Autofocus Techniques: Modes for Still and Moving Subjects, and how to use Focus Traps

Nice video, but one important point is missing: if you use a low f-number, "focus-recomposing" won't work. Your focus tilts if you move the camera (objects of-center are not exactly as far away as objects in the middle). So you would move the object slightly out of focus. On f1.8 for example, you will end up with sharp ears instead of sharp eyes VERY easily. 

Thanks for this. If shooting an continuous focus mode for a moving subject, is it best to also use multi-focus points? If so, should I also use a small aperture (F8 and upwards) to get more of the subject in focus?

If you look really closely you'll notice there's a guy talking in the foreground!

What's on top of your camera body? Is that a remote for the flash?

With mirrorless cameras on the rise some DSLR photographers are switching or wanting other options than the big DSLR with big full frame lenses. For example, the Fuji XT-1 with the new Firmware V 4.0, current today. Could you do shoots like this to show/highlight what a mirrorless can do vs the DSLR. At the very least I am sure the stationary shots can work well. With Fuji's newest firmware update 4.0 it could be a completely new camera from the last time you reviewed it.

hi Mr.Tony, I have been watching a lot of your videos. in this u say we need to pre focus on grass or something similar before the subject arrives into the scene, half press and then click as the subject arrives. at apertures of 1.8, 2.8 will the subject be in complete focus that way? using that aperture to increase the shutter speed.  also off topic, why is your background overexposed? purposefully done to show the people in light because u are not using any artificial light on yourself?

I haven't been a subscriber for long, but I've already watched hundred of your videos and it never fails to amaze me how perfect Chelsea looks in every single picture. Stunning!

Hi Great youtube videos, made me want to discover more on photography. I just bought your kindle ebook.
Thanks for your great work.

Great information! I've wasted a lot of time adjusting the AF point to get the right shot, I didn't realize I could use the center focus and then adjust my view accordingly.

Tony thanks a lot for your videos,its very understandable and easy.You love what you're doing and we can see that.I bought your book few days ago,very interesting piece of work.Keep up the good work.I will try to suggest your channel to my photo holic friends!

what lense is that?

simply love your videos, they are very informative and have recently bought ur book 👌

Which do you guys use most often? i was using manual but when i take pics of my kids it's very hard to get them still for long enough to get them.

Chelsea is a good test subject

Hee Tony, I miss the 3D tracking, group focus etc. When do you use them? They seam t be useful for wildlife and (flying) birds in particular.

@tony & Chelsea northrup My canon 80D has some focusing issues. It focuses acurately with center autofocus point but with off-center af points it back-focusing a bit . I have never heard off such strange problem before. Can this kind of problem occurs frequetly ? Should i go to canon sevice center ?

in nikon cameras does back button focus works with af continuous

Hi. Is it possible to assign an option for moving from one shot to Ai servo mode in Canon 70D (for AF-On button) instead of BBF? If so , how exactly. Thank you.

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Great video and Chelsea is very photogenic. Thank you guys.

Hi, just a quick question.. if I buy the iBook, will i be able to access the videos? how?

don't bother spending time with photography books, just get out there and shoot shoot shoot.

Thank you, I will try the focus trap. I would love to get good pictures of my dogs running towards me, but so far it has not worked well in any of the focus modes. It is so frustrating. I am shooting with the Canon 70D, but have only had it for about 7 months or so.

You should use ND filters while filming in bright scenarios no?

awesome

for use all of the focus points( for landscape photography), which focus settings should i use to get sharp images

I use back button only and always use ai servo. I never want my camera to not shoot when I press the shutter button

isn't AFC better than AFA?

I like your shirt!! I actually have that car. 😉👍🏻

As a beginner.. i have learnt a lot from ur videos 😇

Very Informative, as always! Thank you T&C. 🙂

Hi I'm Tony Northrup and I write books about everything. See chapter 4 on how I brush my teeth

I swear I read a tip in your book (though it's been a while, so I could be wrong) about using continuous focus full time (back button), as that will still allow you to acquire focus for subjects that are still but also ones that may decide to spontaneously move (as your camera is ready for this as it's already in continuous mode). Surprised you didn't mention that in this vid.

Awesome contents as all videos on your channel. Amazing. Thank you.

I use back button AF and set the focus to continuous servo (AF-C on Nikon). I focus by pressing and releasing the back button. Then I recompose and take the shot. When I photograph fast moving subjects, I hold the back button down while I press the shutter release.

very nice sir & thanks a lot

can you help me whit my 550d canon camera?

I just bought both versions of your book- kindle and paperback!

Tony felt a part in 6 years time 🙂 Chelsea on the contrary still hot 🙂

Is there a way to turn off all the focus points and just leave the center focus point on, on a 5D Mk IV? I believe the lowest you can go is 9 focus points.

Chelsea is so beautiful and hot, as well as your tutorial are awesome.

Tony! You were making great videos even 7 years ago! Great job and thanks!

Good thing you aren't trying to teach how to create video. Don't know if anyone noticed, but the background is completely washed out. You know, its not just photos that you need to practice composition.

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