EF 85 f/1.2 L II fucus question

[mario toni]

I was wondering what is your exact focus method with that lens when you shoot with 1.6 or 1.2 aperture. The thing is when I use such high apertures even the slightest move forward, backward, left or right unfocuses your subject. For example, I focus on eyes, aperture is 1.2, shutter speed is above 100, but the smallest move or the smallest move of your subject and the focus is gone! So, I guess the best thing is to use a tripod, even if the shutter speed is high.

Please, share your views!

Thanks a lot!

--
http://www.belamarimages.com

 

[nekij23]

I suggest, you should be more careful holding your camera and pressing the shutter button. Anyway, a little bit of practice and you're in the business.

If you're on a crop, make sure that you shutter speed is not longer than 1/125s or even 1/160 (that's because it has 136mm on a crop). And, of course, you should be aware of re-composition, because of the shallow depth-of-field.

Sometimes it is useful to turn on AI-SERVO mode, because it may compensate your movement.

Good luck!

 

[mario toni]

Thanks for the answer!

Cheers!
--
http://www.belamarimages.com

 

[Fantasy Photo]

Do not focus and then recompose. Instead, select an appropriate focus point that falls on the part of the image that you want to focus on. That's per Canon's recommendation. Also, don't use a button on the back to do the focusing. Instead, make sure that focus is initiated by the shutter release button as that will reduce the time between the time focus is completed and the shutter is released.

I was wondering what is your exact focus method with that lens when
you shoot with 1.6 or 1.2 aperture. The thing is when I use such high
apertures even the slightest move forward, backward, left or right
unfocuses your subject. For example, I focus on eyes, aperture is
1.2, shutter speed is above 100, but the smallest move or the
smallest move of your subject and the focus is gone! So, I guess the
best thing is to use a tripod, even if the shutter speed is high.

Please, share your views!

Thanks a lot!

--
http://www.belamarimages.com

--
http://www.fantasy-photo.com

 

[mario toni]

Thanx, F.P.!

I actually have af button on the back of the camera! I have it on my 5D and now I also

custom functioned my 1ds3 to not have af on the shutter button. So I guess I am going to have to switch back - at least when I shoot with 85L.

--
http://www.belamarimages.com

 

[k_strecker]

i've gota add that this isn't true for everyone. AF-ON works splendidly for me with my 85 at 1.2

just giving you a second opinion before you really change your shooting habits

Thanx, F.P.!

I actually have af button on the back of the camera! I have it on my
5D and now I also
custom functioned my 1ds3 to not have af on the shutter button. So I
guess I am going to have to switch back - at least when I shoot with
85L.

--
http://www.belamarimages.com

 

[mario toni]

Hey K.!

Yeah, I still haven't changed the settings! I tried, but I like it more with AF ON button active. Guess it'll stay that way. Only need to control myself more - that's all!
BTW, 85L & 1Ds3 rules!
;o)

--
http://www.belamarimages.com

 

[k_strecker]

Think of it as if you were shooting a rifle or handgun . . .

or, if you've done none of those things as many people haven't . . .

slow your breathing, pull the buttom slowly and smoothly, focus on doing that while you slowly exhale and reeeeeellllllaaaaaxxxx. This can all take place in a fraction of a second too so you can still gently squeeze off those instant timing precision shots.

Sounds like alot to think about, but as you do it more and more it'll be the only way you shoot without even giving it a second thought!

That method's also how you develop steady shooting at sloooow shutter speeds. Like shooting with that 85mm at 1/40th of a second =)

 

[Barugon]

Do not focus and then recompose. Instead, select an appropriate
focus point that falls on the part of the image that you want to
focus on. That's per Canon's recommendation. Also, don't use a
button on the back to do the focusing. Instead, make sure that focus
is initiated by the shutter release button as that will reduce the
time between the time focus is completed and the shutter is released.

I found that after much use of the 85mm f/1.2L II on a 5D that focusing with the center point and recomposing produces much more accurate results than the off-center points do.

--
Whoever said 'a picture is worth a thousand words' was a cheapskate.

http://www.pbase.com/dot_borg