Ditching One Shot and shooting AI Servo fulltime

[ejenner]

I found pretty quickly I was more likely to miss a shot on my 7D or 5DIII but having in One-Shot on a moving target than the other way round. Since then I forget to put it back in One-Shot, but occasionally think I should.

Instead I've just started taking 3-shot bursts in Al-Servo. If I'm hand-holding I could be moving a bit, if I'm on a tripod I use MF. The newer/better cameras seem to be good enough in Al Servo to me to not bother with OneShot.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

I am starting 5th month of owning my 1DX and haven't even tried out the one shot AF! I simply duplicated the settings I used for wildlife photography on my 1D4 and have not yet found a reason to change anything. Although this camera offers a myriad of options, once I got my setup sorted, it is a point and shoot. Yes I will adjust aperture and shutter speed according to the subject, but aside from that I point, I point then shoot and it delivers the goods - in spades. Well done Canon!
P.S. my point and shoot camera does mt head in! The 1DX is so much simpler!

 

[BumpyMunky]

i still shoot single shot 99% of the time on the 5Dmk3 and use the Dof preview button to engage servo on demand IMO this is the most awesome feature of the 5Dmk3

THANK YOU!!

When I initially went through the customization of buttons, I went a bit cross-eyed at the options here, and hadn't revisited it since. I had my DoF button set to the flash modelling light (which turns out I don't really use, except accidentally), but setting it to toggle ONESHOT/SERVO is exactly what I need. I typically shoot one shot, but having this on a dedicated button will make certain situations for me soo much faster! The first 'awesome feature' for me was assigning ISO to the rear dial (SET) button so the main dial (top) adjusts ISO -- speedy speedy.

Thanks again!

 

[kaihp]

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy?

I've found on my 5D3 that if I engage AI Servo, a flash (580EX, 600EX-RT) will NOT send out AF-assist beams. If I switch to One Shot or AI Focus, the AF-assist beam works.

I haven't found this quirk mentioned in any of the manuals.

 

[cdang]

Resurrecting an old thread..

Does anyone use AI SERVO with fast lenses wide open? I find I have more success in SERVO with 85 F1.2 and firing off two shots. Camera is the 1DX so not sure if it's more accurate than other cameras.

 

[Ozarker]

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

1. Shutter life. Makes no difference if you have the $$$. Makes a difference if you don't have the $$$.

When I had a T5i or the 70D I didn't care if I rand high speed or whatever all the time. Since buying the 5D Mark III I have switched to almost entirely single shot.

One thing to point out too is this: I also switched genres about the same time. I am more into portraits and far less sports or BIF.

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi CanonFanBoy.
I think you may have missed the point, this was about shooting using One Shot Focus vs AI Focus, not single shot vs high speed drive.
If you didn't miss the point, BL may be taking 2 shots instead of one, but on a 1D body it will take a long time to get anywhere near anticipated shutter life, unlike a burst shoot where it is easy to run through tens of shots.

Cheers, Graham.

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

1. Shutter life. Makes no difference if you have the $$$. Makes a difference if you don't have the $$$.

When I had a T5i or the 70D I didn't care if I rand high speed or whatever all the time. Since buying the 5D Mark III I have switched to almost entirely single shot.

One thing to point out too is this: I also switched genres about the same time. I am more into portraits and far less sports or BIF.

 

[Hesbehindyou]

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy?

Apart from those that the others have mentioned, lens jitter (rapidly making tiny adjustments around the focus point) may be a problem. This would depend on the lens and the situation. From experience, poor light or poor contrast makes it worse, as does older and/or slower focusing lenses.

I get frustrated by One Shot not letting me take a photo until it's nailed focus more than I get frustrated by out of focus photos because I've used AI Servo.

 

[Ozarker]

Hi CanonFanBoy.
I think you may have missed the point, this was about shooting using One Shot Focus vs AI Focus, not single shot vs high speed drive.
If you didn't miss the point, BL may be taking 2 shots instead of one, but on a 1D body it will take a long time to get anywhere near anticipated shutter life, unlike a burst shoot where it is easy to run through tens of shots.

Cheers, Graham.

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

1. Shutter life. Makes no difference if you have the $$$. Makes a difference if you don't have the $$$.

When I had a T5i or the 70D I didn't care if I rand high speed or whatever all the time. Since buying the 5D Mark III I have switched to almost entirely single shot.

One thing to point out too is this: I also switched genres about the same time. I am more into portraits and far less sports or BIF.

You are exactly right and it has been bothering me all day that I had probably misunderstood. Now that I am home I can clearly see that i have. Thanks for the help Graham. You are a kind friend.

I've resolved to do what probably many of us do not do... actually read the manual. Well, I have the 5D Mark III Field Guide and will read that. I think it is probably a better read than the fine print Canon manual.

I've read little parts of the manuals when looking for specific things, but not the whole manual as the cameras deserve. That's probably why I always shoot in manual mode, probably why I am often disappointed with my results, and probably the source of much frustration.

I've also resolved to do the same for my Canon Speedlites. It is a real shame that I have done most of what I have done on a very hit or miss basis.

