Six techniques to nail manual focus every time (for photo and video)

[@neilfullframe]

Love the Intro 😂😂😂 no no I’m still talking !

[@mikeg1433]

You can’t trust the system! 👊

[@PhilThach]

I love the “run the footage backwards” tip, thanks!

[@diazalbn]

that's absolutely helpful

[@PitNeex]

Fantastic tip indeed !💯

[@DougPardee]

Technical pickiness: with focus peaking, what's highlighted isn't strictly "what's in focus." It's edges that have a certain amount of contrast. Edges that have naturally high contrast can be highlighted when somewhat out-of-focus, while edges with naturally low contrast might not be highlighted at all even when perfectly focused. It generally works well enough, but as with all automated systems, it sometimes pays to be aware of the limitations of the underlying technologies.

[@Wohlverine90]

I would LOVE more content like this. There are tons of good tutorials on KZbin, but if I can get them from my favorite show, I'll take it!

[@alverolle4664]

Shooting on the Panasonic s1h shows that they're serious about manual focus

[@R0XyM0h]

hahahaha this one was too deep xD

[@danieldougan269]

Yes, I guess they are.

[@lattesweden]

On Sony if you are a RAW shooter, turn up sharpness to +3 (only affects JPEG and the RAW preview) and you can in many cases focus without magnify in and no need to use peaking, with +3 sharpness you get a sort of shimmer where the sharpness plane is.

[@marekvogel9156]

That´s, what youtube is all about: hacks, tips, workarounds.... Thanks for your input + keep up the work

[@myksmith]

You keep doing you, Chris - your combo of technical expertise with practical examples combined with the right blend of dad jokes and dorkiness means that I get my information and I'm entertained. Thanks for your good videos.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Yes, I would like to see more episodes like this.

[@CS90]

That last tip is brilliant, definitely going to remember that one. Thankfully I've been doing a lot of manual focusing lately and now I recommend it to anyone that I can. And yes, more tip videos!

[@misterfung]

Reverse the video for a snap-focus effect that’s precise! Genius!

[@OlintoeRafaelaCicloturismo]

Yes, please much more of this...:) You guys are great! The really best! Thanks so much, from Brazil.

[@HenryPiffpaff]

Another way at least for DSLRs is to check for special focusing screens for manual focusing, like the Canon EG-S. You can replace the native focusing screen in your camera with that and will then see a much thinner depth of field, thus facilitating easier manual focus. The downside is that your viewfinder image will get a bit darker.

[@Ra-Hul-K]

hearing about such a thing for the first time!

[@jaapaap123]

That is exactly what I miss so much on modern cameras. Just a bloody decent focus screen just like in the old days. Focus was so easy.

[@wubbadubnub]

@@jaapaap123 Cannot agree with you enough. Focusing on my New F1 was so easy and simple, but using those same lenses to focus on an A7ii is such a pain in the ass

[@alantuttphotography]

YES! More episodes like this. Actually, I'd like to hear and see more about manual focusing for video.

[@jeorgesadi4619]

Love the Camera Labs shirt! I'm assuming that's a nod to Gordon. I think it's pretty cool how the youtuber camera channels know each other and get a long.

[@bsmukler]

I still use the hyperfocal technique for walk-about photography with Leica M cameras and lenses. I use the rangefinder when there is more time to compose the shot and focus. Although I have autofocus cameras as well, there is something very satisfying in doing it old style. This was a fun video, and I hope you make more like it.

[@isac239]

This is so so so helpful dude. I've watched it three times. Thank you so much bro!

[@jtapia1123]

I like how you guys write out the basic beats of your video and then set up different shots sitting in different locations to change it up. Makes it feel like the old educational shows I used to watch on PBS as a kid

[@scdobserver835]

More tips? Yes, please!

[@HWvuurwerk]

I just switched from Nikon DSLR to Sony mirroless, I have an adapter to use my old lenses. This was super helpful!

[@mytravellinfo]

WE DO WANT TO SEE MORE TUTORIALS LIKE THIS (1000000)

[@albertocugat9689]

Without tutorials there is no paradise.

[@brianaddison2828]

10/10 on the conspiracy opening lol. Great info on techniques as well. Please make more tutorial episodes!

[@stevetimko1461]

Yes, more episodes like this please.

[@dennisD..]

I don't know why but YT keeps unsubscribing me from your channel. But I just keep on subscribing. I appreciate the tips. Keep them coming.

