What focusing technique/style do you use? (Please Participate!)

[S-Man]

Personally, on my 5D, I use the multi-point controller and select the focal point on my viewfinder, focus, shoot.

I've found this to be a little slow for fast-paced situations.

I also use the AE Lock button as the focus lock button on the back of the camera instead of half-pressing the shutter.

The reason I do this is because when I use the "auto select" option, the camera sometimes focuses on the wrong subject, thus ruining the shot anyway.

What do you do? Let the camera decide, or do you select before each shot?

Your participation in this poll is appreciated.

edit: If you could briefly explain why, that would help too. Thanks!

[carrbowl]

I have used both of the manual techniques and I seem to suck at both...I'm beginning to think I need to use a tripod. so next shoot I am going to lug that dang thing with me...I hate the thought of it, but I'm tired of not having extremely sharp photos.

[Brains]

Old habits are hard to break - I manually select the focus point, one shot mode, half press, click. I tend to use the center point more often than not, end up recomposing my shots rather than change AF point, when I'm shooting quickly.

[J Eddington]

I choose my focal point, (depending upon what I am shooting) and use the AE lock. Capt Tom got me to try it and then I heard Jerry Ward (canon Rep) recommend it. I found it to be more accurate. Doesn't work for some subjects but for most of my shooting

[DigitalScape]

I use a similar approach/method as Janice does. I find that it also make me think about how I want to composition to look as well as the DOF.

[CaroleHayes]

Originally Posted by Brains

I manually select the focus point, one shot mode, half press, click. I tend to use the center point more often than not, end up recomposing my shots rather than change AF point, when I'm shooting quickly.

That's me, exactly. : )

[mdurisseau]

Actually, I use a combination of different approaches, depending on the situation. Full autofocus with the auxiliary button, so I can follow the action and not depend on the shutter button...

[CaptainTom]

auto focus
one shot mode
auxiliary button focusing.
center focus 90% except when using live view then 100% manual focus.

Why? because I told Janice to do it and now I'm stuck doing it too !

[dminton]

I really really hope that ya'll realize there is no single set way to always use. Example being that the settings for shooting a model in a dark studio are not the right ones to use to shoot a football game or anything else that moves.

And USE DIFFERENT FOCUS POINTS!!

Done ranting

[Flea77]

Well I can't select more than one so I will select none. Not only does it depend on the situation and subject, but also the camera. Even for static objects I use one for my D80, another for my Contax G1, and of course full manual with a loupe for my 4x5.

Allan

[johnastovall]

This should be mulitiple choice. It depends on the cameras and lenses and subject/place. There are a lot more ways of shooting than you listed.

For example where does an 8x10 view camera fit in to that limited list?

[brad]

I choose my focus point... never could get used to the button on the back, so I use the shutter button.. works for me.

[ClearfliteCharles]

Center point-hold set-compose-shoot

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by dminton

I really really hope that ya'll realize there is no single set way to always use. Example being that the settings for shooting a model in a dark studio are not the right ones to use to shoot a football game or anything else that moves.

And USE DIFFERENT FOCUS POINTS!!

Done ranting

WOW ! Never seen a personal rant on a poll before. I guess it's your way or the highway !

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by dminton

I really really hope that y'all realize there is no single set way to always use. Example being that the settings for shooting a model in a dark studio are not the right ones to use to shoot a football game or anything else that moves.

And USE DIFFERENT FOCUS POINTS!!

Done ranting

No reason to rant. I don't think anyone claimed that there's one best way to focus. :-)