Focussing tips in low light?

[AlexMorse]

When you're shooting in environments that are too dark for comfort, in this specific instance ballrooms/conference rooms, do you have any tips or techniquest on how to increase focus accuracy?

I notice that if I'm not shooting faces relatively close up, or large areas, I have a lot of near misses. Say I use the center focus point, and it's someone's head, but just a few feet behind them is a wall that would give enough contrast for AF as well, it seems to be a toss up which will be in focus when I pull the trigger. Even with the nikon magnifying eyepiece I can't discern the difference in these situations before exposure, but I can surely tell it now as I'm going through the shoot.

[beavo451]

Splitscreen focus screen from Katz Eyes and using the Speedlight SB-800 AF assist beam are the only suggestions I can think of.

[AlexMorse]

I've been tempted to get one of those split screen focus screens... I use canon equipment, so the SB-800 is out, but my flash does have an assist beam, just not much range to it.

[beavo451]

Originally Posted by AlexMorse

I've been tempted to get one of those split screen focus screens... I use canon equipment, so the SB-800 is out, but my flash does have an assist beam, just not much range to it.

I thought the Canon flash units had AF assist beams as well.

You mentioned Nikon magnifiying piece, so I assumed you used Nikon.

[Redmouse]

It really depends. But the easiest way to do it is to find an edge and focus on that.

[Collins]

I often (last night, in fact) disable the flash output on my 580EX and use that focus assist to capture my lowlight shots.

I am considering picking up a ST-E2 specifically for that purpose...as crazy as that sounds.