FASTER than Autofocus: The Easiest Way to Learn Zone Focus

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  • Опубліковано 4 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 345

  • @quantum_ocean
    @quantum_ocean 7 місяців тому +13

    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.

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  7 місяців тому +50

      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.

    • @quantum_ocean
      @quantum_ocean 4 місяці тому

      @@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.

    • @TheManFrayBentos
      @TheManFrayBentos 3 місяці тому +4

      It's actually hyperfocal distance focusing.

    • @billmartin1010
      @billmartin1010 20 днів тому +1

      There's a busybody in every group -- and, like this guy, they're usually off base. I've never heard anyone call it "Range Focusing" . . . well, except this guy.

    • @andresbarriga5305
      @andresbarriga5305 16 днів тому

      UA-cam photographers got it wonrg once, and now the term is everywhere.

  • @AlSnoopsReid
    @AlSnoopsReid 2 місяці тому +10

    I'm 71 and just getting into photography. I bought a used Sony A600 with the kit 16-50mm lens. I have found the lens to be "reasonable" when it comes to distance sharpness when shooting in low light. The lowest f-n is 3.5, so I have bought a Neewer 35mm f1.1 manual lens and it has proved to be a cracking wee lens, especially as I had a very small budget of £150. I found it on Amazon at £143. I was a bit unsure of how to use this manual lens to get the best out of it, so after watching this video, I am feeling much more confident of getting decently well focused shots when shooting in a hurry by using your advice and using Zone focusing. Many thanks.

  • @SergioMusel
    @SergioMusel Рік тому +80

    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.

    • @roiloubia4483
      @roiloubia4483 Рік тому +8

      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).

    • @aktfkfja
      @aktfkfja Рік тому +1

      @@roiloubia4483 Valuable tip...I'll try your placing the symbol at lower position. Thanks.

    • @roiloubia4483
      @roiloubia4483 Рік тому

      @@aktfkfja Very welcome..

    • @MyChiliIceCream
      @MyChiliIceCream Рік тому +5

      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?

    • @brandonlabbe3577
      @brandonlabbe3577 Рік тому +1

      Gotta remember the scale is for acceptable focus for 35mm prints. How big were 35mm prints? 10"?

  • @procare7036
    @procare7036 2 роки тому +60

    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.

  • @ElevatedThreat
    @ElevatedThreat 7 місяців тому +10

    Finally...FINALLY...Someone explains in simple terms, how to use these type lenses. (For us, less than seasoned, photographers.). Thank you!

  • @yendor2043
    @yendor2043 Рік тому +13

    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.

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      Thank you very much, I appreciate you watching!

  • @matianqi1800
    @matianqi1800 Рік тому +21

    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.

  • @madonna816
    @madonna816 Місяць тому

    Haven’t shot with this type of lens in a couple of decades. Thank you for the perfect refresher!

  • @ceritat
    @ceritat 7 місяців тому +3

    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!

  • @Pysees868
    @Pysees868 3 роки тому +43

    I've watched a few videos on zone focusing, yours was the easiest to understand. Huge thank you!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  3 роки тому +3

      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!

  • @Red-xz1gk
    @Red-xz1gk Рік тому +5

    The best zone focus explanation and tutorial out there! Super great job!

  • @KoLay-xg7zf
    @KoLay-xg7zf 2 місяці тому

    Clear , simple, and straightforward tutorial, what else we need, man.
    And your boy looks so happy to give you a helping hands.

  • @davidsbrompton-1947
    @davidsbrompton-1947 2 місяці тому +1

    OH … Finally, clear well paced information that even I understood. You are a hero and I will be out tomorrow ‘zone focusing’

  • @32ndFoto
    @32ndFoto Рік тому +5

    Yooooou broke that down to it's lowest point. Now i totally understand the zone focusing. Much appreciated Mike!!🙏

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      Thank you for watching, have fun with the technique!

  • @deludedmarxist
    @deludedmarxist Рік тому +1

    This has really opened up a world for me to play with! I only just got a manual focus Pentax and I'm so excited to give this a go on the street, so thank you so much for this!

  • @mphuong002
    @mphuong002 10 місяців тому

    I was looking for how to use the distance scale on film cameras (I've just got a Rollei) and I'm glad I clicked here first! Now I understand it and no longer need to look at other videos lol. Tysm!

  • @EranFuld
    @EranFuld 2 місяці тому

    Great tutorial. Simplified and illustrated in a great way. Great job. I’m seriously considering the TTArtisan 25mm f2.0 manual focus for my a6400.

