Nikon D70 AFS or AFC

[mike hawley]

The Nikon handbook for the D70 recommends using AFS with telephoto lens when using dynamic focus areas. I want to capture pics of flying birds using my D70 with a Sigma 100-300 HSM lens.
I will experiment but wondered if anybody could give me the benefit of their experience - which form of autofocus will yield the most consistent results AFS or AFC??

[Keith Reeder]

I can't get away with AF-C myself (others can).

My problem with it is that this setting allows you to take pictures whether or not the focus has locked and - for me - that really doesn't help.

I'd rather have a locked focus at the price of the camera sometimes not taking the shot at all (AF-S will only allow the shutter to activate once focus locks) and although it can be argued that any shot is better than none - in which case AF-C is best - I'm happy enough with getting fewer pictures, but a higher percentage that are in focus.

I find that only birds coming straight towards me at speed are a real problem when in AF-S.

That's just me though..!

;)

[martin kitching]

If youy are planning on taking shots of flying birds I wouldn't contemplate using anything other than AF-C. You may get a lot of out-of-focus shots but you will also get a lot more good shots overall.

martin

[Keith Reeder]

Well, as they say, your mileage may vary...

;)

I'd like to think that these qualify as OK, all were AF-S.

http://kazemisu.me.uk/birdimages/index.php?list=5

Horses for courses and all that, but AF-S did just fine here, and - believe me - fulmars are a serious challenge.

Looks like you'll have to try things out for yourself, Mike - it'll probably come down to what you prefer, not what's "best".

;)

[Rob Chace]

Personally Mike, i use nothing but af-c & always have done. It probably helps if you have a lens with quick af though. I would rather take the risk of having out of focus shots than not getting anything! Digital costs nothing remember. As Keith says, try them both & see how you go.
Regards Rob.

[rb_stern]

Hi,

I can't seem to get decent shots with AF-C, and always use AF-S, even for flying birds. I try and get them in focus in the centre focus area if I can. You can browse the shots in my galleries here in Bird Forum Galleries to see the results.

Richard

[Tyler Vargo]

I have always used AF-S since my last airshow, AF-C wasn't always locked on when I took the photos and they almost all came out crap. I like AF-S more since I can press the release down all of the way and it takes the photo the instant it is in focus. My photos are a lot sharper since I started doing this!