it's called RANGE FOCUSING. Zone focusing is not a thing. Someone confusaed it with the zone system -- Ansel Adam's technique, to determine the correct exposure.
Search the internet for "range focus" and you'll find that "zone focus" is the term used by an overwhelming majority of people--so much so, that the top results in any given search engine that explain the technique call it "zone focus. Using commonly accepted language to communicate a technique is the most helpful thing to the greatest number of people--and that's what I'm trying to do here: be helpful.
@@themikepadua that doesn’t make it correct. You’ll also find countless search results for bullshit that people believe. Being out in cold weather itself doesn’t cause colds or flu; these are caused by viruses. Shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness, color, or rate of growth. Groupthink doesn’t make something correct.
With zone focusing it is important to point out that "in focus" really means "in acceptable focus". Spot on focus depth is still more shallow than the actual zone, but it will be acceptable, speaking in textbook terms.
You are correct, the distance scale on the lens is not very accurate, reason I set the infinity symbol a bit under the choosen shooting Aperture. If I choose to shoot at f22, I set the infinity symbol just under f22 (between f16 and f22, a bit closer to f22).
I watched so many "how to zone focus" videos/tutorials and your video is the first one that explains it in a really simple and understandable way. Thank you so much, Mike. for such a great video.
Wow--thank you, that really means a lot to me. I truly set out to make the simplest and most effective explanation of this concept, so I really appreciate your comment
I just got a manual lens and took a deep dive on zone focusing and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating the simplest and easiest instructional video that I came across. You nailed it and in the process you’re helped me nail this concept. Thanks again have a happy new year
Thank so you much for making this so crisp and clear. It always scared me when I saw those numbers. I wonder why they made this so complicated with automatic lenses when this so simple with manual lenses. I have to run around with apps that calculate the DOF.
I like your explanation, Mike. Very clear! However, what do I do with a lens with no f-stops marked on it? None of my lenses are like the one you're showing. Is there a relatively quick method to do the same thing? Thanks.
Thank you for this simple yet enriching tutorial, learnt lots today. Now I know how to use the markings on the lens. Currently using 35mm D lens at F11 1/200 iso 100, plus flash for snake photography. Will this help lock focus faster!
Hi Mike, thanks for the great video. I have one question, with zone focusing you still have to click the shutter? Since it is prefocused, I am assuming not? So many old lenses have different measurement guides on top. Thanks a lot
Manual focusing has always been rather simple once you learned how to use it. One does not need to suffer from AF hunting in low light and can be much quicker.
Nope. It takes zero time because you don’t even HAVE to focus. I stand by my words, thanks for watching. I hope you learned something, have fun shooting!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. These old school skills deserved to be respected and passed on.These tutorials on skills are what grow the community.
For me, a [manual lens] + [entry-level mirrorless body] may be more budget-friendly and easier access than film though.
Thank you so much for watching! I was really trying to simplify the concept as much as possible. Zone focus has literally changed the way i shoot nearly 90% of the time!
In the last three decades I have seen this explained many, many times. By far your video was the best explanation I have seen. Good job and thanks for taking the time to share this focus method with others.
Thank you!! I have watched so many videos about this and never understood a thing. You have finally given me the "Oh, I get this, it's so simple" moment. Well done!
What happens when a lens doesn't have focus distance scale??? How do I read proper zone focus, what's my guide???... Old Nikon ai-s lenses didn't have this feature. Just aperture ring and and focus meter/feet ring...
great! text book-like explaination. Best vid I have seen so far on this topic, also that you mention the limitations and boundaries of this technique. great stuff, thank you.
You should have mentioned that on some lenses the infinity sign is on the left of the marker (like on the first lens you showed) and on other lenses on the right side of the marker. If the infinity sing is on the left of the marker, like on my Zeiss for example, you have to take a reading from right to left and vice versa.
really well explained, thank you! everything makes sense in theory. but in practice, when i'm trying out at home and setting the zone distances, when i look though the viewfinder, those distances do not look focused. is that normal?
Thanks. Very useful video. I'm a lifelong AF photographer - pro sports, mostly - but I want to get into MF lenses for travel and landscape. I have a Leica 24-90mm and the images I got with it were beautiful, but that lens is a beast to carry and travel with. Since most travel stuff can be shot at F8 or more, using zone focus should help a lot
" hyperFocal" focus ...old but very useful technique, unfortunali do most " modern" cameras ( digital) NOT have the necessary printings on the lens, real pity
Thank you so much for the information. I don’t know if someone already asked you but: What happen if my lenses don’t have focus scale ring? How I could measure? Could I get and adapter?
