Back in the saddle

After a break it is good to be back out with the camera!

A fellow equestrian here!   What AF focus square do you use?  All, or 9-square, or single block?
I use C-AF and have had best of luck with using ALL focus points, which sort of amazes me.  I take dressage photos though, and don't have jumps in the way...
Jan

janeenadamsmartin wrote:

A fellow equestrian here! What AF focus square do you use? All, or 9-square, or single block?
I use C-AF and have had best of luck with using ALL focus points, which sort of amazes me. I take dressage photos though, and don't have jumps in the way...

I'm also interested what focus mode the OP uses.

For jumps, I use BBF and pre-focus on the jump. I pick a spot that approximates the distance to the rider when they are over the jump. DOF usually takes care of any minor errors, especially with MFT. This eliminates typical AF issues. I like to shoot from a low angle and can't always track the subject on approach. A pro photographer mentioned this technique while we were waiting for an event to start.

Don't you use C-AF or Pro-Capture?   I find C-AF with ALL focus points selected works remarkably well.   I use Pro-Capture if I am trying to get a shot in a particular spot, otherwise a burst is just fine.

No. As I mentioned, I use BBF to pre-focus the camera. There's little uncertainty of knowing where the horse and rider will be at the critical moment. It doesn't matter all that much if C-AF or S-AF is selected, the jump itself is obviously a static object. I prefer using the AF system versus doing a manual focus as it's fastest and generally more accurate. This technique works for me as I often shoot from a location that limits tracking the subject on approach to the jump. I use the normal single point AF target when pre-focusing and the 5 point target (with C-AF) if following the subject. This usually requires shifting the targets up  in order to keep focus points on the rider while maintaining good composition. If shooting at close distance, I'll occasionally manually add a little focus bias to insure the rider will be centered in the focus field. With the wider DOF of MFT, it's usually not all that critical.

I wouldn't use Pro-Capture for this sort of action. It switches the camera to S-AF and focus is locked at shutter half press. That wouldn't make any sense if tracking a subject that's rapidly changing focus distance. Also, it takes minimal practice to determine when to start squeezing off a short burst. Compared to other action sports, show jumping is a relatively slow speed event. The cross-country phase of eventing can be a little more challenging.

janeenadamsmartin wrote:

A fellow equestrian here! What AF focus square do you use? All, or 9-square, or single block?
I use C-AF and have had best of luck with using ALL focus points, which sort of amazes me. I take dressage photos though, and don't have jumps in the way...
Jan

Sorry for the slow reply - busy days with the new lad in the home!

CAF+TR, single (small) spot. Low speed burst as it's plenty!

Focus centre mass (saddle is a good place) and track away. The jumps where they'll be obscured for a good time, prefocus on the jump and get ready. When they come into view between the posts, focus and lock on. Start to focus as the horses head comes into sights as once your brain has told your finger (or thumb) what to do you'll be aiming at the saddle!

If it's a really busy setup (branches or stuff in the way) then CAF works but I like the TR as I can have my subject move within the frame and not lose them.

The 40-150 Pro is a very forgiving lens, and the dual motors make focus so fast its hard to believe.

Happy to talk in more detail or show more examples if desired 😊

I thought ProCap low focused every shot?  Only ProCap high keeps the original focus.
jan

You are correct. Rarely use Pro-Capture and the few times I did required the Hi setting. Still, it's not really needed for show jumping. For the most part, the timing of critical events is extremely predictable.