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15 Ways to Improve Your Focus and Concentration Skills

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February 3, 2021 - 18 min read

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What is concentration?

Factors affecting concentration

Conditions related to concentration

15 Ways to improve your concentration

We’ve all been there: sitting at your desk with an urgent deadline and a wandering mind. Despite your best efforts, things are not progressing.  You need to focus on the task in front of you. You’re motivated to do it. But you just can't concentrate. 

In this digital world, we are easily distracted. Information is everywhere and we feel the need to deal with increasing and multiple forms of information. It drags on our time and our attention. 

The inability to concentrate on the task at hand is one of the maladies of our time--everyone wants to know how to focus better, how to concentrate. Yet, the benefits of improving concentration and focus make it an issue worth addressing. 

What is concentration?

In Will Power & Self Discipline, Remez Sasson wrote that concentration is the ability to direct one’s attention following one’s will. Concentration means control of attention. It is the ability to focus the mind on one subject, object, or thought, and at the same time exclude from the mind every other unrelated thought, ideas, feelings, and sensations.

That last part is the tricky part for most of us. To concentrate is to exclude, or not pay attention to, every other unrelated thought, idea, feeling, or sensation. To not pay attention to the numbers, beeps, and other indicators that we have a new message, a new update, a new “like,” a new follower! 

Our daily routine is dominated by switching in and out of our mobile phones and computer. We get a constant influx of messages from WhatsApp, email, Telegram, and the half-dozen other apps that are somehow critical to our job. We constantly search for information to help solve our daily problems or get our work done. 

Frequent distractions affect productivity. It takes longer to finish a task. We don’t listen as well. We don’t comprehend things as well, whether with our partner or with colleagues, and end up in misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and conflict. It affects memory. We forget things or can’t recall information promptly which affects our personal life and professional image.

Factors affecting concentration

Some days it seems like our concentration is under attack from all sides. In fact, concentration is affected by both internal and external or environmental factors. If you want to learn how to improve focus and memory, it helps to understand what’s getting in the way now.

  • Distraction. We are bombarded by a constant flow of information, whether new or old,  during the process of doing something. Researchers have found that our brains are so primed for this distraction that just seeing our smartphone impairs our ability to concentrate. We constantly assess whether the information is useful, sufficient, or meaningless. The sheer quantity coming in muddles our assessment of whether we actually need more information to make decisions.
  • Insufficient sleep. Scientists have found that lack of sleep can lead to lower alertness, slower thought processes, and reduced concentration. You will have more difficulty focusing your attention and may become confused. As a result, your ability to perform tasks especially relating to reasoning or logic can be seriously affected. Chronically poor sleep further affects your concentration and memory. Dr. Allison T. Siebern from the Stanford University Sleep Medicine Centre notes that if you cannot concentrate on what is at hand, it is unlikely to make it to either your short- or long-term memory. 
  • Insufficient physical activity. Have you ever noticed how vigorous exercise leaves you feeling more relaxed and energetic throughout the day? When you don’t do physical activity, your muscles can become tense. You may feel tightness in your neck, shoulder, and chest and such persistent, low-level discomfort can affect your concentration. 
  • Eating habits. What we eat contributes to how we feel, including our mental sharpness and clarity, throughout the day. If we don’t fuel our brains with the proper nutrients, we start to experience symptoms like memory loss, fatigue, and lack of concentration. Low-fat diets can ruin focus because the brain needs certain essential fatty acids. Other restrictive diets may negatively affect concentration by not providing the nutrients the brain needs or by creating hunger, cravings, or feeling of unwellness in the body that are themselves distracting. 
  • Environment. Depending on what you are doing, the environment can affect your focus. Obviously, a noise level that is too loud is a problem, but many people also have difficulty concentrating when it is too quiet. It isn’t just the overall noise level but the type of noise that matters: the high-energy, anonymous hum of a coffee shop might bring focus while the overheard conversation of two co-workers derails it. A favorite song quickly has you singing along, happily distracted, while less distinct instrumentals might keep you attuned to the task. Lighting that is too bright or too dim can affect your vision. A room that is too hot or too cold creates discomfort. 

All of these elements can affect your concentration. Happily, they are also all addressable.

Conditions related to concentration

If you frequently can’t focus your thoughts and are experiencing ongoing concentration difficulties, it may indicate a cognitive, medical, psychological, lifestyle, or environmental cause. Depending on the cause, you may have to temporarily accept that your concentration is low and learn a few tricks to reduce the impact or accept the dips as they come. If you need help with concentration and think your difficulties go beyond the list above, consult with a professional. 

Possible broader conditions include:

Cognitive. Your concentration may decrease if you find yourself forgetting things easily. Your memory sometimes fails you, you misplace articles, and have difficulty remembering things that occurred a short time ago. Another way your concentration may be cognitively impaired is if you find that your mind is overactive constantly thinking of multiple things due to concerns or important events. When thoughts and issues intrude in your mind, demanding attention, it prevents effective concentration. 

Psychological. When you are depressed and feeling down, it is difficult to focus. Similarly, when you are recovering from the loss of a loved one during bereavement or are experiencing anxiety, you may have difficulty focusing on a single task.

Medical. Medical conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and low red blood cell count can affect our concentration. Some medication also makes you drowsy or bleary and severely impair concentration.  

Environment. Poor working conditions, shared spaces, and intense or negative work dynamics may also contribute to a lack of concentration. When we are experiencing burnout or stress from work or personal life, we will find it difficult to concentrate due to emotional exhaustion. Similarly, the environment can create discomfort to our body with effects that we’re aware of (heat, light, noise) and others that don’t fully register (tension, negativity, monitoring)..

Lifestyle. Fatigue, hunger, and dehydration can derail concentration. Lifestyles that involve too many missed meals, rich foods, or excessive alcohol consumption can challenge our memory and ability to concentrate and focus.

