Don't use auto focus when using a tripod
Jul 30, 2012 21:01:25 #
A friend said not to use auto focus when using a tripod. Doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas why he would suggest this?
Jul 30, 2012 21:04:26 #
Jul 30, 2012 21:11:39 #
jane g
Loc: western NY
I've never heard that, and I almost always use autofocus. Perhaps he was thinking of the image stabilization feature. That should be off when using a tripod.
Huey Driver wrote:
A friend said not to use auto focus when using a tripod. Doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas why he would suggest this?
Jul 30, 2012 21:13:57 #
Jul 30, 2012 21:17:19 #
Huey Driver wrote:
A friend said not to use auto focus when using a tripod. Doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas why he would suggest this?
Ooops! You got your answer while I was composing mine.
I knew someone from UHH would be able to help you out!
Good luck.
Jul 31, 2012 02:18:08 #
Some late model lenses have a "tripod compatible" VR mode which senses that the camera/lens combo is mounted on a tripod and the system automatically switches to a tripod compatible mode. There are very few of these lenses available currently and they are almost all top-line professional models. Its generally best to just turn off your VR/IS/OS or whatever your gear calls it.
Jul 31, 2012 08:03:56 #
could someone explain to me please the consequences if one did use this when on a tripod ? thanks
Jul 31, 2012 08:35:36 #
lol whittingham wrote:
could someone explain to me please the consequences if one did use this when on a tripod ? thanks
The attempts by the lens to reduce vibration that isn't there will result in a less-than-sharp picture.
Look at this info from NIkon. It's not a simple On or Off situation. http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7676
Jul 31, 2012 08:59:50 #
Jul 31, 2012 09:02:38 #
lol whittingham wrote:
could someone explain to me please the consequences if one did use this when on a tripod ? thanks
Image Stabilization systems, whether built into the lens or into the camera itself, are based on servo technology, meaning that a motion, position or accelerator detector is constantly searching for an error in those parameters and thus attempts to correct it by either repositioning a lens element or the sensor itself in the camera. Even when the servo system reaches a steady state of minimum error, it remains active and continues to hunt for an errormovement, position or acceleration in its quest to make necessary corrections. When placed on a tripod, the camera and lens combination become very sensitive to the slightest movement or vibrationmirror slap, wind, finger on the shutter button, etcand as a result, the servo system attempts to correct while hunting for a minute error by means of mechanically moving the camera sensor or lens elements, thus creating its own vibration with undesirable effects on the final image.
Jul 31, 2012 10:21:23 #
Julian wrote:
quote=lol whittingham could someone explain to me... (show quote)
Thanks for posting this information. This is the best explanation I've seen. It's all beginning to make sense. :-)
Jul 31, 2012 10:21:38 #
wow,that was very wll explained...thanks. but whats the difference in being hand held or tripod held /in other words,how does it know that its on a tripod and not a hand,
is it because its 'picking up shake' when in hand, or what ?
sorry if i appear stupid, but i am a novice, thanks
is it because its 'picking up shake' when in hand, or what ?
sorry if i appear stupid, but i am a novice, thanks
Jul 31, 2012 10:23:31 #
Huey Driver wrote:
A friend said not to use auto focus when using a tripod. Doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas why he would suggest this?
Only for landscapes. Typically, I use auto focus to get it set, and then turn it off afterwards so that when I'm ready to take the shot, it wont possibly change focus on me.
Other than that, there is no advantage to turning off auto focus with or without a tripod.
Jul 31, 2012 10:23:38 #
lol whittingham wrote:
,how does it know that its on a tripod and not a hand, is it because its 'picking up shake' when in hand, or what ?
Exactly.
Jul 31, 2012 10:29:51 #
docrob
Loc: Durango, Colorado
Huey Driver wrote:
A friend said not to use auto focus when using a tripod. Doesn't make sense to me. Any ideas why he would suggest this?
Maybe your friend was encouraging you to take advantage of what a tripod allows - time, patience, attention......
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