Why Is Manual Focus Better?.
Why Is Manual Focus Better? A Beginner's Guide
Autofocus has become so ubiquitous in modern cameras that it's easy to take it for granted. But while autofocus is incredibly convenient, it's not always the best option. In some situations, manual focus can give you better results.
If you're new to photography, you may be wondering what manual focus is and why it would be better than autofocus. In this article, we'll explain the basics of manual focus and discuss the situations where it's most useful.
What is manual focus?
Manual focus is the process of adjusting the focus of your lens by hand. This is done by turning the focus ring on the lens. As you turn the ring, the lens elements move inside the lens barrel, changing the distance to the focal plane.
When to use manual focus
There are a number of situations where manual focus can be advantageous over autofocus. Here are a few of the most common:
- Low light: Autofocus systems can struggle to focus in low light conditions. If you're shooting in low light, manual focus can give you more precise control over the focus.
- Fast-moving subjects: Autofocus systems can also struggle to track fast-moving subjects. If you're shooting sports or wildlife, manual focus can help you keep your subject in focus.
- Shallow depth of field: When you're shooting with a shallow depth of field, even a small change in focus can make a big difference in the image. Manual focus can give you the precision you need to get the focus exactly where you want it.
- Creative control: Manual focus can also give you more creative control over your images. For example, you can use manual focus to create intentional focus blur or to focus on a specific part of the scene while blurring out the rest.
How to use manual focus
To use manual focus, simply turn the focus ring on your lens until the subject is in focus. You can use the viewfinder or the live view display to check the focus.
If you're using a viewfinder, look for a split prism or microprism focusing aid. These aids will show you two images of your subject, one slightly above the other. When the subject is in focus, the two images will align.
If you're using live view, zoom in on your subject and look for the edges to become sharp. When the subject is in focus, the edges will be crisp and clear.
Tips for manual focus
Here are a few tips for manual focus:
- Use the focus peaking feature: Many modern cameras have a focus peaking feature that can help you to focus manually. Focus peaking highlights the sharpest areas of the image in color, making it easy to see what is in focus.
- Use the back-button focus technique: The back-button focus technique allows you to separate the focusing function from the shutter release button. This can give you more control over the focus, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects.
- Practice: The best way to improve your manual focus skills is to practice. Try shooting in different conditions and with different subjects. The more you practice, the better you will become at manual focus.
Conclusion
Manual focus can be a valuable tool for photographers of all skill levels. While autofocus is convenient, manual focus can give you more precise control over the focus and more creative control over your images.
If you're new to manual focus, start by practicing in low light conditions or with fast-moving subjects. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start to experiment with using manual focus for creative purposes.
Here are some additional tips for getting started with manual focus:
- Use a tripod: A tripod will help you to keep your camera steady while you focus. This is especially important when shooting in low light or when using a telephoto lens.
- Use a wide aperture: A wide aperture will give you a shallower depth of field, which can make it easier to isolate your subject from the background. However, it will also make it more difficult to focus manually. Start by practicing with a narrower aperture and then gradually open up the aperture as you become more comfortable.
- Be patient: Manual focus can take some time to get used to. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get the hang of it.
With a little practice, you'll be able to use manual focus to take sharper, more creative images.