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i find at nighttime i get a better focus when i use auto focus, but sometimes it doesnt want to focus. i use a torch sometimes aswell and this helps but i want to know if there are any better ways to focus at night time.

For AF systems to work, they typically need good contrast - it is easier to focus on a black and white checkered flag than shades of grey. At night, contrast often goes way down, and your torch then increases it, making it easier to focus.

Some higher end speed lights (flashes) also have built in focus assist function when used in the hot shoe of your camera

I have done the torch thing as well...the focus assist on the better flashes work a treat though!

A couple of points to note ....

If you have a lower end camera, then the AF system will also have some bells muted and some whistles damped.

If you're using kit glass, it will be optically slower. This means that it lets less light in, which means that there's less light available for the AF system - already nobbled in a low-end camera - to do its stuff.

gstark wrote:A couple of points to note ....

If you have a lower end camera, then the AF system will also have some bells muted and some whistles damped.

If you're using kit glass, it will be optically slower. This means that it lets less light in, which means that there's less light available for the AF system - already nobbled in a low-end camera - to do its stuff.

Very good points to note as well!! But the full power of a Wolfeyes Defender 260 should remedy both those problems if it is ONLY low light that is the problem (poor subject though...burnt eyes)

If you're using a wide angle lens on a camera that allows manual focusing, there will be greater depth of focus and manually focusing off the lens barrel may do just fine.

Regards,
Murray

Depending on subject, you could use a tape measure or laser range finder (just avoid eyes!) & set the distance manually. Those numbers are written on the barrel for a reason after all.

cheers ill just continue to use the torch to focus,

the tape measure i a good idea, if it was only for one or two shots it would be ok, but for a number of photos from different angles and distance it would be too time consuming.

If i know that i'll be shooting in a dark environment for an evening wedding or similar, i sometimes stick a small LED light to the barrel of my lens with some Velcro and elastic, that way i can touch the button for a quick focus assist light.