A type of drive that ensures the movement of lens structural elements during automatic focus. Currently, the following types can be used:
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Ultrasonic motor. The most advanced type of drive to date. Ultrasonic motors are much faster than conventional motors, provide higher accuracy, consume less power and are virtually silent. However, their cost is quite high.
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Stepper motor. Drive control focal length and zoom (zoom). This type of motor is used for the most part only in full-size digital cameras. Among the advantages of a stepper motor, one can note: high reliability and accuracy of operation; in addition, it does not require power supply to maintain focus and zoom. Of course, stepper motors are not without drawbacks. Among the minuses can be identified: slow speed and increased noise. Additionally, a stepper motor is characterized by large dimensions and a rather large weight, which physically does not allow this type of drive to be integrated into the optics of mobile phones and ultra-compact cameras.
— Motor. In this case, an electric
motor of a traditional design is meant. Such drives are simple and, as a result, inexpensive. Their disadvantages are the relatively low speed of operation, as well as the noise produced during this; the latter can sometimes be critical — for example, when shooting wildlife. Recently, designers have been us
...ing various tricks to neutralize these shortcomings, but in general, the characteristics of conventional motors still remain relatively modest.
— Is absent. The complete absence of an autofocus motor in the lens. Focus such optics can be carried out either by the “screwdriver” system, or strictly manually (for more details on both options, see below).
