If you’re migrating from a point-and-shoot camera to DSLR, one of the most confusing aspects can be figuring out when you should use manual focus instead of autofocus mode. We’ll give you the pros and cons.
Autofocus and manual focus do the same thing. Both adjust the focus of the camera lens. But, with autofocus, the camera determines the sharpest focus using sensors devoted to measuring it. In autofocus mode, the photographer doesn’t have to do anything. In manual mode, the photographer must adjust the lens focus by hand. While both can produce great results in most circumstances, there are times when it’s better to choose one over the other.
Gives greater control over the shot’s focus.
Allows for greater precision when focusing.
The camera determines the sharpest focus.
Faster than manual focus.
Quality can vary depending on the camera model.
Autofocus Pros and Cons
Autofocus is generally faster and easier than setting the focus manually. It can lock onto a subject faster, as well. This makes it suitable for shooting moving subjects. If you’re doing street photography, for example, you could only have seconds to capture your subjects. By the time you manually focus, they could move, and you’ll lose your perfect shot.
It’s automatic.
It’s faster than manual focus.
Good for shooting moving subjects.
Good for beginners.
Can cause some shutter lag if you don’t pre-focus.
Can focus on the wrong part of your subject.
Not as precise as manual focus.
Depending on the DSLR model, a few different autofocus modes should be available:
That’s not to say that manual focus is bad for action photography. If you prefer to use manual focus on moving subjects, pre-focus on the spot you know the subjects will move through and shoot that location.
- AF-S (single-servo) is good for stationary subjects, as the focus locks when the shutter is pressed halfway.AF-C (continuous-servo) is good for moving subjects, as the autofocus continually adjusts to track it.AF-A (auto-servo) allows the camera to choose which of the two autofocus modes is more appropriate to use.
Autofocus tends to have problems working properly when the subject and background are a similar color when the subject is partly in bright sun and partly in shadows, and when an object is between the subject and the camera. In those instances, switch to manual focus.
If the camera lens has a switch that moves between manual focus and autofocus, it should be labeled with an M (manual) and an A (auto). However, some lenses include an M/A mode, which is autofocus with a manual focus override option.
When using autofocus, the camera focuses typically on the subject in the center of the frame. However, most DSLR cameras allow you to move the focus point. Select the autofocus area command and shift the focus point using the arrow keys.
Although shutter lag is usually minimal with a DSLR camera, the quality of the autofocus mechanism can determine how much shutter lag your camera sees.
When using autofocus, you can negate shutter lag by pre-focusing on the scene. Press the shutter button halfway and hold it in that position until the camera’s autofocus locks onto the subject. Then press the shutter button the remainder of the way to record the photo. The shutter lag should be eliminated.
Manual Focus Pros and Cons
Many professional photographers prefer to shoot in manual mode. That’s because it gives more precise control over a shot’s focus. Manual focus is a great choice in most situations where the subject isn’t moving much. This is especially true for macro, portrait, and low-light photography. When using auto mode, your camera can sometimes choose to focus on the wrong part of the subject, ruining your shot.
Allows for more precise focusing.
Better for macro and portrait shots.
Better for low-light photography.
Slower than autofocus.
Makes action shots challenging.
With manual focus, use the palm of your left hand to cup the lens. Then use your left fingers to slightly twist the focus ring until the image is in sharp focus. Holding the camera properly is key when using manual focus. Otherwise, it will be awkward to support the camera while using the manual focus ring. This may make it difficult to shoot the photo without a slight blur from camera shake.
How Do I Know Which Focus I’m Using?
To see what focus mode you’re currently in, press the Info button on your DSLR camera. The focus mode should be displayed, along with the other camera settings on the LCD. The focus mode setting might be displayed using an icon or the initials AF or MF. Make sure you understand these icons and initials. You may need to look through the DSLR’s user guide to find the answers.
You may have better luck determining whether the scene is in sharp focus by using the viewfinder rather than the LCD screen. When shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, hold the viewfinder against your eye to avoid glare on the LCD screen. Glare makes it tough to determine the sharpness of the focus.
Sometimes, you can set the focus mode on the interchangeable lens by sliding a switch, moving between autofocus and manual focus.
Which Should I Choose?
If you’re a new photographer, use autofocus mode while you learn the ins-and-outs of your camera and work to improve your composition and lighting. But, at some point, you should learn to shoot in manual as well. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each will help you become a better photographer and give you more options when practicing your craft.
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