Skip to main content
TechRadar TechRadar the technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Phones
    • Popular Phone Brands
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
    • Operating Systems
      • Android
      • iOS
    • More from Phones
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
    • PCs
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
    • Popular Computing Brands
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
    • More from Computing
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • TV Insights
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
    • More for your TV
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
    • Watch Brands
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
    • Wellbeing
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
    • More from Fitness
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
    • More from Audio
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • Camera Types
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
    • Camera Brands
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
    • More from Cameras
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
    • Home Brands
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
    • More from Home
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • By Type
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
    • Popular Brands
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
  • Phones
    • View Phones
      • iPhone
      • Samsung Galaxy
      • Google Pixel
      • Nothing
      • Motorola
      • OnePlus
      • Xiaomi
      • Honor
      • Oppo
      • Huawei
      • Android
      • iOS
      • Network Carriers
      • Phone Accessories
      • Phone Reviews
      • Phone Buying Guides
      • Phone Deals
      • Phone Coupons
      • Phone News
  • Computing
    • View Computing
    • Laptops
      • View Laptops
      • Chromebooks
      • MacBooks
      • Windows Laptops
      • Gaming Laptops
      • Desktop PCs
      • Macs
      • Gaming PCs
    • Software
      • View Software
      • Windows
      • macOS
    • Components
      • View Components
      • CPUs
      • GPUs
      • Storage
      • Nvidia
      • Intel
    • Internet
      • View Internet
      • Websites & Apps
      • Wi-Fi & Broadband
      • Social Media
      • Wordle
    • Security
      • View Security
      • Antivirus
      • Cyber Security
    • Tablets
      • View Tablets
      • eReaders
      • iPad
    • VR & AR
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Monitors
      • Keyboards
      • Webcams
      • Mice
      • Dell
      • HP
      • Lenovo
      • Acer
      • Computing Reviews
      • Computing Buying Guides
      • Computing Deals
      • Computing Coupons
      • Computing News
  • AI
    • View AI
    • AI Platforms & Assistants
    • OpenAI
    • ChatGPT
    • Gemini
    • Apple Intelligence
    • Claude
  • TVs
    • View TVs
      • TV Reviews
      • TV Buying Guides
      • TV Deals
      • TV News
      • Home Theatre
      • Soundbars
      • Streaming Devices
      • Projectors
      • Blu-ray
  • Streaming
    • View Streaming
    • Entertainment
    • Netflix
    • Prime Video
    • Disney+
    • Apple TV+
    • HBO Max
    • Hulu
    • Paramount+
    • How to Watch
  • Fitness
    • View Fitness
      • Smartwatches
      • Fitness Trackers
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Fitness Headphones
      • Fitness Apps
      • Smart Rings
      • Apple Watch
      • Fitbit
      • Garmin
      • Google Pixel Watch
      • Samsung Galaxy Watch
      • Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Fitness News
      • Fitness Reviews
      • Fitness Buying Guides
      • Fitness Deals
  • Audio
    • View Audio
    • Headphones
      • View Headphones
      • Earbuds & AirPods
      • Wireless Headphones
    • Speakers
      • View Speakers
      • Wireless Speakers
      • Sonos
    • Hi-Fi
      • View Hi-Fi
      • Turntables
      • Portable Players
      • DACs
    • Audio Streaming
      • View Audio Streaming
      • Spotify
      • Apple Music
      • Audio News
      • Audio Reviews
      • Audio Buying Guides
      • Audio Deals
  • VPN
    • View VPN
    • VPN Services
    • VPN Security
    • ExpressVPN
    • NordVPN
  • Cameras
    • View Cameras
      • Mirrorless
      • DSLRs
      • Compact
      • Action
      • Video
      • Drones
      • 360 Cameras
      • Dash Cams
      • Canon
      • DJI
      • Fujifilm
      • Nikon
      • GoPro
      • Insta360
      • Camera Accessories
      • Camera Lenses
      • Camera Reviews
      • Camera Buying Guides
      • Camera Deals
      • Camera News
      • Photography
  • Home
    • View Home
    • Smart Home
      • View Smart Home
      • Home Security
      • Smart Speakers
      • Smart Lights
      • Smart Scales
      • Smart Thermostats
      • Amazon Echo
    • Small Appliances
      • View Small Appliances
      • Air Fryers
      • Air Quality
      • Coffee Machines
      • Hair Care
      • Vacuums
      • Robot Vacuums
      • Dyson
      • Philips Hue
      • Ring
      • Shark
      • Ninja
      • Home Reviews
      • Home Buying Guides
      • Home Deals
      • Home News
  • EVs
  • Browse
    • View Browse
      • News
      • Best
      • Reviews
      • Deals
      • Versus
      • How To
      • Opinion
      • Coupons
      • Samsung
      • Sony
      • Microsoft
      • Apple
Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Windows 10 end of life
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max review
  • Best laptop
  • iPhone 17 review
  • Best VPN
  • ChatGPT
  • Best web hosting
  • NYT Wordle today
Don't miss these
Sony A1 II mirrorless camera with FE 28-70mm F2 lens, outdoors on a tripod with autumn leaves background
Cameras The best Sony cameras in 2025 ranked according to in-depth testing
Canon EOS R5 II mirrorless camera
Cameras The best Canon camera for 2025
Nikon Z6 III camera in the hand with no lens attached and full-frame sensor on display
Mirrorless Cameras The best mirrorless camera for 2025
Brinno TLC Timelapse Camera
Cameras The best timelapse cameras 2025, based on in-depth testing
DJI Mini 4K beginner drone in flight with soft focus tree foliage in the background
Drones The best beginner drones for 2025
Fujifilm X-E5 camera
Mirrorless Cameras Fujifilm X-E5 review: a pricer, classier leap forward for the rangefinder series
Nikon D850
DSLRs The best DSLR camera for 2025 following in-depth testing
Epson ET-18100 during our review process
Pro Best photo printer of 2025
Insta360 X5 action camera
360 Cameras Best 360 camera 2025
Split image of three home security cameras
Home Security The best home security cameras 2025: indoor, outdoor, and subscription-free cams
The Canon EOS R10 camera sitting on a wooden bench
Cameras The best camera for beginners 2025, all rigorously tested
Nikon Z6 III camera in the hand, front on
Cameras The best camera for photography 2025
Panasonic Lumix S5 II camera on a table with view of the front
Video Cameras The best video cameras for 2025, based on in-depth testing
The DJI Mini 4K drone in flight with tree backdrop, alongside DJI Mavic 4 Pro in flight with blue sky backdrop
Drones The best drone 2025 based on in-depth testing
GoPro Hero 13 Black in the hand
Action Cameras The best action camera you can buy in 2025, based on in-depth testing
  1. Cameras
  2. Photography

