LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Hi friends. I'm curious...If you own a Canon 6D do you toggle to use the focus points or do you use center focus point and re-compose? I find it easier to focus and recompose, especially who taking shots of my grandchildren, but sometimes I don't think the eyes are as sharp as they could be. Of course, it could be that those little people are just moving unexpectedly! Also, an added question...does anyone use BBF? I've considered it, but haven't tried it. Thanks for any input you have.

Stevieboy Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

I have a 6D as well and love it. I use the center focus point and have been using back button focusing which I like very much. If you want to set up your camera to do this the easiest way is to call Canon at 1-800-okcanon. They will be glad to help you.

Steve

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thanks, Steve. I love my 6D, too. I have always received great customer service from Canon so I think I'll try the BBF with their help. Seems like it makes sense, although others have said that it takes some getting used to.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Linda, this could get long and complicated.
First, I don't have a 6, I have a 5ll but it's almost identical, focus wise.
For what you are shooting, recomposing can be just fine. But, as you are seeing, there can be movement In between focus and snap.
Your center point is your only sensitive cross-point.
So to use other points are less reliable, focus lock-wise, as they are not cross-type.
BUT as you get into subsects that move such as runners or bikers or sports or BIF's you can no longer focus and recompose as you need to start using a leading or trailing point.
For still subjects bbf won't help much. It lends itself best for subjects that are constantly moving, especially if the light is changing from shot to shot, as the metering takes place when you actually snap the shot.
Anyway, the simplified , short version. Good luck. ;-)
SS

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Hi Sharpshooter. Thanks for responding. I had heard that BBF was best used for moving subjects so maybe that is not my answer. I do know that the center focus point is the cross-type, but my focus points are jumping around quite a bit...not sure if I need to change a setting or something to keep my center point active. Any suggestions? Thanks.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Linda, if ALL your focus points are enabled, the camera picks the point for you.
You need to enable ONLY the center point.
Now, if you are on Auto mode, you can't select a particular point as the camera enables them all and picks for you.
You need to be in a priority mode to be able to select a point.
Nothing wrong with using bbf, it just won't get you a lot of benefit. Try it, you may prefer it. It's all part of being able to customize your camera for your preferences. Good luck. ;-)
SS

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Hi. Thank you. I shoot mainly in Manual or AP, but when I try to specify the center point (and push SET) my focus doesn't stay at the center point. Am I missing something? Thanks so much.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Linda, on my 5ll, I just choose them with the joystick on the lcd, and NOT push set.
Set is for menu items.
I access by tapping on the joystick, that brings up the info screen. Then toggle down to the focus points. Then with the wheel on the back, turn it till it's where I need it. Pretty sure I don't set. But I'm at work and not where my camera is to double check. Try it. Or maybe someone with an actual 6d will chime in! ;-)
SS

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thanks, Sharpshooter. I'll do some more work to see what I'm doing (or need to...) I'm kind of OCD about wanting sharp eyes...but I also know that I'm not blowing my photos up into billboards either. I appreciate you taking the time to respond...sorry you are working on a Saturday!

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

Linda here is the link that explains BBF and how to set it up....Rich......http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/backbutton_af_article.shtml

HowardPepper Loc: Palm Coast, FL

Hey Linda. I also use the center focus point on my 6D, and recompose. I also use back button focus, with AF usually set to single shot for landscape and portrait photos, but switch it to AI focus when shooting anything that moves ;)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

It doesn't matter what camera you have, the issue is the same.

if you compose with the center focus point at the subject's eyes and then rotate the camera down to compose the shot differently (with the eyes now at the top of the frame) you are actually changing the distance to the eyes.

Think about what's happening; the camera's focus point is like an invisible "plane" or sheet of glass lets say. It moves from the camera out parallel to the sensor or front of the lens.

When you focus on the eyes, that "plane" is actually tilted back a bit in relation to how you will reframe so when you swing the camera down...that plane now being parallel isn't in the right place.


Now...sometimes if you shoot with a deep enough depth of field this issue is masked and you don't realize it's happening.

When you shoot with a wide open fast lens this becomes a problem because the area that's "in focus" is very very "thin" at the sheet of glass point and any movement of you, camera, subject or a combination of any of them results in a "missed focus"


So...Yes, I do focus and recompose when the depth of field is deep but not when shooting wide open and shallow.


Here is a post I did on the subject quite a while ago and the ensuing arguments it created :)

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-83353-1.html

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I have a Canon although it's not a 6D. I've been using center focus point for several years and always recompose.
I normally get very sharp results unless, as you mentioned, the kiddos decide to move suddenly.

I normally use auto focus rather than back button.

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

An excellent discussion of the subject. Well Done!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Why thank you very much!