7D autofocus tips please

LCPete

LCPete

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Hi I have finally bit the bullet and ordered a 7D :clap::clap:
Getting really exited it should arrive the middle of next week:)
Just after some tips on settings for the autofocus for moving subjects
I mainly will be using it for zoo animals with the 100-400
I lost patience with the 550D it struggled to focus on tiger cubs running around
I will read the manual when I get it :D had a look on google the various options look a bit daunting to be honest
what I want to do is select a single focus point and if the subject moves off it the camera to use the next nearest focus point I think the 550D is supossed to do that but it does not work very well
the zone focus system looks awesome but how to you stop the camera focussing on something else in the foreground a branch for example
Pete
 
Glad to be of help Pete, can be very daunting when you first look at all the options especially the AF set up

Also investigate setting up the custom functions, C1 and so forth, so easy having a specific group of shooting settings there at the twist of the dial. I did buy one of the expanded manual type books too, handy if only for the larger type and ease of reading

Having used the 7D for a while now my best advice would be try and get the exposure pretty much spot on. It does seem very sensitive in that area and think those who complain of excessive noise are neglecting that area of their photography

Cheers
Rich
 
Back button AF is great when something comes between you and the subject temporarily.

I have also reprogrammed the DoF preview button to switch to center point spot AF while it's pressed. Very good when the critter is in the branches or long grass gets in the way.
 
vaizki said:
I have also reprogrammed the DoF preview button to switch to center point spot AF while it's pressed. Very good when the critter is in the branches or long grass gets in the way.
Click to expand...

Superb idea, I must try this!
 
tijuana taxi said:
Glad to be of help Pete, can be very daunting when you first look at all the options especially the AF set up

Also investigate setting up the custom functions, C1 and so forth, so easy having a specific group of shooting settings there at the twist of the dial. I did buy one of the expanded manual type books too, handy if only for the larger type and ease of reading

Having used the 7D for a while now my best advice would be try and get the exposure pretty much spot on. It does seem very sensitive in that area and think those who complain of excessive noise are neglecting that area of their photography

Cheers
Rich
Click to expand...

Thanks Rich :)
do you use the in between ISO settings ?
I used to use ISO 320, 640 and 1240 on my 40D as the noise was the same as at 200, 400 and 1000 for example

vaizki said:
Back button AF is great when something comes between you and the subject temporarily.

I have also reprogrammed the DoF preview button to switch to center point spot AF while it's pressed. Very good when the critter is in the branches or long grass gets in the way.
Click to expand...

thanks Jukka
thats a really good idea :)
I did read somwhere that you can reprogram(customise) the buttons
I will find the manual on the net and have a read so I can hit the ground running when the camera arrives !
 
[QUOTEdo you use the in between ISO settings ?][/QUOTE]

No, I use the normal 100,200,400 etc Pete, read somewhere that the usual settings tend to keep the noise down. Sounds like you don't see a difference, so could just be another of those internet misinformations.

I switched the AF-ON to the * button, did that on my 40D too, just feels in the wrong place otherwise, but that's just a personal thing. Also changed a setting so the selected focus point lights up as red, so used to that and it was weird not seeing it

Sure you will enjoy the new camera, a few people reckon it's not much of an improvement over the 40D, will leave you to decide, but can't say I agree with them and wonder if they have actually owned both.

Cheers
Rich
 
Thanks rich :)
It should get here before the weekend going birding hopefully Monday:)
 
Calzor Suzay said:
Don't forget you can have 2 independent back focus buttons :)
Click to expand...

2 blooming hell :)
Is it possible to have one configured for single shot and one for ai servo ?
That would be awesome esp if could set the two buttons nearest to the shutter button to that:)
 
With a single back button focus having the camera set to AI servo gives you the choice, a quick dab for single shot focus and longer if you need tracking.
 
artyman said:
With a single back button focus having the camera set to AI servo gives you the choice, a quick dab for single shot focus and longer if you need tracking.
Click to expand...
Ahh I see ,thanks:)
 
I run mine as one shot with the dof button turning on AI servo, with the two back focus buttons I have one set to the top left and set to the top right :) same again when you turn to portrait.
 
Calzor Suzay said:
I run mine as one shot with the dof button turning on AI servo, with the two back focus buttons I have one set to the top left and set to the top right :) same again when you turn to portrait.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve that's a good idea with left and right set ready have missed shots with the Jaguars at the zoo when they suddenly change direction:)
 
It arrived today spent the afternoon sussing it out blooomin awesome camera
Got the focus set on one shot and set the depth of field button to toggle ai servo
Turned off zone af and will use single point and single point with assist
Also set the joystick to move around the focus point
Have done test shots found the 100 400 is slightly sharper when the micro adjust is set to minus 5 but not 100% sure it was dark and windy today
Will be able to get out Mon and tues to try itproperly
Thanks for all your help everyone I'm sure
there will be more questions:)
 
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