manual focus when taking up-close photos

[PhotoGirl]

hi everyone,
I enjoy taking up-close photographs and I've read that it's very good to use your manual focusing rather that your auto-focus when you take up close pictures, can anyone tell me why?
thanks so much.

[mwfanelli]

hi everyone,
I enjoy taking up-close photographs and I've read that it's very good to use your manual focusing rather that your auto-focus when you take up close pictures, can anyone tell me why?
thanks so much.

With macro shots, the DOF is so shallow that it is difficult to get AF to find the focus point you want. In addition, AF is often set to be "close enough." Thats OK with almost all photos but not with macros. The best macro images are done in manual focus mode on a tripod. Better yet is a "macro rail" that allows extremely precise focusing.

[another view]

Like Michael said, the DOF is so shallow on a macro shot that you'll really need to use a tripod for best results. If you move the camera even slightly (and could be unaware that you're doing it), you could easily affect the sharpness of the image.

Since you're taking the time to do that, manual focus probably will give you better results but that depends on the camera - it may be more difficult with a compact digital.

[PhotoGirl]

thanks for your replies.

[freygr]

Well the auto focus will always not focus where you need it to focus. I would set the camera to aperture priority, manual focus.