What Does “AF” Mean, and How Do You Use It? – How-To Geek
AF stands for Autofocus. It is a feature on cameras that automatically focuses the lens on a subject. This is helpful for taking sharp photos, especially when the subject is moving or in low light.
There are different AF modes available on cameras, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common AF modes include:
- AF-S (Single-shot AF): This mode focuses on the subject when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. Once the subject is in focus, the focus is locked. This mode is good for taking photos of static subjects.
- AF-C (Continuous AF): This mode continuously focuses on the subject as long as the shutter button is pressed halfway down. This mode is good for taking photos of moving subjects.
- AF-A (Automatic AF): This mode automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C depending on whether the subject is moving or not. This mode is a good compromise between AF-S and AF-C.
To use AF, you first need to set your camera to AF mode. Then, you need to select the AF point or points that you want to use. The AF point is the area of the frame that the camera will focus on. Most cameras have multiple AF points, and you can select which ones you want to use.
Once you have selected the AF point or points, you need to press the shutter button halfway down. The camera will then focus on the subject that is located in the selected AF point or points.
If you are using AF-C mode, the camera will continue to focus on the subject as long as the shutter button is pressed halfway down. This is helpful for taking photos of moving subjects.
AF is a powerful tool that can help you take sharp photos. By understanding the different AF modes and how to use them, you can take advantage of this feature and improve your photography skills.
Here are some additional tips for using AF on your camera:
- Use a tripod to help keep your camera steady. This will help the camera to focus more accurately.
- Use a high shutter speed to freeze motion. This will help to ensure that your photos are sharp even if the subject is moving.
- Use a wide aperture to let in more light. This will help the camera to focus more accurately in low light.
- Experiment with different AF modes to see which one works best for you.