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how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:35 pm
by auxr8220
i find at nighttime i get a better focus when i use auto focus, but sometimes it doesnt want to focus. i use a torch sometimes aswell and this helps but i want to know if there are any better ways to focus at night time.

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:38 pm
by Reschsmooth
For AF systems to work, they typically need good contrast - it is easier to focus on a black and white checkered flag than shades of grey. At night, contrast often goes way down, and your torch then increases it, making it easier to focus.

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:40 pm
by Willy wombat
Some higher end speed lights (flashes) also have built in focus assist function when used in the hot shoe of your camera

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 11:01 pm
by aim54x
I have done the torch thing as well...the focus assist on the better flashes work a treat though!

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:08 am
by gstark
A couple of points to note ....

If you have a lower end camera, then the AF system will also have some bells muted and some whistles damped.

If you're using kit glass, it will be optically slower. This means that it lets less light in, which means that there's less light available for the AF system - already nobbled in a low-end camera - to do its stuff.

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:20 am
by aim54x
gstark wrote:A couple of points to note ....

If you have a lower end camera, then the AF system will also have some bells muted and some whistles damped.

If you're using kit glass, it will be optically slower. This means that it lets less light in, which means that there's less light available for the AF system - already nobbled in a low-end camera - to do its stuff.


Very good points to note as well!! But the full power of a Wolfeyes Defender 260 should remedy both those problems if it is ONLY low light that is the problem (poor subject though...burnt eyes)

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:42 am
by sirhc55
Image

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:55 am
by Murray Foote
If you're using a wide angle lens on a camera that allows manual focusing, there will be greater depth of focus and manually focusing off the lens barrel may do just fine.

Regards,
Murray

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 3:31 pm
by Mr Darcy
Depending on subject, you could use a tape measure or laser range finder (just avoid eyes!) & set the distance manually. Those numbers are written on the barrel for a reason after all.

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:42 am
by auxr8220
cheers ill just continue to use the torch to focus,

the tape measure i a good idea, if it was only for one or two shots it would be ok, but for a number of photos from different angles and distance it would be too time consuming.

Re: how to focus in darkness

PostPosted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 10:20 am
by photoaffinity
If i know that i'll be shooting in a dark environment for an evening wedding or similar, i sometimes stick a small LED light to the barrel of my lens with some Velcro and elastic, that way i can touch the button for a quick focus assist light.