[@vw3005]

Life Saver! Thank you for the tips! The Yellow peak focus is actually more distracting while the magnifying tool helped sharpened my photos! KUDOS!

[@EODM1]

Most people use red focus peaking, works great for me 👍

[@jrc1156]

Nice content, better than the other channels that just recreationally bashing cameras against cameras.

[@ruok3351]

That intro will forever be relevant from now on

[@FTezner]

Please keep these tutorials coming. DPReview can only get better if it is about more than gear.

[@TedTremendous]

MORE TIPS MORE MORE MORE!!! You said to let you know if we want it... here is my plea.

[@Veptis]

If there is more. Do more. All content is better than gear reviews!

[@ngrabowskiphoto]

you got me in first 20 seconds. Whatever it's going to happen later in this video I love it.

[@wRicky89]

Do more please!!! I like manual focusing with vintage lenses and it's awesome to know more on how to do it.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Left out: DSLRs have a focus indicator that allows you to use your autofocus computing with manual focus. I used this a lot with Nikon DSLRs with old MF lenses. Especially APSC cameras with pokey viewfinders. Great video though. Some completely new things for me - that reverse focus racking was a revelation. I've used a lot of MF lenses on DSLRs, on a variety of film SLRs and TLRs with a variety of finders - good and bad. Now I'm using an older mirrorless fuji with adapted lenses and pretty faint focus peaking. I use magnification a _lot_. I think the super hi-res digital finders like the one in the new Sony are going to be a fantastic help - squaring the circle between optical and digital finders. Mirrorless cameras don't only make manual focusing easier. They make manual everything trivially easy and a very consistent way to work. As automatic features advance to incredible levels, they're ironically needed less and less for 90% of photography. No one needs praise for shooting manual. But if like me, you find it the most enjoyable way to shoot, it's never been easier.

[@janbonne]

that reverse autofocus trick for video !!! yoooo!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The first autofocus cameras appeared during 70's but the autofocus revolution with SLR cameras begun with the Minolta a-mount 7000 in 1985. The first SLR camera with internal electro-optical autofocus mechanism. Soon afterwards all other camera manufacturers followed. Until 1985 manual focus lenses were the standard but afterwards nearly all of manual focus lenses became obsolete until the advent of full frame mirrorless revolution in 2013. The internal electronics of a lens including the autofocus motor and aperture motor increase considerably the price of lenses. Of course price is the most important compromise of all lenses. That's why manual focus lenses can be cheaper with a comparable optical quality of similar autofocus lenses. Also the flange focal distance of nearly all mirrorless cameras is similar between 16mm - 20mm. So a manual focus lens can be easily compatible without any significant extra cost with many different mounts. That increases the sales and reduces the cost further. So lately many Chinese and Korean manufacturers are producing new affordable manual focus lenses of really good optical quality for all mirrorless cameras. Manual focus is very easy with wide and ultra wide lenses but with telephoto, super telephoto and especially mirror reflex lenses the manual focus isn't so easy. Focus magnification and focus peaking help but still the depth of field is very thin. In the case of macro photography the manual is even more difficult even with very small apertures.

[@yosephjaphar]

I let you know we want more episodes like this. Kay?

[@glen-draketoolworks7186]

Yes. Definitely more like this please..........

[@jaysantiago-BX-NY]

Thank you, thank you for keeping it simple!🙏 This will definitely help with my manual focusing! Luv your short, precise, informative tutorials! 👏👏👍❤ More please😬🙏🙏

[@nazhif1]

I've used the A7s II with canon lenses for quite some time & I've really gotten use to manual focus for both photo & video. I also feel like using manual focus forces me to slow down and take a moment to check my subject & composition instead of being trigger happy.

[@D1N02]

Pentax dslr's have a catch in focus feature. It uses the auto focus confirmation the trigger an exposure. It is pretty neat.

[@Avinash-wg7xl]

yes... War Is Peace, Freedom Is Slavery, and Ignorance Is Strength .

[@blenxcacopardo499]

Hands-on and interesting video. Thank you Chris and Jordan

[@catbeardsleyphotography]

This is great! Yes please more manual focusing videos. I am looking to find a way to manually focus, that is precise, on digital cameras for weddings. I will soon move to mirrorless so that will help. Now it's more about finding ways that are precise that I can trust

[@PotatoHate]

I picked up a Sirui anamorphic lens for taking cinematic photos and this lens is full manual which is a lot of fun to use. Most of the tips in this video I figured out on my own by just using this lens but it was nice to learn about how to deal with the video aspect and how some lenses have suggested focus on it. Also the point of reference focus technique is very useful thanks.

