Focusing Techniques

Zone focusing (fast, no AF)

Pre-set focus to a distance range instead of chasing a subject — ideal for street and documentary work.

1. Choose a small aperture (f/8 or f/11) for a deep zone.
2. Switch to manual focus.
3. Set the focus distance to your expected range (street: ~2–5 m).
4. Test and adjust until subjects in that band are acceptably sharp.

Foolproof focusing formula (storytelling / deep DOF)

Turn AF off. On a wide lens (~28mm FF / 17–18mm APS-C), set f/22 and focus on something ~1.5 m away, then meter and shoot. For a 12–16mm wide, focus at ~0.9 m. With a telephoto: compose, set f/22 (or f/32), and focus one-third into the scene.

Back-button AF (a6300/a6400)

Separate focus from the shutter: set AF w/ shutter → Off, then assign AF-On to the rear AF/MF button (Custom Key). The rear button now drives focus; the shutter only fires.

Eye AF

Assign Eye AF to the AEL button so your thumb can jump between back-button AF and Eye AF on the fly. On the a6300 Eye AF works in continuous AF but must be pressed after a face is detected; newer bodies make it more automatic.

AF area — devote it to the subject

Shrink the AF area so it sits on the true subject, not the surroundings. Expand Flexible Spot + Lock-on AF is precise yet forgiving; sometimes the Wide area and letting the camera decide works surprisingly well. Register a face (MENU → Face Registration) to prioritise a specific person.

Nailing focus in live view

Use Focus Magnifier (assign to C1/C2) and Peaking for manual focus — essential for macro and any critical work.

Consolidated from notes: Zone focusing; FOOLPROOF FOCUSING FORMULA; Using Eye AF; To enable Back Button AF; reduce the size of the AF area; MENU Face Registration; Focus in live view; Focus issues