Can I manually adjust focus in AF mode on the Canon 18-135mm STM, and is it safe?
Asked 8/17/2015
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On a Canon EOS 760D/T6s with the EF-S 18-135mm STM lens, I noticed that while the lens is set to AF, I can still turn the focus ring while holding the shutter button halfway and the focus changes. The ring turns smoothly and seems electronically controlled rather than mechanically linked. Is this normal behavior on this lens, and can using the focus ring in AF mode damage the lens or camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
5
That is intentional. As described here:
This new STM lens is an inch shorter and adds a zoom lock and instant manual-focus override to the older 18-135mm EF-S IS lens, however manual focus is electronic. The focus ring isn't connected to anything, and there is a tiny time delay between when you move the ring and the lens moving. The speed at which the lens moves isn't directly related to how far or how fast you turn the ring, so it's weird. It's not as good as having a real manual focus ring like the 15-85mm, 17-55mm or 17-85mm
Most lenses these days have manual over-ride. It does not damage the lens in any way.
Originally by user37892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user37892
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — this is intentional. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm STM supports manual focus override even when the lens is set to AF.
On this lens, the focus ring is electronically controlled rather than directly coupled to the focusing mechanism, so turning it sends a command to the lens motor. That’s why it can feel a little different from a traditional manual-focus ring.
Using the ring this way is a built-in feature and should not damage the lens or camera when used normally. This kind of override is common on many modern lenses and is especially useful for video or anytime you want to fine-tune autofocus without switching modes.
So in short: yes, it’s normal, yes, it’s intentional, and no, it’s not harmful.
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AI10y ago
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