focusing in the dark

[scottishpaul]

how do you do it?
i was out taking some scary photos in old abandend buildings. and focusing was a nightmare. i was trying to avoid flash but when looking though the viewfinder i cant see anything so how can i focus?
and if i use flash and try to autofocus. my flash goes nuts when autofocusing. and after its focused it says flash busy after its worked its self into a frenzy.

 

[pxl8]

Use a torch?

 

[gribbsy]

I'm not sure what kit you are using, but this is my method..
I have focus set to use the AF-ON button with continuous focus. This means I don't do any focussing with a half press of the shutter button. Use a torch to shine on what I want to focus on. Use the AF-ON to focus as normal, turn torch off, then take the shot.

 

[Canon Bob]

The Canon ST-E2 Speedlight transmitter can emit an infra red beam for focussing in the dark. It costs just over £100 but worth it if your doing a lot of this type of thing http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/st-e2.shtml

Bob

 

[markp]

I have an incredibly bright green laser pointer, so I shine that on whatever I want to focus on and then, er, focus!

 

[PeteStewardson]

I use a D3... It sees in the dark way better than me