I've had my camera for a few months now and I feel like an absolute IDIOT that i didn't know that I could switch my lens into manual focus! duh! lol Anyway my question is - what do you guys primarily use - Manual or auto focus? And what are the best situations to use manual focus?? Thanks :)

:)  I use auto 99% of the time!  The times I have used manual is when my camera will not focus on exactly what I want it to focus on!  I really enjoy shooting through things like plants and flowers & stuff & sometimes even after setting my focus point, it still won't focus on my subject & I will switch to manual.  I see the benefit of using manual when doing macro too.  I am sure there are other instances, but that's my $.02 :)  I really want to rent a tilt-shift soon and play, and that's 100% manual!

I used mostly auto focus, but I use manual for more artsy DOF shots...Like when you want to blur out something right in front of you and focus on something in the back.  In this shot I was shooting through a wagon wheel.  I did try it in AF first, but it focused on the wheel and not the girl.  Switch to MF and bam, that still takes a bit of patience and getting used to, though.  AND the most important thing is to remember to switch it back once you're done.  I've accidentally left it in MF for a few frames where I didn't mean to. :)

Awesome - thanks ladies! Thanks for the visual Allie - that makes so much sense :) I played around a little bit with the manual on my only subject - my dog and it didnt go so well, he moves way too fast haha

Since going digital, I use auto focus 99% of the time. This is because digital cameras & lenses do NOT have a focus assist system (which I think is ridiculous) so if you try to manual focus on anything but macro, chances are it will be out of focus. For me, that's an issue since my album spreads are 24" wide sometimes =that sucker better be sharp!

I will only switch to manual [usually] a few times : when I'm wanting to "lock" the focus after using auto focus - camera is usually on a tripod for a timed shot or remote control shot. OR when focusing on a macro shot - like the rings or text -where I can see the focus pretty easily.

So glad you asked this I have been wondering the same thing!

I've been using manual a lot more lately, but I think next time I'm going to use auto for family shots, and see how that goes.  See if I notice a difference in the quality of the prints.  I think I got stuck on manual when I was doing a lot of still and abstract photos and just got used to using it.

awsome I learning so much thanks to you all!!thanks!!