10 surefire ways to get your sharpest-ever photos

How Tos
By Phil Hall published 6 April 2018

Master focusing with your camera

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

10 best focusing techniques

10 best focusing techniques

One of the first rules of photography is that the subject should be pin-sharp. Most modern digital cameras offer a number of ways of achieving sharp photos, and in this post we're going to look at the most important digital camera focus techniques and the best settings to use. We'll look at how to select the AF point and which focus mode to use.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
Tip 1. Manual focus

Tip 1. Manual focus

Although nearly all modern digital cameras can focus the lens automatically (the Leica M9, Leica M9-P and Leica Monochrom being notable exceptions) they also allow you to focus manually instead.

Manual focus is a particularly good option with macro photography because many cameras struggle to lock onto very close subjects and the lens ends up hunting (moving in and out of focus) every time the shutter release button is depressed.

It's far less frustrating to switch the camera (or the lens) to manual focus and do the job yourself.

What's more, Live View technology makes manual focusing very easy because it is usually possible to enlarge the image on the screen so that you can see the precise spot that you are interested in, and then adjust the focus until it is perfectly sharp.

  • Learn more: Discover how to master manual focus
Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
Tip 2. Single shot autofocus

Tip 2. Single shot autofocus

Often abbreviated to single autofocus or single AF, this camera focus option sets your camera to focus when the shutter release is depressed half-way and to keep the lens focused on the selected subject until the shot is taken and the button is released.

If you need to refocus you have to lift your finger off the shutter button and then depress it a second time.

Single focus mode is useful for static subjects such as still life and landscapes.

  • Learn more: The 10 laws of landscape photography
Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
Tip 3. Continuous autofocus

Tip 3. Continuous autofocus

When this camera focus option is selected the camera will continue to focus the lens as long as the shutter release button is half-pressed, or the AF button is pressed.

This makes it a very good option when photographing moving subjects because the camera will continuously adjust the focus distance as the subject moves round the frame.

Advanced cameras such as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Nikon D500 have options that enable you to specify which AF points the camera will use to track the subject as it moves about in the frame.

Some even allow you to specify how quickly the camera should respond to changes in subject distance to avoid the subject going out of focus when a stadium pillar, for example, momentarily blocks the view.

When using continuous AF it's usually best to set the starting AF point manually so the camera knows what the target is before it starts to track it.

If you like shooting sport or fast action then make sure you check out your camera's continuous AF options.

  • Learn more: 9 tips for taking sports photos like a pro
Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
Tip 4. Automatic focus point selection

Tip 4. Automatic focus point selection

When you are focusing automatically you need to have the active AF point over the subject in the viewfinder to get it sharp.