15 Ways to improve your concentration

Now you know why you need help with concentration. What can help you to focus better? There’s no one answer for how to improve focus, but the following tips can help.

  1. Eliminate distractions. How do we focus better if we are always bombarded with information? Make a practice to block time in your schedule to do a specific task or activity. During this time, request that you be left alone or go to a place where others are unlikely to disturb you: a library, a coffee shop, a private room.

    Close social media and other apps, silence notifications, and keep your phone hidden from sight in a bag or backpack. As described in HBR, researchers found that cognitive capacity was significantly better when the phone was out of sight, not just turned off. Keep Your primary focus is to complete what you need to do. Shutting off both internal and external disturbances can help you to concentrate.

  2. Reduce multitasking. Attempting to perform multiple activities at the same time makes us feel productive. It’s also a recipe for lower focus, poor concentration, and lower productivity. And lower productivity can lead to burnout. Examples of multitasking include listening to a podcast while responding to an email or talking to someone over the phone while writing your report. Such multitasking not only hampers your ability to focus but compromises your work quality. 

  3. Practice mindfulness and meditation. Meditating or practicing mindfulness activities can strengthen well-being and mental fitness and improve focus. During the meditation process, our brain becomes calmer and our whole body becomes more relaxed. We focus on our breath during the process so that we will not be distracted by our minds. With practice, we can learn to use our breath to bring our attention back to a particular task so that it can be done well even if we get interrupted.

  4. Get more sleep. Many factors affect your sleep. One of the most common is reading from an electronic device like a computer, phone, or tablet or watching your favorite movie or TV show on an LED TV just before bedtime. Research has shown that such devices emit light towards the blue end of the spectrum. Such light will stimulate your eye retina and prevent the secretion of melatonin that promotes sleep anticipation in the brain. Use a filter or "blue light" glasses to minimize such blue light or avoid all electronic devices before bed. Other ways to improve sleep include avoiding exercise late in the day, staying hydrated throughout the day, using journaling or breathing exercises to quiet the mind, and creating a predictable bedtime routine and schedule.

  5. Choose to focus on the moment. It might feel counterintuitive when you feel unable to concentrate, but remember that you choose where you focus. It's tough to concentrate when your mind is always in the past and worrying about the future. While it isn’t easy, make an effort to let go of past events. Acknowledge the impact, what you felt, and what you learned from it, then let it go. Similarly, acknowledge your concerns about the future, consider how you are experiencing that anxiety in your body, then choose to let it go. We want to train our mental resources to focus on the details of what matters at the moment. Our minds go in the direction we choose to focus.

  6. Take a short break. This also might seem counterintuitive, but when you focus on something for a long time, your focus may begin to die down. You may feel more and more difficulty devoting your attention to the task. 

    Researchers have found that our brains tend to ignore sources of constant stimulation. Taking very small breaks by refocusing your attention elsewhere can dramatically improve mental concentration after that. The next time you are working on a project, take a break when you begin to feel stuck. Move around, talk to someone, or even switch to a different type of task. You will come back with a more focused mind to keep your performance high.

  7. Connect with nature. Research has found that even having plants in office spaces can help increase concentration and productivity, as well as workplace satisfaction and better air quality. Finding time to take a walk in the park or appreciating the plants or flowers in your garden can boost your concentration and help you feel refreshed.

  8. Train your brain. Scientific research is starting to amass evidence on the ability of brain training activities to enhance cognitive abilities, including concentration, in adults. Such brain training games can also help you develop your working and short-term memory, as well as your processing and problem-solving skills. Examples of such games include jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, chess, and brain-stimulating video games.

  9. Exercise. Start your day with simple exercise and get your body moving. According to the May 2013 issue of the Harvard Men's Health Watch, regular exercise releases chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness. Other research found that exercise can boost the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels and all these will affect focus and attention. Individuals who do some form of exercise or sports perform better on cognitive tasks when compared with those who have poor physical health. Physical movement helps relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind. 

  10. Listen to music. Music has been shown to have therapeutic effects on our brains. Light music may help you to concentrate better, but some music may distract you. Experts generally agree that classical music and nature sounds, such as water flowing, are good choices for concentration while music with lyrics and human voices may be distracting. Multiple apps and services offer background music and soundscapes designed for different types of focus and work needs.

  11. Eat well. Choose foods that moderate blood sugar, maintain energy, and fuel the brain. Fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods can keep your blood sugar levels even.  Reduce sugary foods and drinks that cause spikes and dips in your sugar levels make you feel dizzy or drowsy.

    Your brain needs lots of good fat to function properly. Nuts, berries, avocados, and coconut oil are all great ways to get healthy fats into your diet and help your brain run more smoothly. The science on Research has found that foods like blueberries can boost concentration and memory for up to 5 hours after consumption due to an enzyme that stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain, helping with memory as well as our ability to focus and learn new information. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach contain potassium which accelerates the connections between neurons and can make our brain more responsive.

  12. Set a daily priority. Write down what you want to accomplish each day, ideally the night before, and identify a single priority that you commit to accomplishing. This will help focus your brain on what matters, tackling the big jobs first and leaving the small stuff till later. Break large tasks into smaller bytes so that you will not be overwhelmed. Identifying true priorities can help relieve distracting anxiety, and achieving small daily goals can wire your brain to achieve success.

  13. Create space for work. Create a calm, dedicated space for work, if possible. Not everyone can have a well-appointed office, but desk organizers, noise-canceling headphones, an adjustable monitor, and adjustable lighting can help. Clear clutter out of sight, make it as ergonomic and comfortable as possible, and try to keep your space neat and ventilated.  

  14. Use a timer. Train your brain to hyper-focus on a task by using a timer or phone alarm. First, decide what task you want to complete. Set your timer for 20 minutes (generally not more than 30 minutes) and concentrate on the task. When the alarm rings take a short break for 5 minutes. You can either take a walk and do some stretching exercise, then reset the timer and start again. This technique has shown to be effective to improve your concentration.

