Correctly setting autofocus fields – Regaining control over focus

The correct adjustment of autofocus fields is crucial for the sharp photos you aim for. Many photography beginners rely on their camera's automatic settings to focus in the right place, but often the camera does not make the desired choice. In this guide, you will learn how to use autofocus fields effectively and regain control over your shots.

Key Insights

• Autofocus fields determine where the image is focused.
• The automatic setting is not always the best choice.
• The individual selection of the focus field improves your control over the image.
• Test different settings to find out which suits your style best.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Explore Autofocus Settings

At the beginning, it is important to understand what options your camera offers for autofocus settings. Most models have various autofocus fields to choose from. For the Canon 5D Mark II, for example, there are nine autofocus fields, while the 5D Mark III has up to 50 autofocus fields. The number can vary depending on camera models and not all models offer the same features. To know what options are available to you, check your camera manual or research your model online.

2. Manually Select Autofocus Field

When you manually select the autofocus field, you take control over which subject is focused. The camera's automatic setting can often cause the object closest to the camera to be focused or for the subject in the center of the frame to be sharp. However, this may not always support the desired image composition. Therefore, I recommend selecting the focus field yourself.

3. Find the Right Function on Your Camera

The manual selection of the autofocus field is relatively easy to set up on Canon cameras. You press a special button, usually located at the top right of the camera. This button allows you to manually select the autofocus fields and determine in which focus area the camera should operate. You can choose between central focusing or an extended center, depending on the situation and desired outcome.

4. Automatic Choice vs. Manual Choice

There is also the option to leave the complete selection of the autofocus field to the camera. In particular, the Canon 5D Mark III has intelligent automation that tries to select the most suitable autofocus field for your subject. This function is especially useful when you are working with moving subjects. The camera recognizes where the subject is moving and tries to adjust the focus during the shot. However, keep in mind that this automation is not always 100% accurate. For more reliability in your shots, I recommend trying the manual selection of the autofocus field.

5. Test and Adjust

The final step is to test different autofocus settings and see which ones work best for you. Experiment with both the automatic and manual selection of the autofocus field to get a feel for what works in different situations. You will quickly notice that your preference between the two options may vary depending on what you are photographing. The important thing is to play with the different settings and find out what fits your photography best.

Summary – Correctly Adjust Autofocus Fields

In this guide, you learned how to optimally adjust the autofocus fields of your camera to take better photos. You are now able to choose between automatic and manual solutions, giving you more control over your shots. Apply the tips from this text to manage your focus precisely and achieve the best possible results.