Auto Focus Points

Tony3d · 03-17-2016, 10:34 AM - **1 Like**

HI All, I usually always have my K3 set to spot meter, spot focus. I never use the auto focus points because I really don't understand them. I know I'm missing something big here, but can never get the shots I want. Any advice?

k22 · 03-17-2016, 10:41 AM

Me too. Tried the multi-point focus and it picks the wrong things sometimes. Not sure what to do about metering. Advice appreciated.

enoeske · 03-17-2016, 10:42 AM

Originally posted by Tony3d

...but can never get the shots I want. Any advice?

What aren't you able to "get"? Is it a focus issues or exposure issue? You aren't giving us a lot to go on.

FantasticMrFox · 03-17-2016, 10:57 AM

Does that mean you only ever use the central one, or do you actually move it around at times?

**jpzk** · 03-17-2016, 12:57 PM

I would also admit that I only use spot meter/focus (centre) when birding, for instance, and AF-C.
That is with both the K5 and K3.
What am I missing? Not much as far as I can tell for this type of photography.

On the other hand, I use a totally different approach with the K7 which I use for "other-than-birding" stuff such as indoors, landscapes and some portraiture.

biz-engineer · 03-17-2016, 01:40 PM

Normally the AF point selected focuses on the object closest to the camera. When using multi-point AFC, the selected point is the first used to get the lens in focus (object closest to the camera), then if the object moves away from the pre-selected point, the adjacent enabled point are supposed to be used for the tracking of the subject. In AFC, the K-3 camera is able to track about correctly once the subject is sufficiently near to the in- focus state, otherwise the camera AF may not be able to "decide" which direction to go for focusing and tracking.

**Alex645** · 03-17-2016, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by Tony3d

HI All, I usually always have my K3 set to spot meter, spot focus. I know I'm missing something big here, but can never get the shots I want.

Never? Or not as often as you'd like? Posting a couple examples would help a lot for us to give advice.

---------- Post added 03-17-16 at 02:18 PM ----------

Originally posted by k22

Me too. Tried the multi-point focus and it picks the wrong things sometimes. Not sure what to do about metering. Advice appreciated.

Also, post examples for both your focus issue and where you feel the metering was wrong or confusing.

rawr · 03-17-2016, 05:46 PM

I guess this thread explains why many Pentaxians often complain that their Nikon and Canon friends get better keeper rates ...

If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored.

Tony3d · 03-17-2016, 10:07 PM

I think my problem is I don't understand how the multi point system works. It seems to me if I just point the camera at the subject I want in focus what's the advantage of having a ll the points, and possibly having it select the wrong subject?

**Alex645** · 03-17-2016, 11:17 PM

Originally posted by Tony3d

I think my problem is I don't understand how the multi point system works. It seems to me if I just point the camera at the subject I want in focus what's the advantage of having a ll the points, and possibly having it select the wrong subject?

Everyone develops their own favorite way of focusing. The AF system is AI; it's not psychic. So as the photographer, depending on what you're shooting, has to decide what option is best for what you're shooting.

With the AF multi-points, the camera is guessing based on how it was programmed. There are many situations that will confuse and fool it such as shooting through leaves, a fence, a screen, etc. With a quick shift lens, you can either manually tweak the lens to correct it, or you can use the four-way controller to select the correct AF point. Personally, I'd rather miss the shot because of my own lack of anticipation and skill, so I usually focus manually.

Using the center focus spot is fine if your focal point is always going to be in the dead center of your frame, or your prefer and have time to pre-focus with the center focus spot and then hold it in AF-S and recompose before shooting. The DSLR is designed to give you as many options, both manual, semi-automatic, and fully programmed as possible, and if you don't want or need those options, you may be better off with one that is designed to be used in auto mode.

A minute to learn, a lifetime to master.

bxf · 03-18-2016, 05:06 AM

Originally posted by Alex645

The AF system is AI; it's not psychic.

Now he tells me...

dcBear78 · 03-18-2016, 05:49 AM

Originally posted by rawr

I guess this thread explains why many Pentaxians often complain that their Nikon and Canon friends get better keeper rates ...

If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored.

My D810 still owns my K-3 in focus performance and I am not one of the people you are referring to. Pentax trails here and with the K-1 not made any in roads into making up this deficiency.

normhead · 03-18-2016, 05:57 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by dcBear78

My D810 still owns my K-3 in focus performance and I am not one of the people you are referring to. Pentax trails here and with the K-1 not made any in roads into making up this deficiency.

And you know this because?

Testers have said the AF on the K-1 is a dream, as far as I know no one has quantified that. But maybe you know something I don't.

I would expect a D810 owner to say something like that though.

I wonder what you'll say to make up for not having Pixel shift or Shake reduction.

I've watched D800 and D810 users trying to stabilize their cameras for landscape images and i wouldn't wish that on anyone. AF doesn't do much for you if you have no SR and you can't stop your camera from shaking.

**dadipentak** · 03-18-2016, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by rawr

If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored.

Well, if I'm shooting a landscape, a portrait, or a macro, I don't need tracking--hardly need AF for that matter. But the answer to the OP's question (and mine) seems to be that the multiple focus-point functionality is intended for moving subjects--right?

rawr · 03-18-2016, 06:48 AM

Originally posted by dadipentak

the multiple focus-point functionality is intended for moving subjects--right?

Yes, and the 'Expanded Area AF' modes in the K-3 particularly so.
Single point AF is basically for stationary subjects.

