome.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

When I first got my 5D MK III, I selected to use only 9 points, then 15 points and then then rest. Coming from using the Canon Rebel series all the points were a little confusing.

I still prefer to manually select my AF point most of the time. When in AI Servo I prefer using Case 4 for tracking subjects. Canon has a number of tutorials- print and video- that have been a great help.

A good book is 'Canon 5D Mark III Experience' by Douglas Klostermann.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Many of us prefer the single center focus point. When the camera uses a group of points, it selects the object closest to it for focusing. Combine the single point with back button focus, and you have a winning combination.

If you wait a little longer, you can get the new 50MP Canon, or prices on the Mk III might drop even more.

Canoe50d

How you use the focus point options may be determined by the type of shooting you do. Having more points = less lost shots, faster focusing on the fly, better tracking. Just because you have them, doesn't mean you will use them.

EdM Loc: FN30JS

like some of the others, I just use the center, at the point of interest, then compose the shot. I am a little confused by the usefulness of all of 'em, kinda like having 14 wives! EdM

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I'm learning a lot about this camera. Hopefully, by the time I purchase one, I'll at least not be too overwhelmed. I do use BBF. I read about the AF-on button focusing on the right side while shutter button focuses on the left side. If you push the AF-on button, then push the shutter button to take the picture, wouldn't the focus be changed if you didn't disable the shutter button? I don't understand how you can have it both ways.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

On my T1i, if I set the camera for BBF (which it is), the shutter button doesn't initiate a(nother) focus at all, only metering (half way), and of course the shutter (full).

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Ron, that would be true, ONLY if you chase bugs!!
I'll take you shooting sometime. IF you can get even ONE shot in focus, I'll give you a medal!! But we won't be doing any girlie landscape!!:lol: 8-) :lol:
SS

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I wonder what you did when AF and VR did not exist...

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Tracy, this is something that requires a lot of practice to get comfortable using. At some point you will wonder how you managed to get along without it. You will learn almost instinctively how to set you camera up to allow several focus methods. You will also realize that just because you have all those focus points doesn't mean you have to use them all, all the time. When you start shooting motion you wi8ll be glad to have all those points. It's a challenge, go meet it.