Mastering Camera Focus: Where Should Your Lens Look?

Focusing is one of the most critical skills in photography. It is the process of making adjustments to the lens to find the maximum resolution, sharpness, and contrast for your chosen subject. The viewer depends on what's in focus as a guide for analyzing the composition and exploring the image.

There are two ways of focusing: manual and autofocus. Manual focusing is typically done in genres where the photographer has plenty of time, whereas autofocus is used for quick focus. Deciding when to use manual vs. autofocus depends on the subject, your camera gear, the available light, and your skills.

Autofocus has been a comparatively recent invention in the history of photography, first appearing on the market in 1977. Most photographers use autofocus more often than manual focus because it is more convenient and faster. However, manual focus is still useful when the camera struggles to focus, such as in dark conditions, or when more precise adjustments are required.

Focusing happens either automatically or manually. Automatic focus, or autofocus, is when the camera system drives a motor to move elements in your lens to change focus. To focus manually, you need to turn a ring or similar mechanism on the lens instead.

Manual vs Autofocus

Autofocus and manual focus are two methods of achieving a clear shot by adjusting the focal point of a camera. Autofocus allows the camera to set the focal point, while manual focus enables the user to set the focal point.

Autofocus

Autofocus is generally faster than manual focus, although its speed depends on the camera and lens type. Sports-oriented equipment, for example, tends to be much faster. Autofocus has seen advancements such as tracking, which enables it to lock focus on a subject and track it through the frame. This feature is particularly useful for capturing moving subjects, such as in sports photography. Autofocus systems use either phase detection or contrast detection to identify subjects and adjust the focus accordingly.

Manual Focus

Manual focus offers greater creative control as the user determines the focus point. This method is ideal for situations where autofocus may struggle, such as low-light conditions, low-contrast scenes, or shooting through glass or fences. It is also more precise than autofocus, allowing the user to carefully pick the point of focus from a chaotic scene. However, manual focus is generally slower than autofocus, making it less suitable for capturing moving objects.

The choice between autofocus and manual focus depends on the photographer's needs and shooting conditions. Autofocus is generally recommended as the default option, with manual focus being used in specific scenarios where autofocus struggles.

Autofocus Area Modes

Autofocus (AF) area modes are an essential tool for photographers, allowing you to select a range within which the camera will focus. Different modes are better suited to different situations, and it is important to understand how they work to get the best results.

Single-Point AF Area Mode

Single-point AF allows you to select a single focus point for static elements within a scene. The camera will then automatically adjust the focus to keep the image sharp as long as you keep the subject framed over this point and are using AF-C. Basic camera models will have just a few focus points, whereas more advanced models will have many more, allowing for better precision. The central focus points of the camera sensor are generally the fastest and most reliable, so it is best to use these when possible. Single-point AF is the best focus area mode for still subjects.

Dynamic AF Area Mode

Dynamic AF area mode allows you to manually select your focus point. If the subject then moves, the camera will use this point and the surrounding points to keep the subject sharp. Most cameras include different dynamic AF area modes in groups of several focus points, such as 9, 21, or 51. Dynamic AF is the best AF area mode for wildlife and sports/action photography.

Group AF Area Mode

Group AF area mode allows you to select a specific autofocus area with a small number of autofocus points. It ensures autofocus accuracy when a single AF point isn't enough but you still want to focus on a particular subject or zone. It is a good option for wildlife and sports photography, as well as for group shots in portraiture.

Auto AF Area Mode

Auto AF area mode is completely automatic. The camera decides which focus points to use based on factors such as subject distances, motion relative to the camera, and the presence or absence of detectable eyes. It is a good option for novice photographers and for situations where you need to focus on something close to the camera quickly. However, it is not recommended when you need more control over your focus point.

When to Use Manual Focus vs Autofocus

Autofocus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF) are two distinct modes available in most modern DSLR cameras. While the former allows the camera to automatically set the point of focus, the latter enables the photographer to do so manually. Here are some scenarios where one mode may be preferred over the other:

When to Use Autofocus:

• Capturing Moving Objects: Autofocus is ideal for capturing moving subjects, such as wildlife, street photography, pets, sports, or birds in flight. The AF-C (Continuous AF) mode is specifically designed for such scenarios, as it continuously adjusts the focus while the shutter button is pressed halfway down.
• General Photography: Autofocus is generally faster and more convenient for everyday photography. Advancements like facial recognition and tracking make it easier to capture moving objects.
• Action Scenarios: In situations involving moving objects, such as sports or birds in flight, autofocus is generally more suitable due to its speed and ability to track subjects.