  15. Switch tasks. While we may want to concentrate on a particular task, sometimes we get stuck and our brain needs something fresh to focus on. Try switching to other tasks or something you love to do. Switching tasks can help you stay alert and productive for a longer period.

Learning how to improve concentration is not something you can achieve overnight. Professional athletes like golfers, sprinters, gymnasts take plenty of time to practice (and usually have a coach) so that they can concentrate and get the right move at the right moment to achieve excellence.

The first step to strengthen your concentration is to recognize how it is affecting your life. If you are struggling to meet commitments, constantly sidetracked by the unimportant, or not moving toward your aspirations, it is time to get help with concentration so that you can focus on what matters most to you.

Learning how to concentrate at work is essential for succeeding in your career and life. By improving your concentration, you will find that you can accomplish more of what you value and feel better doing it. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks but about making time for joy and happiness so that you can achieve a meaningful and satisfying life.

Published February 3, 2021

BetterUp Fellow Coach, PCC, MBA, FCCA, FCA

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10 Tips to Improve Your Focus and Concentration

If you have trouble staying on task or paying attention to the details, eliminating distractions like your phone or trying techniques like Pomodoro timers or SMART goals may help.

If there’s one thing we could all probably use a lot more of, it’s the ability to focus. But telling yourself to stay focused on a task, especially a mundane one, is often easier said than done.

The good news? Several techniques can help you zone in on the task in front of you. If you need help staying focused, try one — or all 10 — of these tips.

All people can experience poor attention to detail or have trouble focusing sometimes. Some contributing factors may include:

  • being hungry
  • being tired or having poor-quality sleep
  • being stressed
  • feeling worried or anxious
  • being distracted by something in your environment

Sometimes, managing the cause of your inability to focus can help resolve the issue. But if you often experience poor attention to detail or have difficulty staying engaged in tasks that require your full attention, it may be a symptom of another condition.

These may include:

  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • autism
  • learning disorders like dyslexia
  • conditions that affect the quality of your sleep, like insomnia or sleep apnea
  • conditions that cause fatigue, like hypothyroidism
  • post-traumatic stress disorder
  • concentration deficit disorder

Doctors may also want to rule out conditions such as hearing loss and developmental disorders in children.

If your difficulties staying focused result from a condition, a healthcare professional can help you find a treatment that may improve your focus.

You may also find that the following behavioral practices may help you approach your tasks with greater engagement and attention.

First things first: You need to eliminate distractions. While you can’t do away with everything, you can make an effort to reduce or get rid of as many distractions as possible.

Start with the simple things like:

  • moving to a quiet area
  • turning off notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether
  • closing the door to your office
  • telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time
  • closing out of programs or apps that aren’t essential on your computer
  • playing calming ambient music or white noise
  • declutter the space where you will be working

Drinking coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, in small doses may positively impact your ability to focus.

A 2021 study found that caffeine may positively affect sustained attention.

The key to taking advantage of caffeine’s cognitive-enhancing properties is to consume it in moderation. If you drink too much of it, you may feel anxious or nervous, which generally reduces your ability to stay focused.

Staying focused helps you get more done in less time. While that sounds simple enough, it’s not always easy to put into practice. So, the next time you’re wrestling with your attention span, try the Pomodoro technique.

This timing method helps you train your brain to stay on task for short periods. Here’s how it works:

  • Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work.
  • When the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break.
  • Then, set the timer again and get back to work.
  • Once you’ve done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

If your idea of a break from work is checking Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok every 5 minutes, you may want to consider an app that blocks social media.

Several apps work for your phone, tablet, or computer. In addition to social media, some of these distraction-busting programs also allow you to block online games as well as apps and sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, text messages, and even email.

Some popular social media blockers include Freedom, AppBlock, FocusMe, and Focus.

We all know what happens when “hanger” strikes. This dreaded combination of hunger and anger is a major focus fail.

So, to keep your brain focused, energy levels up, and emotions calm, make sure you don’t delay or skip meals.

Try to balance lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to stay fueled. Snack on fresh fruit, veggies, nuts, or seeds if you get hungry between meals, and be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.

And, for an extra boost, Harvard Medical School says to include a few of these “best brain foods” in your day:

  • green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli
  • fatty fish such as salmon
  • berries, like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries
  • walnuts
  • tea and coffee for the caffeine, in moderation

It’s no secret that the majority of Americans are lacking in the sleep department. While a few nights of minimal sleep is okay, not getting enough sleep most nights of the week can negatively impact both your short and long-term memory, as well as your ability to concentrate.

The recommended amount of sleep for adults ages 18 to 60 is 7 or more hours a night. Older adults may need up to 9 hours per night.

To boost your sleep health, try to:

  • Avoid caffeinated beverages after lunchtime.
  • Switch off or put away all electronic devices an hour before bedtime. The light from these devices can stimulate your brain and prevent you from feeling sleepy. Some devices may allow you to switch them to “warm” light.
  • Take time to wind down. Read a book, take a warm bath, or listen to soothing music.
  • Keep your bedroom cool and quiet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an ideal temperature is between 65 and 68°F (18.3 and 20°C).
  • Keep your bedroom dark, or use a sleeping mask. Block out light, especially white and blue light, from your bedroom with room-darkening curtains or shades if you can. Otherwise, consider using a sleeping mask.

If your lack of focus results from feeling overwhelmed by a complex project, try breaking it down into smaller parts and plugging the smaller steps into the SMART formula.

SMART stands for:

  • Specific. What exactly needs to be done?
  • Measurable. How will you track your progress?
  • Achievable. Is it realistic? Can it be done by the deadline?
  • Relevant. How does it fit with the overall plan or bigger goal?
  • Timely. When does it need to be done?

When you take a large, complex project and break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks, you can improve your ability to concentrate and focus on specific tasks. That’s because you end up with goals you feel like you can accomplish.

