How could I use manual focus to take fastest action shots? It was very slow don't you thnk so?

Answer 1

The two ways I take action shots of sports players or vehicles are to either create a blurry subject on still background (1), or a frozen subject on blurred background (2).

Using a race car as an example, and I've assumed a well lit day with mid-range medium aperture and 1/125 shutter speed or higher:
1. Focus on a spot on the track in front of you, and point the camera at that spot. Wait as the car speeds past the spot and press the shutter button. The background will be clear and the car a blur.
2. Focus on the same spot again, but this time follow the car in the distance with the camera. Keep moving the camera with the car, and as it passes the spot you've already set the focus to press the shutter button. Don't jerk the camera, and keep the smooth movement through the shot and you ought to get a frozen car with the background blurring past.

The third option is to open the aperture and zoom (or use a wide angle lens) completely, and you can get all in focus - although the shot tends to be quite static and boring.

Answer 2

manual or auto focus, the concept is the same. you have to anticipate in advance where the subject will be in the final shot. Manual is somewhat easier because it does not change if you are doing a series of similar shots and it does not interact with auto exposure. For digital cameras with auto focus, you will need to press the shutter button to the "half" position. The camera will focus and get the exposure settings, then when the subject is ready push the rest of the way, the camera will respond instantly. You will have to be creative and figure a position that has both the same focus distance and exposure needed for the final shot. Most digital cameras are not well suited to catching fast action unless they have lots of manual over-ride capabilities.

Answer 3

I guess you'd have to pre-focus on a spot and wait for the subjects to get to that spot, depending on the sport, of course.

I use a pair of Nikon F5 and f/2.8D lenses and the lenses snap to the focus point and I rarely miss any action shots. Of course, I depend on my auto-focus because of my failing vision.

Alternatively, you'll just have to practice turning the focus ring and pressing the shutter button.

Good luck and best wishes.