Focussing in the dark

BarryG

BarryG

I'll stick to my 2 inches
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I have found myself a tree that I really like. I have tried a few times to get a picture in the dark, but it's in the middle of nowhere and I am finding it hard going getting focus.

I've tried auto - no chance - the camera can't see it.

I've tried bumping up the ISO all the way and auto focussing, still too dark.

I've tried a torch, but I'm too far away.

The only solution I've come up with is trial and error. Shooting a 30 second exposure and adjusting manually. I think this is the only way, but maybe someone here has a tip they can share?
 
Try setting it to infinity :thumbs:

Failing that put the torch up against the tree or get a friend close to it to shine it on, switch to manual focus, remove the torch
 
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This is one of them, out of focus to me;

tree.jpg
 
I don't know if this will work but it might be worth a try. Attach flash to camera mounted on tripod get the focus using flash then turn focus on manual and turn flash off. :shrug::shrug::shrug:
 
Just Dave said:
your shots not showing however like the framing of it


EDIt it is now :lol:

Just go manual focus :thumbs:
Click to expand...

But I can't see anything! Do you reckon test shots and adjust in tiny bits each time? I was hoping to avoid that!


Just Dave said:
forgot to say tripod and cable/IR/timer release it a must :thumbs:
Click to expand...

On a tripod, no remote so using 2 second delay and steady hand ;)
 
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If your lens has a distance scale, use it. If not, go there in daylight, focus and tape the spot. Or just go for hyperfocal focus since you are on a tripod...
 
No distance scale, it's the most ridiculous lens I've ever used. Sold it today.

I am changing kit this week, so that's all good.

Still gonna have this problem on the new stuff though!!!
 
Well modern AF lenses are anyway optimized for fast AF and not accurate manual focus.. so the distance scale look like 3 meters and infinity are about 2mm apart on the scale ;) So the scale is often very little help.

You can also tape a target to the tree and light that with a torch, then take it off.. AF needs contrast that the bark maybe isn't providing.
 
^OK, that sounds like an idea.

I really need to prepare for a shoot like this rather than just jump in the car with the torch I use in the garage.
 
vaizki said:
If not, go there in daylight, focus and tape the spot..
Click to expand...

Ha ha it would have blown away

Best strategy Ive got is go just before its dark, focus put it in manual so it deosnt try to refocus, and wait,( all photography is a waiting game. or right place right time) other than other advice
 
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You could try aiming a lazer torch at the tree then manual focus on that, if the light looks like a point and not a fuzzy blob you have focus. I credit this to Duncan Disorderly here on TP Talk not my original idea.
 
Some interesting ideas fellas, I appreciate it.

Not my normal kind of picture, but bloody hell I love this tree!
 
Tape a lightstick to the tree focus using the centre focus point, switch to manual focus and re-compose and shoot.
 
Some cameras and / or external flashes have an infra-red focus assist light which really helps in the dark...however, that tree might be too far away :(
 
I love the shot.

Rather than a torch that some have suggested, why not get one of those torches that kick out millions of candle power they have one hell of a range.

I don`t know what settings you are using but can you use a small aperture with a very slow speed? that would give you a much larger depth of field.
 
are you wanting a shilouette or to expose the tree?

not sure if this would work...how about some fill light from a flash on a tripod closer to the tree & out of frame, remote triggering the flash :shrug:
 
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