Why manual focus?

[Boddie]

Many posters seem to like manual focus for macro. Servo seems to be quite good though.

Why is manual preferable.

Thanks

Andrew

[JM]

Not sure about this one, I think it stems from days gone by when auto focus wasn't as reliable, I am not sure though. Also when close focusing the lens can 'hunt' for the subject due to most of the frame being the same colour.

[jerryh]

Originally Posted by JM

Not sure about this one, I think it stems from days gone by when auto focus wasn't as reliable, I am not sure though. Also when close focusing the lens can 'hunt' for the subject due to most of the frame being the same colour.

With macro work, the depth of field can be very critical.

Would AF tend to focus on the nearest point of the subject? If so, you may want to adjust to get the focus point further back to use all the available depth of field?

Jerry

[glsammy]

So far as I'm concerned, your spot on Jerry. Left to it's own devices, auto will often not focus on the part that gives you the image you want. With manual you can move the focus point around to exactly the area you need.

[JM]

Depends on where you set the focusing point on the camera, SLR's have between 5 and 35 (on some film pro models), you select the point independtly, unless you use the auto modes.

[carlj]

Whirr whirr, clunk clunk, pause, whirr whirr, clunk. It's flown away!
Need I say more?

[Alan]

Whether you use manual or auto in a given situation, it's best to try and master them both!

[JM]

Originally Posted by carlj

Whirr whirr, clunk clunk, pause, whirr whirr, clunk. It's flown away!
Need I say more?

Can't say I have ever had a problem
Agree with Alan though, best to get used to them both!

[carlj]

Generally when grass/leaves are between lens and subject - tend to shift to manual then.

[Boddie]

Yeah I will trial and error I think. I can see pro's and con's.

Thanks fellas