A layman’s guide to focus points

What focus points and why are they important? If you’re new to photography you might understandably have a few questions about some of the technology and techniques.

In our latest layman’s guide we answer some of the most common questions photographers have about using focus points.

What are focus points?
Focus or AF points are areas around the frame that are able to lock onto the subject you are shooting. When you look through the viewfinder, you’ll see them as a sequence of dots within a small square; they are arranged in a fixed pattern.

SEE MORE: Master your camera’s autofocus – which AF points to use, and when to use them

Do all cameras have the same number of AF points?
AF point numbers vary from camera to camera. However, in recent years the number of AF points in new cameras has increased, making it easier to find one you can use when you want to focus on an off-centre subject.

How accurate is AF?
Modern AF systems are incredibly accurate and fast, enabling your camera to lock onto fast-moving subjects easily, although of course they aren’t always 100% accurate.

If you shoot in Auto, the camera will operate with all its AF points active and lock onto the closest object within the frame with good contrast.

This area may not be the point you want as your main area of focus, which is why it is better to use either a semi-auto or full Manual mode so you can select the AF point yourself.

So does having more AF points benefit the photographer?
The more AF points your camera has, the easier it can be to find focus on an off-centre area of the frame; but if you don’t use the system correctly, a larger number of AF points mean more chances of getting it wrong!

On cameras that have a large number of AF points, you can also choose to have different groups of AF points active, or simply select one active point.

SEE MORE: Your autofocus point options – what subjects should each be used with

How do I select and move an AF point?
This varies from camera to camera. Normally you will need to touch a button on the back of your camera to activate the AF points, then turn a command wheel, move a toggle or press a D-pad button to move the AF point around the frame.

What AF mode should I use?
Choose One Shot (Canon) or Single Shot (Nikon) when your subject is static. This will mean the AF points locks focus and keeps it focused until you take the shot.

If you are shooting a moving subject, AI Servo (Canon) or Continuous (Nikon) will refocus constantly on the moving subject while you keep the shutter button half-depressed.

Read more tutorials on how to focus