Originally posted by dcshooter ...even with Canon's much smaller AF points. MF has far better control in critical focusing situations, particularly with portraiture, where it is essential to have the eyes in focus.
If anything, I'd think the ideal solution would be MF with in-body focus peaking. Here's hoping that the peaking feature in the next generation of Pentax DSLRs catches up to their competitors', since right now it is pretty abysmal.
Hmm.
Canon's much smaller AF points... Do you have a K-3? The focus point density of the K-3 seems little different to any current Canon:
K-3
70D
1Dx
And focus peaking, as well as Live View generally, works a treat on the K-3.
The problem I have with MF and fast f1.4 lenses is not in using them for studio shoots with good lighting, but in [ab]using them for live music shoots and general event shooting in low-light interiors. There's often very little visible contrast in the viewfinder, and the subject is often moving around a lot. It can be done with manual focus, but decent AF would makes it easier and probably improve the keeper rate substantially. Much as I like my Rokinon 85, I've been thinking of replacing it with a Sigma 85 or FA 77 for just that reason.