Hi all,
I did some test shots today and Catch-In-Focus works rather well, but there are a few little "quirks" to be aware of,
so as mentioned by others, it has its uses. Here are some samples:
All of the images used the center focus point, so there is no opportunity to recompose the shot. Framing the subject a little looser and cropping may be one way to go.
This one with the SMC-M100mm F2.8 @ F8, where the increased DOF is of help.
Same as above, but full face angle...
Another with same settings as above...
I then set the aperture to F2.8, being a bit more careful how fast I turned the focus ring.
The RayBan logo is already slightly OOF compared to the hinge of the sunglasses (at least I can see that in my originals)...
Focus is centered to the image, but appears to be back-focused slightly onto the bridge of the glasses (most likely due to turning the focus ring too fast). In this case the little mistake actually worked out.
Obviously relying on "mistakes" is not the best way to approach this.
CIF is a great addition to the toolbox, but practice is needed to know what you can expect. I had a few completely OOF shots, a few blurred ones too (at 1/80sec)
,
so a higher shutter speed or tripod is of help and knowing how fast one can afford to turn the focus ring, and from which direction is helpful.
I can see where a "katzeye" focusing screen can be of use in knowing where to anticipate stopping the turn.
It certainly is a more "relaxed" or "pedantic" way of shooting and I will try to get some samples in low light with wide open apertures, where "nailing" the focus seems to be more of an issue.