AF-C all the time

V

vindex1963

Senior Member
I've been reading a lot more since getting my D7000 on focus and focus modes. I've been shooting for years switching
back and forth between AF-S single or AF-C continues focus modes and I've read a few references to using 9 point
AF-C all the time so lately I've tried it and I have to say the results have been really good. AF-C with lock on.
AF-A auto seems erratic to me I don't like it because there seems to be a lot of change for it to be affected.

Anybody use AF-C 9 point with focus lock all the time? Right now anyway it just makes sense to me. Single point and
continuous both let the shutter release when focus is achieved but if you or the subject slightly moves -S won't refocus
and -C will on a 1/2 shutter.

9 point is the thinking that is will track better than single point focus and anymore than 9 point gives a chance of loosing focus
to something you don't want.

I'm always looking for something new and to get more keepers.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Back Button Focus. AF-C always on. Hold the button and it is AF-C let go of the button and the focus is locked there till the next time you push the button. Even if you take many photos and move the camera around or even sit it down. Pick is back up the the focus is still set.

Best thing since sliced white bread.
 
Fred Kingston

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
You should look at the back-button focus videos... Back-button is AF-S when you press the button, but switches to AF-C when you hold the back-button in... and then goes AF-S when you release it...

Best of both worlds without all the menu fumblin'...

edit to fix typo
 
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canuck257

canuck257

Senior Member
Guys, a little help here please. I want to try this with my D5300 but am unsure what item to select in the options menu. Do I go with "AF Lock Only" or "AF On"?

On edit: What are the pro's and cons of 9 point focus? Is it likely to degrade sharpness?
 
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M

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
FredKingston said:
You should look at the back-button focus videos... Back-button is AF-S when you press the button, but switches to AF-C when you hold the back-button in... and then goes AF-S when you release it...

Best of both worlds without all the menu fumblin'...

edit to fix typo
Click to expand...

Thought i understood BBF and it wasn't for me,looks like i didnt understand it fully,next thing on my list to try.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
mikew said:
Thought i understood BBF and it wasn't for me,looks like i didnt understand it fully,next thing on my list to try.
Click to expand...

I had members hounding me for a year to try it. Once I did there is no way I would go back to the other way. Once you set it up do not change it back for at least two weeks so you get a chance to get used to it. Also take it out for the first few times on something that is not critical because you will have to think about it.

It is worth the effort though.
 
M

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
I had members hounding me for a year to try it. Once I did there is no way I would go back to the other way. Once you set it up do not change it back for at least two weeks so you get a chance to get used to it. Also take it out for the first few times on something that is not critical because you will have to think about it.

It is worth the effort though.
Click to expand...

I never realized you could get AFS and AFC,i suppose you set it on AFC and by not holding the button in you turn it into AFS.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
mikew said:
I never realized you could get AFS and AFC,i suppose you set it on AFC and by not holding the button in you turn it into AFS.
Click to expand...

It is especially good for bird in flight. I have User two set for BIF so all I have to do is flip it over to U2 and hold the BBF down and I am shooting. A great thing when you at out shooting and a trerydactyl flys overhead
 
E

egosbar

Senior Member
Don Kuykendall said:
It is especially good for bird in flight. I have User two set for BIF so all I have to do is flip it over to U2 and hold the BBF down and I am shooting. A great thing when you at out shooting and a trerydactyl flys overhead
Click to expand...

you do with back button focusing , but if you try that using the shutter half way button it refocuses as you take the frame
 
S

skater

New member
Hey, you should try Back Button Focus. ;)

Seriously, I use it most of the time. It's pretty handy. The biggest issue is when someone else uses the camera, they expect the focus to be on the shutter release button. My wife, for example, often forgets about the BBF. And since the D70 doesn't have that option (I think), it's harder to switch between the cameras. (We don't use the D70 often any more but it does come up now and then.)
 
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