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Fixing Focusing Problems With a DSLR

Understand all of your options for focusing on a scene

By Kyle Schurman Kyle Schurman Freelance Contributor University of Nebraska-Lincoln Kyle Schurman is a writer who specializes in digital cameras. His writing has appeared in Steve's Darkroom, Gadget Review, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 16, 2020 Tweet Share Email Thinkstock / Getty Images Tweet Share Email Travel Tech Digital Cameras & Photography Tips for Mobile Photography When making the switch from point and shoot cameras to DSLRs, it's important to learn how to achieve a sharp focus. You have a few more options for setting the focus point with the more advanced camera. You also have the option of focusing automatically or manually. These seven tips can help you use the DSLR's various features to achieve sharp focus and the proper focal point.

Don' t Get Too Close to the Subject

Suriyo Hmun Kaew / EyeEm/Getty Images Standing too close to a subject is one of the most common reasons a DSLR’s autofocus fails. Doing this makes it difficult for the autofocus to achieve a sharp result unless you’re using a macro lens. With a typical DSLR lens, you have to move farther back from the subject or you could end up with a blurred image.

Avoid Direct Light That Causes Glare

Martin Novak/Getty Images Strong reflections can cause a DSLR’s autofocus to fail or to misread the subject. Wait for the reflection to diminish or change positions so the reflection is less prominent. Or make use of an umbrella or diffuser to diminish the harshness of the light that’s striking the subject.

Low Light Makes for Tough Focusing Conditions

Fernando Fernández Baliña/Getty Images You may have autofocus problems when shooting in low light. Try holding down the shutter button halfway for a few seconds before taking your photo. This allows the DSLR to pre-focus on the subject when shooting in low light.

Contrasted Patterns Can Fool Autofocus Systems

chantal/Getty Images If you’re shooting a photo where the subject is wearing clothing with a highly contrasted pattern, such as light and dark stripes, the camera may struggle to properly autofocus. Again, you can try pre-focusing on the subject to fix this problem.

Try Using Spot Focus

Tim Höher / EyeEm/Getty Images It's also difficult to use the DSLR's autofocus when you’re shooting a subject in the background with several objects in the foreground. The camera often tries to autofocus on the foreground objects. To remedy this, use spot focus. Hold down the shutter button halfway and pre-focus on an object that’s almost the same distance from you and the subject, but that’s away from the foreground objects. Keep holding down the shutter button and change the framing of the photo so it now has the subject in the position you want. Then take the photo, and the subject should be in focus.

Consider Switching to Manual Focus

Jun Yong / EyeEm/Getty Images As you can see, there are times where the DSLR camera’s autofocus just doesn’t work quite right. When this occurs, try using manual focus. To use manual focus with your DSLR and an interchangeable lens, you probably need to flip a toggle switch on the lens (or possibly the camera) from AF (autofocus) to MF (manual focus). Once the camera is set for manual focus, just turn the focus ring on the lens. As you turn the ring, you should see the subject’s focus change on the camera’s LCD screen or through the viewfinder. Turn the ring back and forth until the focus is as sharp as you want it.

Magnify the Scene for Easier Focusing

Creative Crop/Digital Vision/Getty Images. With some DSLR cameras, you have the option to magnify the image on the LCD screen when using manual focus, making it easier to achieve the sharpest image. Check your camera’s user guide to see whether this option is available or look through the camera’s menus to find the command. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire DSLR Autofocus vs. Manual Focus What to Look for When Buying Used Camera Lenses Tips for DSLR Close-Up Photography What Is AF-Lock? (Also FE, AF, AE Lock) Functions of DSLR Camera Buttons What Is a DSLR Camera? How to Photograph Running Water With a DSLR How to Use the Motorola Camera App The 8 Best Lenses for DSLR Cameras of 2022 How to Use Google Pixel Night Sight Tips for Shooting Water Reflection Photos Mirrorless Cameras vs. DSLR Cameras What Is Burst Mode and How to Use It Understanding Autofocus Points How to Have Success With Crowd Photography The 6 Best Canon Cameras of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies