PentaxForums.com - View Single Post - For those that think the Pentax AF system is not geared for action, sports

danielchtong · 07-24-2008, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Michaelina2

Images captured with a K100D? Lens?

K100D and A300mmF4.

I have been pushing Pentaxians to use MF to deal with situation where AF (focus, tracking & metering) is an issue.

For some extreme fast actions, the fastest system (translation Canon Mk 3 & Nikon D300) still have a lot of missed shots. Granted that Pentax is still behind in this critical area, MF people still have an edge.

Here is details of the MF method which is very different from the traditional focus trap method. The usual method is that you prefocus and wait for bird to come in the viewfinder. You do predict the press the shutter. When the bird is in focus the camera fires and you get an image. My method involves me set the focus to around 50 ft. When the bird is within the area, I fire in burst non-stop in MF. The first 1-2 seconds will be firing bland - focus completely off. But I have to manually adjust the focus ring while panning and it is critical for me to snap into focus the 2nd or the 3rd second.

BIF ok with manual focus lens: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

It is fun and rewarding.

Originally Posted by pentkon52

Some good ones this month, and maybe this will help in some of the newbie and fence sitters mind making up. I'v always said, it may be slower than other makes, but in the right hands, will do wonders.

Dave

And what is important is that if I cannot make it, I will try , re-trace my steps and upgrade my skill in fast MF focusing and tracking. Otherwise, I will only be doomed/condemned to upgrade my hardware/gear and not my skill.

Daniel

07-24-2008, 02:57 PM	#21
danielchtong Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Gallery Photos: 0 Posts: 269	Originally Posted by Michaelina2 Images captured with a K100D? Lens? K100D and A300mmF4. I have been pushing Pentaxians to use MF to deal with situation where AF (focus, tracking & metering) is an issue. For some extreme fast actions, the fastest system (translation Canon Mk 3 & Nikon D300) still have a lot of missed shots. Granted that Pentax is still behind in this critical area, MF people still have an edge. Here is details of the MF method which is very different from the traditional focus trap method. The usual method is that you prefocus and wait for bird to come in the viewfinder. You do predict the press the shutter. When the bird is in focus the camera fires and you get an image. My method involves me set the focus to around 50 ft. When the bird is within the area, I fire in burst non-stop in MF. The first 1-2 seconds will be firing bland - focus completely off. But I have to manually adjust the focus ring while panning and it is critical for me to snap into focus the 2nd or the 3rd second. BIF ok with manual focus lens: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review It is fun and rewarding. Originally Posted by pentkon52 Some good ones this month, and maybe this will help in some of the newbie and fence sitters mind making up. I'v always said, it may be slower than other makes, but in the right hands, will do wonders. Dave And what is important is that if I cannot make it, I will try , re-trace my steps and upgrade my skill in fast MF focusing and tracking. Otherwise, I will only be doomed/condemned to upgrade my hardware/gear and not my skill. Daniel