Manual and auto focus

Gaz81

Gaz81

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Gary
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Hi folks,

I'm curious, with camera technology the way it seems to be there is a lot of automatic gigery pokery.

I'm starting off with a full manual camera to learn on, which includes manual focusing. I'm getting there with learning how to do it faster with practice.

However... how many of you use manual focus? if so, do you feel you have more control?
 
I always manual focus for macro shots but rarely bother otherwise. Always used it for catching hoverflies in flight as well as the AF wasn't good enough. A good exercise for practising manual focus is to snap between two objects at different distances (and also vary the distance between them). It helps you get a feel for the lens and you develop what's called motor memory which helps you focus faster.
 
Suppose it is just going to take time.

I was tracking a grey squirrel at the local park, but i was also having to adjust for the light as well. Doing 3 things at once takes a bit to get used to after mu little fully auto point and shoot!

Here is one of my first atempts, I tried to get the flower and bug but didnt do to well!

img083.jpg
 
I usualy use AF, the camera does a pretty good job of focusing. Id agree with pixl8 on the Macro focus though, it's pretty much essential as you can pick the focal point yourself.

Sometimes I get out of focus shots when it's dark when using AF, but it's seriously hard to focus in low light or darkness so I just let the camera sort it out.
 
I use manual flcus in low light, mainly because I find that the camea/lens often seek too much, and it can be quicker to do it manually.
 
On another forum only yesterday, I got involved in a discussion about whether my camera (Canon 350D) is supposed to confirm focus even if you're focussing manually. So I tried it myself.

It does. BUT - I was surprised and impressed by how sensitive it is. I had to rotate the MF ring in the slightest increments I could manage, and check each time, to get the focus confirmation. Once I had it, the slightest touch on the MF ring and it was lost. I assume this means that the AF is far more accurate than my eyesight. And it amply confirmed what I suspected - there really is no point on earth doing this, because if the subject is such that the camera can confirm focus, then the AF will get it far more quickly and far more accurately!
 
Yes because my Zeiss lens is manual focus only
 
StewartR said:
On another forum only yesterday, I got involved in a discussion about whether my camera (Canon 350D) is supposed to confirm focus even if you're focussing manually. So I tried it myself.

It does. BUT - I was surprised and impressed by how sensitive it is. I had to rotate the MF ring in the slightest increments I could manage, and check each time, to get the focus confirmation. Once I had it, the slightest touch on the MF ring and it was lost. I assume this means that the AF is far more accurate than my eyesight. And it amply confirmed what I suspected - there really is no point on earth doing this, because if the subject is such that the camera can confirm focus, then the AF will get it far more quickly and far more accurately!
Click to expand...

That sensativity is down to the lens. It is pretty much impossible to manual focus with the Canon kit lens for the 350D, it is just way too sensative, and doesnt stay in place often :( With more expensive lenses etc the focus ring is much easier and can be controlled much easier.

I was suprised when I get my 350D that lenses now seem to be built for auto focus, and I must admit I do use it most of the time now, as it is VERY accurate and can be quicker. I do always manually focus with my Sigma 70-300 though as is slow and I dont trust it much.
 
hmmm... it's all a big learning curve!

Although i'm glad of it, such a relaxing hobby... well, the waiting to see if its worked isnt so relaxing! :bonk:
 
ahhh...film...that delicious wait to see the prints appear...
Happy Days...
 
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