Focussing Method

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nikonuser

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Dave
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If doing portrait shots, I know that the eyes should be sharpest part of the image but to get this, do you focus in the center, depress the shutter half way then recompose the shot? or do you move the focus point to where you want it....I find the latter to be time consuming and sometimes it is difficult to get the focus point correct......or do you use the option of the AF-On button.
I would be interested to hear your method please as some of my Christmas shots where you have a shallow DOF have been slightly OOF
Dave
 
I move the focus point rather than select/recompose - that's why there are multiple points.
 
I use focus-recompose technique, with the focus point closest to the area that needs to be sharp, usually the nearest eye. Single shot AF. Then crop a little in post if necessary to get the framing right.

I also focus-recompose frequently during a session, as depth of field is often less than you might think and subjects move quite a lot, even when sitting on a chair.

Some time ago, I also switched the AF away from the shutter release and on to the back-button, and I have to say I prefer it.
 
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i tend to use the closest focus point to the subjects eyes and try to move the camera as little as possible, especially if I'm working with very narrow dop.

switching the af button to the back was a godsend a lot lot easier.
 
For quick AF portraits then face detection and Constant AF, much easier when handheld and usally gets it right, if tripod then manual focus with the eyes magnified for focussing, quick dof check and shoot, if I'm on a tripod I'll normally be using a Manual focus only lens anyway.
 
Thanks Guys, some interesting information there, will have another go at using the AF-On button.
Dave
 
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