Focus

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Key points

1. Continuous autofocus (AF-C) keeps adjusting focus while the shutter is half-pressed – ideal for moving subjects like sports, kids, or wildlife.
2. Single autofocus (AF-S) locks focus when the shutter is half-pressed – best for still subjects, portraits, or when recomposing.
3. Manual focus gives full control – useful in low light, for macro, or when autofocus struggles.

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1. “continuous AF” and “single AF” can also be labelled differently depending on the camera brand (e.g. AI Servo, One Shot).
2. Autofocus points and focus tracking modes can further refine how continuous AF works.

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Extra Thoughts

1. You need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different focus modes so you can select the best one in any given situation:
   • Continuous Autofocus (AF-C):
     • Advantages: Ideal for moving subjects (e.g., sports, children, wildlife) as it constantly readjusts focus as the subject’s distance changes, ensuring sharpness.
     • Disadvantages: Can sometimes hunt for focus in complex scenes or low light, potentially missing the shot, and may not be precise enough for very still or macro subjects.
   • Single Autofocus (AF-S):
     • Advantages: Best for still subjects (e.g., portraits, landscapes, still life) as it locks focus once achieved, allowing for recomposition without losing focus. It is generally more precise for stationary subjects.
     • Disadvantages: Ineffective for moving subjects, as focus will remain locked at the initial distance, letting the subject move out of focus.
   • Manual Focus:
     • Advantages: Gives the photographer full control, making it useful in low light conditions where autofocus struggles, for macro photography where extreme precision is needed, or when autofocus is having difficulty acquiring a subject. It allows for deliberate selective focus.
     • Disadvantages: Can be slower and more challenging to achieve sharp focus, especially with moving subjects or without magnification aids, increasing the risk of missed focus.
2. The goal is to produce appropriately focused images that support your creative intent.

Exercise

1. Set your camera to Single autofocus (aka One Shot or AF-S) and have someone walk at you briskly while you try to take a series of photographs of them.
2. Repeat this in Continuous autofocus (aka AI Servo or AF-C) - does this make life easier?
3. Still in Continuous autofocus, try photographing a simple life.
4. Switch back to Single autofocus - does this make life easier?
5. Note down your thoughts.