Pentax macro zoom hunts

[jtk]

I'm learning how to most efficiently use auto macro focus with my new Pentax 100/2/8 ... the auto-focus mode can be exquisitely accurate but it sometimes does a lot of hunting, which has to do with the focus area I've selected.

Any suggestions about efficient methodology or auto-focus area selection?

 

[Mike Lopez]

I'm learning how to most efficiently use auto macro focus with my new Pentax 100/2/8 ... the auto-focus mode can be exquisitely accurate but it sometimes does a lot of hunting, which has to do with the focus area I've selected.

Any suggestions about efficient methodology or auto-focus area selection?

Maybe stop using plastic equipment.

 

[dynachrome]

I have AF film cameras from Nikon, Minolta, Canon and Yashica. I just don't find AF useful for macro work. It might work with a perfectly flat surface but macro subjects are rarely perfectly flat. Part of the technique of macro photography involves keeping the most important part of the subject parallel to the film. Depth of field can be extended with use of tilt/
shift lenses. In the non-film realm there is focus stacking, which can make it look like there is more depth of field. My advice for macro photography is to turn off the AF and focus manually.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Some AF lenses wander back and forth when the contrast is too low between light and dark for the algorithm to work well. So sometimes changing that the focus spot is can cut down on the wandering time.

 

[Disconnekt]

In general with any AF Macro lens, it will focus hunt when set at 1:1, so in general its better to focus manualy

 

[jtk]

useful suggestions from the above folks. autofocus can work very well for copy work but less so for close shots of 3d objects (bugs etc)