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Canon lenses with USM auto focus can be called "continuous manual focus" (at least some). By this I mean that you can override the AF without switching it off. I've found this very handy, and I often miss this option when it's not there.

I know Sigma have HSM AF on several lenses, but I've encountered at least one of these which still requires me to "turn off" AF with a switch before I can manually focus. Does anyone know where I can find a comprehensive list over lenses from Sigma (and others) which have "continuous manual focus"?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Actually, not all Canon USM lenses have FTM. There are ones with micro USM that don't. \$\endgroup\$
    – ab.aditya
    Dec 26, 2011 at 8:06
  • \$\begingroup\$ The only micro-USM lenses that I have used also feature FTMF. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Nov 27, 2015 at 2:04

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This is known as full-time manual focus override (FTM).

If you look at the Sigma product catalogue (PDF) it mentions within each lens description if it has that feature.

Tokina AT-X PRO series lenses have what they call a Focus Clutch mechanism that allows you to override the AF. The only lens I'm familiar with is the 11-16mm f/2.8 which has this feature.

The only Tamron lens I know of is the 70-300mm Di VC. The 17-50mm VC unfortunately doesn't have it.

Canon USM lenses have the feature as pointed out in the original post.

Nikon AF-s lenses have the feature. Set a switch on the lens to M/A and you can manuall override focus.

You may need to have your camera's autofocus setting to single AF rather than continuous servo (or whatever your brand may call it) otherwise it will not let you adjust, or will override your manual adjustment.

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    \$\begingroup\$ What about other brands? \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Dec 26, 2011 at 0:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ Have added some additional info. \$\endgroup\$
    – MikeW
    Dec 26, 2011 at 1:12
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    \$\begingroup\$ +1; thanks. FWIW, most Pentax DA series lenses have an automatic clutch mechanism, and the SDM lenses (like the DA★ series) use an ultrasonic motor with full-time autofocus. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Dec 26, 2011 at 3:51
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This was originally known as Direct Manual Focus (DMF) but different brands gave it their own names: Full Time Manual Focus, Manual/Auto Mode and Quick-Shift Autofocus are the ones that come to mind. Since I think that Quick-Shift Autofocus describes it rather well, that is the label I chose for Neocamera.

So, to answer your question, use the Lens Search By Specification and select AF with quick-shift in the Focus Drive selection box. Add other criteria (Mount, Brand, etc) if you do not want to see every lens from every brand with that feature.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Great link, very useful. \$\endgroup\$
    – MikeW
    Dec 26, 2011 at 4:31

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