How can I autofocus in low light when using a Yongnuo YN-560 II flash?
Asked 6/19/2013
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I’m shooting low-light events like clubs and concerts with a Canon 650D and a Yongnuo YN-560 II. Since the YN-560 II is a manual flash, it has no TTL and no AF-assist beam. When it’s mounted on the hot shoe, the camera’s own AF-assist light is disabled, and autofocus struggles badly in dark scenes.
Is there any way to re-enable the camera’s AF-assist light with this flash attached, or do I need different gear? Are there practical workarounds for getting autofocus to work in these conditions?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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You could try a small torch (eg a Mini Maglite) to provide the light to aid focussing (though I admit I've not tried that in a nighclub!). You could even try a red filter on it to minimise the light it puts out.
Either point the torch away once you've achieved focus, or use a short shutter speed so that the flash dominates the exposure, to prevent the torch having an impact on the exposure.
Originally by user14399. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14399
13y ago
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With the YN-560 II attached, there generally isn’t a way to make the camera use its built-in AF-assist light. Since that flash has no AF-assist beam of its own, autofocus in very dark scenes can be difficult.
Your practical options are:
- Use an external light briefly to help focus, such as a small torch/flashlight, then move it away before shooting or use shutter/flash settings so the flash dominates the exposure.
- Add a separate AF-assist device, such as an IR/grid-style transmitter, potentially via a hot-shoe adapter setup.
- Replace the flash with one that includes AF-assist (and possibly TTL), which is the simplest all-in-one solution for event work.
So: no easy camera setting will restore the built-in assist light with that flash mounted. If you regularly shoot moving subjects in dark venues, a flash with its own AF-assist beam is the most straightforward fix.
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