Center point or multi point focus
Mar 3, 2012 09:25:20 #
Do most people use center point or multi point focus all the time or do you switch back and forth depending on conditions? What helps you decide which focus to use?
Mar 3, 2012 09:37:28 #
C/P probably 70% of the time. Multi-point only when the subject specifically calls for it. My decisions are based on the subject, how much of it I need to be in sharp focus, and my intent with the shot. Focus point selection and aperture have a relationship as well,, for example a wide open aperture and results in a fairly narrow depth of field, so if you choose center point focus, you'd better be spot on or you'll have too much out of focus.
Since most of my shooting is landscape and nature, usually fairly wide, that requires different thought processes than close-ups of rusty nails or kids playing in a sandbox. It all depends on the situation and the subject, usually.
Since most of my shooting is landscape and nature, usually fairly wide, that requires different thought processes than close-ups of rusty nails or kids playing in a sandbox. It all depends on the situation and the subject, usually.
Mar 3, 2012 10:06:48 #
Single point focus, I select the focal point depending on the subject and placement I would like in my frame.
Mar 4, 2012 08:31:51 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
I vary it according to composition and objective.
Shooting landscape or whole room shot, multi-point, usually stopped down to f8 or f11 (light permitting). I often find it necessary to press shutter release halfway more than once to allow camera to reselect focal points until I get what I like.
If I am going for boken, and focusing on one thing in particular in the image, I widen the aperture and single point focus.
Moving target- higher ISO, shutter priority or stop down aperture for more DOF, single point with tracking.
Shooting landscape or whole room shot, multi-point, usually stopped down to f8 or f11 (light permitting). I often find it necessary to press shutter release halfway more than once to allow camera to reselect focal points until I get what I like.
If I am going for boken, and focusing on one thing in particular in the image, I widen the aperture and single point focus.
Moving target- higher ISO, shutter priority or stop down aperture for more DOF, single point with tracking.
Mar 4, 2012 08:34:11 #
When I used the stock focusing screen I never shoot in anything but center point focus...I can't see a reason not to. (sometimes I use a different point than the center but I think you are talking about "single vs multi")
I find it irritating to have the camera guess what I'm trying to focus on.
I now use a KatzEye focusing screen so I use the center exclusively.
I find it irritating to have the camera guess what I'm trying to focus on.
I now use a KatzEye focusing screen so I use the center exclusively.
Mar 4, 2012 08:49:48 #
What I have discovered, the multi-point focusing is not really for those who want to control the focus POINT. The manufactures included many points of focus for the beginners. I tell students put the focus point on the CENTER and leave it there. Focus on the eyes, recompose and take you shot. There are so many features to make it easier, we sometime learn the wrong way. It all depends on what kind of photographer you are.
Mar 4, 2012 09:00:41 #
[quote=Drumdr]Do most people use center point or multi point focus all the time or do you switch back and forth depending on conditions? What helps you decide which focus to use?[/quc
Center point better than 90% of the time, might select a single off center point once in a while, Bob.
Center point better than 90% of the time, might select a single off center point once in a while, Bob.
Mar 4, 2012 09:15:43 #
[quote=bobmcculloch][quote=Drumdr]Do most people use center point or multi point focus all the time or do you switch back and forth depending on conditions? What helps you decide which focus to use?[/quc
Center point better than 90% of the time, might select a single off center point once in a while, Bob.[/quote]
This thread got me to thinking about something...
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Center point better than 90% of the time, might select a single off center point once in a while, Bob.[/quote]
This thread got me to thinking about something...
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Mar 4, 2012 09:16:24 #
Center point. I dont want my camera deciding exactly what spot I want to focus on and guess the wrong one. Yes you can take your finger off the release, do it again and it could focus on another spot, but sometimes your subject is gone by then. Use center point, then recompose and shoot.
Landscapes would be the exception. They dont move much.
Landscapes would be the exception. They dont move much.
Mar 4, 2012 09:17:39 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
rpavich wrote:
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Explain please.
Mar 4, 2012 09:24:54 #
steve_stoneblossom wrote:
Explain please.
rpavich wrote:
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Who here uses back button focusing?
I've found it to be MUCH BETTER than the old "push the shutter button half-way down" method.
Explain please.
This is Canon specific but I'm sure that other camera manufacture's have it too.
Back button focusing is where you change the control of the auto focus from the shutter button (half way down) to another button on the camera (in Canon's case it's the "*" button)
This allows you to "set" the focus for an object and as long as you don't touch that button, focus never changes when you hit the shutter.
Also, when trying to shoot moving objects, you can turn the camera on "AI-Servo" focus (continuous) and KEEP your finger on the AF button (*) in back and just hit the shutter at will; the camera continues to keep focus during the movement.
On a Canon it's found in the "Custom functions" menu.
Mar 4, 2012 09:28:55 #
steve_stoneblossom
Loc: Rhode Island, USA
rpavich wrote:
br br This is Canon specific but I'm sure that o... (show quote)
Thank you. I'll have to check my manual to see if my D700 has a similar feature. I know there are many as yet unexplored custom functions.
Mar 4, 2012 10:50:43 #
Drumdr: I shoot a lot of sports, must use Center Point and spot it on the player you want to capture. I know this is against rule of thirds but sports are usually to fast to compose this way. Crop in PP.
rpavich: Thanks for the Back Button Focusing. I use it a lot, more comfortable for me than half depress shutter button. Canon 7D
rpavich: Thanks for the Back Button Focusing. I use it a lot, more comfortable for me than half depress shutter button. Canon 7D
Mar 4, 2012 16:40:55 #
I tend to use multipoint for wide expanses and single point (that I select) for close objects. I'd say single point about 80%. Single point center selection about 40% of those single point selections.
Mar 4, 2012 22:18:12 #
steve_stoneblossom wrote:
quote=rpavich br br This is Canon specific but ... (show quote)
I think you'll be looking for the AE-L/AF-L button on you Nikon. You can program how it works and choose to have it lock exposure or focus. I program my function button up from to focus lock and it works great for holding the focus point while you re-compose your shot.
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