  • @johnbald9639
    @johnbald9639 8 місяців тому +1

    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.

  • @4thdinner
    @4thdinner 2 роки тому +4

    You are the first channel to break it down so easily. Thank you!!!

  • @sbl2051
    @sbl2051 2 дні тому

    Excellent presentation. Excellent tutorial!

  • @myblueandme
    @myblueandme 2 роки тому +3

    You are the best!. I saw many videos but was more confused. Now I know what zone focusing is. Thank you very much.

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you for watching, I hope it was helpful!

  • @peterradford4660
    @peterradford4660 5 місяців тому

    Best explanation ever thanks, no complicated explanation just straight to the point.

  • @agustinm6109
    @agustinm6109 Рік тому

    Thank you, I just got a manual lens and was looking on how to improve my manual focusing. This is great

  • @pete360
    @pete360 7 місяців тому

    Watched quite a few videos explaining zone-focusing techniques - this is the best. Thanks

  • @R2r_1337
    @R2r_1337 4 дні тому

    Best explanation ever 🎉

  • @alextoledo4241
    @alextoledo4241 Рік тому

    wooow. I never knew what those numbers were for! Now I've learned!!! Thanks

  • @cosmiq1000
    @cosmiq1000 4 місяці тому

    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.

  • @salvadorcamps887
    @salvadorcamps887 9 місяців тому

    Thanks very much for your super clear explanation…it’s not common to find such cristal clarity in this subject….thanks a lot !

  • @rolandrickphotography
    @rolandrickphotography Рік тому

    👂 - I stumbled accidentally over your video and even being very familiar with that technique I watched it just for fun. Man, I suggest to start a career as professional audio book reader, audio dubbing etc., you have the most clear and understandable voice I ever listened to. I’m non native English speaker and this was the first video ever, no, better, the first English spoken text ever I was listening to, I could clearly understand each word without repeating some sequences or activating the cc’s. Listening to you was like a revelation. A totally new experience.

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

  • @pparkhu2768
    @pparkhu2768 4 місяці тому

    THANK YOU SO MUCH!. This was explained and pointed out in a simple-straightforward way!! Thank you. Completely understand it now!!!

  • @astirink7617
    @astirink7617 Рік тому +1

    Best video I’ve seen on this subject - thank you 🙏

  • @horseman621
    @horseman621 Рік тому

    The best video on the topic. I saw 15 videos and no one was able to explain how to read the indicators on the lens in this easy to understand way !!! Thanks, great content !!!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      Thank you so much for watching, have fun practicing the technique!

  • @mwppak
    @mwppak 3 місяці тому

    Thats really understandable. Good job for others! Thank you!

  • @orrac1e
    @orrac1e 7 місяців тому

    Thank you for this! As other have mentioned I was pretty lost till your easy explanation. But really your little assistant steals the show 😊

  • @c10swoosh92
    @c10swoosh92 Рік тому

    You succeeded in your goal of trying to help me thank you

  • @user-kv2zo9ws7z
    @user-kv2zo9ws7z 5 місяців тому

    Great video. Explains the concept in simple terms. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

  • @wk278
    @wk278 11 місяців тому

    Thanks so much for explaining this. I’m just getting into manual focus lenses and this helps a lot!

  • @VictorHPerez
    @VictorHPerez 9 місяців тому

    The video that best explains this technique. Thanks a lot

  • @grantedwards3024
    @grantedwards3024 Рік тому

    I enjoyed, you simplified zone shooting clearly and typically without rambling off about obscure useless unrelated topics. Thank you! As I'm really not interested in the colour of your car or what you had for breakfast yesterday as many post have extended stories to the topic at hand.

  • @tiagu_g
    @tiagu_g 7 місяців тому

    wow amazing video thank you! struggling with manual lens this explained everything perfectly!

  • @f1remandg
    @f1remandg 7 місяців тому

    Very well explained and presented, grasping this is easier than i have seen before.

  • @StuBlair
    @StuBlair 10 місяців тому

    Explained with beautiful simplicity- thank you for making this video ❤

  • @jordansmith4353
    @jordansmith4353 2 роки тому +1

    This was by far the video that clicked the most. Thank you!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

  • @peterjohnporrata4866
    @peterjohnporrata4866 Рік тому +1

    Very well explained, enjoyed it. Thank you so much. I am just starting in medium format photography and have a manual focus 90mm lens.

