Focus places the sharpest detail at a chosen distance. Autofocus needs enough contrast and a suitable target. If the camera chooses a branch or background instead of the subject, the photograph can look soft even when the lens focused correctly.
Tell the camera what matters
For a still subject, try a small focus area and single autofocus. For movement, continuous autofocus can update the focus distance while you track. Names and behaviour vary by camera. Eye detection can help when available, but check which eye or subject was selected.
Try it
Arrange three objects at different distances. Place the focus point on each one in turn and review the results at the same magnification. Keep aperture and camera position unchanged so you can see where focus moved.
By Joseph Hubbard, photographer and artist at Hubbard.ART.
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