Canon..going from auto to manual focusing

[silverfoxcc]

Got some foxes visit the front door most evenings so put some grub out and can watch them with the door just ajar

Next step get the camera set up on remote control

downside as it is pitch black, hit the release camera does its preflashing to get focussed. meanwhile fox is long gone with all the antics

Last night took a few pics on the phone, but quality is crap!! BUT fox didnt flinch at the pseudo shutter noise

Could i set the system up in day light and get the camera to autofocus on the spot i want and then move to manual focus mode

would it remain at that setting if i then go to manual with manual settings of shutter speed and aperture Then i could have the camera take the pic at same time of flash going off. Realise it might be the one shot chance each time but i wont get the 10 secs of the red eye flashing to prefocus.

Camera is a 77D lens is a 18-135 EF IS

Any thoughts?

[Peter911]

Obviously the type of lens is irrelevant.

Set it up with manual focus, job done.

[BrokenSkunk]

Yes, what you are suggesting should work.
Use auto-focus, then switch to manual. The focus will remain where you left it.

Worth mentioning that a low light shot will require either a wide aperture or a high ISO, or a bit of both. Using a wide aperture will give a shallow depth of field, which means your subject will need to co-operate by positioning itself just so.

Depending on your lens, you may be better off prioritising a high ISO over a wide aperture.

[Byker28i]

Easier to move the food to somewhere good to take a photo then set the camera up on a tripod etc, manual focus and pre focussed to that point. Then use a remote trigger to take the photo.

Or, can you use the canon utility to connect the camera via USB to a laptop/PC and use that?

[BrokenSkunk]

Weirdly, I've just seen a fox in my garden. Which isn't really surprising, until I tell you that the garden is completely enclosed by a 6ft concrete wall!