Can't seem to find info on here about this, so forgive me if there was an earlier post. I switched to Canon and continue having focus issues. Not sure if this is just the camera, or I have a custom setting wrong. [hopefully it's just a setting].

I want to focus on the back, not the shutter. Anyone advise me on their settings? I just tested my nephews as they were quickly moving around and the focusing stunk! Help me b/c I have an engag. shoot TONIGHT!!

Thank you, thank you!!

Back button focus is activated on the custom function menu... #7 I believe. Will check my 30D now as it has the same menu setup as the 5D.

Edit - It's actually custom function 4 set to 1. The * button will focus then.

on my 5d its function 4 set to three

Thanks Amanda... I do have it set to that.. however say for CF setting 19, what do you have? Mine is at 0, but I'm wondering if that needs to be different??

The focusing is just not sharp... so I feel like I still have a setting off.... any thoughts there, and is it better for moving subjects to be in AI focus mode?

I have my CF 19 set to 0 as well. It takes a while to get use to focusing that way and getting the images sharp. It sounds like you have the settings correct

different people like different settings but I usually keep mine on AI SERVO it continually tracks focus so long as you keep the shutter release pressed halfway.

Hope this helps

Okay, well then that's what I'm confused about. If I'm focusing on the back, are you saying to hold the shutter halfway and still hit the focus on the back at the same time? I'm just focusing [on the back] and hitting the shutter.

I've always shot that way, but with the 5D, it's not grabbing the subject fast enough and with moving kids, it's not working...

sorry.. help!!

ohh gotcha. I usually keep my thumb on the back focus and press the shutter almost simultaneously. That usually works for me. I have never really had a problem with it but some other photographers have mentioned to me they have problems with this as well.... does anyone else want to chime in ?


Wish I could have been more help !!

Amanda

Matt: If you see what Amanda put, we are both set at CF 4,3. Your saying it's CF 4,1. So which do I use.. and is it based on if you switch the AI focus, or AI servo settings??

I think if it's set to 1, you are locking the exposure as well

Both 1 and 3 will turn back button focusing on. On my 30D (99% certain it's the same on the 5D), 3 will allow you to hold the * button down to lock your exposure in. Come to think of it, I actually like that better so I'm going to switch to 3. You just have to decide what works best for you.

What lens are you using and what is your aperture set to? If you're dealing with a 2.8 or lower aperture your depth of field is going to be really thin, which leaves very little tolerance for moving subjects.

Okay, now *I'm* confused! On the 5D, 4:1 is "AE lock/AF" and 4:3 is "AE/AF, no AE lock" which seems to mean 1 is both AE and AF lock, and 3 is JUST AF lock...? But I tried setting it on one and then the other, and it doesn't seem that either locks exposure. I don't really want it to... just want to understand.

Okay, nm, I think I got it... when set on 1, (AE lock/AF), the * button focuses, then when you depress the shutter halfway, the exposure is locked.

Greta, just to clear my little mind. You set your 5D on CF 4, 1, right? And that worked for you?