Auto or Manual focus?

colton.neil

colton.neil

Senior Member
I've read that a good first step for new photographers is to take the camera out of auto mode and put it in manual mode. I assumed this didn't apply to auto focus. However, I posted some of my first pictures in the photo critique section and a common feedback I got was soft focus on some of the images. All were shot with autofocus, that being said should I be using manual focus to get sharp images or am I using the autofocus system incorrectly?

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Fred Kingston

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
Depends on which camera/lens combination you're using. Sometimes the auto-focus actually focuses in front of, or slightly behind the focus point that you've selected... Some cameras allow you to calibrate/fine tune the exact spot where the lens focuses... Generally speaking... in situations where the subject (or you) are likely to move, you'll want to take advantage of the camera's ability to use its continuous focus mode... If you're shooting still subjects where you have plenty of time for setup...then manual focus is a good option to get tack sharp images... using plenty of light, and the DOF preview button, you can adjust focus manually to focus on the exact spot you want, while creating bokah in the areas of the frame that are not the focus of the subject...
 
Vixen

Vixen

Senior Member
When I got my first DSLR I started in M mode but used auto focus as I found the focusing the hardest bit :D I then went to manual focus and have to say, I saw a noticeable (to me at least) improvement in the focus. Far better. There are some things tho (birds and fast moving objects) that I still use auto focus on. ​It may also have just been that my technique had improved noticeably :D
 
colton.neil

colton.neil

Senior Member
Sorry Don, I'm shooting on a D750 with a Nikkor 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 and 70-300mm 4.5-5.6. All shots in RAW. Post done in light room to boost shadows and add color.

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F

fotojack

Senior Member
Manual focus, auto focus...the debate continues. There's a time and place for everything, and that includes which focusing method to use in any given situation. Some shots require auto focus, others require manual. There is no "right" answer to which to use. It all depends on the situation. Primarily, that's the reason we're given the option of which to choose. In days of yore, there was only one option....manual. Today, we have the luxury of choice.
 
Marcel

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
For static subjects that will allow, the BEST focusing is done through LiveView with magnification. This is best done when camera is on either a tripod or on a stable surface. Then it's auto-focus with the best focus setting for the condition of the subject. The user manual pretty much explains when the different focusing settings should be used. Manual focusing works well with replacement focusing screens that are a bit more matted than the original.
 
J

J-see

Senior Member
I'm completely addicted to live-view for static shots and noticed that when I auto-focus and then zoom in live to check, I more than frequently have to correct focus.

I'm not saying AF doesn't work correct enough but when it focuses on a tree, especially when using a zoom, who knows which part it used to focus on. I can judge the focus better than the cam can.
 
S

SteveH

Senior Member
Also, what auto-focus mode are you using? Single point or multi point? Multi-point focus will most often focus on the nearest object, not necessarily what you want to focus on. Try single point focus if you aren't already, and move the focus point to the object you want in focus.
 
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