Getting Good Results with Autofocus

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCED

GETTING—

RESUL GOOD WITH TS

AUTOFOCUS

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. In these cases you can focus manually ( pg. 81) or use autofocus as detailed below.

The subject is poorly lit

Use a Speedlight with an AF-assist illuminator, such as the SB-28DX or SB-50DX (available separately) and select the center focus area.

There is little or no contrast between the subject and the background

Lack of contrast—for example, a subject that is the same color as the background—can interfere with autofocus. Use focus lock ( pg. 78) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose your photograph.

The focus area contains objects at different distances from the camera

For example, autofocus may not perform well when the subject is inside a cage. Use focus lock ( pg. 78) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose your photograph.

The subject is dominated by regular geometrical patterns Regular geometrical patterns—for example, a row of windows in a skyscraper—can interfere with autofocus. Use manual focus ( pg. 81).

The focus area contains regions of sharply differing brightness The camera may not be able to focus using autofocus when, for example, the subject is half in the shade. Use manual focus ( pg. 81).

80