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Types of Autofocus (AF) – eye AF Face AF – continuous AF
- Monique Harmer
- 2 minute read
Types of Autofocus (AF)
Autofocus (AF) is a critical feature in modern cameras, ensuring subjects are sharp and well-defined. Different types of autofocus serve various shooting conditions and creative needs. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used autofocus modes and technologies.
1. Single Autofocus (AF-S / One-Shot AF)
- Definition: The camera locks focus once when the shutter button is half-pressed. The focus remains fixed until the button is released or pressed again.
- Best for: Still subjects (portraits, landscapes, product photography).
- Limitations: If the subject moves after focusing, it may become blurry.
📷 Example: A landscape shot where the focus remains on a mountain.
2. Continuous Autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo AF)
- Definition: The camera continuously adjusts focus as long as the shutter button is half-pressed or AF-On button is used.
- Best for: Moving subjects (sports, wildlife, fast-paced events).
- Limitations: Can be less accurate in low-light conditions or with unpredictable motion.
📷 Example: A football player running toward the camera—AF-C keeps them sharp.
3. Hybrid Autofocus (AF-A / AI Focus AF)
- Definition: The camera automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C based on subject movement.
- Best for: General use, where subjects may start still but then move.
- Limitations: Not as fast or reliable as manually choosing AF-S or AF-C for specific scenarios.
📷 Example: A portrait session where the subject might start still but then begins moving.
4. Eye Autofocus (Eye AF)
- Definition: Detects and locks focus on a subject’s eye, ensuring sharpness.
- Best for: Portraits, weddings, fashion, and wildlife (animal Eye AF).
- Limitations: Works best when the subject’s face is clearly visible; can struggle in low light.
📷 Example: A close-up portrait with the model’s eye perfectly sharp.
5. Face Autofocus (Face Detection AF)
- Definition: The camera identifies and tracks human faces, keeping them in focus.
- Best for: Group photos, events, vlogging, and interviews.
- Limitations: May struggle with multiple faces or partially obscured faces.
📷 Example: A wedding photographer capturing a group shot where the camera prioritises faces.
6. Zone Autofocus
- Definition: Allows the user to select a specific area (zone) of the frame where the camera focuses.
- Best for: Birds in trees, motorsports, and wildlife photography, where subjects move within a defined area.
- Limitations: The camera does not track subjects outside the chosen zone.
📷 Example: A bird in a tree, ensuring the focus stays within a selected area.
7. Tracking Autofocus (Subject Tracking / 3D AF Tracking)
- Definition: The camera locks onto a moving subject and tracks it across the frame.
- Best for: Fast-moving subjects, such as race cars, athletes, or birds in flight.
- Limitations: Can struggle if the subject blends into the background or moves erratically.
📷 Example: A race car moving across the track while staying sharp in focus.
8. Manual Autofocus Override (Direct Manual Focus - DMF)
- Definition: Allows users to manually fine-tune focus after autofocus is locked.
- Best for: Macro photography, astrophotography, or precise focus adjustments.
- Limitations: Requires time and precision; not ideal for fast-moving subjects.
📷 Example: A close-up of an insect where autofocus gets close, and manual focus perfects the sharpness.
Comparison Table: Choosing the Right Autofocus Mode
Final Thoughts
Understanding autofocus modes allows you to adapt to different shooting conditions and capture sharper images with greater accuracy.
- For portraits? Use Eye AF for best results.
- For action? Use AF-C with Tracking AF.
- For landscapes? Use AF-S or manual focus for precision.
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Types of Autofocus (AF) - eye AF Face AF - continuous AF
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Hi I'm Monique
Personal and business brand photographer and educator, super passionate about empowering business women and men to have a positive self perception, with the right tools and guidance so they can share their gifts with the world.
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Types of Autofocus (AF) - eye AF Face AF - continuous AF
Download PDF version here
Types of Autofocus (AF) - eye AF Face AF - continuous AF
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