20D AI Servo mode

Reading previous posts on the use of AI servo mode, the consensus view is that use only a single focus point for moving subjects (birds, sports etc).

I am still using pre focus manual,and wait for the subject to pass thru the focus zone, a hangover from my time with slow P&S, and do not really trust this new fangled AI servo stuff on the 20D. My problem with the 20D in the field is I cannot tell after the pic is taken wether I have sharp focus and motion freeze with the LCD. All i can tell from the lcd review is wether the subject is in the frame or not.

The technique I am hoping to use is panning in AI sevo mode, single point focus for shots like this below. Has anyone had reliable success with this method?, I really need reliability in the field, as I cannot properly review my work until I get back to my PC.

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Kevin Coppalotti
http://razorsharp.smugmug.com