Nice one. So is that zone or range the 'depth of field' as they call it? I suppose 'critical focus' can happen anywhere in that 'depth of field' using this zone focussing technique? Just trying to get my head around it! I gathered that this range can vary for lenses according to what the manufacturers judge as the DOF at various apertures?
So much is published about vintage manual lenses. Some of those lenses are just as good as the modern ones today. Coatings might be better, but not much else.
Yo thisnwas sonusefull. But can i ask you if you found a way to easily dothis with modern full frames that don't have the range numbers on the camera/lens?
It makes me laugh that 'photographers' these days think the only way to have a sharp photo is to focus stack and composite them on a computer!😅 What on earth did we do to get sharp photos before this? Must have been luck😂
It amazes me that people think that manual focus is too much trouble. In some cases it is but if you do landscape, autofocus is completely unnecessary and if you are using medium to wider lens stopped down it's also not really needed and the lenses even have the distances on them.
Oh no one cares about getting the whole shot in focus, that's easy! Why the hell would anyone need instruction on that... We need instruction on how to do it with a shallow DOF!
Thanks Mike, for this Video. I am a beginner using the Leica Q2 and wanted to understand if there are any other settings which needs to be changed or turned off while using this technique. I am keeping my ISO and Shutter speed i auto mode but still getting blurred images when shooting moving objects in Zone focus
If you are shooting moving object, you have to set your camera to "shutter speed priority" mode or "manual" mode and set your shutter speed atleast 1/250 or faster.
A good method to check your nearest and most far distance may be quickly measured by throwing your lens wide open and focus in that aperture on closest and/or most far away object, and read the scale of you lens perhaps? Thank you Mike, for good content that will really help many!
Everything in photography is a “catch”-there are decisions to be made in every area that will affect other areas, be it focal length, depth of field, even where you choose to stand. This technique is to be applied where it can help, not where it can’t-and you get to make that choice.
it's called RANGE FOCUSING. Zone focusing is not a thing. Someone confusaed it with the zone system -- Ansel Adam's technique, to determine the correct exposure.
Search the internet for "range focus" and you'll find that "zone focus" is the term used by an overwhelming majority of people--so much so, that the top results in any given search engine that explain the technique call it "zone focus. Using commonly accepted language to communicate a technique is the most helpful thing to the greatest number of people--and that's what I'm trying to do here: be helpful.
@@themikepadua that doesn’t make it correct. You’ll also find countless search results for bullshit that people believe. Being out in cold weather itself doesn’t cause colds or flu; these are caused by viruses. Shaving hair doesn’t change its thickness, color, or rate of growth. Groupthink doesn’t make something correct.
It's actually hyperfocal distance focusing.
With zone focusing it is important to point out that "in focus" really means "in acceptable focus". Spot on focus depth is still more shallow than the actual zone, but it will be acceptable, speaking in textbook terms.
You are correct, the distance scale on the lens is not very accurate, reason I set the infinity symbol a bit under the choosen shooting Aperture. If I choose to shoot at f22, I set the infinity symbol just under f22 (between f16 and f22, a bit closer to f22).
@@roiloubia4483 Valuable tip...I'll try your placing the symbol at lower position. Thanks.
@@ksjung88 Very welcome..
Is this the reason why I find that even if the subject is already within the zone, a tiny adjustment can still make the subject sharper?
Gotta remember the scale is for acceptable focus for 35mm prints. How big were 35mm prints? 10"?
Finally...FINALLY...Someone explains in simple terms, how to use these type lenses. (For us, less than seasoned, photographers.). Thank you!
Oh man, it's like a light bulb went on. THANK YOU for teaching me how zone focussing works. And your assistant is an adorable little guy.
I watched so many "how to zone focus" videos/tutorials and your video is the first one that explains it in a really simple and understandable way.
Thank you so much, Mike. for such a great video.
I really appreciate you watching!
You succeeded in your goal of trying to help me thank you
Watched quite a few videos explaining zone-focusing techniques - this is the best. Thanks
Explained perfectly!
Very well explained, enjoyed it. Thank you so much. I am just starting in medium format photography and have a manual focus 90mm lens.
Brilliant video, very easy to understand and I struggle with numbers. Great job
Really spot on explanation. Blessings! 😅
Perfectly put
Best video on the subject by far
I really appreciate that! I wanted to make it as simple and clear as I possibly could!
Now I finally understand
Very well explained and presented, grasping this is easier than i have seen before.
Extremely well done and helpful. You obviously hav the ability to get straight to the point!
I really appreciate the kind words, thank you for watching!
golden video thank you
The best explanation I’ve ever seen. Great job
Wow--thank you, that really means a lot to me. I truly set out to make the simplest and most effective explanation of this concept, so I really appreciate your comment
Thanks for this simple explanation! I was kinda confused about this before watching your video.