Does your mind tend to wander away from where it’s supposed to be? Don’t worry. You’re definitely not alone. Distracted thinking is common and something we all experience.

However, these short mental vacations often make it harder to focus on the task in front of you. That’s where mindfulness comes in.

Being mindful means maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of where you are and what you’re doing — which is great news when trying to stay focused.

By being mindful and recognizing when your attention starts to drift, you can quickly bring your focus back to where it needs to be. Plus, you can train your brain to be more mindful by practicing breathing techniques, meditation, and mindful movement, such as yoga.

Plus, the CDC notes it may also help:

  • improve relaxation
  • improve self-esteem
  • manage stress
  • manage symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • cope with serious illness
  • reduce blood pressure
  • reduce pain in some instances
  • improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia
  • manage weight and eating behaviors

Let’s face it. The items on a to-do list can add up quickly. And it can be challenging to find the motivation to accomplish everything you set out to do.

The good news? Studies show that having a written plan of action can increase productivity.

After you make your list, choose two or three key tasks and put them at the top. Then rank the rest of the items in order of importance. This allows you to tackle urgent tasks when your brain is fresh, and your energy levels are high.

Tired of jumping from one type of thinking to another (aka “multitasking”)? Then pick similar tasks, group them together, and do one at a time. This makes transitions smoother, and you may get a lot more done by not jumping from one type of task to another.

Despite what you may think, multitasking is not more effective or efficient, especially when you’re having trouble staying focused. In fact, a 2019 study notes that the human brain’s structure is not capable of multitasking and works much better while focusing on a single task at a time. Working on multiple tasks simultaneously comes with a cost — whether a reduction in performance accuracy or speed.

Whether you’re dealing with too many competing priorities, lack of sleep, or just a simple dose of the “Mondays,” not being able to focus can really put a damper on your productivity.

That’s why it’s important to have a few simple tips and tricks at your fingertips, like the ones we described above. Knowing how to zone in on what needs to be done can help you stay on track with your most important daily tasks.

Manual focus. When is it needed? How to use it? / Beginner Photography / Photography Lessons

All modern cameras have autofocus functions. So why do photographers still often use manual focus? In what circumstances it is used and how to work with it - read in our lesson!

When might you need manual focus?

Difficult cases for auto focus. Although autofocus systems have improved over the years, they still sometimes experience problems. Surely you have come across a situation where automation by no means wants to focus in a certain place. Instead, she begins to "prowl", focusing the lens back and forth, but not hitting the target. Let's analyze the main cases that are difficult for autofocus.

  • Focus on low-contrast, translucent objects . Try focusing on the smooth white ceiling or photograph the surface of a window glass. Autofocus in such cases may well pass.
  • Autofocus may not be able to cope when the subject is covered by foreground objects . The simplest example is shooting an animal in a zoo through the bars: autofocus may well begin to “cling” to the bars. Instead of tormenting the autofocus system, in such conditions it is quite possible to switch to manual focus.

Nikon D600 / Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor

There is translucent glass between me and the model (this is what gives glare). When shooting, autofocus periodically “clung” not to the face, but to cracks on the glass.

  • Shooting in strong backlight. For example, when shooting against a bright sunset or dawn, you will find that autofocus will work worse than usual.

  • Night view. If the conditions of the city night autofocus, in general, on the shoulder, then when shooting landscapes with a starry sky outside the city, it remains only to aim manually. Auto focus is no help here.

Nikon D810 /Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Nikkor

Shooting the starry sky. If in previous cases, autofocus can still be defeated and forced to focus where necessary, then in pitch-black night conditions you will definitely have to adjust the sharpness manually.

Use of non-autofocus optics. There are many lenses that do not support auto focus functions. Among them are both discontinued old lenses and quite modern optics. Many photographers are interested in antique optics, as it gives a peculiar, "vintage" picture. Fortunately, there are a great many lenses that can be installed on modern digital SLRs (including through adapters).

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor - super fast manual focus lens

PC-E NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D. Tilt-Shift lenses also do not have autofocus

Nikon D80

Image taken with an old manual focus portrait lens. Such lenses are usually used to indulge in bokeh - an interesting blur in the blur zone.

Landscape photography. When shooting landscapes, it often happens that the foreground (which is usually focused on) is on the periphery of the frame, where there is not a single focus point. One option to focus in this area is to use manual focus. Also, advanced photographers often use hyperfocal focus when shooting landscapes. This requires focusing the lens at a certain distance, and is easier to do manually using the focus distance scale on the lens than with autofocus.

Nikon D810 / Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Nikkor

Macro shooting. Autofocus is very difficult when shooting macro. This happens, firstly, due to the fact that the depth of field during macro photography is extremely small. The slightest change in the distance between the camera and the subject (even a few millimeters) will lead to loss of focus. Secondly, the closer the subject is to the lens, the more the lens has to move to focus, and this greatly slows down the autofocus. Therefore, photographers prefer to focus manually when shooting macro, fully controlling the entire process and thereby eliminating possible automation errors. At the same time, macro photography is characterized by a special way of focusing: not by rotating the focusing ring, but by moving the camera itself a little closer or a little further from the object. But more on that below.

Nikon D600 / Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G Nikkor (with macro rings)

The smaller the subject, the shorter the required shooting distance. The shorter the shooting distance, the shallower the depth of field and the harder it is for autofocus to work.

How do I enable manual focus?

On entry-level cameras (e.g. Nikon D3300, Nikon D5500), everything is simple: to do this, set the AF / M (Auto Focus / Manual) switch on the lens to the M position.

On entry-level models (e.g. Nikon D3300 and Nikon D5500) you must move the A / M switch to the M (Manual) position.

Autofocus is now disabled. Focusing will be done by rotating the focus ring on the lens (highlighted in blue).

Advanced cameras (starting with the Nikon D7200) have two autofocus switches, both on the lens and on the camera. How to use them correctly? If a lens is installed on the camera, AF-S, equipped with an ultrasonic focus drive (most Nikon lenses are equipped with it), then it will be enough to turn only the switch on the lens itself to the “M” position.

