#5 More about AF-ON -> how to use it and settings
1
Settings:
a3 ->
9 points
a4 ->
off
Focus area and mode AFC - continuous focus with 9 points dynamic area
a1 ->
release
Lock initial focus point to central point (w/ the focus lock selector )
Set AE-L button to AF-ON only (so you will not focus using shutter button!)
It's a night and day difference and you'll never need to change any of the above settings whatever condition you want:
1- Just press AF-ON to focus the initial focus point;
2- Keep pressing while you want to continuous focus and shoot at will
3- If you want to recompose, just lift your thumb and the focus will lock ->
then recompose and shoot.
4- For manual focus dont touch the AF-ON button
It takes minutes to get used to it and you will never go back. It's so easy to use that my wife, 11 y old son, girlfriend of my oldest, etc shoot now w/ AF-ON.
Notes on this technique:
a- You don't have to bother about changing camera focus settings for every condition (unless you're a pro w/ many chalenges/especial conditions to shoot)
b- The person you lend the camera will not shoot by mistake using half-press shutter (very easy and happens w/ every new person that grabs such a heavy DSRL)->
ask him/her just to press AF-ON untill he gives you back the camera!
c- You'll cut all focus delays and will get a pretty fast, almost instantaneous focus (w/ a HSM lens especially)
d- In action situations, like kids running or worse like BIF, is almost impossible to get the right moment using AF-S focus old techniques (let's say AF-S plus beep confirmation+focus lock to release shutter)
e- Pressing AF-ON just start the continuous focus procedures a bit before than using the half-press shutter and THAT is the secret together w/ using RELEASE mode, that gets things working flawless w/ NO delay using AF-ON button.
f- If you keep the half-press shutter focus activated too, you won't lock focus and recompose w/ the AF-ON button, because the moment you press the shutter the camera will acquire a new focus target different from the one you have choosen before w/ AF-ON only.
g- Please note that any lens VR is NOT activated by pressing AF-ON (a new firmware would be nice to correct this) and you'll need to half press shutter button way before to estabilize it.
Regards