Focus & Exposure settings

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rob13

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Rob
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I'm just about to take ownership of my first telephoto - Canon 70-300mm to go with my 40d, and I'm considering trying it out next weekend at Olivers Mount, Scarborough next weekend.

I'm trying to think about settings to set the camera up before I go. I've looked around using the search but havent found anything with regards to AE locking/Focusing/metering etc.

What should I be letting the camera do when I half press the shutter release? Should I be using Centre weighted, partial or spot?

I'll be using Tv, AI Servo with a centre AF. Probably go for around 1/250 - 1/300th to begin with being fairly new to the panning game. I did try it with a bridge camera the last couple of years, but it was hit and miss due to the kit and technique.
 
I can't think what metering mode I use, at a guess I would say centre-weighted average but I'm not sure. I use the centre AF point only, AI servo AF mode and shutter priority (TV) to give control over the shutter speed. For panning, it depends how fast the subject is going, but 1/200th-1/320th is a good region to start.

For head on shots, go for 1/400th to 1/640th, again depending on the speed of the subject
 
take some readings and set on manual
 
mrcrow said:
take some readings and set on manual
Click to expand...

Agreed :thumbs: Classic case for manual exposure as it locks your settings.

Everything else sounds fine, but the danger is that as different coloured bikes/cars come round the exposure will change (when it should not) and also as you pan the background will likely change from grass the shady trees to sky or whatever and throw the exposure out.

Set the exposure any way you like, then when it's right lock it on manual. The only variable then is the weather so keep checking especially if it's windy and cloudy. Can be a bit of a game tracking the light!

You'll see pros constantly checking their exposure by pointing at a constant reference, usually the track or grass, and tweaking accordingly.
 
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