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Autofocus poll

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joe mama

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I was thinking to do a poll for those who feel that fast and accurate autofocus is critical to their photography, that is, not a luxuy, but an actual necessity.

So, if you could, please put "critical", "non-critical", or "unnecessary" in the subject line and then say what type of photography you mainly do, for example: landscape, macro, sports, studio, candid, etc. If there is no single type of photography that dominates the types of pics you take, then please say "varied". I'll begin with the first reply.

Thanks to all who choose to participate!

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--joe

http://www.josephjamesphotography.com
http://www.pbase.com/joemama/

Please feel free to criticize, make suggestions, and edit my photos. If you wish to use any of my photos for any purpose other than editing in these forums, please ask.
 
--
Shii
 
joe mama said:
So, if you could, please put "critical", "non-critical", or
"unnecessary" in the subject line and then say what type of
photography you mainly do
Click to expand...
One of the reason I won't pay so much for a 5D is that it still has only one cross sensor and still not 1D class AF.. for that kinda money I'd expect more.. I'm willing to settle for APS-C if I can get 1Series AF and more cross AF sensors..

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I see dead pixels
 
no t.
 
Most of my photography revolves around landscape work and macro, two areas where I rarely ever use auto focus. The only time I ever really use it is for family events with the kids and the odd sporting event.
 
--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
--
JJMack
 
...at least when we're talking dSLR class. That is, I haven't run across an AF SLR/lens combo that focuses so slowly it gives me problems.

I mostly shoot situational/street work. This means that it's not uncommon to have a single chance at a shot, which means that missed focus is a major annoyance. However, focusing and shooting simultaneously is too slow or gives insufficient control no matter how fast the camera. Therefore I pre-focus almost all the time (C.Fn#4/1), which means that focus speed is not that important.

Petteri
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[ http://www.prime-junta.net/ ]
[ http://p-on-p.blogspot.com/ ]
 
For sports it is critical, for landscapes, etc, accuracy is more important, for macros, unnecessary.

The ramifications are as follows: Sports need telephoto lenses, hence fast USM.

landscapes, require shorter focal lengths, hence my Tamron 28-75 f2.8, with slower autofocus. works just fine.

macros: Use manual focus anyway.

Jim
http://www.pbase.com/jcassatt
 
If you can't do manual focus and use hyperfocal zones you need to go back and learn the basics otherwise you aren't a photographer but just hack.

Every kind of photograph which people cite here as "needing" AF was done very well without it an produced some of the most remarkable images made.

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****************************************

'Giving a camera to Diane Arbus is like putting a live grenade in the hands of a child.'
Norman Mailer (b. 1923), U.S. author. Newsweek (New York, 22 Oct. 1984)
 
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