Manual mode? really? how ...

ok I have a Rebel XS with my 18-55mm IS lens on it.

I set the button to MF put my button on M and try to focus. I can get an ok shot but it is still blurry. When i use the auto focus to get it focused then switch back to manual and set my settings it works out way better ... is that how you are suppose to do it? Or can you actually somehow manually focus these things?

Examples ...

Manual focused by me...

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Why are you wanting to focus manually? There are plenty of autofocus options to keep you happy.

First problem is that you are using an xs, or any rebel for that matter. They have a very small and somewhat dark viewfinder so manual focus is difficult. The second problem is that neither of your lenses is particularly good for manual focus either. The kit lens has a small max aperture making it a bit dark to view through. The nifty fifty might as well not have a focus ring on it as its nearly useless.

I guess I would also ask why you want to focus manually? Your camera can probably focus better than you, especially if you learn how to use the focus points and modes properly

basically working on manual focus for my night shots ill be taking soon.

copenhagen69 wrote in post #10709721
basically working on manual focus for my night shots ill be taking soon.

what are you shooting at night? Some people use a flashlight to achieve focus, then turn it off before they take the shot. If you are doing landscapes or stuff like that just make sure you focus all the way out to infinity.

From the words you used, I think you may be getting confused between focussing manually and setting your exposure manually. They are completely separate actions.

As others have said, it may be better for you to let the camera do the focussing for you. With my eyesight, I have to rely on the camera 100% for that task.

Now, if you want to learn about setting your exposure manually, then so much the better. Many of we old foggies think it's a good place start.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10709738
what are you shooting at night? Some people use a flashlight to achieve focus, then turn it off before they take the shot. If you are doing landscapes or stuff like that just make sure you focus all the way out to infinity.

Ill be taking landscapes and buildings that are lit up at night as well as sunsets with them on the buildings.

DunnoWhen wrote in post #10709747
From the words you used, I think you may be getting confused between focussing manually and setting your exposure manually. They are completely separate actions.

As others have said, it may be better for you to let the camera do the focussing for you. With my eyesight, I have to rely on the camera 100% for that task.

Now, if you want to learn about setting your exposure manually, then so much the better. Many of we old foggies think it's a good place start.

I am pretty sure I mean focus. Like the first picture it is blurry and not crisp. The 2nd picture is crisp and not blurry.

I know the picture was bright and the exposure was off but I was not worried about that. I can fix that with a change of a setting or 2.

That is the focus right? or are my terms still messed up?

If the buildings are lit at night then you should be able to use auto focus just fine. But if you are required to focus manually its a lot easier to focus on a distant building than some random scene in your kitchen.

Both those pictures were taken at 1/4 second shutter speed. Were they taken on a tripod? If not, my guess is you may not have a "focus" problem here at all, you may be dealing with a camera shake problem, and just got lucky on the second one.

Dave

gonzogolf wrote in post #10709949
If the buildings are lit at night then you should be able to use auto focus just fine. But if you are required to focus manually its a lot easier to focus on a distant building than some random scene in your kitchen.

Hmmm ... ok I will try it out and see what it does ..

tracknut wrote in post #10710026
Both those pictures were taken at 1/4 second shutter speed. Were they taken on a tripod? If not, my guess is you may not have a "focus" problem here at all, you may be dealing with a camera shake problem, and just got lucky on the second one.

Dave

the camera was on books so no shaking

copenhagen69 wrote in post #10710036
the camera was on books so no shaking

Did you touch the shutter to take the shot or did you use the timer or a remote?

Did you use an IS lens that doesn't automatically turn itself off when its stable, like on a tripod?

mike_d wrote in post #10710205
Did you touch the shutter to take the shot or did you use the timer or a remote?

Did you use an IS lens that doesn't automatically turn itself off when its stable, like on a tripod?

timer and yes I kept the IS on

Turn the front ring while the switch on the lens is set to manual to focus manually. Be forewarned however that some of the new lenses are a bit loose and will shift back out of focus rather easily if bumped or if the camera is moved, so you'll want to set up on a tripod set your composition and then very carefully adjust your focus. I have a Rebel and they can be focused manually just just fine, the thing to remember with small viewfinders is to get your face up to the rubber cup as tightly as to block extraneous light. As you will be shooting at night this MAY not be as much of a problem for you. Good luck, and have fun.
You were just asking HOW to focus manually right ?

yep how to ... I have been struggling getting that super crisp photo like it seems the auto can do.

I just hear everyone say manual all the way. you get better pics that way blah blah and so on..

copenhagen69 wrote in post #10710257
timer and yes I kept the IS on

I'm not sure if your lens has an automatic tripod mode so turn the IS off and test again.