Broadly speaking, there are two ways of selecting the AF point using this camera focus technique.

The easiest is to let your camera decide for you and use the automatic AF selection point option.

In many situations the camera will do a decent job and this is a useful option when you don't have much time to get the shot.

However, your camera will usually try to focus on the closest object near the centre of the frame and it's not usually very good at pin-pointing smaller subjects or fine details. For this reason it's often better to set the AF point yourself as we did with the shot above.

  • Learn more: 14 portrait photography tips you'll never want to forget
Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
Tip 5. Manual AF point selection

Tip 5. Manual AF point selection

Setting the AF point yourself gives you the maximum level of control over where your camera focuses, and it's a good option for landscape, still life and portrait photography when you have time to operate the necessary camera controls.

Setting this camera focus option is usually done by pressing the AF point selection button and then using the navigation controls to select the AF point you want while you look through the viewfinder. If you've got a touchscreen, you can simply tap the area where you want to focus.

Once you reach the AF point that is over your subject, you're ready to focus and take the picture.

In some cases you may be able to set the navigation controls to select the AF point directly without the need to press a button beforehand, but this can be at the expense of their usual shortcut functions.

  • Learn more: 7 exercises that will make you a better photographer
Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
Tip 6. Face Detection AF

Tip 6. Face Detection AF

This popular camera focus option is a form of automatic AF point selection found on most compact and compact system cameras - and even some DSLRs in Live View mode (when the image is composed on screen).

It works by recognising face shapes in the scene and then prioritising the focus towards them.

Refinements on this camera focus system include Smile Shutter, which triggers the shutter to fire when the camera detects that the subject is smiling (it doesn't work with every smile, but it can be very effective), while more advanced systems can focus on a specific eye for really precise focusing. 

Some cameras can also be set to recognize particular faces in a crowd and focus on them. This is a very useful option for photographing your children at parties or events when they are surrounded by other kids.

When Face Detection AF is activated you'll notice boxes appearing around peoples' faces on the camera's LCD to show that they have been recognized. Half-pressing the shutter release brings the faces into focus ready for the shot to be taken.

As you might imagine, Face Detection AF is extremely useful at parties and social gatherings when you want to get lots of people pictures.

  • Learn more: 10 reasons why your photos aren't sharp (and how to fix them)
Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
Tip 7. Focus and recompose technique

Tip 7. Focus and recompose technique

Although most digital cameras offer a collection of AF points so that you can select the one that sits over your subject, there may not always be one exactly where you need it.

In these instances the camera 'focus and recompose' technique comes in very handy - and it can be quicker than selecting an AF point even if there is one over your subject.

Imagine, for example, that the central AF point is selected, but your subject is off to one side of the frame. All you need to do is move the camera so that the AF point is over the subject and half-press the shutter button so that the lens focuses.

Now, with the shutter button still half-pressed to keep the focus locked, recompose the image so that the subject is where you want it in the frame and press the shutter release home to take the shot.

This also a useful focus technique to use in low light, as the outer AF points tend to be less sensitive than the central one.

When using this camera focus technique, it is essential that the camera is set to single AF mode. If it is set to continuous AF, the camera will refocus the lens on whatever subject is under the active AF point when you recompose the image.

  • Learn more: The A to Z of low-light photography
Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
Tip 8. Back-button focusing

Tip 8. Back-button focusing

The usual way to focus a lens is to press the shutter release half-way down, but many cameras also have an AF button that can be pressed without the risk of pressing it beyond half-way and accidentally taking a few shots.

It is especially useful when using this back-button focus technique to photograph moving subjects that you press the AF button without locking the exposure settings until the point at which you want to take the image and press the shutter release home.

This focusing technique allows you to see the subject sharp in the frame and only take the shot when the composition or lighting is just right.

It also means that if something moves into the frame, another player when shooting sport for example, you can stop the focus from being adjusted by taking your thumb off the AF button, but continue to take photographs.

Back-button focusing is also useful when photographing subjects such as plants and flowers that move about a little in the breeze.

If the shutter button doesn't control autofocus the camera won't waste time attempting to focus every time the shutter release is pressed and you can wait until the subject is in the right position to take the shot.

  • Learn more: 77 photography techniques, tips and tricks
Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
Tip 9. Hyperfocal distance focusing

Tip 9. Hyperfocal distance focusing

This is a popular camera focusing technique that is designed to get the maximum amount of a scene sharp at any given aperture.

The traditional way of using it is to focus on the subject and then use the lens' depth of field scale (or a tape measure and depth of field tables) to find out where the nearest acceptably sharp point is.

This point, where the depth of field starts in front of the focus point, is known as the hyperfocal point.

