How to fix lens noise when focusing | Noisy lens autofocus motor in video - SOLVED!
Science & Technology
Introduction
Welcome back to my channel! In today's article, we're diving into the issue of noise that comes from autofocus lenses while filming. Many of us have encountered annoying motorized sounds when our camera tries to focus, which can ruin otherwise great footage. Here’s how to tackle this issue effectively.
The Problem with Autofocus Noise
When using autofocus, the lens motor emits noise that can be picked up by your camera’s microphone, leading to unusable audio during your recordings. This issue persists for many DSLR users, including myself, since I first started using the Canon 6D Mark II. Even with an external microphone mounted on top, I noticed that the autofocus noise was still prominent. Unfortunately, this rendered some of my footage unusable, especially when compared to the superior results from smartphones.
Solution Overview
Don't worry; I’ve figured out two effective methods to mitigate autofocus noise that don’t require advanced software or complex setups. Let's explore these solutions:
Tip 1: Use Manual Focus
Switching from autofocus to manual focus (often referred to as "menu focus") is a simple yet effective trick. While this might lead to some challenges in keeping the subject in focus—especially if they are moving—there are some guidelines to make it work.
Tip: If your subject is moving, try adjusting your position left or right rather than forward or backward. This helps maintain focus without the lens needing to refocus.
If you own a camera with a flip screen (like my Canon 6D Mark II), adjusting focus is quite easy. If not, consider investing in a camera video monitor or utilizing your smartphone as a video monitor, which I discuss in other videos.
Tip 2: Use an External Microphone
Using an external microphone can significantly reduce the noise captured during autofocusing. Here are two types of microphones I recommend based on my experience:
Rode Mic: Although higher in price, this mic offers good quality. However, if it’s too close to the lens, it may still pick up noise.
Boya Mic: This is usually more budget-friendly and has proven effective for noise reduction.
Placement of Microphones
For optimal performance, ensure the microphone is positioned further away from the lens to avoid capturing its noise. If using the Rode Mic, you might need a cold shoe extension bar (available cheaply) to position it correctly. Alternatively, using a longer audio jack cable to place the microphone at a distance can also work well. Just make sure to buy a high-quality cable to avoid audio issues.
Hiding Your Microphone
If you're concerned about aesthetics and don't want the microphone visible on camera, you can discreetly place it under your clothing using double-sided tape. This helps maintain a professional appearance while capturing clear audio.
Conclusion
That's it for now! By implementing these two strategies—manual focus and external microphones—you can effectively manage autofocus noise in your video recordings. If you have other solutions, please share them in the comments below. If this article has helped you, don't forget to give it a thumbs up!
Keywords
- Autofocus
- Lens Noise
- Manual Focus
- External Microphone
- Rode Mic
- Boya Mic
- Video Monitoring
- Canon 6D Mark II
- Cold Shoe Extension Bar
FAQ
Q1: Why does my camera's autofocus make noise?
A1: The noise comes from the lens motor working to adjust focus. This sound can interfere with the audio quality of your video.
Q2: What are the best ways to reduce autofocus noise?
A2: Switching to manual focus and using an external microphone positioned away from the lens are effective methods.
Q3: Is it necessary to buy an expensive microphone?
A3: Not necessarily; budget-friendly options like the Boya Mic can provide good audio quality without the need for additional purchases.
Q4: How can I hide my microphone while recording?
A4: You can use double-sided tape to secure a small microphone under your clothing or choose a less visible setup.