User ID

You dont need that feature, and you dont need the calculation, the results of which will just mislead and confuse you anywho. The second paragraph of your initial post informs me of that. With the progress of this thread under your belt, reread that short paragraph and rethink it.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Makes the lens useless for professional video work

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Adding a MF switch is slightly easier than world peace. And it has been added to nearly every AF lens ever made. Canon is losing the plot.

Red6

I agree. I have taken a good number of photo courses and they all push full manual shooting. I can do that but if the goal and purpose of photography are to get well-composed and interesting shots then why not use every available tool you have? As an engineer with years of experience using computer-controlled equipment, I understand it is very important to thoroughly understand the process you are working with. The best way to learn and understand the process is to learn to do it manually where possible. Photography is such a process. Learn and master the basics and then let the machine do what it does best. You, the photographer, manage the creative aspects and let the machine manage the mundane tasks.

I cannot begin to count the number of good shots I would have missed if I would have had to set everything in manual mode. When walking around I usually have my cameras set to Auto and be ready for anything almost instantly. The odds of getting a good image are considerably better using the camera's automation to its full advantage. Modern cameras are not always designed to be "user friendly" in the full manual mode so often time is lost jumping around the various controls to focus, adjust shutter, aperture, and ISO to get the perfect shot.

When given ample time and opportunity, such as landscape shots, I will often shoot several images in manual and then several in Auto mode. Even here, the Auto shots are often superior.

If I had to guess, more readers here use the Auto modes that admit it.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

I admit, I do and have primarily used Automatic and/or Programmed mode (and Aperture Priority) for 50 + years.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

I think more folks should give the P setting ( Professional ) a whirl and see what they think... Sometimes people are so opposed to something they won't even consider giving it a try.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I never shoot full manual. I can achieve full control using one of the semi-auto modes and exposure compensation, faster than I can set everything manually. Full manual is outdated and unnecessary in 99% of situations. OTOH full auto is like Testla self driving: works well in general but can't be trusted in some critical situations

User ID

What lens based features are you most dependent upon for your video work ?

User ID

Ooooh, yet another one ... ROTFLMFAO.

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Some of my Canon digital cameras have a manual focus assist feature that can be seen in the viewfinder. I rarely use it but it is there.

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Some of my Canon digital cameras have a manual focus assist feature that can be seen in the viewfinder. I rarely use it but it is there.

User ID

Not at all clear what that has to do with auto focus modes and ideas.

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

I mostly use manual focus at night on stars and other heavenly bodies, auto just doesn't work.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

I am not a pro--and never tried video--but surely professional videographers have video cameras? OK, maybe wedding photographers use regular cameras, but I don't do those either.

But what do you mean?

(Sorry--this was reply to:

"Makes the lens useless for professional video work")

HRPufnstuf

"F8 and don't be late."

Weegee

I set my Speed Graphic to F8 (with or without flash) and set the focus to 10 feet. Works well enough for shots when I don't have time to use the ground glass.