Changing my focus

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Changing my focus

February 27, 2013 by Mike Powell

Lately I have been playing around with the auto-focus settings on my camera, trying to figure out how they work and deciding when it is appropriate to use each of the modes.

After doing some reading and watching some videos on the internet, I decided to remap one of the buttons on my camera. As a result, I no longer engage the autofocus by pushing down halfway on the shutter release—I engage it by pushing on the * button with my thumb. If you are interested in the reasoning behind this process, you can Google “back-button autofocus.”

Next I decided to experiment with AI Servo mode, which is supposed to be the best mode for moving subjects. Previously, I had been shooting in One Shot mode or AI Focus (which is a hybrid mode). Most of the time, that meant I had to achieve focus separately for each image. I am still having some difficulties with the Servo mode, in part because it’s hard to know for sure if the focus has locked on the subject, since, unlike the other modes, the camera will shoot even if nothing is in focus.

The way that it is supposed to work is that you focus on the subject with the center focus point for 1-2 seconds and then the camera will follow that subject as it moves. In the situation below, I focused on the front goose that looked like he was about to take off. When he took off, I took a sequence of six photos, only two of which were in focus. They were the second and fifth in the sequence and they came out pretty sharp.

I may be overtaxing my ancient Canon Rebel XT by shooting in RAW, shooting bursts, and having the autofocus engaged continuously. Still, it’s fascinating to experiment with the different settings and see what works best for me.

Posted in Birds, commentary, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged autofocus, birds in flight, Branta canadensis, Canada Goose, Canon 55-250mm zoom lens, Canon Rebel XT, Huntley Meadows Park | 15 Comments

15 Responses

on February 27, 2013 at 8:17 pm | Reply kiaman2012

Awesome captures! Appreciate the info…informative!
on February 27, 2013 at 8:45 pm | Reply Vicki

I love that first photo.. great action shot!
on February 27, 2013 at 10:13 pm | Reply Carol Welsh

Those are really WONDERFUL photographs! 🙂
on February 27, 2013 at 10:24 pm | Reply Sue

Interesting experiments. I have not experimented with auto-focus or with burst shooting. In fact I need to learn more about my camera, so thanks for the (soft) kick.
- on February 28, 2013 at 4:25 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  There are so many options on most digital cameras these days that it’s hard to know which ones to choose. Burst mode is one option that I have stuck with almost all of the time, which for my camera is a relatively modest three frames a second. In that mode I can still take single shots with a light touch or capture several images if I keep the shutter release pressed down. The auto focus experimentation is a bit more extreme.
on February 27, 2013 at 10:44 pm | Reply Avinash Hindupur

Even though I have had my Canon 550D for 8 months now, I never experimented with the AI servo mode! Always, I used the One shot mode to take pictures. Back-button focus looks interesting, I will know more about it.
- on February 28, 2013 at 4:27 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  I have grown comfortable shooting with certain settings, but decided to check out some other options as I try to improve my skills.
on February 27, 2013 at 11:26 pm | Reply lydiaa5656

Great shots, and thanks for the comments.
on February 28, 2013 at 12:59 am | Reply lylekrahn

The new focus mode is working very well for you! The action and colours all work really well in the last photo particularly. With moving targets and all the variables, if you are happy with a third of the results that’s pretty good.
- on February 28, 2013 at 4:35 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Lyle. This was one of my more successful experiments, in part, I think, because the bird filled enough of the frame that I was able to acquire focus easily. I’ve had a lot less success when trying this with birds that are smaller and farther away. I am still learning and experimenting (and having fun). The good news for me is that when I get a new Canon, the lessons learned will carry over.
on February 28, 2013 at 5:11 am | Reply mariapiafusco

Awsm pics…
on February 28, 2013 at 6:30 am | Reply New Hampshire Gardener

Whatever you’re doing, it’s working. Those are excellent shots.I’ve been expirimenting with my cameras too-the bright snow is challenging.
- on February 28, 2013 at 7:02 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Are you getting images that are too dark? The few times that I tried to take snow photos this year, I had to deliberately overexpose the imag-e (using exposure compensation). It sounds counterintuitive, but apparently the camera metering system would like to make everything gray.
on March 20, 2013 at 11:03 am | Reply kenneturner

I like using the the thumb button, but then, it’s all about comfort. As usual, great shots and keep sharing your skill and experience.
on March 20, 2013 at 6:18 pm | Reply Servo-focus. Tracking objects that approach the camera. | In The Bed Inside Me.

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