Nikon D300 Autofocus

Hi,

I just upgraded from D200 to D300. With the D200 I only used the single area, single servo autofocus. The autofocus system on the D300 must be much better and has some other autofocus modes. Wich autofocussystem do you use and what are your results with the different autofocus systems?

Rob

I have written quite a bit about the various autofocus modes and their suitability for different subjects in my review of the Nikon D3, which should be on the front page early next week.

In short all three have their uses, depending on lens, subject and illumination!

Alex

Look forward to reading it Alex!

It is a bit of a teaser however.....

Paul C

I set mine to C, continuous servo AF, and dynamic area AF.

I focus the camera with the AF on button and then hit the shutter when my shot is composed.

Previously I had always used C and single point AF. I did this because I like to know just where the camera is focused. Even when using the D2X with it's excellent AF system. THe dynamic area AF still allows you to select you point of focus and I get more in focus shots with moving subjects.

I really have liked the Subal housings because they have levers for both the AF on button and and the shutter. Both can be operated with the same hand, virtually simultaneously.

What is it about the AF button that you perfer for the traditional half-press? Especially in Continuous AF mode they do about the same thing. I've never tried to shoot that way in a housing, I guess I should try it on for size sometime.

I focus the camera with the AF on button and then hit the shutter when my shot is composed.

 

I really have liked the Subal housings because they have levers for both the AF on button and and the shutter. Both can be operated with the same hand, virtually simultaneously.

With proper lenses, splitting focus off from half press allows you to switch between manual and autofocus without effort. Some housings make half-press a little easier than others. Focus and shutter are naturally separate affairs that we've simply grown to accept as being part of the same control. Half press is a kludge.

Thanks. The shift between manual & autofocus totally makes sense. The AF button would be very useful in that scenario.

I think calling the half-press a kludge is a little extreme though. This is the sort of refinement that provides a lot of utility and value. It could not be simpler to use, and works great in or out of my housing. I suppose in a housing with electronic controls you would be right out of luck.

With proper lenses, splitting focus off from half press allows you to switch between manual and autofocus without effort. Some housings make half-press a little easier than others. Focus and shutter are naturally separate affairs that we've simply grown to accept as being part of the same control. Half press is a kludge.