  • @AbenteuerSchottland
    @AbenteuerSchottland 2 місяці тому

    Best explanation of this topic ever. Thank you! 🙂

  • @Indydi
    @Indydi Рік тому

    This is so helpful. I'm about to buy a manual focus lens, and had no clue.

  • @patjack4374
    @patjack4374 7 місяців тому

    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 !

  • @worldadventuretravel
    @worldadventuretravel 9 місяців тому

    This was the most easily-understandable tutorial on this topic, thank you!

  • @trials6
    @trials6 2 роки тому

    By far the best tutorial explaining zone focusing

  • @adamd3145
    @adamd3145 6 місяців тому

    Very helpful. You explained that well.

  • @mattmathai
    @mattmathai 9 місяців тому

    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

  • @1972myc
    @1972myc Рік тому

    By far the best, and easiest to follow, video on film focusing I have scenes on UA-cam! Thank you!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому +1

      thank you! let me know how it works for you after you try it!

  • @eyeperture
    @eyeperture Рік тому +2

    That exactly the way I do my street photography. With the knowledge of Zone System, you never miss the fleeting moments on the street.

    • @MrPhotographerDude
      @MrPhotographerDude Рік тому

      The zone system is for exposure and the term was coined by Ansel Adams

    • @roiloubia4483
      @roiloubia4483 Рік тому

      ​@@MrPhotographerDudesorry, but zone focusing has nothing to do with the zone system developed by Ansel Adam's and Fred Archer to determine the optimum exposure AND development . Zone focusing is more about Depth of Field (DOF).

    • @MrPhotographerDude
      @MrPhotographerDude Рік тому

      @@roiloubia4483 Yes I know that’s what I just said

    • @roiloubia4483
      @roiloubia4483 Рік тому

      Sorry, but applying zone focusing in street photography has nothing to do with the zone system that a technique that has been developed by Ansel Adam's and Fred Archer to determine exposure and development. Zone focusing has more to do with quickly controlling depth of field..using the hyperfocal distance and its derivative..as shown brilliantly in this video.

    • @MrPhotographerDude
      @MrPhotographerDude Рік тому

      @@roiloubia4483 Zone focussing used to be called Range focussing and only if it was within a range that did not include infinity. Once infinity is being utilized on the distance scale it is Hyper-focal distance. The zone system is what I said and what you said it is, which is a tonal range. I was responding to @eyeperture and the misuse of the term “Zone System”

  • @w00tw00tish
    @w00tw00tish Рік тому

    by far the the best video I've found to explain zone focussing to me - thank you!! it all makes sense now!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому +1

      Thank you--I appreciate you watching and I hope it is helpful!

  • @mio-td3ld
    @mio-td3ld Рік тому

    wow, first video i've seen about this and it blew my mind. thank you!

  • @CassidyHansen
    @CassidyHansen Рік тому

    I honestly didn't know exactly how those numbers worked. Thank you!

  • @stuartshook3614
    @stuartshook3614 7 місяців тому

    Excellent vidéo! Finally, a simple and easy to understand explanation. Thank you!

  • @stephanmorgan3341
    @stephanmorgan3341 3 місяці тому

    Explained perfectly!

  • @miraclesetiawan2901
    @miraclesetiawan2901 Рік тому +1

    Simple and on point explanation. Now i know how to read and use those signs on my lens. Thank you so much!

  • @danthegeetarman
    @danthegeetarman Місяць тому

    Amazing explanation!!

  • @8lec_R
    @8lec_R Рік тому

    Very interesting. I never knew what those markings meant on my lens, now I do thx

  • @paulschmit4480
    @paulschmit4480 Рік тому +1

    Extremely well done and helpful. You obviously hav the ability to get straight to the point!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      I really appreciate the kind words, thank you for watching!

  • @andyyo2506
    @andyyo2506 Рік тому

    Amazing thank you sir , I've always wondered , now I know.

  • @kimevans2286
    @kimevans2286 Рік тому

    Prob the best explaination I have seen for applying zone focusing.😀

  • @ADHDIYuk
    @ADHDIYuk Рік тому +1

    Thank you for making this so easy to understand. It's going to help immensely.

  • @highwayman1224
    @highwayman1224 Рік тому +1

    Fantastic video, thanks for doing this!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому +1

      I appreciate you watching! I hope it helps!

  • @AQANVISUALS
    @AQANVISUALS 6 місяців тому

    Bro this literally all people need to say this like my 12 video tryn understand how to do this thank u !!

  • @michielbuse4386
    @michielbuse4386 Рік тому +2

    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!

