AF-C vs AF-S

[Anne12343]

Hi, to Robert, I've always had trouble with the AF-C if I want to recompose. The subject is in focus, but the focus seems to move to something else if I recompose. Can I put my camera on AF-C and the subject stay in focus if it is moving, and STILL recompose? I am really missing something here. Thanks so much!

[zona5101]

I'm not Robert and I swear I didn't touch her, Max.

What camera do you have? Have you considered using "back button" focusing? If your camera doesn't do back button focus then if you leave your focus mode to AF-C it will focus every time you touch the shutter button or recompose.
You can choose a different focus zone selector and select the area of the frame that has your subject.

Originally Posted by zona5101

I'm not Robert and I swear I didn't touch her, Max.

LIAR!

Guilty until proven otherwise... too badly I shoot first and ask for the truth second.

[RLucas]

It's tough to recompose using continuous focus. Wherever you point the focus indicator, it will refocus, unless you use focus lock, or back button. If you aren't doing a lot of fast action, just set it on single focus, and recompose that way. You can use back button with single focus too. I seems to be more comfortable for me that way.
Hope that helps!

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Anne12343

Hi, to Robert, I've always had trouble with the AF-C if I want to recompose. The subject is in focus, but the focus seems to move to something else if I recompose. Can I put my camera on AF-C and the subject stay in focus if it is moving, and STILL recompose? I am really missing something here. Thanks so much!

only if you have a camera with an AF-ON button.
Assign AF to the AF-ON, and set your shutter release to only trigger the shutter.

I use AF-C 95% of the time like that.

[Anne12343]

Ha ha! Very funny, Max Harvard! I have the Nikon d90. I don't know what the "back button" focusing is. I suppose I could put it on Focus Lock and see if that helps. Geez! Wish this all wasn't so hard!

[zona5101]

With a D90 you can assign the focus to the button on the back (and to the button on the battery grip if you have one)

[DanielLane]

with the D90 (I also shoot with one..) just hold the shutter down half way to get the focus how you want it, keep holding the shutter halfway and recompose, then press the shutter the rest of the way. easy. I also have my AF set to single spot focus. To set it up in a way that works well for what you are trying to do, make sure of these settings...

1. go to your menu
2. go to the third icon down on the left (looks like a pencil)
3. go to a Autofocus and click arrow pad to the right
4. on a1 AF-area mode set it to single point
5. on a2 Center focus point set to Normal Zone
6. on a7 Live View autofocus set to Normal area (that will help if you are using the LCD instead of the eyepiece)

Hope that helps.