20D Shooting Star *

20D SHOOTING STAR *

I am fairly new to the 20D, 1-1/2 dive trips so far. I have another trip coming up in a couple of weeks and wonder if my shooting technique is similar to other 20D users.

On my last trip to Curacao, I starting using the * button for focusing. I like it but wonder if my reflexes will be quick enough for that unexpected shot.

I have set the custom function 04 to #3 (AE/AF, no AE lock). When I am lining up for a shot, I keep tapping the * button repeatedly until I get as close as I want and also have the subject positioned in the frame as desired. When I am ready, I pull the shutter button. Using this technique, I feel that I always have a good focus and can take the shot at any time (because things tend to move when I don’t want them to move).

This works well with stationary objects but in situations where there is more current or the subject is moving I do not know if my thumb and forefinger will have the dexterity to do the job as desired. Using the Ikelite housing, holding the right handle, my thumb seems to be better positioned than my forefinger. (I wish the handles were closer to the housing but I realize that would cause other problems.)

Am I fooling myself, should I just use the auto focus and let the camera do more of the work?

Camera info: manual mode, TTL w/ one or two strobes, 60mm lens, center point focus, one shot and center weighted average metering.

All comments welcome.

TomC

I think it's whatever works best for you. I've been shooting autofocus for years and have never used the * button for focusing, though I people who swear by it. I've used it more for AE lock with land shots. I also generally use the center focus point, and half-press the shutter to get focus. I may do this several times as I work in and around a subject. I very seldom use manual focus, either. I find autofocus a life-saver, and it seems to improve with each generation of camera. I have two 20Ds, though I use a housed D100 for underwater, autofocusing even with my 70-180 f3.5 macro zoom most of the time. A focus light helps!

you might try this site for some helpful suggestions...

http://www.popphoto.com/article.asp?print_...mber=1&preview=

I use this technique with the 100 mm macro lens. If the autofocus is having trouble, (as it often does with the 100mm) then I can adjust the focus manually, or whatever, then hit the shutter button without the autofocus starting up again.

This made it possible for me to get an in-focus picture of a 1 inch nudibranch in a strong surge; then to turn around and get a quick face portrait of a 10 foot stingray going past.

The main problem I have found (with an Ikelite housing) is that the * button is operated by a lever on the housing, which does not have a spring to pull it back after you press it. Sometimes the * button remains lightly pressed, so the camera thinks you are still trying to autofocus, and meanwhile you are puzzled why the camera does not respond to the image review button etc... But you quickly get into the habit of flicking the lever back with your index finger.