[@arttiz01]

Yes! This is a technical part of manual lenses that frustrates me all the time. I own a few, and it seems I miss focus most of the time. One critical example is with on of my cameras, the Z50 with a Meike 50mm 1.7 manual lens attached to it. Wow, so many shots lost because I missed! Thanks for this article, I will practice more, and more stories like this will be a high boost for my photography skills. Many thanks!

[@pranavtripathi2890]

The intro is just epic guys! 👌🏼👌🏼

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I used my G80 again recently and manual focused the whole time. Autofocus was perfect :)

[@NL0Gwenster]

For SLR's you can always replace your focusing screen with different stuff. Kats eye used to make brilliant stuff that allowed you to show shallower DOF. Or you could even get a split-prism focusing screen. I modified my D700 with a Katz-eye cause i used a 50/1.2 AIS 60% of the time (despite having 70-200/2.8 II and 35/1.4 Sigma) - i did a lot of street photography with it and just pre-focused to 3M (handy to have the stuff written on the lens) ; and it's quite easy to learn. Just an evening or 2 and you get the hang of it.

[@LootKiwi]

Love this video (especially the last tip of the video focus section)

[@Baluchishair]

I love those who teach me a word of wisdom. #Chris and #Jordan are not exceptions and to learn more & more photography is my fashion. Though I don't know a single terms photography.

[@ChristopherGoetting]

Through the OVF, some cameras (like my 80D) will have a focus box pop up at the center point when the center point is in focus while in MF mode. Other cameras will even tell you if you are front or back focused while in MF mode. It is definitely crude compared to focus peaking, etc, but it does help!

[@user-bb7rh7xf6n]

The intro 😂😂 you guys are great!!

[@robmitchell7355]

"The right choice is rarely clear, just like your focus should be." LOL

[@K3zz21]

Lol that intro had me shook for a minute 😂

[@bencorwin]

I’ve BARELY EVER used continuous auto focus and I shoot with an FX9. People that say they NEED good continuous autofocus are mostly v-loggers. However, I’ll admit that reliable and smooth transitioning touch to focus is a very nice feature and alternative to punching in.

[@ScottJWaldron]

That last video focusing tip is great!

[@user-qy8wy5ud8g]

Thank You guys 🙏🏻 amazing video u gave me hope with my af 50mm 1.8 😂 (manual focus only)

[@annamacdonald5518]

Really helpful video - particularly interested in the reverse tip for video focusing - had never thought of that! Thanks

[@MikeLindup42]

Simple, useful, easy to remember. Thanks guys!

[@hammarbytp]

Great tips. Keep them coming....

[@edmoss88]

Enjoy using my manual Chinon 50mm 1.7 on my Sony A7. Focus peaking and focus magnify tool are what i use.

[@jaezryl]

Magic Lantern on my 6D has helped a lot. I use magic zoom exclusively if I shoot at 1.4.

[@u2mevb]

we need more topics like this

[@ernolaunis]

Thank you. When I started to watch KZbin, it was because of tutorials. Now the videos are about Sony vs Canon kind on lifestyle hype. I watch those also but.. lately.. I just want to feel good after learned something not because I made a investment to some camera system. Quote from Louis Rossman (Right to Repair dude, fixes Macs) : Self made success is the best!

[@idontwantacallsign]

Thanks for the video guys 🙏🙏. More episodes like this is great!!

[@chitung2277]

this is excellent and invaluable tips

[@martinsillen5998]

Thanks for a very entertaining and educational video!

[@tylou4479]

Yes, more videos like this would be awesome

[@rokr9710]

yes please, manual focus and vintage lens for video is the thing...! thanks guys.

[@VijitChandna]

I'll be getting my first camera soon this is incredibly helpful yes please do more!

[@MensMastermindGroup]

I really enjoyed this video and you taught me so much in this. Thank you for using your time to make these videos

[@mayspeis]

definitely would love to see more! thanks, guys

[@rickyahamkonyak7533]

I love the introduction😀 following you guys and learning a lot from all your videos. Thank you!!!!! Love from Nagaland, India

[@maverick9708]

Manual focus is that one tool that you didn't want but the tool that you deserved

[@georgevalentine780]

An awesome presentation. 👍🏾

[@kannan_a2]

That reversing idea is cool for video. Any suggestions to avoid focus breathing when shooting macro subject at close distance ?

