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Noob · 04-20-2011, 02:43 PM

It's driving my models crazy, I can't seem to turn it off? When I auto focus that bright comes on and blinds everyone...

Not even sure what it's there for.

Last edited by Noob; 04-20-2011 at 02:51 PM.

deadwolfbones · 04-20-2011, 02:55 PM

It's an autofocus assist beam. Helps the camera achieve focus in low light.

There's undoubtedly some option in the menu to disable it. Just dig around a bit.

Noob · 04-20-2011, 03:05 PM

Originally posted by deadwolfbones

It's an autofocus assist beam. Helps the camera achieve focus in low light.

There's undoubtedly some option in the menu to disable it. Just dig around a bit.

Do people usually leave it on or off for portraits, fashion etc..? Or was the model's complaint unjustified?

Arpe · 04-20-2011, 05:10 PM

I've turned mine off on my D300s, it came on totally unnecessarily when it wasn't really that dark. It's in the menu somewhere.

wshi · 04-20-2011, 05:21 PM

It's option A9 in my D300 under the autofocus menu as "Built-in AF-assist illuminator."

twilight_samurai · 04-20-2011, 06:35 PM

I can confirm in the D700 that it's also option "a9" in the autofocus section of the custom setting menu. I presume it's the same in the D3 as well.

Personally, I have it set for quick access in "My Menu" as I like to turn it on or off, depending on where I'm shooting. If you're photographing models inside a studio, there should be enough ambient light (or light from the modelling lamps) for your camera to focus unassisted. But when I shoot in a dark venue, then it can be quite helpful.

Noob · 04-21-2011, 06:43 AM

But is auto focus so much better if you leave it on?

alexeyga · 04-21-2011, 06:56 AM

Depends on the lighting conditions... but D3's AF is snappy enough to lock on in just about the total darkness... You can also switch to AF-C, AF-assist is disabled in that mode...

Rory · 04-22-2011, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by Noob

But is auto focus so much better if you leave it on?

If you're shooting models, you shouldn't really need autofocus, let alone an AF assist lamp. I also assume you have lighting, which if you have the modeling lamps on, you don't need the AF assist light.

Other than the conditions it sounds like you're shooting in, yes, it makes AF more accurate. That's why Pentax has it on their cameras also.

04-20-2011, 02:43 PM	#1
Noob Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 127	Nikon D3 - How do I turn off that bright light during auto-focus? It's driving my models crazy, I can't seem to turn it off? When I auto focus that bright comes on and blinds everyone... Not even sure what it's there for. Last edited by Noob; 04-20-2011 at 02:51 PM.

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04-20-2011, 02:55 PM	#2
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM Posts: 7,451	It's an autofocus assist beam. Helps the camera achieve focus in low light. There's undoubtedly some option in the menu to disable it. Just dig around a bit.

04-20-2011, 03:05 PM	#3
Noob Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 127 Original Poster	Originally posted by deadwolfbones It's an autofocus assist beam. Helps the camera achieve focus in low light. There's undoubtedly some option in the menu to disable it. Just dig around a bit. Do people usually leave it on or off for portraits, fashion etc..? Or was the model's complaint unjustified?

04-20-2011, 05:10 PM	#4
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	I've turned mine off on my D300s, it came on totally unnecessarily when it wasn't really that dark. It's in the menu somewhere.

04-20-2011, 05:21 PM	#5
wshi Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 455	It's option A9 in my D300 under the autofocus menu as "Built-in AF-assist illuminator."

04-20-2011, 06:35 PM	#6
twilight_samurai Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 288	I can confirm in the D700 that it's also option "a9" in the autofocus section of the custom setting menu. I presume it's the same in the D3 as well. Personally, I have it set for quick access in "My Menu" as I like to turn it on or off, depending on where I'm shooting. If you're photographing models inside a studio, there should be enough ambient light (or light from the modelling lamps) for your camera to focus unassisted. But when I shoot in a dark venue, then it can be quite helpful.

04-21-2011, 06:43 AM	#7
Noob Inactive Account Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 127 Original Poster	But is auto focus so much better if you leave it on?

04-21-2011, 06:56 AM	#8
alexeyga Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 838	Depends on the lighting conditions... but D3's AF is snappy enough to lock on in just about the total darkness... You can also switch to AF-C, AF-assist is disabled in that mode...

04-22-2011, 06:00 PM	#9
Rory Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Chicago Photos: Gallery Posts: 672	Originally posted by Noob But is auto focus so much better if you leave it on? If you're shooting models, you shouldn't really need autofocus, let alone an AF assist lamp. I also assume you have lighting, which if you have the modeling lamps on, you don't need the AF assist light. Other than the conditions it sounds like you're shooting in, yes, it makes AF more accurate. That's why Pentax has it on their cameras also.

Nikon D3 - How do I turn off that bright light during auto-focus?

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