03-17-2016, 10:34 AM - 1 Like	#1
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487	Auto Focus Points HI All, I usually always have my K3 set to spot meter, spot focus. I never use the auto focus points because I really don't understand them. I know I'm missing something big here, but can never get the shots I want. Any advice?

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03-17-2016, 10:41 AM	#2
k22 Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 153	Me too. Tried the multi-point focus and it picks the wrong things sometimes. Not sure what to do about metering. Advice appreciated.

03-17-2016, 10:42 AM	#3
enoeske Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,136	Originally posted by Tony3d ...but can never get the shots I want. Any advice? What aren't you able to "get"? Is it a focus issues or exposure issue? You aren't giving us a lot to go on.

03-17-2016, 10:57 AM	#4
FantasticMrFox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Munich Posts: 2,339	Does that mean you only ever use the central one, or do you actually move it around at times?

03-17-2016, 12:57 PM	#5
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	I would also admit that I only use spot meter/focus (centre) when birding, for instance, and AF-C. That is with both the K5 and K3. What am I missing? Not much as far as I can tell for this type of photography. On the other hand, I use a totally different approach with the K7 which I use for "other-than-birding" stuff such as indoors, landscapes and some portraiture.

03-17-2016, 01:40 PM	#6
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,231	Normally the AF point selected focuses on the object closest to the camera. When using multi-point AFC, the selected point is the first used to get the lens in focus (object closest to the camera), then if the object moves away from the pre-selected point, the adjacent enabled point are supposed to be used for the tracking of the subject. In AFC, the K-3 camera is able to track about correctly once the subject is sufficiently near to the in- focus state, otherwise the camera AF may not be able to "decide" which direction to go for focusing and tracking.

03-17-2016, 02:16 PM	#7
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by Tony3d HI All, I usually always have my K3 set to spot meter, spot focus. I know I'm missing something big here, but can never get the shots I want. Never? Or not as often as you'd like? Posting a couple examples would help a lot for us to give advice. ---------- Post added 03-17-16 at 02:18 PM ---------- Originally posted by k22 Me too. Tried the multi-point focus and it picks the wrong things sometimes. Not sure what to do about metering. Advice appreciated. Also, post examples for both your focus issue and where you feel the metering was wrong or confusing.

03-17-2016, 05:46 PM	#8
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	I guess this thread explains why many Pentaxians often complain that their Nikon and Canon friends get better keeper rates ... If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored.

03-17-2016, 10:07 PM	#9
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487 Original Poster	I think my problem is I don't understand how the multi point system works. It seems to me if I just point the camera at the subject I want in focus what's the advantage of having a ll the points, and possibly having it select the wrong subject?

03-17-2016, 11:17 PM	#10
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by Tony3d I think my problem is I don't understand how the multi point system works. It seems to me if I just point the camera at the subject I want in focus what's the advantage of having a ll the points, and possibly having it select the wrong subject? Everyone develops their own favorite way of focusing. The AF system is AI; it's not psychic. So as the photographer, depending on what you're shooting, has to decide what option is best for what you're shooting. With the AF multi-points, the camera is guessing based on how it was programmed. There are many situations that will confuse and fool it such as shooting through leaves, a fence, a screen, etc. With a quick shift lens, you can either manually tweak the lens to correct it, or you can use the four-way controller to select the correct AF point. Personally, I'd rather miss the shot because of my own lack of anticipation and skill, so I usually focus manually. Using the center focus spot is fine if your focal point is always going to be in the dead center of your frame, or your prefer and have time to pre-focus with the center focus spot and then hold it in AF-S and recompose before shooting. The DSLR is designed to give you as many options, both manual, semi-automatic, and fully programmed as possible, and if you don't want or need those options, you may be better off with one that is designed to be used in auto mode. A minute to learn, a lifetime to master.

03-18-2016, 05:06 AM	#11
bxf Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lisbon area Posts: 1,660	Originally posted by Alex645 The AF system is AI; it's not psychic. Now he tells me...

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03-18-2016, 05:49 AM	#12
dcBear78 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Gladstone, QLD Photos: Gallery Posts: 823	Originally posted by rawr I guess this thread explains why many Pentaxians often complain that their Nikon and Canon friends get better keeper rates ... If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored. My D810 still owns my K-3 in focus performance and I am not one of the people you are referring to. Pentax trails here and with the K-1 not made any in roads into making up this deficiency.

03-18-2016, 05:57 AM - 1 Like	#13
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by dcBear78 My D810 still owns my K-3 in focus performance and I am not one of the people you are referring to. Pentax trails here and with the K-1 not made any in roads into making up this deficiency. And you know this because? Testers have said the AF on the K-1 is a dream, as far as I know no one has quantified that. But maybe you know something I don't. I would expect a D810 owner to say something like that though. I wonder what you'll say to make up for not having Pixel shift or Shake reduction. I've watched D800 and D810 users trying to stabilize their cameras for landscape images and i wouldn't wish that on anyone. AF doesn't do much for you if you have no SR and you can't stop your camera from shaking.

03-18-2016, 06:11 AM	#14
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by rawr If you are only ever using centre spot AF and spot metering, you are essentially turning off tracking AF, and the whole K-3 scene analysis system too. The advanced AF features and metering capability in the K-3 are being ignored. Well, if I'm shooting a landscape, a portrait, or a macro, I don't need tracking--hardly need AF for that matter. But the answer to the OP's question (and mine) seems to be that the multiple focus-point functionality is intended for moving subjects--right?

03-18-2016, 06:48 AM	#15
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by dadipentak the multiple focus-point functionality is intended for moving subjects--right? Yes, and the 'Expanded Area AF' modes in the K-3 particularly so. Single point AF is basically for stationary subjects.