Frankly, most of my "learning" has been done reading through the forum threads here. It suits my sometimes impossible ability to hold concentration well, however. it is also detrimental as I can sometimes miss huge points of lessons that I should know and learn.

As far as a 1Dx or 1Dx Mark II body goes, I don't think I'll have to worry about that soon.

Since I am laid up right now healing from Achilles tendon rupture and surgery, what better time to try reading my manuals and actually learning about my gear?

Thanks again Graham!

 

[Sabaki]

It's these questions that often make me feel that we simply do not understand our equipment well enough. For the record, I am very guilty of this too.

Stationary subject, moving subject. Is the subject moving in a straight line or erratically?

Answering these questions, then I will ask a further question, how much more reliable is One Shot for near stationary subjects versus moving subjects and the same question applies to moving subjects.

 

[arthurbikemad]

The AF system can be customised on so many ways, I use BBF and flip from single shot (rarely) to AI servo on the main AF drive button, but in the past I did set the shutter button to be single point and the rear to be AI servo, when you register an AF point you could also have one as AI and one as SP from what I recall, I think one of the options was almost an error but played a handy role for those swapping AF modes.

So many good guides online.
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/files/product/cameras/eos_5d_mark_iii/AF_guide_EOS5D_MarkIII_eng_January2013.pdf

This was worth a read,
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9174241280/configuring-your-5d-mark-iii-af-for-fast-action

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi CanonFanBoy.
You are welcome, thankfully I avoided offending you, never my intention.
I hope your Achilles heels nicely : and you are able to get back to learning the fun way! I think I read each manual once, then I keep them on my phone and a 7" tablet that lives in my camera bag for ready reference.
Far too much to take in and retain, most of it just passes through the sieve that passes for a memory in this head. ;D

Cheers, Graham.

Hi CanonFanBoy.
I think you may have missed the point, this was about shooting using One Shot Focus vs AI Focus, not single shot vs high speed drive.
If you didn't miss the point, BL may be taking 2 shots instead of one, but on a 1D body it will take a long time to get anywhere near anticipated shutter life, unlike a burst shoot where it is easy to run through tens of shots.

Cheers, Graham.

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

1. Shutter life. Makes no difference if you have the $$$. Makes a difference if you don't have the $$$.

When I had a T5i or the 70D I didn't care if I rand high speed or whatever all the time. Since buying the 5D Mark III I have switched to almost entirely single shot.

One thing to point out too is this: I also switched genres about the same time. I am more into portraits and far less sports or BIF.

You are exactly right and it has been bothering me all day that I had probably misunderstood. Now that I am home I can clearly see that i have. Thanks for the help Graham. You are a kind friend.

I've resolved to do what probably many of us do not do... actually read the manual. Well, I have the 5D Mark III Field Guide and will read that. I think it is probably a better read than the fine print Canon manual.

I've read little parts of the manuals when looking for specific things, but not the whole manual as the cameras deserve. That's probably why I always shoot in manual mode, probably why I am often disappointed with my results, and probably the source of much frustration.

I've also resolved to do the same for my Canon Speedlites. It is a real shame that I have done most of what I have done on a very hit or miss basis.

Frankly, most of my "learning" has been done reading through the forum threads here. It suits my sometimes impossible ability to hold concentration well, however. it is also detrimental as I can sometimes miss huge points of lessons that I should know and learn.

As far as a 1Dx or 1Dx Mark II body goes, I don't think I'll have to worry about that soon.

Since I am laid up right now healing from Achilles tendon rupture and surgery, what better time to try reading my manuals and actually learning about my gear?

Thanks again Graham!

 

[East Wind Photography]

So I've never owned a camera I felt confident enough to trust in AI Servo until I started shooting with the 1Dx. Old habits die hard though, and I'd still been toggling between one shot and AI-Servo based on subject matter. I've always held this pre-conceived, personally unfounded notion that One Shot would be more accurate than AI Servo on stationary subjects. Given how amazing I found AF accuracy to be on the 1Dx, I decided to test my theory by exclusively using Servo mode for all non moving subjects.

In the past month I've shot mostly portraits, some landscape, and quite a bit of macro. At the pixel level, I can't tell any difference in regards to focus accuracy between shots taken using One Shot vs. AI-Servo based on my real world use. Granted, I have my shutter release priority biased towards focus as opposed to release. I don't see myself using One Shot ever again as far as I'm concerned, and I appreciate not having to press a button or switch modes to engage Servo if something does start to happen unexpectedly.

Can anyone think of any cons to using AI servo fulltime and ditching One Shot if I I'm able to achieve the same level of accuracy? (ok yes, as a concession I'm taxing the battery, but battery life has become a total non issue for me having moved to a 1D body)

Thanks in advance!

Ive since switched to back button AF however i still have my DOF preview button set to toggle between servo and one shot AF. I cant say for sure yet on the 1dx2 but on 5d3 and 7d2, one shot focuses better in extremely low light. That is about the only benefit that is important to me. Being able to AF and then recompose is taken care of with back button af.

Another option i have configured is the AE lock button. I use that to recall a custom configuration that only enables AF in spot af mode. This allows me to quickly switch between some other af mode and spot af rather quickly. Even on the 1dx2 only a limited number of buttons support that. If i recall correctly only the AF off and ae lock buttons.