24 replies to this topic

[dbmcclus]

Here is a quote from an article by Jasoon Odell on the subject:

WHY SHOULD YOU USE THE AF-ON ONLY TECHNIQUE WITH YOUR NIKON DSLR?

"The idea behind setting the AF-On button to be the only way to activate your Nikon’s autofocus system is simple. Doing so allows you to set the camera to continuous-servo AF (AF-C) mode permanently, while still being able to get the benefit of focus-lock like you do in single-servo (AF-S) mode. This means that at any time, you can switch between a focus/recompose/shoot style of photography (portraits and landscapes) and continuous subject tracking (sports & wildlife) without having to change camera switches or menu settings.

Also, with this technique, you decouple VR activation (half-press of shutter release) from AF activation. That means you can be tracking a subject with AF and only engage VR when you want to. This technique can save battery life in your camera!"

[Russ]

I tried it and did not like it.

It does not give me any advantage over the traditional way to autofocus.

That's why thousands love it!! 

[robbins.photo]

Here is a quote from an article by Jasoon Odell on the subject:

WHY SHOULD YOU USE THE AF-ON ONLY TECHNIQUE WITH YOUR NIKON DSLR?

"The idea behind setting the AF-On button to be the only way to activate your Nikon’s autofocus system is simple. Doing so allows you to set the camera to continuous-servo AF (AF-C) mode permanently, while still being able to get the benefit of focus-lock like you do in single-servo (AF-S) mode. This means that at any time, you can switch between a focus/recompose/shoot style of photography (portraits and landscapes) and continuous subject tracking (sports & wildlife) without having to change camera switches or menu settings.

Also, with this technique, you decouple VR activation (half-press of shutter release) from AF activation. That means you can be tracking a subject with AF and only engage VR when you want to. This technique can save battery life in your camera!"

Interesting. Sounds like it would be worth looking into.

[RossCumming]

I haves used it for years on both my Nikon and Canon cameras. Wouldn't work without it now but it is just down to personal preference on how you work.

[cowleystjames]

Can't imagine not using AF-ON, it's just so intuitive