Bill_de Loc: US

I think if you kept focus on a face without moving the focus point, as they got closer you would cut off their feet and have excess wasted space above.

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hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

You might want to check out Steve's Youtube video on back button autofocus. It makes life a whole lot easier.

Dossile

A joy stick helps to compose photographs and focus sharply on key elements utilizing the rule of thirds. Every photographer needs to understand composition using, or sometimes violating, the rule of thirds. There are many books and articles on the subject. By focusing right, left, up or down, it keeps pictures more pleasing by putting the main objects of the photo off center and still in sharp focus.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I will read Steve Perry's thread, but off the top of my head, I have experienced better control of bokeh where I want it, by quickly honing in on focus point. For example, capturing a bee in motion. And NOT USING a macro lens.

hobbit123 Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Impressive!

khorinek

I move my focus point all the time. You can change the focus point on the EOS RP by touching the rear screen all the while looking through the viewfinder. If you are shooting a tall person and they are your focus point, you may need to move your focus point up, there are many reason for moving the focus point.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

It is a pretty handy feature if you like to fill the frame with the sharpest focus you can, or framing a small target at distance, where the primary sharp focal point (for instance, the head/eyes of a dragonfly/bird/person/etc.) is off-center. Just another of the many tools to be used, or ignored, photographers choice. The best focus method is the one that works best for you and your needs. Is one better than the other, situation dependent in my mind.

Depth of field obviously plays into this, as do different focus methods. Regardless of focussing program or individual style (back-button vs shutter button, etc.) there are many times I move the focus point (especially using single point or tight group) to have that sharp eye focus on a critter (body) that fills the frame. Then there are also times when I use all the focus points for group shot, etc. etc. Focus and recompose works well, I just find (when chasing moving targets) that concentrating on the eyes with a single or tight group focus point delivers more keepers for me.

I like having all these many capabilities, to tailor them to the type of shot, or individual style of shooting, location, size of subject, etc.. But again, it really is a personal preference, and different strokes for different folks rules supreme - imho.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Thank you Steve....

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Bill_de Loc: US

Had the focus point been set a little higher while focusing on a face the poor lady would not have had her foot amputated.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-589907-1.html

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photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I use BBF, but I also change my focus points. When taking portraits I set a focus point on the eye (or as close to the eyes as I can get it, focus, recompose slightly). I was taking flower photos yesterday. I took some of them in portrait orientation. By changing the focus point, I could basically "point and shoot" and move on looking for a new subject. I can change my focus point quickly and easily.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

I stopped reading after the first page --so-- what is wrong with using the AE Lock button?

(1)- focus the subject (2)-press the <*> lock button and (3)- recompose (4)-take the picture. This is done in little time or you can take your time in recomposing while keeping your finger on the lock button.

I use a Canon Rebel or 5D camera.

OneShot1 Loc: Wichita, KS, USA

Because some other kid always steps in front of my granddaughters at their dance recitals. It auto-focuses on that kid, so I move the focus point to mine.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I don't think the ability to move the focus point is actually very new, I've been doing this for many years. I cannot image not putting the focus point where I want it for the majority of my shots. If something is moving, a flying bird, and I think it's impossible to get on the eye or near the face then I might use a centered focus point and hope for the best but usually, even then, I use BBF and move the point. I like to control the outcome, to the best of my ability, so I make every attempt to use all the tools the camera and gear can offer.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Most cameras use the same spot for exposure metering and focus, when you half press the release button. There are times when you may want to use one part of the frame for exposure but focus on another specific point. Decoupling the two is sometimes necessary to get the composition you want.