Your video may have changed my photography forever! Thank you so much.
Thanks for watching, I hope it helps. It's easily one of the most useful techniques that I use.
Zone focus very clearly explained. But I would not advise using f11 on a f16 minimum aperture lens because of diffraction.
thanks
Wonderful. I was thinking of spending a lot of cash on the latest Sony. I could but I don’t want to..great video!
wooow. I never knew what those numbers were for! Now I've learned!!! Thanks
cool old school stuff! there are DOF apps that will calculate
I used this technique way back when I used my view camera. Ansel Adams was one of the first to talk about it.
Great tutorial! Clear and concise.
Excellent, cheers pal
I just got a manual lens and took a deep dive on zone focusing and I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for creating the simplest and easiest instructional video that I came across. You nailed it and in the process you’re helped me nail this concept.
Thanks again have a happy new year
I appreciate your kind words, thank you for watching. It truly is a liberating technique, and I use it every single day
Thank you so much! This was the best explanation on this subject I've ever seen! 🙌🙌🙌
Thank you so much for watching!
One of the best explanations i have seen so thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge 😊
Thank you for watching! I hope it helps you.
excellent
Thank so you much for making this so crisp and clear. It always scared me when I saw those numbers. I wonder why they made this so complicated with automatic lenses when this so simple with manual lenses. I have to run around with apps that calculate the DOF.
Thanks for watching, it's truly a liberating technique, and fun to practice and see the results. I hope it helps you!
Great video
Thanks Mike lovely tips
Very helpful, thanks for sharing!
really well explained! thanx ❤
Thank you for watching! I hope you try it out, it is very liberating!
I like your explanation, Mike. Very clear! However, what do I do with a lens with no f-stops marked on it? None of my lenses are like the one you're showing. Is there a relatively quick method to do the same thing? Thanks.
By the time someone estimates the distances and set the lens and the aperture, my autofocus friend had taken 8 sharp images
Thank you for this simple yet enriching tutorial, learnt lots today. Now I know how to use the markings on the lens. Currently using 35mm D lens at F11 1/200 iso 100, plus flash for snake photography. Will this help lock focus faster!
There is the Zone System and then there is scale focusing. Zone focusing is just conflating the two and confusing for newbies.
Hi Mike, thanks for the great video. I have one question, with zone focusing you still have to click the shutter? Since it is prefocused, I am assuming not? So many old lenses have different measurement guides on top. Thanks a lot
Manual focusing has always been rather simple once you learned how to use it. One does not need to suffer from AF hunting in low light and can be much quicker.
Indeed!
I don’t have a manual focus lens. How do I zone focus?
You don't.
Range Focusing
In a Canon Powershot S5 IS, will it work?
Nice & simple - now let's talk about the hyperfocal distance (just kidding!).
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👌
You started the video with a very unreal statement.
Nope. It takes zero time because you don’t even HAVE to focus. I stand by my words, thanks for watching. I hope you learned something, have fun shooting!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
These old school skills deserved to be respected and passed on.These tutorials on skills are what grow the community.
For me, a [manual lens] + [entry-level mirrorless body] may be more budget-friendly and easier access than film though.
Thanks for watching!
I've watched a few videos on zone focusing, yours was the easiest to understand. Huge thank you!
Thank you so much for watching! I was really trying to simplify the concept as much as possible. Zone focus has literally changed the way i shoot nearly 90% of the time!
In the last three decades I have seen this explained many, many times. By far your video was the best explanation I have seen. Good job and thanks for taking the time to share this focus method with others.
Thank you very much, I appreciate you watching!
Lovely video can you please make more videos on manual focus full tutorial it will be very helpful for beginners ❤
The best zone focus explanation and tutorial out there! Super great job!
None of my five lenses have a distance scale on the lens. My film camera lenses from the past did but none now.
Thank you!! I have watched so many videos about this and never understood a thing. You have finally given me the "Oh, I get this, it's so simple" moment. Well done!
Yooooou broke that down to it's lowest point. Now i totally understand the zone focusing. Much appreciated Mike!!🙏
Thank you for watching, have fun with the technique!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!. This was explained and pointed out in a simple-straightforward way!! Thank you. Completely understand it now!!!
Great video. Explains the concept in simple terms. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.
What happens when a lens doesn't have focus distance scale??? How do I read proper zone focus, what's my guide???... Old Nikon ai-s lenses didn't have this feature. Just aperture ring and and focus meter/feet ring...
wow amazing video thank you! struggling with manual lens this explained everything perfectly!
great! text book-like explaination. Best vid I have seen so far on this topic, also that you mention the limitations and boundaries of this technique. great stuff, thank you.
