Photographers, Autofocus is Overrated.

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 88

  • @torb-no
    @torb-no 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I *just* got my first manual focus lens (for digital anyway) and this video was a big part of what convinced me to give it a shot. I thought it would be incredibly hard, but it ended up being way easier than I thought, especially once I set up my camera to be in black and white but have red peaking. In some ways it was easier than using autofocus lenes, because instead of trying to finagle the AF system to focus where I wanted I just… focused where I wanted! And I didn't need to focus and recompose, I didn't need to move the focus point, I didn't need to pray to the face tracking gods that it would be reliable… I just focused where I wanted.
    Sure, I did get a lot more out of focus than I usually do, but I got plenty of shots enough in focus that things worked. Interestingly it also made me respect aperture more, and I got more concious of narrowing it down more often to get more in focus (esp. for groups of people), which I should be doing anyway!
    So thanks for helping me along on this journey with this (and other) videos! I think I'm kinda hooked now.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Getting to this one a bit late, but thank you! Manual gives you that extra bit of involvement that makes you "one with the camera and scene."
      It's definitely a bit tough in the beginning, but I'm glad that you stuck with it. Once you start you can't stop! 😄
      I appreciate the support!

  • @martinlawrence8427
    @martinlawrence8427 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great points Doriyan, about Fujifilm (still love my X-T1) and manual focusing!

  • @bendroege
    @bendroege ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nothing beats the feeling of nailing a shot with manual focus. Especially with digital cameras these days, it's refreshing to add at least one limitation back into the mix to mimic even a portion of that film photography experience. Great video as always Doriyan, always the most insightful and inspiring

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      completely agree man! adding that control back to things is so fulfilling. i appreciate the love bro!

  • @sammy_sam_leonardo
    @sammy_sam_leonardo ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, as always my guy. We might have been on a similar journey this past year or two you know… 18months ago, when I started taking my product photography more seriously I slowly realised manual focus, even with the Fujinon glass, was quicker and got me better results - funny that will all the technology in our hands, manual focus with focus check and red peaking got me the best results.
    End of last year I picked up the same Voigtlander 23mm f1.2 to use for just fun personal photos… and actually it’s changed my whole perspective. Autofocus is no longer a crutch, it’s very useful for certain things; but, there is another way… a more involved, more conscious way that allows us to make photos not just take photos.
    It’s cool following your journey. Have a great weekend 👍

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      thanks! so many great points, and i’m gonna have to agree. manual focus not only puts you in control, but sometimes (often times) we know better than the machine.
      and yeah! you learn a lot about yourself/style using manual. while autofocus is a great achievement, getting better everyday, etc, our application of ourselves as artists is supreme imo, and manual is one way to actualize that 🤝

  • @el0blaino
    @el0blaino ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved this video so much! For me, manual focus has been an unexpected part of the journey. When I first bought my x-t30, I wasn't sure if I would like zooms or primes, and wasn't sure if I could manage manual focus, so I got the kit zoom 18-55 and a manual focus 35mm. What I found as I started learning my way around the camera was that thinking about exposure took up too much of my brain, and so did having focal length choices with a zoom. Paring down to AF primes was pure heaven. I shot aperture priority so there again, fewer decisions. But I found that as I got better, I wanted the control that came from full manual exposure ... and now, just like you said - I want the control of manual focus. It occurred to me that for the past year or so, my frustrations and growth have all been centered around "learning to get my autofocus to do what I want it to do." Wait, what? And THAT'S going to be my journey? Flick that switch and go into manual, and just immediately go get what you want! You still might need autofocus for sports or something, but I think understanding a room, distance, depth of field - wow, that seems like you are really in command of your vision for a photograph.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s crazy how things come full circle isn’t it! Glad you’ve found engaging and rewarding ways to proceed in your photography journey. Thank you for watching!

  • @Donaldpoephotography
    @Donaldpoephotography ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You are 100% right about when signing a contract with manual focus. If you miss, it’s on you for missing and can show where you can improve. When you hit and “ come up strong” it is quite the greatest feeling in the world ! Great video Dorian! It is always a blast to watch your content and observe your art

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      glad this (and more) has resonated with you! thanks for watching 🙏🏾

  • @trevorbrooks813
    @trevorbrooks813 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I grew up with manual focus, now I'm growing old with auto focus and occasional zone focus. Love your enthusiasm and emotion. Thanks.