  • @echo_waves9439
    @echo_waves9439 10 місяців тому

    Brilliant video, very easy to understand and I struggle with numbers. Great job

  • @MaxxHDROM
    @MaxxHDROM 10 місяців тому

    this was very helpful. just got my first adult camera, if thats a term. and this will greatly help me take pictures

  • @AndrewPiper-c2u
    @AndrewPiper-c2u 8 місяців тому

    Very easy to understand. Thank you for sharing with us newbies!

  • @PhantomTD
    @PhantomTD Рік тому

    Thanks, now I understood the dials on my manual lenses :D

  • @nagendrarao631
    @nagendrarao631 Рік тому

    golden video thank you

  • @el0blaino
    @el0blaino 7 місяців тому

    Great, clear, efficient how-to. Thank you!

  • @วัชรจาตุประยูร

    manythanks now i ready to buy manual lens such the Voigtlander Ultron 27 mm f/2 for my fuji xt5

  • @Amarrebhai
    @Amarrebhai Рік тому

    Super helpful, been shooting manual lenses for a few months but had no idea about this.
    Thanks .

  • @satishkarotia1378
    @satishkarotia1378 6 місяців тому +1

    Lovely video can you please make more videos on manual focus full tutorial it will be very helpful for beginners ❤

  • @grainfrizz
    @grainfrizz 8 місяців тому

    Eto lang yung video na nakaexplain sakin ng zone focusing. Lahat ng iba ang hirap intindihin.

  • @miguelalgarra3285
    @miguelalgarra3285 11 місяців тому

    Really nice and easy to understand video.

  • @naturegood515
    @naturegood515 7 місяців тому

    Really spot on explanation. Blessings! 😅

  • @banamai
    @banamai 8 місяців тому

    Great tutorial! Clear and concise.

  • @Cjproductions903
    @Cjproductions903 Рік тому

    Simplest and best yet. This helped so much

  • @AlexanderSogliero
    @AlexanderSogliero 2 роки тому +2

    Best explanation of this I’ve come across yet. Well spoken and well done 👏

  • @cruxboi
    @cruxboi 5 місяців тому

    This was helpful! Thanks!

  • @TheSololobo
    @TheSololobo 3 роки тому +1

    Best video on the subject by far

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  3 роки тому

      I really appreciate that! I wanted to make it as simple and clear as I possibly could!

  • @supplementalvisions
    @supplementalvisions 10 місяців тому

    Thanks for this simple explanation! I was kinda confused about this before watching your video.

  • @icehouseimages8687
    @icehouseimages8687 2 роки тому +1

    The best explanation I’ve ever seen. Great job

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  2 роки тому

      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

  • @Warrenkee
    @Warrenkee 9 місяців тому

    Best way I’ve seen it explained well done 👍

  • @siniasta99
    @siniasta99 3 місяці тому

    Thank you so much

  • @dimitris.tsakalas
    @dimitris.tsakalas Рік тому

    Holy smokes! SUPER HELPFUL! Thanks man!

  • @richardbarakett4163
    @richardbarakett4163 Рік тому

    Definitely the easiest course i've seen . clear and simple ! Thank you Mike

  • @2sambell
    @2sambell Рік тому

    Great video on zone focusing!! Thank you for sharing.

  • @dannycoll7259
    @dannycoll7259 4 місяці тому

    Excellent, cheers pal

  • @margonz4871
    @margonz4871 7 місяців тому

    Perfect and to the point. Many thanks.

  • @thevintographer9407
    @thevintographer9407 3 роки тому +1

    By far the easiest explanation. Great Video man

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  3 роки тому

      Thanks, that means a lot. I put a lot of work into making this as simple as possible!

  • @pierreandre5678
    @pierreandre5678 2 роки тому

    Your video may have changed my photography forever! Thank you so much.

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  2 роки тому

      Thanks for watching, I hope it helps. It's easily one of the most useful techniques that I use.

  • @donsoley746
    @donsoley746 Рік тому

    Wonderful. I was thinking of spending a lot of cash on the latest Sony. I could but I don’t want to..great video!

  • @gregpantelides1355
    @gregpantelides1355 Рік тому

    Thank you so much! This is a great tutorial!

    • @themikepadua
      @themikepadua  Рік тому

      Thank you, I'm really glad it was helpful--very liberating way to shoot, and I use it a lot, every single day!

  • @derbyshirewalker
    @derbyshirewalker Місяць тому

    Nice video. Thank you

  • @athtut1
    @athtut1 Рік тому

    Thank you very much for great video.