Manual Focusing
Dec 17, 2017 06:05:58 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
When I use my 105 Nikon Micro Nikkor lens, I ALWAYS manual focus. So to answer your question, for critical focusing I use manual.
That is what I was going to say as well, critical close-up or macro focusing. Also you can turn off the AF on any lens or camera body when needed. So AF lenses can be manually focused as well. And one might note some super WA lenses only come in Manual focus versions. This all per the OP er's question.
Dec 17, 2017 07:11:31 #
jnurm99 wrote:
I just purchased the Nikon d7500 kit from Costco that comes with 2 AF-P lenses. My question is there ever a need to manually focus on a subject? Under what circumstances would that be? Is it possible with the d7500 to manually focus with an AF-P lens? Is there a benefit to having a manual focus lens and what would be a good one to have? Haven't received the camera yet waiting for it to arrive.
If there isn't enough contrast or definition in a scene, then the camera will have a hard time focusing. Try to focus on a plain, painted wall or a blue sky, and you'll see what I mean. If I find the lens hunting too much, I focus manually. If you have a choice, get a lens that lets you focus manually while AF is turned on. Most of them want you to turn it off first.
Dec 17, 2017 07:36:51 #
I have been frequently frustrated when trying to photograph a song bird surrounded by branches. The camera has insisted on focusing on the branches and not the bird. Now, I have the Kodak PIXPRO AZ652 which features manual focusing at the flick of a switch. It's a bridge camera so I don't have to switch lenses from photographing an Eagle in a distant tree and then taking a picture of the Dragonfly that just landed on my hand. I love the flexibility!
Dec 17, 2017 07:44:33 #
The af-p lenses will manual focus even when auto focus is on, just turn the focus ring. With auto focus on and controlled by the shutter button you need keep the shutter button depressed while manually focusing, if not the camera will refocus when you take the picture. If you use back button focus there is no need to keep the shutter button depressed.
Dec 17, 2017 08:06:21 #
Georgews
Loc: Wellington, New Zealand
Yes, I use manual focus with some lenses. On my favourite lens the focus motor turned to dust so have to manual focus. Also on a couple of old ones I use from the pure autofocus era.
Main problem is seeing when in focus so I need to either zoom the LV or use a magnifier, but it is fun using them
Main problem is seeing when in focus so I need to either zoom the LV or use a magnifier, but it is fun using them
Dec 17, 2017 08:07:49 #
SeaBrat
Loc: St Petersburg, FL
I used manual focus twice recently. Once shooting through glass. I wanted the glass in focus and the camera focused on the background. Another time the foreground was a fence and I wanted the background in focus. In both cases to get my shot I needed to manual focus.
Dec 17, 2017 08:29:40 #
I use it for interiors where the walls are either white or beige. The auto-focus just huts and will not focus.
Dec 17, 2017 08:39:11 #
cmcaroffino
Loc: Sebring, FL
I do not use manual focus with the new nikon P lens. These are electronic focus and you cannot focus if the camera is turned off and if you focus and the camera turns off the focus changes. I use manual focus on my non P lens if the situation warrants it though and love using my old ais manual focus lenses.
Dec 17, 2017 08:58:58 #
I happen to own a pentax 645 D, their tele-converters don't auto focus. as I use the 1.4x and the 2.0x a lot, I do manual focusing a lot.
Dec 17, 2017 09:06:40 #
jnurm99 wrote:
I guess what I am concerned about is , Is there the ability to manual focus with the lenses I will have •AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens. There is no manual AF switch on them. Is that solely driven by the camera setting of manual?
I have the Nikon d7500 and there is a manual focus switch on the camera on the left side that should do the trick. I also have a AF-P lens and it shows when focus is manually achieved through the VF.
Dec 17, 2017 09:16:34 #
The only time I use manual focus if my camera can't achieve AF because of low contrast subject or low light. I think my camera can usually achieve AF better than I can in normal circumstances.
Dec 17, 2017 09:17:52 #
jnurm99 wrote:
I just purchased the Nikon d7500 kit from Costco that comes with 2 AF-P lenses. My question is there ever a need to manually focus on a subject? Under what circumstances would that be? Is it possible with the d7500 to manually focus with an AF-P lens? Is there a benefit to having a manual focus lens and what would be a good one to have? Haven't received the camera yet waiting for it to arrive.
Manual focus works for situations where AF can be fooled or cannot focus on what you want to be the exact point of focus. Also if you want a focus point to remain the same no matter what put it on manual.
I find AF is useful for a majority of shots and can frequently do better than the eye can do for accuracy. I use it for macro shots with a 100mm lens every time then go to manual to get different items in focus if the AF cannot focus on what I want with the composition.
Generally it would be used when you believe that you are not getting what you want in focus and the camera is fooled doing the wrong thing.
Dec 17, 2017 09:17:58 #
"matrix focus"
I have to admit that I do not know what "matrix focus" is. I know that AF is based on a selected focus bracket or a selected AF sensor if you prefer to call it like that. I know that where the AF point is placed influences the exposure but I have never heard of "matrix focus."
Using AF is very convenient but at times the camera cannot focus properly because there is not enough contrast for it to do so. When the AF of the camera hesitates finding focus that is a good time for manual focus. With stationary subjects like landscapes photographers use both types of focus. For portraits many photographers prefer to focus with manual focus. To use hyperfocal distance nothing beats manual focus assuming the lens has a depth of field engraved on the barrel. Most old lenses sport one.
Pre-focus with manual focus is a technique that has been used for photographers for action for a long time.
I have to admit that I do not know what "matrix focus" is. I know that AF is based on a selected focus bracket or a selected AF sensor if you prefer to call it like that. I know that where the AF point is placed influences the exposure but I have never heard of "matrix focus."
Using AF is very convenient but at times the camera cannot focus properly because there is not enough contrast for it to do so. When the AF of the camera hesitates finding focus that is a good time for manual focus. With stationary subjects like landscapes photographers use both types of focus. For portraits many photographers prefer to focus with manual focus. To use hyperfocal distance nothing beats manual focus assuming the lens has a depth of field engraved on the barrel. Most old lenses sport one.
Pre-focus with manual focus is a technique that has been used for photographers for action for a long time.
Dec 17, 2017 10:41:09 #
RRS
Loc: Not sure
boberic wrote:
Sometimes, us old farts who learned our skills (whatever they are) on purely mechanical film cameras, just prefer to focus manually.The thing that bothers me about manual focus with todays auto focus lenses, is the short "throw" of the focus ring.
Oh so True and I also miss the split image focusing!
Dec 17, 2017 11:03:23 #
dlmorris
Loc: Loma Linda, Ca
My camera (Canon 60d) will not even shoot at night if auto focus is on. If you shoot the stars, you will most likely need manual focus. Also as someone else mentioned, if you are shooting something like birds or animals or even the moon with branches or grass or something in the foreground, the camera may want to focus on the foreground rather what you really are after. Manual focus may be your only option.
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