Manual focus vs auto focus

funkycameras

New member
What is the difference between manual focus and auto focus? When do photgraphers use manual focus?
 

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Sgt Preston

Senior Member
manual focus is done using the focus ring on your lens, autofocus is done using your focus motor in your len's, camera or both. manual focus is used on camera's that don't have focus motors, or when you want to control the focus and not have it constantly changing. I use manual focus at races so cam does not keep trying to focus on the fence or other objects beside the one im trying to shoot. I autofocus to a point on the track that i am using as an aiming point, then i put camera on manual so focus does not change.
 

Carolina Photo Guy

Senior Member
There are other times when you will use manual focus instead of auto focus.
I have a D3100 with the 18-55mm AF-S and 55-200mm AF-S auto focus VR lenses. I ALSO use a 35-80mm lens that does NOT auto focus on my camera.
I also am using a 85mm F1.8 that I can only use as a manual lens.
Actually, the 2 manual operated lenses are my favs.
 

Johnathan Aulabaugh

Senior Member
Manual focus is a great tool for landscape photographers that like ot make sure the foreground is perfectly in focus. Often times with a wide angle lens the autofocus point that is closes to you is still not close enough. manual focus will allow you to focus closer in (up to the lenses ability). Now for many sports and wildlife photographers, autofocus is almost the only way. also for night photography, manual is a must. This is by far not the only instances that manual is important but for me these reasons are the most important.
 
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