Nikon D90 user manual Focus Lock, Lock focus, Recompose the photograph and shoot

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 55). Focus lock is most effective when Single point, Dynamic area, or 3D-tracking (11 points) is selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-area mode; pg. 173).

1Focus.

Position the subject in the selected focus point	h
and press the shutter-release button halfway to
initiate focus. Check that the in-focus indicator
(J) appears in the viewfinder.

2Lock focus.

AF-A and AF-C autofocus modes (pg. 54): With the shutter-release button pressed halfway (q), press the AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder). Focus will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

Shutter-release button

AE-L/AF-L button

AF-S autofocus mode (pg. 54): Focus will lock automatically when the in-focus indicator appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Focus can also be locked by pressing the AE-L/AF-Lbutton (see above).

3Recompose the photograph and shoot.

Focus will remain locked between shots if you keep the AE-L/AF-Lbutton pressed (AF-A/AF-C) or the shutter-release button pressed halfway (AF-S), allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting.

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