I just shot a bunch of XC this morning and soccer this afternoon for the first time with my D300 and 300 f4. I'm very surprised by the number of OOF shots. I don't get nearly as many with my D200. I was using AF-C, A mode, SS were 1/5000 (give or take), monopod, and AF-C priority selection set to Release. I just changed 'Release' to 'Release+Focus'. I seem to remember Randy saying he has better luck with that. Anybody have any focus issues or tricks? Thanks.
In my experience the D300 and AF-S 300 f/4 are a pretty quick pair, even with a TC14 sitting between them. My 70-200 f/2.8, for example, doesn't track as well. Are you using the full auto 51-point system (white rectangle)? It's slow. Very slow. I use single-point or 9-point dynamic. I usually use focus-priority release too. Works well.
Yes, reaction of the lens seems to be very fast, just doesn't seem to have proper focus. Guess I need to read about this more and/or test it. In fact, using CaptureNX with the "show Focus Point" turned on I can see for example the focus spot isn't the spot that really appears in focus in a lot of the images. I only ever use single point. Thanks.
When I shoot sports I use the following as recommended to me by a pro football photographer. AF-C (obviously) Release and Focus Dynamic Focus Mode (the middle switch on the body) 9 Point AF (uses 9 points around your focus point to track your object)
Thanks guys. After looking at some pics more closely, I believe the problem is me and not the D300...:redface: I jumped to conclusions too quickly. Thanks for the feedback.
