Use These Underwater Autofocus Tips

[@BrentDurand]

I made a big statement about shark photography. What do you think? Of course, I generalized and didn't want to get into very challenging subjects like Thresher Sharks. If we included all the exceptions to every statement in photography, these videos would be hours long and very confusing!

[@diverspudph]

Learned something new! Thanks, Brent!

[@BrentDurand]

Excellent. Thanks for the support as always!

[@ScubaHockeyDoc]

Another nice video. Do you have any tips for auto focus with underwater video?

[@BrentDurand]

Hi! Autofocus for video is a bit more subjective and really depends on your camera and the scene/subject you're shooting. If I'm shooting a stationary scene I like to use medium-sized point focus and put it on the subject, engaging the AF drive to see the box turn green before pressing record. That said, depending on the subject, higher-end cameras might have great success tracking fish eyes or other subjects using subject tracking. Subject tracking should work even better with larger, clearer subjects like sharks, sea lions, etc. Really just takes some experimentation with your camera and subject to make sure you're confident in the AF tracking accuracy. Hope this helps!

[@jeanettehartshorn4373]

Hi Brent, Thanks for all the great videos. A question for clarification on AF for the split shots discussed in this video. Do you recommend 1 point AF or Expand AF area? I have a Canon R10 and the AF Area menu lists: Spot, 1 point, Expand AF area (to a cross), Expand AF area (to a "square" around), Flexible Zone AF 1, Flexible Zone AF 2, Flexible Zone AF3, and Whole area AF. SO many choices and not clear on a good starting point. Thanks for your recommendations.

[@BrentDurand]

Thanks for the kind words. 1 point AF is absolutely the way to go for split shots. Make sure to focus on your subject, usually underwater for shots like this. Hope that helps!

[@alvarotrinidad45]

I love your videos! Can you help me telling me the Best setup focus Mode for my Sony Rx100 V.. Is a compact camera.

[@BrentDurand]

Hi, thanks for the kind words. I suggest single focus (AF-S) for macro with the RX100 V. This will deliver more consistently sharp photos than Continuous while learning.

[@alvarotrinidad45]

@@BrentDurand Thank you very much for your help! I really appreciate it ❤️... And for normal photos like fishes, shark, what would be the Best setup of focus and if I have to work the focus area with single square in middle or cross or your recommendation, please.

[@BrentDurand]

@@alvarotrinidad45 I like an expanded spot focus for subjects like this since I can still ensure the right point on the animal is in focus (e.g. the eye or if a large school of fish is swimming by, focusing about 1/3 in in terms of depth). That said, today's cameras should be nearly always accurate with something like a shark against blue water since it's easy for the camera's AF system to recognize and process. For fast subjects check out this tutorial with back button focus and continuous AF: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYKmaYVvpMxqf8ksi=sjW6jAeDlY6omzGV

[@alvarotrinidad45]

@@BrentDurand thanks a lot!! I really appreciate your help, i hope to be a better UW photographer one day and success 💪🏻

[@BrentDurand]

@@alvarotrinidad45 One day at a time - you'll be there soon!

[@biancabusetti9200]

Thank you!!🎉

[@BrentDurand]

You're welcome!

[@emilygosden4571]

Hi Brent, thanks for another useful video! How do you figure out what the working distance is on a diopter? Is it through the trial and error process like you were describing in the video? Cheers :)

[@BrentDurand]

Hi Emily, the diopter manufacturer may tell you what the working distance is, however unless you bring a ruler underwater, it's still just a trial and error process. One important note is that the working distance on land is different from water, so you really want to wait for a dive where you can settle down and experiment with a static subject. The camera will achieve focus or it won't, so it's pretty easy to tell if you're within the working distance.

[@emilygosden4571]

@@BrentDurand makes sense! thanks so much for your response :)

[@billyleungkt]

Hi Brent. Just new to your channel. It's awesome and exactly what I want to learn more. I have a quick question in related to super macro focusing. I'm using Nikon D500 cropped sensor camera with 105 VR macro lens. I have purchased an AOI ucl-900 +15 diopter as I want to get more magnifications to shoot very small nudi e.g the sheep nudi. However, it's so hard to focus as the in focus length is too narrow and I couldn't find the sweet spot. Some say I should use a shorter focal length lens like 60mm or 85mm some say I should use a lower magnification diopter... I'm in the dilemma of making a decision. What would you recommend? Would cropped sensor causing this issue too? Keep up the good work of your channel. I'm viewing and liking everyone of them 👍👍😁😁

[@BrentDurand]

@@billyleungkt Hi Billy, thanks for the kind words. The 105 and +15 diopter has a very narrow working distance, so you could call it an "expert" setup. Others are correct in that the 60mm with +15 or the 105mm with diopter of less magnification would be more user friendly. In terms of what to purchase, there will be pros and cons with either setup depending on the size of the subjects you're after. Hope that helsp!

[@billyleungkt]

@@BrentDurand thanks Brent. What might be the pros and cons briefly? Appreciated 🙏

[@davidedebenedictis]

Autofocus capabilities have completely changed in the latest generations of mirrorless cameras. Although there are dozens and dozens of tutorials on autofocus in underwater photography, there is virtually nothing on video. Both WA and macro. And it is not certain that photography tips automatically apply to video. Why don't you do a tutorial on AF and video?

[@BrentDurand]

A good point. It’s likely been skipped since there is so much focus (no pun intended) on still photography and because most video shooters are more casual (eg all auto and don’t need a tutorial) or already understand their system. That said, we definitely need a video like you said. It’s on my long list for when time permits 😎✌️