You should have mentioned that on some lenses the infinity sign is on the left of the marker (like on the first lens you showed) and on other lenses on the right side of the marker. If the infinity sing is on the left of the marker, like on my Zeiss for example, you have to take a reading from right to left and vice versa.
really well explained, thank you! everything makes sense in theory. but in practice, when i'm trying out at home and setting the zone distances, when i look though the viewfinder, those distances do not look focused. is that normal?
Thanks. Very useful video. I'm a lifelong AF photographer - pro sports, mostly - but I want to get into MF lenses for travel and landscape. I have a Leica 24-90mm and the images I got with it were beautiful, but that lens is a beast to carry and travel with. Since most travel stuff can be shot at F8 or more, using zone focus should help a lot
" hyperFocal" focus ...old but very useful technique, unfortunali do most " modern" cameras ( digital) NOT have the necessary printings on the lens, real pity
manythanks now i ready to buy manual lens such the Voigtlander Ultron 27 mm f/2 for my fuji xt5
when in 1:16 he says "even in the bright SUN" he sound like "SUM BUDDY ONCE TOLD ME... 🎶🎵"
Eto lang yung video na nakaexplain sakin ng zone focusing. Lahat ng iba ang hirap intindihin.
It seems tricky when you do street photography by night, or am I mistaken?
Thats really understandable. Good job for others! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the information. I don’t know if someone already asked you but: What happen if my lenses don’t have focus scale ring? How I could measure? Could I get and adapter?
Nice one. So is that zone or range the 'depth of field' as they call it? I suppose 'critical focus' can happen anywhere in that 'depth of field' using this zone focussing technique? Just trying to get my head around it! I gathered that this range can vary for lenses according to what the manufacturers judge as the DOF at various apertures?
Merci Mike pour cette vidéo : la première aussi claire sur ce qu'est le réglage du zone focusing ! J'ai appris beaucoup. Merci ! Merci ! Merci !
So much is published about vintage manual lenses. Some of those lenses are just as good as the modern ones today. Coatings might be better, but not much else.
If i zone focus on an SLR, will it still look out of focus through the viewfinder?
Yo thisnwas sonusefull. But can i ask you if you found a way to easily dothis with modern full frames that don't have the range numbers on the camera/lens?
It makes me laugh that 'photographers' these days think the only way to have a sharp photo is to focus stack and composite them on a computer!😅
What on earth did we do to get sharp photos before this?
Must have been luck😂
Comment réinventer l'hyper focale, notion connue depuis un siècle de tous les photographes du temps de l'argentique
You are the best!. I saw many videos but was more confused. Now I know what zone focusing is. Thank you very much.
Thank you for watching, I hope it was helpful!
this was very helpful. just got my first adult camera, if thats a term. and this will greatly help me take pictures
Great tutoring! I subbed
Bro this literally all people need to say this like my 12 video tryn understand how to do this thank u !!
It amazes me that people think that manual focus is too much trouble. In some cases it is but if you do landscape, autofocus is completely unnecessary and if you are using medium to wider lens stopped down it's also not really needed and the lenses even have the distances on them.
Oh no one cares about getting the whole shot in focus, that's easy! Why the hell would anyone need instruction on that... We need instruction on how to do it with a shallow DOF!
Great, clear, efficient how-to. Thank you!
Such a great straight forward lesson thanku!!!
You are the first channel to break it down so easily. Thank you!!!
Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful!
I agree… very useful
Aka hyperfocal distance
Love the ending 😂😂😂
Thanks, now I understood the dials on my manual lenses :D
how do I exposure my images on the run using this technique?
The video that best explains this technique. Thanks a lot
Very helpful. You explained that well.
Thanks Mike, for this Video. I am a beginner using the Leica Q2 and wanted to understand if there are any other settings which needs to be changed or turned off while using this technique. I am keeping my ISO and Shutter speed i auto mode but still getting blurred images when shooting moving objects in Zone focus
If you are shooting moving object, you have to set your camera to "shutter speed priority" mode or "manual" mode and set your shutter speed atleast 1/250 or faster.
thx a lot. very useful knowledge !
A good method to check your nearest and most far distance may be quickly measured by throwing your lens wide open and focus in that aperture on closest and/or most far away object, and read the scale of you lens perhaps? Thank you Mike, for good content that will really help many!
Thank you very much for great video.
very helpful video thanks
Basically, everything is in focus is faster than autofocus... but the catch is you sacrifice shutter speed or ISO.
Everything in photography is a “catch”-there are decisions to be made in every area that will affect other areas, be it focal length, depth of field, even where you choose to stand. This technique is to be applied where it can help, not where it can’t-and you get to make that choice.