Manual Focus?

[Marc Hildebrant]

Group,

I have many automatic focus methods available with my Canon EOS 90D. Although the auto modes have worked well so far, I was wondering if photographers have used the Manual option?

If so, why?

Marc

 

[480sparky]

Manual focus works best for macros, as well as static studio shots.

 

[Rickbb]

All of my old glass requires it. It’s how I learned and still prefer it for most of my shots

 

[smoke665]

If I'm doing a static subject, then I use manual focus with back screen and 16x magnification. For macro I use a focus rail, focus on the first point then use the rail adjustment to take progressive shots that are later combined post as layers. For studio I use AF-C because a subject is never static, and even a fraction of an inch can ruin focus.

 

[ac12]

All depends on what you are shooting, and the conditions.
AF on my camera does NOT work shooting into a bird cage. It will focus on the cage bars. So I have to manually focus on the bird.
Same when shooting through a window. Sometimes the camera will try to focus on the dust on the window, not the scene beyond.
In the rain, I have had the camera try to focus on the rain, not the subject.

 

[cgw]

Cameras with focus peaking make it way easier.

 

[SquarePeg]

Manual focus is a must for astrophotography. I also find it useful for macro and sometimes use it for landscape. If I’m using my tripod and taking a big scene or a pano, I like to use MF to make sure that I have maximum control.