How not to be an idiot on my first group bird photography trip?

**frogoutofwater** · 01-09-2014, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

The DA 55-300mm is one of my worst lenses for focus hunting. A little trick I've learned is to reset focus to infinity after each series of shots. I do this because the camera invariably starts looking for a target by racking inwards. If the subject is beyond the starting point, it's a long way to minimum focus and back. Even then, it will often miss focus while racking out, and you're on the way to infinity focus.

When focus locks, you needs to confirm that your intended subject has been acquired before squeezing off the shot. Sometimes you will not be able to lock focus on a low contrast bird, or the camera may find other things more appealing, like a branch or feeder detail and focus there.

If auto-focus is hunting, or focussing on a distraction, switch to manual focus. Hopefully you have a DA version with quick-shift, so you can switch to MF quickly. I have to say though, I have to use Q-S far less frequently with the K-3 than I did with the K20D and K-x.

Wildman, the detail in your nuthatch is stunning.

Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity?

audiobomber · 01-09-2014, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by frogoutofwater

Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity?

Turn the focus ring clockwise, all the way (lens is minimum length at infinity focus and 55mm).

mrNewt · 01-09-2014, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by frogoutofwater

Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity?

Focus on an object that is very, very far away

.
Or manually do it.

**boriscleto** · 01-09-2014, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

Turn the focus ring clockwise, all the way (lens is minimum length at infinity focus and 55mm).

If you have the DA L hold down the lens release button or switch to MF first.

audiobomber · 01-09-2014, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

If you have the DA L hold down the lens release button or switch to MF first.

Good point. My advice refers to a lens with quick-shift.

01-09-2014, 10:23 AM	#47
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by frogoutofwater Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity? Turn the focus ring clockwise, all the way (lens is minimum length at infinity focus and 55mm). Last edited by audiobomber; 01-09-2014 at 11:04 AM.

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01-09-2014, 10:08 AM	#46
frogoutofwater Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 674 Original Poster	Originally posted by audiobomber The DA 55-300mm is one of my worst lenses for focus hunting. A little trick I've learned is to reset focus to infinity after each series of shots. I do this because the camera invariably starts looking for a target by racking inwards. If the subject is beyond the starting point, it's a long way to minimum focus and back. Even then, it will often miss focus while racking out, and you're on the way to infinity focus. When focus locks, you needs to confirm that your intended subject has been acquired before squeezing off the shot. Sometimes you will not be able to lock focus on a low contrast bird, or the camera may find other things more appealing, like a branch or feeder detail and focus there. If auto-focus is hunting, or focussing on a distraction, switch to manual focus. Hopefully you have a DA version with quick-shift, so you can switch to MF quickly. I have to say though, I have to use Q-S far less frequently with the K-3 than I did with the K20D and K-x. Wildman, the detail in your nuthatch is stunning. Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity?

01-09-2014, 10:24 AM	#48
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Originally posted by frogoutofwater Sorry, this is probably a dumb question, but how do I reset the focus to infinity? Focus on an object that is very, very far away . Or manually do it.

01-09-2014, 01:05 PM	#49
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by audiobomber Turn the focus ring clockwise, all the way (lens is minimum length at infinity focus and 55mm). If you have the DA L hold down the lens release button or switch to MF first.

01-09-2014, 01:31 PM	#50
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by boriscleto If you have the DA L hold down the lens release button or switch to MF first. Good point. My advice refers to a lens with quick-shift.