Low-light focus assist options for a Canon 5D without mounting a flash
Asked 7/5/2011
4 views
2 answers
0
I struggle with autofocus in low light on my Canon 5D. Normally the AF-assist options are a Speedlite or ST-E2, but I use a PocketWizard TT1 on the hot shoe, so stacking a flash on top is awkward and unreliable for me. I’d prefer a lightweight, inexpensive alternative.
I’ve experimented with a handheld laser and found that projected light/patterns can help the camera focus much better than the built-in AF-assist options I’ve used, but using it one-handed is impractical. Are there any cheap or DIY focus-assist solutions for the 5D, or any small Canon-compatible units that can provide AF assist without needing a full flash on the camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
3
As far as DIY goes...
With minimal electronics skill, it appears that it can be done by interfacing a hacked up cheap laser to a particular pin (looking down, camera pointed away from you, the top left pin for Canon) via Op Amps. Then the laser would be tied to the autofocus assist.
Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1917
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there are a few workable approaches.
A simple option is a small Canon-compatible flash used mainly for its AF-assist beam, such as the 220EX or a similar compact model. That gives you AF assist without the size and weight of a larger Speedlite.
If you want DIY, one answer notes it can be done by triggering a modified laser from the Canon hot shoe’s AF-assist-related pin, but that requires electronics work and isn’t a simple plug-and-play project.
There are also products designed to project a focusing aid physically rather than communicating electronically with the camera; the DeluxGear PinPoint was mentioned as an example. That kind of device can help in the same way your handheld laser test did.
So the practical choices are:
- a compact flash for AF-assist,
- a DIY hot-shoe/laser hack if you’re comfortable with electronics,
- or a dedicated external focusing-aid projector.
Also, your experience is consistent with the original 5D’s autofocus being relatively weak in low light compared with newer or higher-end bodies.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why doesn’t AF-assist work from a flash mounted on a PocketWizard MiniTT1?
Why doesn’t the AF-assist beam work on my Canon 430EX II?
Do Canon EOS cameras have a built-in AF assist light?
Can a Canon ST-E2 let you adjust off-camera flash power from the 5D Mark III menu?
How can I autofocus in low light when using a Yongnuo YN-560 II flash?