Accurate Focusing

Messages
86
Name
Simone
Edit My Images
Yes
This is probably going to be a stupid question but how do I choose where to focus in AF? For example if I wanted to focus on someone's eyes but they weren't in the very centre of the frame I find at the moment it's pot luck.

Am I missing something or can you only choose what to focus on if using manual?

Thanks
 
If you set your focus points to a single point you can use that. Half press the shutter while you have the focus point where you need it to be and then move the camera to get your composition while you keep the shutter half pressed. Then take the shot.
 
Thanks. So if I focus on something centred then move the shot, it will still remain focused on that subject? Where ever it is in the frame?
 
Thanks. So if I focus on something centred then move the shot, it will still remain focused on that subject? Where ever it is in the frame?

Provided you don't move your camera or subject backwards or forwards yes.

It can be quite difficult if you're using a very shallow depth of field however.

I would suggest moving your auto focus point to a different one. Most entry level dSLRs have about 9 AF points for you to choose from. Then you may not have to move the camera at all, or if you do it's only a small distance.
 
Yes within reason. If you think about it the camera has fixed the distance at say 10ft, you then reframe the shot it might now be 10ft 1inch, at very wide apertures the DOF may be very narrow so it is something you need to think about. The alternative, depending on the cameras capabilities is to select a different focus point that covers the subject. Have a look in your manual to see how to move to a different focus point.

That said I use a central focus point then recompose for a lot of shots. As I said it gets more critical at very wide apertures f2.8 say and also when very close to subjects.
 
Back
Top