Isn't it awesome when you hit the 'sweet spot'? Like in tennis or baseball, when you connect, and you know it's going to be an awesome shot, we do the same with our cameras.

When you get home, and open that file, and say, damn, this is SHARP!!!

Gotta love it!

My #1 tip is to keep your shutter speed at least 1/focal legnth 2x or 3x is even better.

So if you are using an 85, be sure you are shooting 1/100 or even 1/250 or 1/500 if possible


What do you do to ensure a nailed focus?

This may not be news to anyone, but when using a telephoto lens and manual focus (and a tripod), I zoom all the way in and focus, then back out to compose the shot.

Although it may not be perfect, it seems to work well for manual focus.

Scott

sloooow down. if you use auto focus, even the fastest lens needs to lock on.

use manual focus.

Here's a good article about getting sharp images:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/unsharp.htm

Sean

i love to use manual, in fact, that is what i am best at - i have tried using auto but it takes too long.

i have been forcing myself to use auto - i hate it. i'm going back to manual.

I always have and probably always will manual focus. I do everything manual, which is why I'm also now experimenting with Leica manual focus lenses on my Canon digital bodies.

What about really dark reception venues Bruce? You still go manual?

I back button focus and I am pretty happy overall with the rate of mine in focus

zone focusing. you can never go wrong.

i never use auto focus. man i loathe auto focusing.

manual, manual everything.

Yes, manual, always! And especially dark reception venues.

Keep in mind that it isn't always necessary to focus through the lens ... those numbers and scales on your lens barrel are usable, accurate, and finely tuned.

auto focus on back button. Never had any problems. I works faster then I rotate the ring.

What does this mean? Can someone explain zone focusing to me?

Here's a tutorial, Jessica

Zone Focusing

It's a technique I use often during receptions. Hope it helps!

Great link Bruce!

Thanks a lot. I can't wait to try it.

Jess

Hode vewy vewy stiwl

why have i always felt it was wrong to use manual focus?