Trouble with focus lock.

[Sapper44]

I was taking some photos at home the lighting was very poor I couldn't get focus to lock in Auto mode.So the camera wouldn't fire.I had a hot shoe flash on the camera a alpha 350dslr.Worked ok in manual focus but I couldn't see the subject clearly enough to get a sharp focus.I fixed this by adding light to the area and got focus lock.My question is if i find myself in a situation where the light is realy low and I can't add any light.What are my options.

 

[Splog]

I was taking some photos at home the lighting was very poor I couldn't get focus to lock in Auto mode.So the camera wouldn't fire.I had a hot shoe flash on the camera a alpha 350dslr.Worked ok in manual focus but I couldn't see the subject clearly enough to get a sharp focus.I fixed this by adding light to the area and got focus lock.My question is if i find myself in a situation where the light is realy low and I can't add any light.What are my options.

Use a torch, manual focus or get a faster lens!

 

[HoppyUK]

You need light to take photos! But if you can find an area of contrast, some light and dark tones together, the AF can often get a lock on in very poor light.

Otherwise use flash. Most decent guns have an AF assist light and can work in total darkness.

 

[cowasaki]

I had this exact problem whilst taking some photos in an alleyway at dusk for work. I used a mag light then switched to the SB800 flash and used its built in flashing red light thing - I thought the SB600 had one too but it didn't seem to fire.

 

[-Rob-]

Use a torch, manual focus or get a faster lens!

Even a faster lens (without the 'e') won't auto focus if there is no light to be able to see the subject. Admittedly shooting at f1.4 will allow more light down the lens but the shallow DoF in the dark will probably mean it's just as hard to focus on the correct area.

 

[Richard King]

I had this exact problem whilst taking some photos in an alleyway at dusk for work. I used a mag light then switched to the SB800 flash and used its built in flashing red light thing - I thought the SB600 had one too but it didn't seem to fire.

i think so too, but reprogramming the little blighter, every time we want to do something different is a royal pain. Nikon flash MENU = PIA, which is a shame because Nikon camera bodies are always just right in terms of buttons / menus

 

[cowasaki]

i think so too, but reprogramming the little blighter, every time we want to do something different is a royal pain. Nikon flash MENU = PIA, which is a shame because Nikon camera bodies are always just right in terms of buttons / menus

I just do a full reset if I want to do something normal like that!

 

[Richard King]

I just do a full reset if I want to do something normal like that!

me too

 

[cowasaki]

me too

It is one of the reasons I like the look of the SB900. Might have to replace my SB600 with an SB900 and have the SB800 and 900. The 900 have a physical switch which you turn which is great.

 

[Richard King]

i looked at the 900, but the shape of the light it produces is just odd