LASER-POWERED DSLR auto focus help LIGHT

[Adrian] utilizes his Canon 40D rather commonly in dark or low-light situations, as well as discovered the onboard auto focus help performance to be a bit frustrating. In specific focus modes, the auto focus help light is programmed to turn off when focus has been achieved. He noticed that if his subject moves or the focus point modifications before he snaps the picture, the AF light does not come back on to help in refocusing the image.

To work around this problem, he decided to develop a supplemental auto focus help light that might be triggered at will. He bought a affordable laser pointer with an adjustable lens, then cut it available to get at the great parts. He mounted it on top of his camera as well as modified the lens to create an unfocused beam of light that measures about 6” x 12” at five feet.

The laser pointer did the technique – his pictures are coming out much nicer now that he can quickly recompose his shots in low light. While it works great, he’s not totally satisfied with the build, particularly with the truth that he has to manually trigger the laser pointer.

Version 2 is in the works however, which employs an old hot shoe to trigger the laser whenever he pushes the shutter release halfway down. According to his blog he is having some timing issues, triggering him to catch the laser in most of the photos he takes. [Adrian] is working difficult to correct the problem, as well as we’re sure he’d appreciate any type of tips you may have.