DSLR users: what do you prefer, Manual Focus or Auto Focus?
By chaiizky
@chaiizky (101)
Philippines
November 20, 2008 7:40pm CST
i attended this basic photography workshop seminar one day and the other students don't seem to like the Manual Focus that much. heck, most of them don't even know how to turn on the manual focus. but i like manual focus better when there is a depth of field i want to achieve, and auto-focus during events, when i just snap and snap, although most of the time when it's on manual focus i just stick to it the entire time.
So what about you, guys? which do you prefer most?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
21 Nov 08
I am still learning all about my DSLR camera, my friend who is showing me a lot about it likes to have a raw(tif) copy particularly when I am taking photos of his band or studio so I just learnt the other day that i can still have the camera on auto focus but still work in manual mode, oh how I love this camera the more I learn about it...I bought a Canon eos 1000d and an extra 200mm lense...I think I might have to do a course but my friend says he can teach most of what I need to know....they are so good...
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
21 Nov 08
oh I will try experimenting as I go, it is all a bit unreal to me at this point, the last time I went to my friends studio, we put it on a tripod and took pics with the continuous pics feature...they turned out amazing, I bought this camera with this feature bedcause I was taking photos at band gigs and my little digital camera had this delay i couldn't get rid of which means my photos were coining out with microphones in front of the faces so with this no delay and continuous feature I should be able to get good shots...
@brady2moss (700)
• Singapore
16 Dec 08
I prefer autofocus. The lens I'm using though has a full time manual ring, which allows me to use manual mode anytime I want to. So it does not really matter much to me. Cheers!
@Davidarich (985)
• Australia
26 Nov 08
Auto focus works for me 80% of the time; but there are situations where manual rules supreme, like trying to pick a bird out amongst the leaves and branches -- the auto has no idea which is subject and which is not. Poor light favours manual, too and in macro, it can be the best answer. Same where the subject is behind glass, under water or where there are other objects between me and the subject that the lens may want to focus on.
A lot depends on the lens/camera set-up. Often the balance s just not right for quick or convenient manual focussing. I think my Sigma 150-500mm has it right: Auto focus can be left on, but over-ridden or fine-tuned manually.
@brady2moss (700)
• Singapore
16 Dec 08
I always have it on autofocus mode. However the lens I'm using has a full time manual ring, so it does not really matter to me coz I can switch to manual with the flick of my finger. Cheers!