  • @TryingtoLearntheuke
    @TryingtoLearntheuke ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another wonderful video Doriyan. Thanks for putting it out.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      thank you so much Pam! glad you enjoyed it

  • @SemajP514
    @SemajP514 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cameras nowadays are definitely doing more of your work. While it does alleviate the workload, it takes away the creative satisfaction of completing an image yourself. Hence why I still lean on my 5D Mark III and dslrs. The mark III can't focus dark objects even with a blickey to my head. You definitely do become more aware of your surroundings when shooting manual for sure.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      completely agree. there’s a whole different level of engaging with both your creativity and where you’re at when using it!

  • @khaliljamarr
    @khaliljamarr ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Shot grad photos this year completely manual with a Voigtlander lens on Fuji and medium format film and I 100% agree with everything you said. I felt like the cameras were truly an extension of my mind, rather than just a tool.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      much respect on the work! and it’s truly a special feeling to have that connection in your process.

  • @lsamoa
    @lsamoa ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I started doing photography when auto-focus wasn't really a thing yet so I'm very comfortable with manual focusing. But I must say I like both equally. In some situations AF feels more useful, in others it's easier to just focus manually. What I do is set up my cameras so that I can easily switch between the two without much faff. Best of both worlds!
    Another nice thing with manual focus is that it reminds you that you need to vary your aperture depending on what you're shooting and not get into the bad habit of always shooting wide open hehe.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      fair points! and yeah manual really tells you “you’re on your own” and that’s very exciting. but both definitely have use cases 👍🏾

  • @peerlessportraits
    @peerlessportraits ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I take a mental snapshot of the scene and then close my eyes and manually focus. The only peeking I use is when I open my eyes for a split-second to check whether I’m turning my focus ring in the right direction. Then it’s back to closed-eye memory focus. Sure, my keeper rate is just over 4 percent, but there’s nothing better than being in tune with the universe and with the camera at the same time.
    But when money changes hands, I have to use the quickest and most efficient focusing system available to me so that I can divide my extremely limited mental capacity amongst the other contemporaneous aspects of making the image like lighting, posing, timing, angle, background management, encouraging the subject, discouraging the distractions, the exposure triangle with respect to the storytelling aspect of that image, and managing our time so that the client can get on with their day and I can fully prepare for my next appointment. I’m bound by contract to do so, but as the person who drafts those contracts, I suppose I brought this all on myself.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That’s fair! Everybody has a different style and approach depending on the situation

  • @devincutter_
    @devincutter_ ปีที่แล้ว +1

    DLD4L!! Doriyan, Lee and Dee 4 life!
    I'd love to go on a street walk with you the next time im in town this summer!

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      those are my guys! and for sure 🙏🏾

  • @jacobmakes_jpg
    @jacobmakes_jpg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Keep up the great work Doriyan! Reminds me why I love to shoot manual.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      much love! and yes it’s so enjoyable and engaging.

  • @christophergibbons8748
    @christophergibbons8748 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great vid, once the Voit 27m comes out I'll deffo be trying manual focus for fun.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks! seems like a lot of us are waiting for that lens.

  • @heldercosta9514
    @heldercosta9514 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Exactly my experience as well. I used to think mf only cameras and lenses would be a nightmare experience, but as soon I learned and tried them on the school I realized the older the technology the better regarding, not only but mainly, focusing. The problem is technology is beeing made to make people lazier instead of learning the craft, evolving in that direction and not caring about those who want the best tool for the job. Nothing wrong making equipement like that to give artistic expression for anyone regardless of technical skill but then again, when im shooting digital i often feel like a digital canon a1 with a real scale on the lens was better than my r5.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i think you really touched on it in the last part. auto / express settings are great for opening things up so people have the most accessibility, but when it comes to the feeling, engagement, enjoyment etc. manual and even film to a degree provide that on a higher level for people like us

