manual focus

[paigew]

Am I missing some important trick? How does one use manual focus if you are shooting a moving target? (i.e. toddler)? What I have been doing (with t3i) is zooming in a ton on the display so I can focus the eyes then zoom out and take the shot. Then if I want to take another photo I redo it because my 'subject' has moved and the focus is off. Are there any tutorials on focusing or am I doing it right...I guess it just takes practice.

One other thing, is there a way to use the display and the regular view eye hole thing (pardon my ignorance)at the same time; right now if I have the screen on I cant see out the hole, maybe I am missing a setting? Oh and my last question, how can you focus the shot without using the display screen to be sure its clear enough?

 

[tirediron]

First of all, why do you want to manual focus? Today's DSLRs and lenses are designed to auto-focus and do it very well. I would use a single focusing point and select predictive auto-focus (or whatever term Canon uses; your manual will clarify this).

I think your second question refers to using Live View on the rear LCD screen; you won't be able to do this and use the viewfinder at the same time because the reflex mirror is locked up in this mode. Again, refer to your manual for better and more complete explanations.

 

[Derrel]

I would suggest looking through the regular eye hole and using the Camera's built-in autofocusing system as being the BEST way to keep up with an active toddler's movements, while getting good photos. The name is "eyepiece", and the through-the-camera viewing system is often referred to as "the viewfinder" or "the viewfinder system". Autofocusing is almost always more-accurate, and faster, than human focusing, when the subject ismoving rapidly and the camera operator is anything less than a very experienced shooter.

 

[paigew]

thanks! I will look into those settings . I was using manual because I was under the impression you needed to use manual to get proper focusing. If not it may focus something else? I always see comments on here "where you shooting in auto?" like its a bad thing. I will try taking some photos in auto and see if I like it. Thanks for the advice!

 

[paigew]

Thanks derrel, that makes sense. I'll save the manual focus for stiller subjects

 

[o hey tyler]

thanks! I will look into those settings . I was using manual because I was under the impression you needed to use manual to get proper focusing. If not it may focus something else? I always see comments on here "where you shooting in auto?" like its a bad thing. I will try taking some photos in auto and see if I like it. Thanks for the advice!

Yes, with the CAMERA in full auto mode. When the dial is turned to the Green Rectangle on the top of your camera. Autofocus is fine, and usually does a pretty good job.

 

[Rephargotohp]

They are refering to Auto Exposure not focusing

On Your Canon set it to The focus mode to AI Servo mode instead of One Shot. The trick with this mode is it will Fololow or Track, what ever is under the focus point you have chosen but you have to keep your subject under that focus point. If the subject moves out of it the camera will lock focus on whatever is under at that point. Like the background or his body intsead of his eayes

 

[paigew]

They are refering to Auto Exposure not focusing

On Your Canon set it to The focus mode to AI Servo mode instead of One Shot. The trick with this mode is it will Fololow or Track, what ever is under the focus point you have chosen but you have to keep your subject under that focus point. If the subject moves out of it the camera will lock focus on whatever is under at that point. Like the background or his body intsead of his eayes

okay thanks! I changed it to that mode, but I dont see the red dots anymore telling me what I am focusing. I guess I need to read the manual more.

 

[bazooka]

I only recommend Servo mode if you are actually tracking something such as your kid. I wouldn't shoot in this mode all the time as it doesn't give you confirmation that the selected point is in focus... or at least it doesn't on my camera. That's probably why you aren't seeing the red indicators in that mode. Check your manual.

 

[scorpion_tyr]

Servo mode, and don't use the LCD to shoot, use the viewfinder. Using the LCD basically turns your DSLR into a point and shoot. Focusing is a lot slower and holding the camera out that far will increase camerashake and ruin shots at slower shutter speeds.

 

[Rephargotohp]

The red indicators don't flash if you have ALL Points selected, If you choose a single point like the center point that will light momentarily. The green Focus lock light will flash but never become steady on because in AI Servo mode the Focus never locks and the shutter is allowed to fire even if there is no focus lock (You don't want it to lock because if it did, by the time the shutter fires the subject has moved.)

In One Shot Mode, The red focus points light and the green focus lock indicator lights up. Only when focus is locked will the shutter be able to fire

If your subject can stay fairly still, use One Shot, If they are moving around a lot then use AI Servo...But there is a knack to using it