I've been looking into getting a 450D and have noticed that it uses the flash for AF assist in low light. I'm used to the Nikon and Olympus orange lamp and was curious how the flash assist works. Is it as bright as a normal flash? Isn't this distracting in places you weren't going to use the flash for the shot? I was wondering how this works in practice. Also, I've seen a couple of posts of problems with the 450D's AF using the kit lens and some people chalking this up to operator error. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Flash assist for AF
- Thread starter weslik
- Start date
nickleback
Forum Pro
Olympus DSLRs typically use flash for AF assist.
Rapidly strobe flash.
No, because if the short duration of each flash. Still pretty bright, though.
Absolutely.
Works fine, if your subjects don't get spooked.
Get an external flash and you'll have af assist using near-infrared. Barely noticeable to most people.
Usually is operator error and/or mistaken assumptions about AF accuracy.
It is possible for a camera and/or lens to be out of correct calibration.
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Way too much heat on this topic for it to be usually down to user error or high expectations. Vikamy's focus test chart photos comparing the 17-55 IS and 18-55 IS speak for themselves. Read the threads carefully Weslik and good luck if you decide to go for the 450D.
Papa Carlo
Well-known member
In my opinos this is the biggest Canon's blunder with otherwise exceptional camera. From the technical side it probably is equivalent or close to the lamp assist. From the photoart side it is an absolute nonsense unless you do not take pictures of live objects and with anybody close to you to annoy.
If you are taking pictures at an environment that requires a focus assist you probably want an external flash so make sure you pick the one that already has a focus assist lamp.
If you are taking pictures at an environment that requires a focus assist you probably want an external flash so make sure you pick the one that already has a focus assist lamp.
chris-grant
Senior Member
I have always found the AF flash assist very annoying and don't use it. Especially with people.
Now the red eye reduction lamp is great in my opinion.
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Chris Grant
http://www.chrisgrantphotography.net
Now the red eye reduction lamp is great in my opinion.
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Chris Grant
http://www.chrisgrantphotography.net
tomlang
Forum Enthusiast
I wonder how the red-eye light would work as an AF assist? First time I say it light up, I thought was the AF assist. Too bad there is no way to set it instead of the rapid flashes for AF assist.
nickleback
Forum Pro
Everybody but Nikon makes the same "blunder". Each approach has its problems.
A dedicated lamp next to the lens mount can be obscured by fingers and/or big lenses, and it's also not as bright as flash. OTOH it's doesn't trigger epileptic seizures.
Your choice
The best way is of course an external flash with near-IR af assist.
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WilbaW
Forum Pro
Nikon use one lamp for both purposes ... I suspect a patent issue. :-(
nickleback
Forum Pro
Canon has used in-body IR AF assist before. Even better than the white light of Nikon. The EOS 10 (film camera, not the 10D) was the first to use this.
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drhollett
Leading Member
Yeah my old 35mm EOS had it. But with my XTI and 17-55mm the red eye is partially blocked by the lens and hood. Even with the hood off it's some what blocked. If the flash could somehow act like the 35mm assist lamp and just activate for a longer but much lower intensity it would be perfect. That way it would be sort of like a flashlight rather then a flash.
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