Understanding when to use manual focus versus auto focus can significantly improve your photography or videography.

While auto focus is fast and convenient, manual focus provides greater control in certain situations.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences and when to use each mode for the best results.

Let's start with Auto Focus

Auto focus (AF) uses the camera’s internal mechanisms to automatically adjust the internal lenses to focus. Most modern cameras have multiple AF modes, including:

• Single AF (AF-S or One-Shot AF)
  This is best for stationary subjects as it finds the focus and then “locks” until you half press the shutter again.

• Continuous AF (AF-C or AI-Servo AF)
  This is great for moving subjects, as it keeps adjusting the focus as the subjects move.

• Hybrid AF (AF-A or AI-Focus AF)
  This switches between single and continuous AF based on movement.

When would you choose to use auto focus?

There's many reasons to choose auto focus, doesn’t mean you have to or that it is the best for what you are doing, however, as a professional who has done a wide range of subjects I noticed that these subjects are best for auto focus when you are doing what I call “Run & gun” shooting.

Fast-moving subjects (sports, wildlife, kids, events).
Unless you like the challenge and the risk of possibly missing the perfect shot because you focused far instead of close.

I would recommend using an automatic lens that's main job is to focus while you focus (pun intended) on getting your composition of that awesome basketball dunk, flying bird, or important person of the event.

Portrait photography
This ensures sharp focus on the subject’s eyes, especially if you have a Sony camera (like I do) that has a system in place to isolate and follow the eye to keep it sharp in focus.

This can help you be more creative and focus on your composition and other elements within your frame then to constantly zoom in and manually focus.

One thing for me when I do portrait photography is I prefer to have quick focus and a manual loud shutter.

Why?

Well, have you ever been in front of the camera and are waiting awkwardly while they try to focus and if there's no sound you have no idea if they’ve taken a photo so you just stand there in silence and start to lose your mojo because it's just awkward silence?

Yeah I have so having both makes the shoot feel smooth and have a little more energy.

Low-light conditions.
Many modern cameras have advanced AF systems that work well in dim lighting.

This may not always be the case but if you don't have external equipment such as an external monitor, these would help you to find the focus areas on a larger screen.

Also if you don’t have the functions such as focus dots on your screen to visually show you where the focus area is.

In these cases I would recommend using auto focus.

Casual and street photography.
Allows quick composition without manual adjustments when you’re attempting to be discreet and take photos quickly.

This allows you to “Run & gun” throughout the town so you can focus on capturing the elements of humanity.

Tip: Use the appropriate AF mode to match the situation and ensure sharp images.

Lets chat about Manual Focus

Manual focus (MF) requires you to adjust the focus ring on your lens.

It’s commonly used when auto focus struggles or when precision is needed.

I would say to use this when you know you have the time to adjust the focus.

So when to Use Manual Focus?

Manual focus has a ton of creative advantages when it is done right.

Macro Photography
Achieve pinpoint focus on tiny subjects where AF may struggle.

If you have a tripod setup this also allows you to do one of my favorite macro photography tricks which is “Focus Stacking”.

This allows you to take multiple photos of a single unmoving subject at various focus areas to then mix in your preferred editing program to stack the focus and have the entire subject in focus.

This takes precision, practice and patience.

Astrophotography
Auto focus often fails in dark conditions as it is trying to find the “subject” but its not good at realizing that the sky is the subject and will keep searching or something, causing you to have a blurry photo.

Manual focus ensures sharp stars and that the focus doesn’t “breath” as your long exposure takes place.

Low Contrast Scenes
AF struggles with glass, fog, or reflections, especially if you’re trying to shoot through these elements to have a cool effect.

Manual focus provides accuracy so it doesn’t shift as you take multiple photos.

Sit Down Interviews
Avoids AF hunting, giving smooth focus transitions.

I now primarily shoot interviews only in manual focus and boost my aperture so then I know the entire section in which my subject is sitting is in focus even if they move a little bit.

I have noticed that sometimes any camera may get “bored” and focus on the background instead for a moment but it ruins my shot and can force me to unintentionally add B-roll when I don't want to.

Now I always lock the focus and make adjustments on a monitor if I can or need to.

Creative Control
Selectively focus on specific elements in a scene that isn't your main subject.

One example I can give is when I film weddings, sometimes I like having the subjects in the background as I focus on the foreground to add mystery or to have a good transition for an intro or outro.

This just allows me to add interesting elements that help tell the story without always spoon feeding the main story.

Tip: Use focus peaking or magnification in your camera’s live view to fine-tune manual focus. If you have it, an external monitor helps a lot more.

How Do You Switch Between Auto and Manual Focus?

DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras
Most lenses have an AF/MF switch.

Can find in your main menu or shooting menu and adjust there.

There may even be a dedicated button, if not you may also be able to change the button’s functions to be quicker to how you shoot.

Compact Cameras & Smartphones
Manual focus may be available in advanced settings.

I use “Blackmagic Cam” if I ever have to film on my phone and there is a setting to help you have full control over your camera settings.

My Final Thoughts

Both manual and auto focus have their place in photography.

Auto focus is excellent for speed and convenience, while manual focus gives you precision and creative control in challenging situations.

Understanding when to use each mode will elevate your photography skills and help you capture sharper and more intentional compositions.

Do you prefer manual or auto focus? Share your thoughts in the comments below!