  • @emmanueltsI5
    @emmanueltsI5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sold any digital dslr stuff a decade ago.
    Since then, I use only a film camera, without a light meter and just manual focus.
    In todays digital and fast world, that slow manual film photography helps (talking about the hobby here).
    Professional photographers surely have to be fast and autofocus helps, however I need to slow down after the normal daily madness at work and have some fun.
    Thankfully we can still shoot film with manual focus cameras.
    Wishing we had more offers from Epson, Voigtländer, Canon, Nikon and Fuji though, cause Leica prices are crazy.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i agree from top to bottom, especially depending on the field of professional photography.
      slowing down definitely helps things as far as engagement and enjoyment, and yeah thank goodness manual focus is still being supported in general!
      also agree about wishing for more options, i’m surprised voigtlander and fuji aren’t more aggressive about providing options

  • @don7117
    @don7117 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The nice thing about shooting manual is that it forces me to s l o w d o w n and take the time to really pay attention with whatever I am shooting, rather than taking the spray and pray approach of AF. I always get better results that way. Fewer shots. Move keepers.

  • @denislaroche3957
    @denislaroche3957 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice video and insights, I do get the prideness factor when I make an image by myself in MF with manual exposure etc...
    I found that I enjoy MF mostly with a focus tab and a short focus throw (you know the 3 brand names...) where I can focus by feel even before putting the camera to my eyes (need at least 5.6 for it to work), do I miss sometimes ? yes but I am a hobbyist, so NO money or client on the line...
    Generally speaking I think more automatism on a camera = more chance to have a standardized image which I dont want.
    I think AI in photography could make people want to go back to more manual cameras that make mistakes, human mistakes, just a thought ... 😁
    cheers from Montreal

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      using some of Dee and Lee’s lenses for me hooked on a proper focus tab. and yeah sometimes we’ll miss, but honestly it’s not the end of the world.
      and fair take on the AI part! thanks for watching.

  • @peteslowtwitch9121
    @peteslowtwitch9121 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Doriyan, Being a frugal kind of guy, I have acquired a few ... ok a lot of manual lenses :) Recently found a Nikon d700 and the only Nikon lens I had for it was an old manual 50mm E series. It's been a blast using it. Being an old man, I don't mind the slower pace and I don't feel like the camera is doing all the work for me.
    pete

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      i’m with you Pete! the fact that many of them (maybe not including voigtlander 😅) can be had for cheap, is such a big benefit

  • @then_comes_dudley
    @then_comes_dudley 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I shoot mostly street on an A7Riii with a Sony 50mm prime, and very rarely find myself wanting to use auto focus. I'm much happier setting my focus distance & mentally trying to measure the distance and gauge when to take a shot, rather than hoping & praying the (already slow) auto focus gets me there. But then even in settings where I could switch to auto focus I usually don't see a good reason to. Do I scroll through a menu to turn a setting on that I'm gonna turn off immediately afterwards anyway, or do I... turn the damn focus ring? (and even when the focus is a little soft, I remind myself that, like Henri Cartier Bresson said, "sharpness is a bourgeois concept," before crying myself to sleep)

  • @DeeRosa
    @DeeRosa ปีที่แล้ว +7

    LETS GOOOOOOOO 😮‍💨😤

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks for always showing love 😭

  • @coryirvin6651
    @coryirvin6651 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Would love to hear about lenses that you find enjoyable to use with manual focus.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      Just posted a few minutes ago about the Voigtlander 27mm F2!

  • @quattro30
    @quattro30 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm right there with you. Even my Leica SL with manual lenses give me a higher level of satisfaction..

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      there’s just something about it! 📸

  • @donaldmfalls
    @donaldmfalls ปีที่แล้ว +2

    2014-2018 I was shooting on manual focus on all shoots. Af isn’t what made us better photographers, it just make us lazier

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      definitely agree that AF doesn’t make us better!

  • @RyanTroy
    @RyanTroy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Video Bro!

  • @dunkkid23
    @dunkkid23 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is the take we needed! 😎

  • @r3dwheel
    @r3dwheel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very good video. I agree with you totally. What do you suggest for those who don't have any focus peaking or assist on old cameras like Fujifilm x-pro1 ?

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      street-wise, because of zone focus, go without it! assignment-wise, personally i’d do it if i had to, but that’s up to your comfort level.

    • @r3dwheel
      @r3dwheel ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman Thank you Man 🤝🏾 Yeah zone focus will be the solution 📸

  • @ekofotoz8260
    @ekofotoz8260 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It'sDee! I love shooting manual.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      the homies Dee and Lee! some of our 60+ GB of video 😅

  • @n-kphotographyandstudio8774
    @n-kphotographyandstudio8774 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Well stated.!

