Best technique for fast moving objects?

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Duncan.F

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Duncan
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Morning all!
I was taking some shots of my German Shepherd hurtling towards me [ :eek:quite scary if I didn't know he was a softy!] and it made me think about how best to get focus. The issue is that he is moving in a straight line towards me so the focus distance is changing rapidly as opposed to say moving across me where the focus distance remains similar.
I use a 40D so AI servo, high shutter speed, ideal apeture? What about the AF, when you press half way down it focuses, if you bang off say 6 shots rapid without re-focussing will the last few be out of focus?
So I suppose my question is what are the best settings in general terms but also should you try and take lots of individual shots so the camera re-focusses?

Ta,

Duncan
 
Not familiar with your camera model, but see if you have a "Catch in focus" mode or a Continuous focus mode.

If not shoot in Manual Focus. Pre focus on a point the dog will run over and fire the shutter when he reaches that point.
 
You need to set focus to 'c' continuous - and shoot bursts - don't know if your camera is capable of that or not. An af-s lens (or whatever the canon equivalent is) would also be an asset!
 
Duncan.F said:
I use a 40D so AI servo, high shutter speed, ideal apeture? What about the AF, when you press half way down it focuses, if you bang off say 6 shots rapid without re-focussing will the last few be out of focus?
Click to expand...

With AI Servo the camera should track the dog as it runs towards you and keep the focus on him. There are a couple of things to help -

  • Use the centre focus point only and make sure that point stays on the dog.
  • It takes the AF a moment or two to start tracking, so half-depress the shutter button to give it time to 'lock-on' before you start shooting.
  • If you're using a lens with two-mode IS then it may be a good idea to switch it to 'Mode 2 - Panning'

Good luck.
 
Duncan.F said:
Morning all!
I was taking some shots of my German Shepherd hurtling towards me [ :eek:quite scary if I didn't know he was a softy!] and it made me think about how best to get focus. The issue is that he is moving in a straight line towards me so the focus distance is changing rapidly as opposed to say moving across me where the focus distance remains similar.
I use a 40D so AI servo, high shutter speed, ideal apeture? What about the AF, when you press half way down it focuses, if you bang off say 6 shots rapid without re-focussing will the last few be out of focus?
So I suppose my question is what are the best settings in general terms but also should you try and take lots of individual shots so the camera re-focusses?

Ta,

Duncan
Click to expand...

AI Servo mode is the right mode to be in. It could be the panning your doing but there is also the number of frames your trying to take in a burst. Too long a burst while panning and a few will end up out of focus.
 
high speeds commensurate with decent asa ratings

pan and flow, squeeze and blow..out your held breath

be alert and keep your mind off mistakes

you are shooting grouse at the glorious 12th and get £1000 per bird

comment in red are rubbish and should be ignored
 
If you read the 1st post he's not referring to panning shots.
 
admirable said:
If you read the 1st post he's not referring to panning shots.
Click to expand...

thanks a lot for picking me up on that...excuse me while i put out the flames and edit my post

i know my place:shake:

i dont have a long spoon handy either...:D
 
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