Last updated on January 31st, 2024
Many moons ago, I bought my first digital camera and was excited to start taking photos. I looked through the manual and saw the af/a lock button but didn’t know what it was. I did some research online and found that AF stands for autofocus lock and auto exposure lock.
Pressing the AF-Lock button lets, you lock your camera’s focus on whatever is in the center of the frame. This is helpful if you want to take a picture of something moving and don’t want the focus to change.
The AE-Lock button locks in exposure settings which is helpful if you want to take a picture of something that has a lot of light and dark areas. By locking in the exposure, you can ensure that the picture doesn’t come out too light or dark when using autofocus.
How to use AE/AF lock
The AE-L/AF-L button can be a great way to ensure that your camera settings stay locked while you take photos. Holding the button (check your specific cameras owner manual) will lock camera exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance) and lens focus.
Some cameras will have separate AE-Lock and AF-Lock buttons. In this case, you can use them independently or together to lock the exposure and focus.
To use AE and AF Lock:
1. Set your camera to the desired exposure settings and focal point.
2. Tap and hold the AE-L/AF-L button to lock in those settings.
3. recompose your shot and take the photo.
4. To turn off AE/AF Lock, release the AE-L/AF-L button or change your camera’s exposure settings.
The benefits of using AE/AF lock
There are some benefits to using the AE/AF lock feature. Locking the focus can help you take sharp photos of moving subjects. Photo locking can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to capture a fast-moving object. By keeping the focus locked, you’ll be able to avoid blurry images and get a clear shot of your subject matter.
It can help you take well-exposed photos in high-contrast situations by locking the exposure while metering off a mid-tone subject. Doing this ensures that the photo is not under or overexposed. This technique is helpful in scenarios where there is a bright light source and a dark subject.
Find yourself constantly recomposing your shots. You may consider using AE/AF lock, which will help keep your camera from changing its settings. This can be a helpful way to keep your images consistent and avoid having to make frequent adjustments.
If you’re new to DSLR photography, AE/AF lock can be a helpful way to get better photos. So don’t be afraid to experiment with it and see what it can do for your photography!
When to use AE/AF lock
One of the most common times to use AE/AF lock is when shooting panorama photos. By locking in the focus and exposure, you can ensure that all of the photos in your panorama are sharp and correctly exposed. This is especially helpful if you’re shooting in a high-contrast environment.
Another time to use AE/AF lock is when taking photos of moving subjects. By locking the focus, you can avoid having the camera refocus between each photo, resulting in motion blur.
If you’re shooting in a high contrast environment, using AE/AF lock can help you get evenly exposed photos. By metering off a mid-tone subject and locking the exposure, you can avoid underexposing or overexposing your photos.
Conclusion
AE/AF lock is an essential tool for photographers of all levels. When used correctly, the camera will take better photos in various situations, and you’ll have more opportunities to experiment with different settings! Don’t be afraid—try out this new feature today by turning it on within your Settings menu or enable AE/ AF Lock from there if preferred. Either way, I’m sure that you will be covered once enabled, no matter what situation arises while taking pictures! Happy snapping!
FAQ
Where is AE/AF lock on the camera?
The location of the AE/AF lock button on your camera will vary depending on the make and model. Consult your camera’s manual to find out where it is located. Most of the time, you’ll find a button on the back of the camera by the viewfinder.
How do I turn off AE/AF lock?
To turn off AE/AF lock, press the AE-L/AF-L button or change your camera’s exposure settings. You can also disable AE/AF lock from your camera’s menu system.
Can you use AE lock in manual mode?
Yes. You can use AE lock in manual mode by pressing and holding the shutter button halfway down to focus on a subject, then releasing the button to lock the focus. The camera will now maintain the same exposure settings until you change them.