Please note that if you turn off autofocus with the lever on the camera, and leave the switch on the lens in the “A” position, you can disrupt the autofocus drive, the lens will have to be repaired. The exception is lenses that have an autofocus mode with manual override - in this case, the autofocus and manual focus switch on the lens will look like M / A-M. This mode will be discussed in more detail below. If you use an AF lens (and not AF-S), then switching the lever on the camera is mandatory: after all, such lenses are physically linked to the camera by a “screwdriver” focus drive. And to turn off this drive, you need to turn this lever.

To summarize: when using AF-S lenses, it is better to use the switch on the lens. And when using “screwdriver” AF lenses, you must first switch the lever on the camera.

Advanced cameras have autofocus on/off switches on both the lens and the camera. When using AF-S lenses, it is better to use the lever on the lens (highlighted in blue), and when using “screwdriver” AF lenses, it is necessary to switch the lever on the camera first (highlighted in yellow).

How do I know if my lens has AF-S or AF motor? To do this, just look at its full name.

Motorized lens AF-S : Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G Nikkor
With AF-S lenses, to enable manual focus, just turn the switch on the lens itself to the desired position.

Screwdriver AF lens: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor. When using such lenses, the switch on the camera must be used.

The camera will now only focus manually by turning the focus ring on the lens. Please note that the focus ring on different lens models may be in different places on the lens barrel: a little closer to the camera or a little further. In addition, the focus ring should not be confused with the zoom ring of the lens (with the help of which we "zoom in and out" the picture.)

So, we know when manual focusing may be required. Now let's figure out what methods of manual focusing are.

Focusing at a specific distance

Probably the easiest method of focusing, especially if your lens has a focus distance scale. Just set the desired distance on this scale, and you're done - the sharpness will be at the selected distance. This method is well suited for landscape photography when you need to go to hyperfocal distance or infinity. This is where the scope of this method, perhaps, ends. With focusing on “infinity”, everything is simple: it is needed when the objects that are located are very far from us.

Focus distance scale on Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens. At the moment, the lens is focused on “infinity”, this can be seen from the focusing distance scale, on which the “∞” sign is visible, combined with the scale mark.

Exactly at what distance does “infinity” start for a lens? It all depends on the focal length of the lens. The larger the focal length, the further away the “infinity” is. Usually we are talking about tens of meters. In the case of wide-angle optics, we can talk about several meters. But what if the subject is close to us, but at the same time, I want to sharpen the entire frame without blurring the background? This is where hyperfocal distance comes in. Hyperfocal distance is the distance at which everything from ½ of this distance to infinity will fall into depth of field when focusing.

The hyperfocal distance will depend on the focal length of the lens and the aperture value at which you are shooting. How to calculate hyperfocal distance? There is a special formula for this, which can be found in our special article on advanced work with depth of field. But it is easier to use special calculator programs for this. They are available on the Internet, as well as special applications for smartphones. Here are some of them:

HyperFocal Pro

F-Stop Calculator

DOF calculation for WindowsPhone

It makes sense to use hyperfocal distance when shooting landscapes, when working with wide-angle optics, where it will give a significant gain in depth of field, will allow you to use it as rationally as possible.

Focusing on a distance will not allow you to focus very accurately, only approximately. This means that this method is not suitable for shooting portraits or reporting on an open aperture.

Nikon D810 / Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Nikkor

Landscape with hyperfocal focusing

Focusing by changing the shooting distance

This method is often used when shooting macro. Every lens has a minimum focusing distance. Why not choose it? Now that the lens is set to the minimum shooting distance, just bring the camera to the subject at the desired distance. Holding the camera in our hands, we can move it back or forward a little to catch the focus in the frame.

Focusing with the camera's viewfinder and rangefinder

Modern Nikon SLR cameras are equipped with a special mechanism that can tell the photographer what is currently in focus and where to turn the focus ring to sharpen what is in focus. Let's see how it works.

In the unit's viewfinder (bottom left), you may notice the following symbols. They also appear during auto focus, but when manually focusing the lens, they will be most useful.

Viewfinder focusing symbols:

Focused
Lens is too focused
Lens is focused further than it should be
(flashing) Automation cannot determine focus accuracy. This happens when there is insufficient lighting or when trying to aim at a very uniform, low-contrast object (for example, a white ceiling). In this case, try to combine the focus point in the viewfinder with some contrasting object in your future frame.

To focus in this way, you must first select the desired focus point in the camera's viewfinder. It is on it that the rangefinder will work. Now, focusing on the “left” and “right” arrows, turn the focus ring in the appropriate direction until the circle lights up in the viewfinder. Done: you're focused!

The younger Nikon DSLRs (Nikon D3300, Nikon D5500) use a simplified rangefinder operation scheme. There are no right and left arrows, but only a circle confirming focus. To manually focus on these cameras, simply twist the lens ring until the same circle lights up in the viewfinder.

This method of focusing is very accurate. Therefore, it is also suitable for working on open apertures. With it, it is convenient to shoot portraits on "manual" optics.

Focusing on the Live View screen

A very interesting, fast and accurate way to manually focus is the Live View mode. With manual focusing through Live View, the photographer can zoom in on the desired area of ​​​​the image, and this enlarged fragment can be perfectly focused. In my opinion, this method provides the most accurate focusing. In addition, we can control the sharpness of the frame even before shooting, while in the viewfinder the situation with sharpness is not so noticeable: you have to strain your eyes a lot to understand what is sharp and what is not in the frame.

Camera Nikon D3300. In the yellow frame is the button to enable the Live View mode, in the blue frame is the button to enlarge the image.