Focusing pictures

Once the hyperfocal point is found/calculated, the lens is refocused to it so that the subject remains sharp and greater use is made of the depth of field.

Focusing pictures

The popularity of zoom lenses and consequent loss of depth of field scales has made it harder to apply this technique precisely, but you can still measure or estimate the focus distance and use smartphone apps such as DOF Master to tell you the hyperfocal distance.

Alternatively, you can rely on the principle that depth of field extends roughly twice as far behind the point of focus as it does in front and focus approximately one third of the way into the scene.

Hyperfocal distance focusing is popular in landscape photography and whenever you need lots of depth of field.

  • Learn more: Depth of field explained
Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
Tip 10. Focus stacking

Tip 10. Focus stacking

Focus stacking is a digital technique in which several images taken with different focus distances are combined into one image that is sharp from the foreground all the way through the background.

Although it can be applied to landscape photography, it is especially useful for macro photography because depth of field is very limited when subjects are extremely close.

With the camera firmly mounted on a tripod, take the first shot with the nearest part of the scene in focus. Then, without moving the camera, refocus just a little further into the scene and take the second shot before focusing further in again.

Repeat this until you have a shot with the focus on the furthest part of the scene.

Now all the shots can be combined to create one image that is sharp throughout. This can be done manually using any image editing software that supports layers - Photoshop Elements is fine.

But it can also be done automatically using software like Combine ZM, which is free to download and use, or using Photoshop's Photo Merge function.

  • Learn more: How to combine images for amazingly sharp photos
Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
Phil Hall
Phil Hall
Social Links Navigation

Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.

See more Camera How Tos
Read more
Nikon Z6 III camera in the hand, front on
The best camera for photography 2025
 
 
An image of the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99
The best point and shoot camera 2025, all tested thoroughly
 
 
The Canon EOS R10 camera sitting on a wooden bench
The best beginner mirrorless camera for 2025
 
 
The Canon EOS R10 camera sitting on a wooden bench
The best camera for beginners 2025, all rigorously tested
 
 
The Fujifilm X-T5 camera sitting on a table
The best Fujifilm camera 2025
 
 
Canon EOS R100 camera in the hand
The best cheap camera for 2025 based on in-depth testing
 
 
Latest in Photography
Two phones on a blue and green background showing the Photopills app planning page for the Perseids meteor shower
How to watch and photograph tonight's Perseid meteor shower
 
 
The cover of TechRadar's Papier photo book, featuring a tree in front of an aurora.
Papier Photo Book review: a simple-to-use photo book service, but it offers limited layouts
 
 
Tim holding a Leica
I'm a photographer and went screen-free for a week – here's how it changed my photography experience
 
 
Images of Luminar Photo Editor in action
Tired of clunky mobile editing? Here’s the AI fix photographers love
 
 
Leica Monopan 50
After 100 years making cameras, Leica finally unveils its first-ever 35mm film – the surprisingly affordable Monopan 50
 
 
Northern Lights taken with the Nikon Z6 II
Missed the northern lights? Don't worry, scientists predict 50 years of intense activity – here's how to plan your next photo trip
 
 
Latest in How Tos
Acer’s Swift laptops deliver performance and portability to fit any budget
How to turn a Windows 10 laptop into a Chromebook
 
 
Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on September 27, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
NHL 2025/26 - Stream it *FREE* with these trial offers
 
 
BBC Celebrity Traitors Image
The Celebrity Traitors UK LIVE: how to watch, free streams, live updates, Episodes 2 & 3
 
 
Luke Littler of England smiles during the Final match between James Wade of England and Luke Littler of England on day nine of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay at Winter Gardens on July 27, 2025 in Blackpool, England.
How to watch PDC World Grand Prix of Darts 2025 online: free live streams, schedule
 
 
 Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
How to watch NHL 2025/26: live stream every game, TV channels
 
 
Xbox Game Pass
How to cancel Xbox Game Pass on PC, console, and the app – a step-by-step guide to ditching the service if you've had enough of the price rises
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Qantas customer data leaked by hackers after ransomware attack
  2. 2
    100 years after pop-up toasters debuted, Breville might finally have improved on the original design with the high-tech – and pricey – Eye Q
  3. 3
    Is this the Rolls-Royce of eGPU docks? Impossibly thin and wood-adorned Humbird has a 500W GaN PSU, an LCD screen, an SSD slot, card readers - and even a quintet of USB ports
  4. 4
    Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter scratched my JRPG itch in the best way, and is easily one of 2025’s greatest remakes
  5. 5
    This is the weirdest docking station I've ever seen - Bygital Mac Mini winged dock promises to make your beloved device disappear behind your monitor or under your desk - but that's not its biggest feature

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...