H there!

Jus a little curious about what you guys think about AF Assist Illuminator.
I went to a Restaurant recently and when I started taking pictures I could't focus (low Light) and the Af Illuminator light was annoying so everybody was looking the light..
How can I do to be able to focus without Af Assistant Illuminator on..
thanks.

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One option would be to add a Speedlight like the SB-700. It has its own AF-assist illuminator, but it emits only infra-red light so is much less distracting for your subjects.

Depending on how bad the light was, a faster lens (something with an f/1.8 or f/1.4 maximum aperture) may help.

Brian
Welsh Nikonian
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I turn mine off. I don't use it for red eye reduction either.

I've yet to pick up an ITTL speedlight (gonna get the SB910), but when I was shooting film, I did the same on my N80. I use(d) an SB28 and that had an IR AF Assist lamp that worked so much better. When its not mounted and AF was spotty, I would just switch to MF.


Anthony

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The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.

I was using the 50mm lens focus at 2.8f. and speed 400 taking pictures in a restaurant at a cross the table distance..sitting in a booth table...
So in doing this means that I can't take pictures in a dark place with this Nikon D700 camera (unable to focus)?

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The D700's AF system is rated to operate down to EV -1. That translates to an exposure of 15 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 100. If it was darker than that, you may struggle.

(Nikon's newer AF system in the D800 and D4 improves on the D700, being rated down to EV -2, or one stop lower)

Especially in low light, a subject with little contrast will cause problems for any AF system. If you could post an example, we might be better able to advise you further.

Brian
Welsh Nikonian
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Hi Silvio,

I have had the AF Assist light on my D700 turned Off since the day I got it.
The D700's AF module is really very sensitive.
I assume you are using Single Servo (AF-S) mode with a single AF point.
Using the AF target with the highest contrast should help even in very low light.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Hi Silvio,

Brian hit the nail on the head.
You will need a faster lens or use a Speedlight or SU-800 that have IR AF Assist lights.
Picking an AF target with the most contrast will also help depending on just how low the ambient light level is.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

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Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Hi Silvio,

The blur is not an AF problem. It is caused by camera shake.
The exposure was 1/3rd sec. Even with a very steady hand getting a sharp image is extremely difficult hand holding at shutter speeds more than twice as fast.
Turning up the ISO to about 3200 would get you a shutter speed of 1/80th sec. that should be fast enough to provide a sharp image.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Hi,

I have been told to use a SC-29 cord and SB-910 and a bracket. Turn off the flash and use the sensor of the SB-29 to do the focusing. I have the items but have yet to try them.

Good luck,

Don

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Hi Don,

The AF Assist light built into the SC-29 is powered by the Speedlight attached to the SC-29. Therefore the attached Speedlight must be On and the camera must be set in Single Servo (AF-S) mode for it to work.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Hi Marty,

If the speedlite is on what keeps it from firing or perhaps it doesn't if the shutter button is only pressed half way? Enough to focus the lens?

Best regards,

Don

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