So, turn on the Live View screen, select the area of ​​the frame that we will enlarge, and click on the magnifying glass button (just like we do when viewing captured images). After that, it remains only to turn the focusing ring of the lens, focusing on the screen of the device. I often use this method in the most difficult situations, including when shooting portraits with fast portrait lenses. With such shooting, the depth of field can be a matter of millimeters, which means that focusing must be perfectly accurate. Since the focus in the portrait is on the eyes, I use Live View to enlarge the area of ​​​​the frame with the eyes of the model and focus.

Autofocus with manual override. M / A mode

Some Nikon lenses can work in a very interesting mode, combining automatic and manual focus. On some lenses, instead of the usual switch between manual and automatic autofocus, you can find an M / A-M switch.

Lens with conventional A-M switch

The M/A-M switch indicates that we have a lens that supports autofocus with manual override.

In this mode, by holding the shutter button halfway down, you can take control of the focus at any time. As soon as you turn the focus ring, autofocus will turn off, yielding focus to you. This is useful when you want to manually adjust the focus a little before shooting. Let's say the camera is unable to focus and the lens is "prowling" back and forth looking for sharpness. At this point, you can immediately take control, focusing the lens where you need it, and not waste time switching to manual focus mode.

Common manual focus errors

  • Changing the shooting distance after focusing. Be aware that focus will be lost when the shooting distance is changed. It is enough for you (or the subject) to move closer or move back (even a little bit), and the focus will go astray. This is especially critical when shooting with a shallow depth of field: portraits, macro... After you have focused manually, do not hesitate - shoot right away! Remember that each new frame will require you to focus again.

  • Selecting manual focus when it is inappropriate. Not knowing how to set up the autofocus system, many novice photographers, when shooting some difficult scenes for them, simply turn it off and try to focus manually. It rarely comes out well. Manual focus is not very suitable for dynamic scenes, reportage, sports, portraits. Remember that it is often better to be able to set up autofocus, understand its modes of operation and the choice of focus points, than to switch to manual focus.

  • Photographer's arrogance plus non-autofocus, high-aperture optics. The main mistake of many novice photographers lies in the belief that focusing manually is easy. This delusion caused the purchase of all kinds of fast lenses (Soviet, for example) with manual focus. They say, why pay for an expensive autofocus portrait lens, when for three kopecks you can buy an excellent manual focus portrait lens. Due to such arrogance of the photographer from the shooting, 2-3 sharp frames out of a hundred can turn out. The reason is that it will be completely invisible in the camera's viewfinder whether you have focused or missed. The accuracy of focusing through the viewfinder can only be estimated very roughly. “But before, photographers somehow focused with this optics,” the reader may say. It must be understood that earlier cameras were different, more adapted for manual focusing. They (or rather, their viewfinders) were equipped with special focusing screens that can significantly improve the accuracy of manual focusing. Yes, and the technical requirements for pictures in those ancient times were lower, so rarely anyone paid attention to small focusing flaws.

Nikon D80

A typical focusing error when working with manual fast optics. The cat looked quite sharp in the viewfinder. As you can see, in fact, he is far from sharpness.

Manual focusing with fast optics is difficult and requires a steady hand and strong nerves from the photographer. In my opinion, focusing manually with a fast lens is most convenient in Live View with zoom. In general, for shooting portraits, I definitely recommend using autofocus lenses.

Instead of a conclusion

The ability to focus manually is an important skill for a photographer. He will help him out in difficult shooting situations and when shooting on equipment without autofocus. I hope this article has helped you get familiar with the topic of manual focus. To learn how to quickly and accurately focus manually, you need practice, training. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of going on a photo walk! Be not a lawyer for your work, but a critic - then every time they will become better and better!

How to improve the focus and sharpness of your photos

The most common complaints I hear from most photographers of any level are "my images aren't sharp" and "I can't get focus." Many people blame their equipment and, indeed, there are many cases in which the equipment is to blame. However, I have found that the vast majority of cases are simple user errors. They often boil down to a lack of understanding of how the autofocus (AF) system works. This article will give you a better idea of ​​focus and sharpness, and hopefully help you get photos you're happy with!

1. Adjust your diopters

Mine what, you ask? Your diopters - or your eyepieces. You will never know if a camera is well focused on a subject unless you can see for yourself what is in focus through the viewfinder eyepiece. On the side of the eyepiece (as shown below) there is a small wheel to adjust the focus of the eyepiece to suit your vision.

You can set the eyepiece to quite a large correction, but if you need even more correction, interchangeable diopters ranging from -5 to +4 are available for DSLR / SLR cameras from many major manufacturers. No, this won't help your autofocus work better, but it will help you recognize when it misses and correct the situation with manual focus.

2. Get to know your viewfinder

What the hell is all this stuff inside? At this point, you might want to get the instructions (remember that paper book that came with your camera?). Most conventional DSLR cameras have 9-11 focus points. The best of the best, professional cameras can have from 45 to 51 points (although in fact you can only choose 11-19, the rest of the points are optional).

There are two types of focus points: co-planar and intersection points. Points of the same plane work only on lines of contrast that are directly perpendicular (at an angle of 90°) to their orientation. So, if you're looking through your viewfinder like the one above, you'll see that most of the dots are rectangular, some are oriented horizontally, some are oriented vertically.

Points in the same plane will only work perpendicular to their orientation. So - let's say you were shooting a tree - a vertical focus point wouldn't be able to find the edge of the tree trunk, but a horizontal one would. You can use this to your advantage when choosing a focus point that will lock onto the line you want and ignore those you don't want to focus on.

Cross point focus points will work with lines of contrast placed in any way. Most cameras have a single focusing intersection point in the center, surrounded by points on the same plane. The newest cameras today contain intersection points at all focal points.

Each focus point also has a specific sensitivity. Most require a lens with an aperture limit of at least f5.6 to even use autofocus. On most cameras, the surrounding AF points are just that sensitive, and the center point provides increased sensitivity if you use a lens with an aperture limit of at least f2.8.

So if you're working in low light, you can achieve better autofocus using the center focus point. Even if you don't use an f2.8 lens, or better yet, there are no light restrictions to favor the center point, it can still give a more accurate result because it is the intersection point.

