How to use autofocus with moving subjects

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Setting up your camera for moving subjects

Focus mode
For moving subjects, select continuous focus mode by pressing the AF button and turning the main dial, or by rotating a focus selector switch to the ‘C’ setting. In this example, AI Servo is Canon’s term for continuous focus on an EOS 60D.

Drive mode
For shooting action, continuous focus is best matched to continuous drive mode. More advanced SLR bodies offer a choice of slow and fast continuous drive modes, capturing pictures at up to 12 frames per second (fps).

Focus limiter
Telephoto and macro lenses often include a focus distance switch, which allows you to limit the range over which the lens will try to focus. This limit can usually be toggled between the entire distance range, or from a midway point to infinity.

Image stabilisation
If your lens or camera features optical stabilisation, set it to ‘panning mode’ when you’re following a subject. If it’s set to regular stabilisation mode, it will try to account for all movement – including the direction in which you’re purposely moving the camera.

PAGE 1: Common questions about using autofocus with moving subjects
PAGE 2: Focus modes explained
PAGE 3: How to set up your camera for action photography

Posted on Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 at 11:21 am under Photography Tutorials, Tutorials.