What value is there in being able to move the focus point? Many cameras now come with the ability to change the focus point to anywhere in the frame, often by using a joystick or by...

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Many cameras now come with the ability to change the focus point to anywhere in the frame, often by using a joystick or by touch. I have always used back button autofocus where I focus on the subject then just recompose. The other way seems much slower to me... or am I missing something (wouldn't be the first time :-)

travisdeland Loc: deland, FL

I find that being able to move the focus point is extremely helpful when photographing moving objects-and it is also a great aid in composition, since you are now thinking through the placement of elements in your image.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

For moving objects coming toward or away from you in Servo or Continuous mode it is essential. Especially when using long lenses at wide apertures.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

If you plan to take multiple shots of on off center subject, you are better off moving the focus point than focusing and recomposing multiple times.

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

JohnSwanda wrote:

If you plan to take multiple shots of on off center subject, you are better off moving the focus point than focusing and recomposing multiple times.

Yes, agree if the subject is moving (either towards you or away from you) otherwise multiple shots don't matter because the subject will still be in focus.

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Tomfl101 wrote:

For moving objects coming toward or away from you in Servo or Continuous mode it is essential. Especially when using long lenses at wide apertures.

Can you give me an example?

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

hobbit123 wrote:

Many cameras now come with the ability to change the focus point to anywhere in the frame, often by using a joystick or by touch. I have always used back button autofocus where I focus on the subject then just recompose. The other way seems much slower to me... or am I missing something (wouldn't be the first time :-)

If one is working from a tripod recomposing is a PITA. If you ever do focus stacking be it macro or landscape you would get an appreciation for that feature. When not, I agree, recomposing is simple.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

JohnSwanda wrote:

If you plan to take multiple shots of on off center subject, you are better off moving the focus point than focusing and recomposing multiple times.

Ill I can think is playing Zaxxon using the focusing points for against moving objects...

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I actually did an article on this exact topic - I think you'll want to move your AF points after you read it :)

https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yeah, unless the camera is on a tripod, I can't imagine using the joystick of LCD to change the focus point. BBF does it for me.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I agree with you, and do it that way too because of habit. It's nice to have choices though, like if the camera is on a tripod it's not as easy to recompose!

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Steve Perry wrote:

I actually did an article on this exact topic - I think you'll want to move your AF points after you read it :)

https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/

Your instructions are always the best! Thanks for posting that Steve!

JJS Loc: SE Michigan & SW Florida

hobbit123 wrote:

Many cameras now come with the ability to change the focus point to anywhere in the frame, often by using a joystick or by touch. I have always used back button autofocus where I focus on the subject then just recompose. The other way seems much slower to me... or am I missing something (wouldn't be the first time :-)

Agree with you Hobbit. I usually use single center point (or small group) and back button focus. Focus and recompose if necessary. In AI servo follow the subject with bbf button depressed. Seems easier. Different story using a tripod though.

Still, I feel we must be missing something. I'm sure more experienced fellow Hoggers can help educate us.

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Steve Perry wrote:

I actually did an article on this exact topic - I think you'll want to move your AF points after you read it :)

https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/

Read the article but still remain unconvinced. Viz:

"With my AF point solidly on the eye, I focus and I keep pressing the AF-On button as I fire away in short bursts"

Yes that's exactly what I do. I don't move the AF point.

Ironically it was your article on BBAF that convinced me to adopt it :-)

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

jerryc41 wrote:

Yeah, unless the camera is on a tripod, I can't imagine using the joystick of LCD to change the focus point. BBF does it for me.

Not sure I understand why using a tripod makes it any more difficult to recompose. I have a Manfrotto with a ball head and recomposing is simply a matter of releasing the clamp and moving the camera. It's not exactly rocket science...