Focussing when using remote control

michaelho

Suspended / Banned
Messages
203
Edit My Images
Yes
When I focus using the shutter button sometimes I need to press it half way a few time until it focuses on what I want it to focus on.
However when using a remote control, once you press the button it triggers the camera to focus and then it takes the shot. Is there a way where I can set the focus so that when I press the release button on the remote it focuses on what I want.
The only other way I know to do this is by using the self timer on the camera, but the 10 second delay is long!!

Is there anyway which I can lock the focus when using a remote?
 
When I focus using the shutter button sometimes I need to press it half way a few time until it focuses on what I want it to focus on.
However when using a remote control, once you press the button it triggers the camera to focus and then it takes the shot. Is there a way where I can set the focus so that when I press the release button on the remote it focuses on what I want.
The only other way I know to do this is by using the self timer on the camera, but the 10 second delay is long!!

Is there anyway which I can lock the focus when using a remote?


There seems to be either two very similar questions, or the same question asked in two ways?

1. Auto focus on what you want, and assuming your lens has a manual focus switch, switch the lens to manual.

2. Use (if your camera does this) a separate button for focus, then your shutter button just does that (operate the shutter).
 
Thanks that's what I was looking for.
I'll auto focus initially and then once the focus points hit the right spot I'll flick the switch to MF to keep it focused there.
 
I'm about to get a remote (already on order), so extending the question:

how do you do an exposure lock with the remote?
(I'm using Canon 400D)

will I have to resort to checking exposure on the intended subject then setting it into full manual?
 
I'm about to get a remote (already on order), so extending the question:

how do you do an exposure lock with the remote?
(I'm using Canon 400D)

will I have to resort to checking exposure on the intended subject then setting it into full manual?

You use the 'Manual' setting on your camera (the big M on the wheel)

The you set the shutter speed and F stop (and ISO) to get the correct exposure.
 
:thinking: I can still use my remote in the same way as my normal shutter button on the camera :shrug: just gently press it half way and keep steady, then press it the rest of the way when your ready to take the shot. Or is that not what you meant?
 
I can hold down my remote button halfway to focus to but it is the wired type RS60-E3 not the infra-red type.
 
I could be wrong but I think it's possible we're all missing the point here. The op says he has to press the shutter a couple of times before the camera focuses where he wants it to focus, which suggests he in one of the auto modes which is activating all the focus points and not necessarily the one he wants. When using the remote he presumably is not looking through the viewfinder to see which focus point is being automatically selected and therefore invariably not focusing on his preferred object. Sure the simplest answer is to move into one of the program modes 'cos then he can pre select where he wants the camera to focus.

Incidentally - what camera are we talking about?
 
Hi,
I have the 400D. I have been using manual mode with AF. Even in manual mode the AF picks out what it focuses on and it can vary each time you half depress the shutter button.
So my question was how could I make sure that what I wanted to be in focus is focused on by the camera (indicated by the red dots).
One way is to select a focus point, either the centre point or any of the other ones, the other way which someone has mentioned is to half depress the shutter button until I achieve the desired focus points and then flick the switch to Manual Focus so then the camera will not be able to change anything.
I ask because when using a remote (RC1) you can only press the button, once the button is pressed the camera focuses and then activates the shutter, you cannot be sure which points the camera has focused on.
 
.....One way is to select a focus point, either the centre point or any of the other ones.....

Surely you've answered your own question here Michael. Before you take the shot using the remote you select which focus point you want the camera to use via the viewfinder in the usual way - or am I still missing your point?
 
Hi,
I have the 400D. I have been using manual mode with AF. Even in manual mode the AF picks out what it focuses on and it can vary each time you half depress the shutter button.
So my question was how could I make sure that what I wanted to be in focus is focused on by the camera (indicated by the red dots).
One way is to select a focus point, either the centre point or any of the other ones, the other way which someone has mentioned is to half depress the shutter button until I achieve the desired focus points and then flick the switch to Manual Focus so then the camera will not be able to change anything.
I ask because when using a remote (RC1) you can only press the button, once the button is pressed the camera focuses and then activates the shutter, you cannot be sure which points the camera has focused on.


I also have the 400D,
stick it into P Tv or Av modes (M if you are brave and know what settings you need for the exposure)
in these modes you can select the focus point, press once the righthand of the 2 buttons on the rear of the case in top right corner (just above it its got an icon of a viewfinder with 4 focus points), after pressing it turn the thumbwheel and the LCD display will tell you which focus point you have selected, press the button again to select. You can also use the menu buttons to choose the focus point, still press the focus button to lock it as the central set button selects all focus points instead of accepting the selection for this function.

now go play!
 
Back
Top