When we look at the focus point rectangles, it's worth remembering that the actual area of ​​the sensor is 2-3 times larger than what is displayed. Keep this in mind as you focus. If you fix the focus on someone's bridge of the nose, remember that the person's eyes will also fall into the active area of ​​the sensor. Autofocus will lock on to the eye rather than the bridge of the nose because the eye has more edge contrast than flat lighting on the nose. Often this may not matter, but if you are working at a very shallow depth of field, you will feel the difference in which area of ​​the image is most sharp.

3. Lend a helping hand to your lens

Most autofocus systems have a certain amount of error or deviation and can actually miss the point of optimum focus due to the mechanics and inertia of lens movement. You can minimize this effect by manually focusing the lens as close to the desired focus as possible, and then let the autofocus system finish focusing. Or, if this seems too difficult for you, at least let the autofocus make two attempts to achieve correct aiming. Half-press the shutter button to set the approximate focus, and then press again to fine-tune it.

Higher end lenses have the advantage of allowing full manual control even when autofocus is locked. Cheaper lenses don't allow you to manually adjust the focus after locking, although this is a good way to make sure the focus is as perfect as can be.

4. Find a good line

Autofocus systems work on contrasting lines, so they may have difficulty on objects with low contrast (for example, on the cheek or forehead, on a white dress or black tuxedo, sand, monochrome walls, etc.) . In areas like these, autofocus can go all day long and never lock. The approach is to find the "best line", which could be the eyes, the lines between the contrasting shirt and suit, between heaven and earth, the doorway. Anything with contrast will help autofocus work better and faster.

Weak focus area

Best area to focus

avoid focusing on all points. This mode doesn't know what you want to focus on and is usually fixed to whatever is closest to the camera. There are situations in which this is exactly what is needed, but they are few and far between.

6. Focus and recompose - but do it right

I'm used to focusing and recomposing using the center focus point all the time. I lock the focus and then recompose the shot. I once read a few articles that said you shouldn't do this - that you should use the closest point to the area you want to focus on. Theoretically, this is justified by the fact that during the movement of the camera, due to the movement of the lenses and the change in the angle value, the distance between the subject and the lens also changes.

If you use the focus point directly on the subject and do not recompose the frame, there will be no change in the distance between the subject and the lens, and therefore erroneous focusing. So, I decided to take some pictures to show you that it is - and it is not.

There was absolutely no advantage in using the nearest non-center point without changing the composition. In fact, focusing using the center point and recomposing was, indeed, more accurate in all cases except for one - macro. I took shots at all focal lengths from 17mm to 200mm and checked all distances from macro to 10 meters - with the same results.

Each test using the center focus point and recomposing the frame resulted in a sharper picture. Greater sharpness from using the center point and recomposing, less sharpness from using an outer focus point right on the subject. To clarify, the above theory is correct in that you lose sharpness by moving the frame away from a fixed center point. What's not true is that using an outer point directly on the object will bring back sharpness - it won't.

I think there's a good chance that on my camera the center focus point is three times more sensitive than any of the other eight points, and the most accurate. But so is the case with many cameras, with the exception of high-tech new models like the Canon 1Ds Mark III or Nikon D3X. Another possible reason for is that most lenses are sharpest in the center and lose sharpness towards the edges.

Here are three of the most typical examples of what I shot with two different cameras. An insert is an inscription at 100% scale.

Center focus point, no recomposition. Lens 50mm f 1.8.

Lens 50mm f 1.8. Central focus point. The camera is moved to the left after fixing the focus.

Lens 50mm f 1.8. Left focus point. Focus on the object.

What can I say - to switch the focus point or not, in my opinion, a matter of time. But try it yourself, your result may differ.

A little note on macro - these shots should always be taken with a tripod and manual focus, due to the extremely shallow depth of field and the proximity of the lens to the subject.

7. Use the correct focus mode

Most DSLR cameras have at least two similar focus modes. The first is "One Shot" (Canon) or "Single Servo" (Nikon). In this mode, the object is assumed to be stationary. Focus locks, you get lighting confirmation on the internal display, and then you release the shutter. You will not be able to release the shutter if the focus is not locked.

The second type is “AI Servo” (Canon) and “Continuous Servo” (Nikon). This mode is suitable for shooting subjects in motion, including sports, wildlife, etc. The camera finds the subject using the focus point, and the focus will constantly change to keep up with the subject, but will never lock. The shutter button will work even if the focus is not perfect.

There are also other modes on some cameras, such as Canon's AI Focus, which are good when the subject is static but may start to move, as is the case with small children. Autofocus will lock on the subject, but if the subject moves, the camera will enter AI Servo mode to track it.

The third option, pre-focus, is for objects that are moving towards or away from you. The camera will try to predict the movement and give you an acceptable focus.

8. Don't change the depth of field for good focus

Although using a larger depth of field with a smaller aperture can increase the "apparent" sharpness of an image, remember one thing: no matter what the depth of field is, there is only one point of focus. So always practice good focusing techniques no matter what depth of field you use.

9. Use a tripod or find a foothold

When we take a photo, we all unconsciously sway back and forth – especially leaning towards the subject with a heavy camera and lens kit. It `s naturally. Everyone has it to one degree or another. And if you're shooting with a very shallow depth of field, that small amount of distance you shift can have a big impact on the sharpness and the sharpness of focus you want. If you're using a 4" depth of field, a 2" offset can have a disastrous effect. So use a tripod.

Now I have to add, since I use a tripod myself - I hate them . They affect the way I work and, most of the time, the way I shoot. So, if you'd rather avoid using a tripod, at least take the time to practice being a good photographer. One foot in front of the other, legs slightly bent, arms at sides, not dangling in space (remote controls can be useful here), and body weight distributed centrally over the legs.

