Auto Focus assist hotshoe, has this been done?

[rgrebby]

I had a hunt around and didnt come up with anything, possibly because im using the wrong terms.

Anyway, the problem is that when using wireless triggers or any kind of off camera flash in the dark or low light I cant see the target in order to obtain a good focus.
A way around this is to shine a torch and get the focus that way. Trouble is that it can be fiddly to hold the camera, torch, turn it on then off and so on.

Well, my older rubbish flash has a red beam that shines out so that I can get a good focus.
Is it possible to get a hotshoe type item that connects to the top of your camera, it would also have a top hotshoe so that a wireless trigger such as a PT-04 could be attached and used.
When the shutter is half pressed this hotshoe would shine a similar red beam out so I could get a decent focus.


Is there anything like this around or is it just not possible?

 

[whiteflyer]

The Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is the thing you want for off camera flash with Canon Speedlights, not cheap but will do exactly what you want.

 

[Janice]

isnt there an option in the custom functions for the focus assist beam?

 

[Canon Bob]

The ST-E2 is definitley the tool for the job

Bob

 

[rgrebby]

I dont need an extra thing to actually fire the flashes, just something for AF assist

 

[photon]

For the focus-assist, I saw this recommended.

No hotshoe on top, but you could bodge together something by mounting it on a hotshoe adapter with PC socket(s) and running a sync cord to a flash bracket with the trigger mounted.

 

[subseasniper]

I have this problem too. On my 40D there is an AF-assist beam setting in the custom menu but when I turn this on it does b****r all. I thought there would be a nice little beam coming out that would, well, assist AF but it don't.

 

[rgrebby]

a camera light isnt a bad idea, I just cant believe something like this hasnt been produced

 

[jamlid]

I have this problem too. It's incredible annoying - I've had to use the flashlight method before but it's just too much of a hassle.

I'd be interested to see something on the market too!

 

[seriousrikk]

The ST-E2 is great.. until you want to use your flashes in manual mode.
Then not so great

 

[rgrebby]

Manual is the only way to go

I found this

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/739740

 

[tdodd]

This is what you need....

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_8&products_id=100000

 

[subseasniper]

I recently realised since my last post in this thread that the AF assist beam comes from the flash. When focussing with the flash popped up (but turned off) it will fire a pulse of light to allow focus but won't fire when taking a shot.

The unfortunate downside is that subjects think you have taken a photo and then walk away. There are plenty of microphone mounts out there that slip onto your camera hotshoe and are adjustable. I reckon if you had a decent torch like the LED Lenser P7 and fit it to the mic mount this would be a fantastic and hands free way to get your focus in low or no light.

 

[rgrebby]

interesting, what are these mic hotshoe mounts?

 

[Flash In The Pan]

I've got an led head-lamp velcro'd onto the lens hood...works a treat

 

[CSB]

interesting, what are these mic hotshoe mounts?

I'm surprised you don't know of them tbh

Click

 

[subseasniper]

CSB, that's not quite what I am on about. The mount I used to have (and can't find anymore) was just a simple clip to hold the mic, an adjustable hinge and a hotshoe bracket. It came with an Audio Technica mic I used to have. I'm sure they could be found for about a fiver on ebay.

 

[yamahapaul]

isnt there an option in the custom functions for the focus assist beam?

I have this problem too. On my 40D there is an AF-assist beam setting in the custom menu but when I turn this on it does b****r all. I thought there would be a nice little beam coming out that would, well, assist AF but it don't.

Isn't that just for the hotshoe flashes?

I recently realised since my last post in this thread that the AF assist beam comes from the flash. When focussing with the flash popped up (but turned off) it will fire a pulse of light to allow focus but won't fire when taking a shot.

To clarify, this isn't an AF assist beam in the sense of the IR on the flash-guns is it? isn't it just a burst of the flash to allow the cameras AF system to focus?

 

[fletch5]

use a velcro strap to attach a small torch to the lens, or manual focus

 

[photon]

To clarify, this isn't an AF assist beam in the sense of the IR on the flash-guns is it? isn't it just a burst of the flash to allow the cameras AF system to focus?

The pop-up flash strobes (pulses on and off) for long enough to gain focus, similar to the modelling light feature on some external flashes.

It does the job, but can be disconcerting to all involved, including the photographer if he usually uses an external flash and wasn't expecting this behaviour!

 

[oldfella]

 

[oldfella]

Refer to my shot on flash gallery for use of supabrite LED`s as focus assist. Cannot give a pic as I do not know how.