Case 2 Focusing on a fast-moving subject
Recommended settings
- Focus ModeAF-C
- Focus AreaZone
- AF Track Duration2 to 3
- AF drive speedFast
- Smile/Face DetectionOff
- Priority setupBalanced Emphasis
- AF Range ControlAs needed
When shooting a fast-moving subject, use of Zone for the Focus Area is effective. Additionally, setting AF Track Duration to 3 (Mid) or to 2 (between Mid and Low) enables stable AF tracking on the subject while avoiding inadvertent focus on something else, even when the subject momentarily goes out of the focus area. When there is a fence between you (camera shooter) and the subject, AF Range Control comes in handy since it restricts the AF range and thereby reduces unnecessary switching of focus from the intended subject to another object.
Shooting tips
Since the photo example at left was shot with a 500mm ultra telephoto lens, it was very difficult to compose the shot, although the subject is a light aircraft. In such cases, it’s a good idea to let the camera take care of focusing so that you can concentrate on composing the shot. In the photo at left, Focus Area was set to Zone, with the upper central zone selected in particular, and symmetrical composition was chosen. A key to enhancing the image's sense of motion was to select a shutter speed that makes the propeller look like a blur.
Similar settings can be used for scenes/subjects such as:
Motor sports / Bicycling / Horseback riding / Field sports