10. If still unsuccessful - use manual focus

I hear a deep sigh every time I offer this to photographers. They regularly state, "I shoot only in manual mode, never on automatic." But offer them another manual focus and they will look at you as if you just suggested that they sell their children. Manual focus in most cases (given that your diopters are set correctly) will achieve the best and most accurate result. Especially in this digital age, when it's so easy to see an image at 100% or even 200% magnification on our monitors.

In fact, if you look at the unofficial autofocus specs, you'll notice that they're not very accurate. Here is the specification for "sharpness": An image is considered sharp if it appears sharp on a print of 6 x 9 from 10 inches away. Yeah, that's it. No 100% zooms, no 20x30 prints. Just this.

Today, a number of new cameras are being produced with built-in Live View. This can be a useful tool for manual focusing. Turn on your Live View, zoom in on the subject/focus point and check the sharpness on the display. This doesn't work very well in my case, as I'm almost always in bright environments: deserts, beaches, etc. - but for some it will work just fine.

One note about the image above. I usually use it to show the manual focus switch, but the other switch is also of interest: "1.2m to infinity" and "3m to infinity". This switch is related to what I was talking about earlier: don't make your lens hunt for focus through as much space as possible. If you know you won't be focusing on anything closer than three meters, move the lever to the appropriate position and the lens won't have to wander around looking for focus. This can result in more accurate primary auto focus.

11. What should I focus on?

For close-up portraits, the general consensus is: the eyes. For other types of portraits, it's still the face, unless you intentionally want to focus on some other part of the body. Focus precisely where you want the viewer's eye to go.

Landscapes aren't always easy, but you still need to stick to the rule mentioned above. Do not bet on the fact that "this is a landscape with a wide viewing angle, focus on infinity." If you have a subject in the foreground, focus on it and let your depth of field bring the image into the background. If the object in the foreground is not in sharp focus, it is confusing, because in natural conditions we usually see objects that are closer rather than distant ones.

I can now work with focusing at "Hyper Focal Distance", but that's out of the scope of this tutorial. If you are interested in this topic, which is likely, use a quick Google search.

12. Is the subject in focus, but is it sharp?

Focus and sharpness are two different things. Explaining the concept of sharpness can take another lesson of its own, so I'll just point out a few useful points.

If the image is out of focus, you cannot bring it back into focus by sharpening it. You will only get a very sharp out-of-focus picture. Most RAW images need some sort of sharpening. Whether you're using Smart Sharpen, Un-sharp masking, or high pass filtering techniques, most RAW images benefit from sharpness. However, as I gradually started using higher quality cameras, I saw less and less need for sharpening, and now I only use this tool in about 25% of my frames.

Also remember that sharpness depends on the final product. You won't sharpen in the same way on an image that goes to the web as you would on a 16x20 print. And with that in mind, if you intend to sell your photo through a stock agency, don't sharpen it at all. Most will tell you not to do this because you can't predict what the image will be used for and at what size.

On the left are images directly from the camera, unedited ("Straight Out of the Camera"), on the right - with added sharpness.

13. Consider exposure

Exposure is another parameter that can lead to lack of sharpness. Each person has a limit on the shutter speed at which he can shoot handheld on lenses with different focal lengths. Some people are more stable than others, but if you're shooting at a shutter speed that can't compensate for the movement (trembling) of your hands, your image will come out blurry. When it comes to standard and wide angle lenses, most people can shoot handheld with them consistently at around 1/30-1/60 of a second.

Larger telephoto lenses require much faster shutter speeds. The general rule people start with is "1 to the focal length of the lens". So, if you have a 200mm lens, shoot at 1/200th of a second, and start from that level to understand your further possibilities. Personally, I'm shaking like California on its worst days, so I usually shoot at faster shutter speeds. It also depends on how far away you are from your subject, as the farther you are, the more noticeable the movement.

If the subject is moving, keeping the camera stable or on a tripod will not help - you will still need to choose a satisfactory shutter speed in order to stop the action. Most start at 1/250, but it depends on how fast the object is moving. The requirements also vary depending on whether you are shooting in a static position or following the subject. If the latter, you can choose a slower shutter speed and also get some cool effects. This will allow you to show movement in the background, but will freeze the object itself.

Lens image stabilization systems allow handheld shooting at faster shutter speeds (up to 3 stops) but will not "stop" motion any better than a lens without image stabilization. You can only capture the action with a shutter speed (or high-speed flash).

Image is not out of focus. The shutter speed is too long.

14. Choose the right exposure

Correct exposure and good lighting (the essence of all photography) is the key to good focus and sharpness. While sharpness is determined by the line of contrast, if you underexposed the frame or shot in dim light, the image will not be sharp even if all other parameters of good focus are met.

15. I did it all. I'm still out of focus!

There is a small chance that something is really wrong with your equipment. Third-party lenses are sometimes not very well designed, and therefore will not always work perfectly with branded cameras. Some work great, others don't. But sometimes even branded lenses are not made perfectly.

Cameras such as the Canon 50D and 1D/Ds Mark III have excellent front and back focus matching for over 20 different lenses, so if you know one lens is perfectly focused in front of your subject all the time, you can adjust the camera to fix it. If this option is not available, you need to determine if your lens, or both lens and camera, needs repair.

Here's a test you can do at home to see if it's you or the cell. Find a ruler and place it on the table away from the camera. Put the camera on a tripod and open the aperture as wide as possible. Take a picture of the ruler at a 45-degree angle, focusing on a specific mark—in this example, the six.

If this is the mark that you will see as clearly as possible when you open the image, then everything is in order with your equipment - get back to working on your technique! If the sharpest point is before or after this mark, then you will know that this is a hardware problem and should be taken to service.

16. Conclusion

I covered a lot of questions in this lesson - great that you made it to the end! It seems to me that good focus and sharpness are two of the most important technical parameters that need to be preserved in an image. This can make the difference between what looks professional and what looks like amateur work (and we all want to look like professionals, whether we are or not).

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