Focus Modes

[archbear67]

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Preferences for focus modes Multi Point and Field for different situations. What are your recommendations?

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[grahamhoey]

Multi point always focuses on the closest point so I find field gives a lot more control of your focus point.

[archbear67]

I selected Multi Point in dim light for an object I selected. Worked well as the closest point on the object was lit the best. I appreciate your comment as it clearly explains the benefit and application of this particular focus mode. Thank you.

[jaapv]

Spot mode kept in the centre and recompose in most cases, field for some others and when you hand the camera to somebody else.

[scott kirkpatrick]

Spot mode kept in the centre and recompose in most cases, field for some others and when you hand the camera to somebody else.

I do the same, except perhaps field in low light.  I move spot mode off axis most often in portrait orientation.

[Jared]

I have setup my user profiles to have different default focus modes.  For general use, spot mode and re-compose as required.  All the AF lenses with the possible exception of the 18 seem to have low enough field curvature that this method works well.  With the 18 if shooting a close-in subject that isn't near the center of the frame, I will actually move the focus spot rather than re-composing.  With all the other lenses, it doesn't seem to make a difference.  By all the others, I mean the 11-23, the 18-56, and the 35mm since those are the ones I own.

 

For action shots, I am still working with the focus tracking mode, but I get mixed results.  Tends to work well for subjects that stay vaguely in the same part of the frame, but it will often lose the subject for things moving across the frame in backlit situations in particular.  Still, it's good enough to be my default for "action", though this is certainly no sports camera.

 

If I am handing the camera off to someone else to use, I use the face detect mode.  Generally, if someone else is using the camera it's because they are photographing people, and face detect just defaults to multi-point if there are no faces in the frame.  Works fine about 90% of the time.

[Photon42]

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I like face detection when walking around or handing it to a non photo nerd. Else single field or spot with recompose or moving the focus field when focussing closely.

[archbear67]

Very helpful suggestions. Appreciate all the experienced input.

Thanks

[Guest VVJ]

Spot and moving the focus point with D-pad buttons.

[grahamhoey]

Not exactly the same issue but related can someone help me understand when I would use afc vs continuous focus mode. What is the difference?