[@opalyankaBG]

Use a different lens?

[@andreasbuder4417]

Stop focussing?

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Nicely done guys. Very much enjoyed this episode.

[@theufoexperience3859]

Hey man, that opener was better than Wooden Nichols. But seriously, great tips! I use 2 vintage SLR lenses with my Sony FS5 a lot. I have a Minolta Rokkor 50mm and a Pentax Asahi 135mm that I use with a follow focus to get cinematic camera racking. I love my Sony G lenses. But, if I'm doing a "film" shoot, its easier to change to a fully manual lens than go into the menu and completely shut down the electronics in the Sony G lenses. And even then, getting an accurate camera rack with them is difficult. I suppose I could get a nice cinema prime lens set. But, there's something fun and cool about finding a nice vintage lens from the 80s and using it with a modern digital cinema camera. Of course if I'm out in the wild and need performance, I use all the bells and whistles of the modern G lenses.

[@mixeddrinks8100]

that reverse tip. is firee!

[@daveperrin9408]

I use a manual focus 85mm f1/8 Viltrox lens on my Sony A7rii this video makes a nice change to all the others about auto focus. Some great tips thanks for sharing guy's. 👍👍👍👍👍 Would like to see more like this.

[@MiguelSanArchangel]

Loved it! Helped me a lot with my Leica M10.

[@hachewie]

Great video.

[@fake488]

Can you do an episode on comparing manual focus assist tools on the contemporary mirrorless bodies please?

[@S-I-R-E]

Your friendship with each other makes this pandemic a little easy to endure.

[@hurleygreen927]

Very useful! Just got as manual 55mm 2,8 lens and learning to meter and figure out depth of fiield THANKS!

[@jonathanculbertson9591]

Nice! I learned quite a few tips and tricks from this. Thanks Great video!

[@peterkaltoft8032]

I always give my like after the intro for your videos 😁

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

Love this. Thank You

[@nsbhagwat]

Need more videos on manual focus, specially when using adapted EF glass on E mount with an entry level 6300.

[@Woodenarrows]

For manual focus I depend on both zoom and peaking. I need glasses to read but can't seem to get used to using my glasses with my viewfinder. Also I don't use my glasses while hiking so.... zoom and peaking fix the issue for me. I like Jordan's reverse focus tip, great idea... I've said it before, you tow are a great pair, I really enjoy your videos...

[@blendsbyc]

love the intro

[@tombarnes5490]

Yes please more like this 👍👍👍

[@arikrystel9900]

thanks for making a great video. to be perfectly honest I enjoy your tips better than the product reviews. not that there bad reviews or anything like that, too me your insights and experiences are way more valuable.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

Great video but I found that the hyperfocal technique works less and less the more megapixels we have. Yes you would assume it’s a pure optical thing but in practice now that the image we’re getting is so sharp, even the slightest change in focus is made apparent, making zone focusing pretty much irrelevant.

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

@Ziggi Mon oh really? Thanks for the info, I didn’t know it was based on film, now it makes all sense. Do you have any link on this?

[@throughmyeyes4]

Definitely would love more tips on manual focusing for video

[@adventure_photo]

Great tips! Yes more of these type videos please!

[@moke1310]

Enjoy review videos but "how to" like this is also welcome. I use more than I buy no matter how much GAS I may suffer from.

[@pirojfmifhghek566]

Hell yeah. This is good content. I just discovered peaking on my own, but the other subtle tips for maintaining a good manual focus for moving subjects is some real good stuff. That'll save me some time and trouble learning things the hard way.

[@elloelloelloo]

Very helpful! Thank you both!

[@thesharpercoder]

Taking advantage of hyperlocal distance is great with UWA lenses. Everything more than 3-4 away is tack sharp. Also, hyperfocal distance is probably why the Looney 11 Rule uses f/11. The more you stop down a lens, the closer the hyperlocal distance moves towards you. This makes achieving infinity focus at the hyperlocal distance much easier. At 600mm the hyperlocal distance at f/16 is less than a mile. At f/5.6, the hyperlocal distance is several miles, which makes achieving critical focus pretty much hit or miss.