When should not use auto focus mode to take photos?

Auto focus (AF-Auto focus) is the subject focus feature that is available in any digital camera today. With just a light touch, we can focus precisely on the subject without much alignment. The autofocus system helps lens lenses move quickly and accurately, enabling photographers to capture many unique moments.

Autofocus has 3 types: AF-S autofocus for shooting still or landscape, continuous AF-C autofocus used for sports photography, AF-A autofocus flexible when you want to capture multiple subjects at the same time without having to turn each image individually.

However, during the shooting process, it is not always possible to use this auto focus mode, which requires manual focus (MF). In some cases, if autofocus will cause the image to not be as expected. So, which case should skip the autofocus step?

1. Low contrast:

The autofocus system is still difficult when you focus on subjects with low contrast like a blue sky, the subject has the same color as the background, . At this time, manual focus is used. will help you focus more effectively.

2. Areas with low light:

The autofocus system is always difficult in poor lighting conditions, especially when you use telephoto lenses or macro lenses when the depth of field is limited.

3. Objects with high light reflection:

With high-gloss objects such as cars, mirrors, glass windows or made of polished metal, your machine will not be able to focus on your intended purpose.

4. Coincidence:

If you've ever taken an animal, you'll find that the autofocus system sometimes has trouble focusing on the surrounding color-like animals. Typically, when shooting a parrot as shown in the illustration below.

5. Different brightness:

When the area you focus is markedly different in the brightness and darkness of the example shown below, you will see that the autofocus system cannot work. The solution in these cases is to use manual focus or the AF lock function.

6. Objects of too small size:

If your subject is too small for the frame, it will be difficult to identify the exact point you want to focus on. In these cases, you should move closer or use the AF lock to focus more easily.

Other common cases:

Although there have been many improvements, the autofocus system still has many problems to overcome. One of the biggest limitations of affordable cameras is that they only allow focusing on a single point or area. In return, the focusing speed of the camera lines is improving, even on the amateur camera line, you can catch fast moving objects quite easily.

Although professional lenses are very resistant to harsh weather, but when you change the working environment causing sudden temperature changes, the autofocus system will be difficult to operate. dynamic.

Refer to the following articles:

1. 10 simple photography techniques for impressive photos

1. Self-study photography - Basic principles

1. 10 tips for taking beautiful photos with digital cameras

Hope the above article is useful to you!