AF-C or AF-S for telephoto? Any thoughts?

[Sussex bird man]

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I'm getting mixed advice on this subject and while I haven't tested one against the other I'd appreciate other views. I've started a new thread as the old ones tend to lose interest after a short while. I hope to hear!!! Thanks.

[scary-canary]

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I'm getting mixed advice on this subject and while I haven't tested one against the other I'd appreciate other views. I've started a new thread as the old ones tend to lose interest after a short while. I hope to hear!!! Thanks.
afc - I reckon it is already focused by the time you get your eye to the viewer, but you have to depress the shutter on afs, if I've understood your question.

[Andy Bright]

AF-C is continuous focusing, and is best used for tracking moving birds (in combination with various tracking modes, depends upon your camera though), AF-S is for static subjects.
cheers,
Andy

[Keith Reeder]

There's no reason not to use AF-S for any stationary or slow moving targets, and by doing so you're as confident as you can be that the camera has focussed properly.

Personally I also use AF-S for flight shots too unless I'm shooting something really fast (and thinking about it, even then I might use AF-S) because I just don't see the point in being able to fire the shutter if the camera isn't in focus...

[Rob Chace]

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I'm getting mixed advice on this subject and while I haven't tested one against the other I'd appreciate other views. I've started a new thread as the old ones tend to lose interest after a short while. I hope to hear!!! Thanks.
Afc for me too. I would rather have the shutter fire when i want it too & have a few out of focus shots which can be deleted later, rather than missing the magic moment when composistion is right. Never had any problem using this. I find Afs very frustrating on moving subjects.
Regards Rob.

http://www.photoportfolios.net/portfolio/pf.cgi?a=up&pi=ROBCHACE&u=2216

[Sussex bird man]

Thanks guys but I'm now confused! DOC has advised AF-S for moving objects and on looking at his results I would find it hard to disagree. So, is there another element here that I'm not seeing?

[Keith Reeder]

Nope, it's all about what works best for you.

Like Doc, I use AF-S pretty much all the time and it works for me (all of the flight shots in my gallery are AF-S and I think they speak for themselves - not exactly award winning, but sharp enough and properly focussed), but others prefer AF-C and do very well.

In other words both approaches can deliver, and you just need to pick the one that best meets your expectations.

[DOC]

I agree with keith.
I'll try to explain my logic for using AF-S:
First of all - like keith said - i tried AF-c and did not get the results i wished for - so i switched back to AF-S - which works best for me .
Second : When using AF-C - you get the impression that no matter how fast you move with the camera while tracking the bird - it'll stay focused - but that is a mistake . your motion with the camera tributes to the lack of focus even when the camera locks on target .
When using AF-S - you try to stay stable as possible when shooting and thus the better & sharper picture.
Rob Chace is right -In AF-S: you sometimes loose a good picture because the camera did not lock on time , in comparison to AF -C where the camera is locked on target all the way .- but as i said - i find the end result not as good as AF-S.
And lastly - many times i shoot in rapid sequence ( when the camera alllows me ) while tracking the bird - and choose the best picture afterwards.
(I assume that VERY fast moving objects ( eg.- race cars ) will only be caught sharp when using AF-C ).

[Rob Chace]

I think Keith has hit the nail on the head. The right setting is the one you are comfortable using. Try them both & see which you prefer. At the end of the day there is no definitive right or wrong which you must use. Go play & see for yourself!
Regards Rob

[Sussex bird man]

Thanks guys! Great advice as always!

[Sussex bird man]

Thanks guys! Great advice as always!