What value is there in being able to move the focus point?
Aug 2, 2019 13:16:48 #
Aug 2, 2019 13:28:18 #
NewBEE161
Loc: Olney, Maryland
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/
https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/
Outstanding article! Thank you for your contribution and knowledge.
Aug 2, 2019 14:05:33 #
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/
https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/
Aug 2, 2019 14:27:49 #
Steve Perry wrote:
You quoted a piece of text and it's out of context... (show quote)
Your last paragraph - does that mean you never do soft focus? I recently lost my pal (see my avatar) a really gentle dog. All I have now is his portrait. Sharp just wasn't him - soft went with his gentle nature.
Aug 2, 2019 15:22:56 #
Try shooting a flock of birds in flight or aircraft in formation with out moving your focus point. You typically want the subject closest to you in focus. Good luck doing that leaving your focus point in the center.
Aug 2, 2019 18:02:51 #
hobbit123
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Bill_de wrote:
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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https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-589907-1.html
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LOL! I doubt the cyclo driver (who took this photo) was even aware of focus. He was just pointing it (the phone) in the general direction and did a good job (IMO) of capturing the exact scene I wanted.
Aug 2, 2019 19:39:34 #
Sometimes I will set the focus point on a particular flower in a cluster of flowers, but not very often.
I have used moving the focus point to photograph my model trains. I do it using focus stacking software from Combine ZM by Alan Hadley of the UK, and this photo was from 4 photos. It's a free download. I focused on the first cylinders, the 2nd set of cylinders, the cab, and the mid tender. I have posted this photo before, but it is a great example. I shot with a Minolta A1 at f11 and used a wood box shooting down at a first surface mirror from Edwards Scientific, like a periscope. The photo was then enhanced with Adobe Elements 9.0. The camera must be fixed in its position for the images to be aligned. The loco and tender are about 18" long and only about 4 photos are needed, not 10 or 15. Combine ZM can be found on the web and is a free download. I am most greatful to Alan for this freebee.
I have used moving the focus point to photograph my model trains. I do it using focus stacking software from Combine ZM by Alan Hadley of the UK, and this photo was from 4 photos. It's a free download. I focused on the first cylinders, the 2nd set of cylinders, the cab, and the mid tender. I have posted this photo before, but it is a great example. I shot with a Minolta A1 at f11 and used a wood box shooting down at a first surface mirror from Edwards Scientific, like a periscope. The photo was then enhanced with Adobe Elements 9.0. The camera must be fixed in its position for the images to be aligned. The loco and tender are about 18" long and only about 4 photos are needed, not 10 or 15. Combine ZM can be found on the web and is a free download. I am most greatful to Alan for this freebee.
Aug 2, 2019 19:46:23 #
If I was concerned about the impact of using only the center AF point of a modern DSLR, I'd click the URL that is my UHH user name and then I'd follow the link to the list of topics I've created, looking specifically at entries in the Photo Gallery. I'd then consider the images I was sharing over the past 3- to 5- posts. I'd look critically at the accuracy of the focus of every image presented. I'd look too at how often I was creating centered images. I'd wonder if maybe my work would show improvement by moving my AF point off center to a location that is specifically onto the subject of the image, seeking images that are not purely center-frame compositions with the sharpest focus on the image subject. This investigative action is something everyone could do on their own images as well as considering the work of anyone here with an UHH user name ...
Aug 2, 2019 21:20:29 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
If I was concerned about the impact of using only ... (show quote)
And the bottom line is....? 😕
Aug 2, 2019 22:35:04 #
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 :-)
With wide apertures (shallow DOF), recomposing can shift the plane of focus off the portion of the frame intended to be in focus.
Aug 2, 2019 23:12:18 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
Paul Buckhiester wrote:
With wide apertures (shallow DOF), recomposing can shift the plane of focus off the portion of the frame intended to be in focus.
This
Aug 3, 2019 01:52:39 #
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/
https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-sharp-eyes-better-compositions/
Aug 3, 2019 05:27:34 #
Another great article. I have always tended to use focus lock, but will definitely be experimenting with moving the focus point. Please don't leave it too long to publish an article on BIF. I am off to Costa Rica in Feb and would love to nail some great BIF images. My current success rate is okay, but I sometimes struggle with focus and exposure when a fast moving bird moves from dark to light backgrounds. Had some recent experience of this when I went to Skomer Island in Wales to photograph Puffins.
Aug 3, 2019 06:09:23 #
hobbit123
Loc: Brisbane, Australia
Steve Perry wrote:
Not sure I follow - you mean why I do it?
I think the part that may be missing from our conversation is that, when I'm concerned about minor subject movement, I keep AF engaged with the AF point on on the eye the entire time. With the AF-On button pressed, if the subject moves or sways a little (or if I do LOL), the camera adjusts and keeps critical focus on the eye.
I think the part that may be missing from our conversation is that, when I'm concerned about minor subject movement, I keep AF engaged with the AF point on on the eye the entire time. With the AF-On button pressed, if the subject moves or sways a little (or if I do LOL), the camera adjusts and keeps critical focus on the eye.
Thanks Steve. I think I now "get it"
Also appreciate responses from other enthusiasts. The point about moving the focus point for focus stacking is something that hadn't occurred to me...
Aug 3, 2019 09:02:41 #
I do agree that choosing the focus point is not easy on some camera. It could take time. However, I don't want to focus only at the center of the frame. I liked the SLR and not the Rangefinder because I can manually focus at any point on the focusing screen. I don't use the split image either. So If using AF bring me back to focus only 1 point it's not so good.
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