Manaual Focus or Autofocus ?

[yourcontact]

Hi folks,

I have been switching with my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and my 50mm Series E f1.8. I like having the 50mm Series E 50mm f1.8 on my D200 because it makes the camera somehow less cumbersome.

When shooting with the 50mm Series E f1.8, I obviously use manual focus (no AF) and I find it more pleasant to shoot manual focus. However from time to time some pictures are not 'in focus', just because I badly adjusted the focus ring but I have been using it only for a few weeks and I intend to get better at it.

When I need to get all my pictures 'in focus' and can't play around too much I use the Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and shoot AF although I enjoy it less. Nevertheless it is technically easier but sometimes the AF is slightly trickier to set (area mode,etc) and I feel that if I get better at manual focusing it could be simpler and I could be faster than an AF, am I too optimistic ? :shrug:

I have been wondering if they are benefits of using only manual focus, if so, I would definitely continue in my endeavour.

Do people use manual focus or it is just an obsolete photographic technique ?

Thanks for your posts.

 

[SimonUK]

I use Manual focus all the time on MF len's. But normally unless i'm doing something special i let the AF Len's AF.

 

[lexie]

for low light situations like gigs i use mf when the af can be hunting for a lock

 

[AJQS]

A Split prism focus screen, such as made by Katzeye would be a good bet for nailing focus. EIther that or use magnifiedlive view if available.