To stop focus breathing, you should avoid scenes where the focus point changes dramatically from very close to very far.
Focus breathing is a lens artifact that changes the focal length and field of view of a lens as its focus is adjusted. This can be problematic, particularly in video, because it causes the background to appear to zoom in or out as focus is shifted between subjects. While not as crucial for still photography, where focus is typically set and doesn't constantly change, it can cause issues for those doing focus stacking or needing image comparisons across different focus distances.
Here's a breakdown of how to mitigate or avoid focus breathing based on the reference:
How to Minimize Focus Breathing
| Strategy | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid Large Focus Shifts | Frame your shots so that you don't require shifting focus from a very close to a very distant object in the same shot. | Most situations, especially in video where focus changes are a common visual element. |
| Use Manual Focus Carefully | With manual focus, you have more control. While breathing is still happening, you can be more deliberate in transitions. | Particularly useful for precision focus shifts or if you need the best possible visual consistency while changing focus. |
| Choose Lenses Wisely | Some lenses exhibit more focus breathing than others. Research and test lenses if minimizing breathing is important. | Prior to a shoot; especially for high-quality videography where lens characteristics are paramount. |
| Stabilized Shots | Use a tripod or gimbal when possible. It does not prevent focus breathing, but can make focus pulls look smoother. | Stabilizing your camera ensures that the focus breathing won’t be exacerbated by shaky footage. |
Additional Considerations:
- Photography: While focus breathing is generally less of an issue for photography, it can be problematic if you are:
- Focus stacking: You will notice inconsistencies in the composition between frames.
- Image comparison: Comparing shots at different focus distances can be skewed by focal length changes.
- Videography: Focus breathing is much more apparent in video. You should especially keep the focus change between subjects from very near to far in mind when filming. It's usually best to keep the camera on one subject and change focus only when needed for emphasis.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the visual impact of focus breathing in your photos and videos.
