01-18-2012, 03:27 AM
<img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/ohmy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':o' /> I'm just shocked. Out of 13 lenses I have, only one has auto focus and I hardly use it! I just always felt it was unnecessary and alienating unless the situation absolutely needed it. I always take my time to focus, to precisely choose what I want to be sharp and not sharp. I even have depth of field charts memorized and prefer lenses with accurate and advanced manual focus rings. Often I merely look at what I want to be in focus, guess the distance, and pull it. Even when shooting a flock of geese the other night I very well knew they were well over 50 ft away. Unless doing something like sports, which I have not done in years and care not to go back to due to lack of interest; I can't see why to use autofocus.
I have a background in cinematography so focus pulling is an elite job there where only manual focus allowed. I remember in film school rivalry between the cinema and television department about who was better and not using auto focus was a badge of honor. I take that with me in photography. But then again, I am not the type to take a lot of pictures all over the place- I focus on specific ideas or lighting situations.
Although I know I am different from most photographers, I'm still surprised to see so many never use mf and it worries me because these user preferences really shape the market. I have tried to focus with non-L series Canon lenses, and it's a waste of time. They are just awful. I mostly use old Nikon which has a very smooth focus with very accurate number markings, and I can't see anyone struggling with that. Enjoy the typos.
I have a background in cinematography so focus pulling is an elite job there where only manual focus allowed. I remember in film school rivalry between the cinema and television department about who was better and not using auto focus was a badge of honor. I take that with me in photography. But then again, I am not the type to take a lot of pictures all over the place- I focus on specific ideas or lighting situations.
Although I know I am different from most photographers, I'm still surprised to see so many never use mf and it worries me because these user preferences really shape the market. I have tried to focus with non-L series Canon lenses, and it's a waste of time. They are just awful. I mostly use old Nikon which has a very smooth focus with very accurate number markings, and I can't see anyone struggling with that. Enjoy the typos.