When to Use Manual Focus:

• Low Light Conditions: Autofocus systems rely on light to function, and they may struggle in low-light environments. In such cases, manual focus allows you to precisely tell the camera where to focus, resulting in crisp images.
• Low-Contrast Scenes: Autofocus systems depend on contrast to identify objects. In low-contrast scenes, like heavy backlight, manual focus can help capture clear images by allowing you to focus on the subjects even in such challenging conditions.
• Deep Landscape Photography: When dealing with scenes that have a significant depth of field, such as landscapes with objects in the foreground, middle, and background, manual focus is preferred. This is because nailing the hyperfocal distance becomes crucial in such scenarios.
• Macro Photography: Autofocus systems often struggle with high magnifications, as seen in macro photography. Manual focus, on the other hand, provides the precision and ease of use needed for such close-up shots.
• Complex Focus Bracketing: When performing complex focus bracketing or focus stacking, manual focus is recommended. This technique involves capturing multiple shots at different focus points and then merging them in post-processing software.
• Distracting Foreground Elements: In scenes with many objects, autofocus may get confused, focusing on foreground objects instead of the desired subject. Manual focus lets you choose the specific object you want to highlight, making it ideal for cluttered or busy scenes.
• Precise Point of Focus: In certain genres, like portrait photography, you may need to focus on a specific spot, such as the subject's eye. Manual focus gives you the precision to ensure the critical points of your image are sharp.
• Nightscapes and Astrophotography: In extremely low-light conditions, like nightscapes and astrophotography, autofocus may struggle, and manual focus is often the preferred choice.
• Fast-Moving Scenes with Predictable Subjects: If you know where your subject will be in advance, even in a fast-moving scene, manual focus can be advantageous. For example, if you're photographing a bird that frequently perches on the same branch, you can pre-focus on the perch and capture sharp images as the bird flies in.

How to Combine Camera Focus Modes with Autofocus Area Modes

Combining camera focus modes with autofocus area modes can be confusing, especially since different camera brands use different terms for similar settings. However, understanding how to use these modes together will help you take sharper images. Here is a guide to combining camera focus modes with autofocus area modes:

Single Point Area + AF-S Mode

This combination is perfect for stationary subjects such as landscapes, still photography, and posed portraits where the model is barely moving. You choose one focus point, and the camera won't refocus. This gives you precise control over the focus point, making it ideal for portraits, macro photography, and other scenarios where accuracy is crucial.

Single Point Area + AF-C Mode

This combination is ideal when your subject is moving, like animals, kids, sports, or nature photography on windy days. You select one focus point, and your camera will refocus if needed if the subject moves. It will only refocus on the selected focus point, so you need to track the subject.

Dynamic Area + AF-C Mode

This combination is useful when the subject is moving in an unpredictable way. You select one focus point, but the camera will also use the surrounding ones if the subject moves. This is best used when shooting subjects in motion, like sports or wildlife. If your subject isn't isolated in the frame, your camera might get confused and track another subject.

Dynamic Area + AF-S Mode

Although some cameras allow this combination, these two options are incompatible. You are telling the camera to use multiple focus points to refocus if needed (dynamic area) but not allowing it to refocus (AF-S). The dynamic area will be disabled, and the camera will work as if it were in single-point area + AF-S mode.

Single Point Area + AF-A Mode

Single Point Area + AF-A Mode can be a good combination when you are unsure if your subject will move or not. AF-A mode will automatically switch between AF-S and AF-C, giving you the benefits of both.

Dynamic Area + AF-A Mode

Like the previous combination, Dynamic Area + AF-A Mode can be useful when you are unsure if your subject will move. The camera will automatically switch between AF-S and AF-C as needed, allowing you to take advantage of the benefits of both modes.

Common Problems with Focusing and Solutions

Camera Not Focusing

If your camera is not focusing, the first thing to check is that your lens is attached properly. If the lens is not locked into place, it may fall off and get damaged. So, remove and remount the lens, listening for a small click to indicate that it is locked into place.

Autofocus vs Manual Focus

Another common issue is accidentally switching to manual focus. Check the switch on the side of the lens barrel, ensuring it is set to autofocus. If you use a Nikon camera, there may be a focus switch on the body as well.

Minimum Focusing Distance

If you are too close to your subject, your camera will struggle to focus. All lenses have a specific minimum focusing distance, so take a couple of steps back and try to refocus.

Low Light Conditions

In low light, your camera may struggle to focus. Try using the center focus point, as this is the most accurate and strongest option. Alternatively, use a lens with a larger maximum aperture, such as a 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/1.8, to let in more light.

Dirty or Damaged Lens

If your lens has dirt, debris, or smudges, it will not focus properly. Gently clean the lens with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Do not use any chemical solutions or compressed air. If your lens has suffered any physical damage, take it to a repair shop.

Focus on Areas with High Contrast

Cameras use contrast to determine the subject and focus the lens. Look through your viewfinder and locate the focal point that is active, usually indicated by a little red dot or square. Place this spot on an area with contrast between light and dark areas, then use the "focus and recompose" technique.

Frequently asked questions