1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. What does focus breathing mean?

What does focus breathing mean?


4 years 6 months ago #661299 by J Photo Man
What's funny is that I would have thought a term called "focus breathing" would imply how your physical breathing was while taking a photo.  Kind of like what snipers do when firing a rifle.   But then I was reading an article about a camera and there was no explanation behind the term being used.  I jumped on YouTube and found a video from Tony Northrup and he talks about it being the reduction in focal length the further you get away from infinity focus.  Something that he refers only is affected with zoom lenses.   

Then I watched another video where they referred to focus breathing as when a contrast detect auto focus vibrates back and forth as it struggles to capture focus.   

Both of these, 3 including my assumption of the definition are kind of scattered all over.  What exactly does focus breathing mean? 
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661300 by Nikon Shooter


Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661305 by J Photo Man
Going to watch in a few minutes, thank you
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661316 by icepics
I think what you found just shows that there's a lot of misinformation online (to put it mildly! lol). I always thought it was about controlled, even breathing when focusing, framing, etc. to help you be as steady as possible.

I don't think lenses 'breathe' because, you know, they're made of glass and metal and plastic, and have no lungs! lol I don't get that term at all.

I'm less than impressed with information in Northrup videos I've seen (so I don't watch them anymore). I thought at first the boxhead guy was talking about zooms, I've never noticed what he's talking about.

Just tried it with the prime lens I have on my digital camera and I don't see what he showed in the video at all with my lens. Beats me, depends on the lens I guess.
Sharon
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #661321 by effron
A lens compresses or expands air when focusing. Its a lame term but that air needs to go or come from somewhere.....So it exhales or inhales. No lens is vacuum sealed.
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661336 by Nikon Shooter

effron wrote: A lens compresses or expands air when focusing. Its a lame term but that air needs to go or come from somewhere.....So it exhales or inhales. No lens is vacuum sealed.


This statement would make my heavy investments in "IF" lenses
over the years completely nonsensical?

With IF lenses, what ever displacement of elements for focus ac-
quisition or even zooming are done inside the lens which does not
need to be vacuum sealed… just weather / dust resistant since no
air exchange with the outside world is observed.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661484 by effron
Even an IF lens breathes, They'll all get dust particulates inside over time, wouldn't be possible with a vacuum sealed lens.
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661487 by Nikon Shooter
Sorry Ernesto but my experience is other with
even my very old IF lenses… no dust.

Sorry again, in IF lenses, the air displacement
is totally contained though the lens is not sea-
led. It has to do with small breathing openings
around the groups.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661489 by effron
petapixel.com/2015/06/10/we-found-a-fly-...weather-sealed-lens/
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661492 by Nikon Shooter
I don't know much about Canon gear but no-
thing like that ever happened with my Nikkors.

… and, at this point, this thread is occupied by
Nikon users… :P
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661498 by effron
Try Nikon then.... photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661499 by Nikon Shooter

effron wrote: Try Nikon then.... photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens


But… but… but, that lenses not an IF!
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661500 by effron
If a lens focuses, it pulls air from the out side. Maybe you have the only glass on Earth that doesn't, if so that's great. Inside focusing or not.
If you want to disregard the physics of a photographic lens, by all means, do so.....
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #661508 by Nikon Shooter
… /
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #661515 by Ozzie_Traveller

J Photo Man wrote: What's funny is that I would have thought a term called "focus breathing" would imply how your physical breathing was while taking a photo.  Kind of like what snipers do when firing a rifle.   But then I was reading an article about a camera and there was no explanation behind the term being used.  I jumped on YouTube and found a video from Tony Northrup and he talks about it being the reduction in focal length the further you get away from infinity focus.  Something that he refers only is affected with zoom lenses.   Then I watched another video where they referred to focus breathing as when a contrast detect auto focus vibrates back and forth as it struggles to capture focus.   
Both of these, 3 including my assumption of the definition are kind of scattered all over.  What exactly does focus breathing mean? 


G'day mate

In my many years flitting around the photography world, I have never heard the term used - and have never experienced it in reference to "contrast detect auto focus vibrates back and forth as it struggles to capture focus"

As all 15 yrs of my digital camera use has been with superzoom & mirrorless cameras using contrast detect auto-focussing, all I can add is ... what a load of waffle and "fertiliser"

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. What does focus breathing mean?

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages2/vanguard1.jpgSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/nikon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Urban Photography 101

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024
10 Reasons Why the Nikon D850 is a Great Camera in 2024: Timeless Features and Performance

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024
Best Beginner Camera for 2024

The best beginner camera isn’t the same for everyone. That means having choice is of the utmost importance. In this guide, explore five excellent beginner camera options for 2024 and beyond.

Apr 25, 2024
The Art of Child Portrait Photography

Child portrait photography is a unique undertaking requiring special skills and talents to get the best results. Start mastering this photography niche with these essential tips!

Apr 25, 2024
Fujifilm XT5 Review

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024
Guiding the Eye: Mastering Leading Lines in Photography

Using leading lines in photography helps improve the composition by drawing viewers in and leading their eye from the foreground to the background. Explore some fine examples of this in this guide!

Apr 24, 2024
Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
More Articles