manual lens

Hand-adjusted camera glass

A manual lens is a camera lens that requires the photographer to adjust focus and aperture by hand, rather than relying on the camera's autofocus system.

Manual lenses were standard before autofocus technology became widespread in the 1980s, and many photographers still prefer them for their precision and tactile control: I shoot portraits with a vintage manual lens.

They're popular among videographers, where smooth focus pulls matter more than speed.

focusConcentrated attention point
focus ringLens barrel sharpness control
apertureAdjustable optical inlet
wide openFully accessible, unrestricted
depth of fieldZone of acceptable sharpness

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Opposites

focus mechanism

manual lensautofocus lens

Self-sharpening camera component

Family

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Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G