Zone Focusing. This is an old school technique to up your

[alfredo]

chances of getting a moving target in focus. You may never use it, but this guide gives you an idea of how Depth of Field (DOF) works.

http://www.markushartel.com/blog/learn-from-markus/zone-focusing


This image will show the relationship between f stop and DOF. The bottom numbers show the range of the in focus (7ft more or less) distances.

[Stevenmarc]

1. It comes in very handy

Especially when I shoot in the subway.

[alfredo]

2. It's nice to manual focus. AF is fine, but MF is fun. Sure

I spoil a few, but that's what happens. You get spoiled images in AF. I have the manual override on my Olympus, so I can rectify any AF errors.

[Stevenmarc]

3. Speaking of AF

Did you see Scott Kelby's rant on the x100 and it's little AF issue.

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2011/archives/20786

[alfredo]

4. That blows. I hope they can sort it out. I want them to succeed.

[ManiacJoe]

5. Those were the days.

Unfortunately, modern SLR lens have no external aperture ring and the DOF scales are long since gone.
:-(

[alfredo]

6. But there's a lot of good, interesting manual lenses to be had

for a song. Some of my best macros have been done with a 40 year old Yashinon manual focus lens. AF is still the best for moving objects, but the old MF lenses has something to offer those willing to take the time to experiment and learn.


Some people need an automatic in their car, some prefer the user input of the standard shift.

You can find many fine prime lenses for under $50 if you are willing to search. eBay or Goodwill and a bit of discipline can equal a nice piece of glass for your DSLR or MFT.

[flamin lib]

7. What about DOF preview? I use it on my Oly E cameras all the time.

Prefocus on something approximately the distance you anticipate and hit the DOF preview for visual confirmation of field of focus. True, the Pen series don't offer such.

[alfredo]

8. It is also good to know the why's of aperture .