How to use Modeling Flash as an AF Assist Lamp

Macro photography can present lighting challenges, which also means focusing challenges. The large heads of macro or ring flashes, or the close proximity of the subject to the front of the lens may block the AF assist lamp of your camera. If your flash is equipped with a modeling feature, you can use that to assist you in focusing. Here’s how:

1. Set your camera’s auto focus to Single Servo or Continuous mode.
2. Set your flash to use Modeling flash.
3. Compose your shot, and press the shutter button halfway to begin the focusing process.
4. Fire the modeling flash by pressing the “Test” or other button; the camera will focus.
5. If the camera doesn’t achieve focus right away, press the Test button a second time. The camera will continue to focus until focus is achieved.
6. When the focus confirmation lamp lights, press the shutter button fully to take the picture.

Single Servo mode locks the focus once it is achieved; if you move the camera in and out, you may lose focus due to the extremely narrow depth of field in macro photography. The shutter will not trip until focus is achieved.

Continuous mode will attempt to maintain focus even if you move; however, you may lose audible focus confirmation. The shutter will trip regardless of whether the focus is accurate or not.

Use whichever mode works best for you.