How can I reduce autofocus hunting in low light on a Nikon D7100?
Asked 2/11/2014
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In low light, my Nikon D7100 sometimes misses shots because autofocus hunts before locking. I noticed the built-in AF-assist light seems to work in full auto, but not when I select my own focus settings. The camera can expose the scene fine once focus is achieved.
What settings or techniques help avoid focus searching on the D7100 in dim light?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The AF assist light comes up only if:
- Using AF-A or AF-S modes (not AF-C)
- In case you are using a single focus point, only some points support the AF assist light: for sure the central one, check the manual if more points support that. Note that the center point of the D7100 as far as I know is also more sensitive to light (works up to f/8, the other points only to f/5.6).
If you use an external flash (which is often a good idea in low light anyway), you can also benefit of an improved assist light.
Originally by user15580. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15580
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. On the D7100, the built-in AF-assist lamp generally works only with AF-S or AF-A, not AF-C. It also works best with supported focus points—most reliably the center point. The center AF point is also more sensitive in low light than the outer points, so using the center point can help reduce hunting.
Practical tips:
- Use AF-S or AF-A instead of AF-C when the subject is not moving.
- Select the center focus point in dim light for the best chance of focus lock.
- If possible, use an external flash with an AF-assist beam; this often provides stronger, more effective focus assistance than the camera’s built-in lamp.
So if your subject is static and light is low, switch to AF-S and the center point first. If you frequently shoot in dark conditions, an external flash can make focusing much more reliable.
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