subscribe 0330 333 1113 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I
There are three main AF modes: single, continuous and
auto. Single (S-AF or AF-S) mode is designed for use with
motionless subjects. Once selected, the camera attempts
to focus when the shutter release or AF-on button is
pressed. Once the subject is sharp, it won’t readjust focus
until you release the button and press it again.
In continuous autofocus (C-AF or AF-C) mode the
camera continues to focus for as long as the shutter
release is held down. This makes it the default choice for
shooting moving subjects. It also means that it’s the wrong
choice if you’re planning to focus-and-recompose. I’d also
steer clear of it with stationary subjects as it can ‘fidget’,
which slows things down and can mean missing the focus.
Auto autofocus (AF-A or A-AF) mode is a useful
choice when you don’t quite know what you’re going to
photograph. With street photography, for example, you
might shoot a static scene one minute and fast action the
next. But if you know what you’re shooting, it’s best to use
either S-AF or C-AF because the camera needs to make
some decisions in A-AF mode and it sometimes gets things
wrong or causes delay.
Which AF mode should I use? Auto AF is useful
for subjects like
this flower which
was intermittently
buffeted by
the wind
Learning how your camera’s
AF system works will enable
you to capture sharp shots in
challenging circumstances