  • @christopherrodriguez7223
    @christopherrodriguez7223 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love love love manual focus/zone focus.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว

      it’s completely changed my approach to photography!

  • @taniyageorgeolds1258
    @taniyageorgeolds1258 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video!

  • @valdiskrebs566
    @valdiskrebs566 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Autofocus IS overrated! I like to pick exactly what my camera focuses on. 😉
    My favorite kit right now is my Olympus Pen-F with either the 25mm or 50mm TTArtisan f/2 manual focus, near-pancake lenses. Focus on exactly which part of the scene needs to be sharp, let the rest go to blur. If you want to point and shoot, set it at f/8 and 3m.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      same here. down the line, Olympus is one camera brand I’d love to try. to your point, even on the X-H2s (which is excellent), I’ve been manual focusing 😂

    • @valdiskrebs566
      @valdiskrebs566 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman Olympus Pen-F is great if you like shooting JPGs, like film-sims on the Fuji. But finding a good used Pen-F is a challenge. (Yes, Pen-F's shoot RAW also.) One day I would like the compare my Kodachrome film sims on the Pen-F to Fuji Kodachrome film sims ...

    • @valdiskrebs566
      @valdiskrebs566 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman Funny, as the world charges forward with AI and computational photography, I find myself inching backwards -- cameras from 2014-2018 and manual focus lenses. Very happy with those kits. 🙂

  • @francisbombus3949
    @francisbombus3949 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Word!

  • @alyhazzaa
    @alyhazzaa ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Dorian, do use focus peaking ? or other assist mode ? and if peaking High or low ? and I finally bought the lens after a 6 month of reviewing and second guessing

  • @thatchadmiller
    @thatchadmiller ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You from San Antonio?

  • @Lorak669
    @Lorak669 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fujifilm and (reliable) autofocus does not work together

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      while i prefer manual, that’s just not true

    • @Lorak669
      @Lorak669 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman I get the manual feeling. It's beautiful, but You just mention about he 'hunting' in low light in Your video. Continues autofocus waaay behind competition. Face recognition algorithms all over the place. I know it's a small company but it's 2023. My canon 400D from 2007 has faster autofocus. When using sigma lens try to zoom in and out, look what is happening on the screen and focus. It's just disappointing.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yeah, but i’ve experienced hunting from every camera brand i’ve used; absence of bright light can be tough in general
      i built 95% of my street catalog and portfolio using fujifilm cameras and their AF, to say it isn’t reliable would just be wrong

    • @Lorak669
      @Lorak669 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman Fuji autofocus just ruined few potentially good shoots for me. Yes I was harsh with that judgement. Thanks for the video!

  • @tobytobyson
    @tobytobyson ปีที่แล้ว

    Why do we still bother, AI is already today so advanced that in a couple of years maybe even months or less you don't have to go out and deal with cameras in order to create (or let create) art and incredible creative and sharp photos

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      AI art could become unstoppable within the next ten minutes, it still wouldn't be "real life". I think many people misunderstand the value of artistry and the blend of aesthetics and documentation that photography, in particular, is.
      plus, why would that make YOU stop taking pictures?

    • @tobytobyson
      @tobytobyson ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman very good question. It might not stop me on a fun and private level however it might limit me significantly on a professional level where an AI powered picture with its unlimited possibilities brings the money.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@tobytobyson how would AI replace forms of photography whose fundamental value is based on the fact that it’s centered around real life?
      also, making money from photography is exponentially more than just making a pretty image.

    • @tobytobyson
      @tobytobyson ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriyancoleman with real life also being massively affected and changed by AI all what we consider as real life today will vanish and get beyond our imagination. When life moves into virtuality, what happens to the way we see photography today

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@tobytobyson that doesn’t address my question but agree to disagree

  • @NumberOneBlackGuy
    @NumberOneBlackGuy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    4th 😂

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      insane profile name but thank you 😂

  • @shang-hsienyang1284
    @shang-hsienyang1284 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've only clicked on this video to tell you that I've asked TH-cam not to recommend your channel for making a video with this title.

    • @doriyancoleman
      @doriyancoleman  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      everybody watch out for this guy