Auto or Manual Focus?

rodman · Feb 2, 2009

I sometimes use auto focus, but I wanted to get your opinions.

A co-worker of mine said I should never be using Auto Focus and to always manual focus?

What do you guys think or do?

Josh66 · Feb 2, 2009

Wow, that's kind of extreme...

I use auto focus most of the time. Basically, I only use manual focus when auto focus fails, or is just inconvenient. (Macro, low light, a few other situations...)

robbie_vlad · Feb 2, 2009

Manual focus when I have the time to (non-moving objects, landscapes, low-light, need focus other than where AF puts it, ect), auto-focus when shooting sports, cars in motion, some landscapes, when I'm lazy

))ect.

rodman · Feb 2, 2009

I was thinking the same thing! I mean Auto Focus is great for certain shots! But to say "you should always be using manual!"

Yikes!!!

dxqcanada · Feb 2, 2009

Did your co-worker state why ?

stsinner · Feb 2, 2009

I think your co-worker has issues..

rufus5150 · Feb 2, 2009

There's a lot of technology that goes into the autofocus systems on modern cameras. Would be a shame to go to waste.

Also, who the hell can manual focus with some of the smaller, darker view finders in the lower end models? Erg.

rufus5150 · Feb 2, 2009

dxqcanada said:
Did your co-worker state why ?

I'm guessing in hopes of vicariously starting a holy war on an internet message board. Apparently his coworker hasn't heard of the low hanging fruit like RAW vs Jpeg, Nikon vs Canon, Less Filling vs Great Taste... etc

dxqcanada · Feb 2, 2009

Hmm, yes ... if my DSLR camera had large bright split image focusing screen, I would shoot manually most of the time.

beni_hung · Feb 2, 2009

I always use auto-focus. Unless it fails for what I am using it for.

a1157814a · Feb 2, 2009

i use auto-focus when i press the shutter button and all my lens does is like 'weee--weee' and just keep turning. but then i have the cheap nikon d40 so maybe its only me

dxqcanada · Feb 2, 2009

... sounds like:

Never use Auto/Program Exposure, always use Manual Exposure.

Josh66 · Feb 2, 2009

a1157814a said:
i use auto-focus when i press the shutter button and all my lens does is like 'weee--weee' and just keep turning. but then i have the cheap nikon d40 so maybe its only me

That's "hunting", usually because of low light. Outside in bright sun, it should focus pretty fast.

JKnobelock · Feb 2, 2009

I use manual focus, and exposure, i got into the habit when my photo 1 teacher said we could not use auto focus or exposure.... and still do, i can definately see the pros in auto focus at times, but i actually have fun doing it all myself