Autofocus lens apparatus

摘要

The lens apparatus (1) permits rapid focusing by the operator demanding an autofocus (AF) start-up direction to carry out AF in the direction in an AF mode. When a start of the AF mode is instructed, an AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction by operating a focus operation member (FR), thereby permitting the operator to properly demand the AF start-up direction, and permitting the demand to be appropriately detected. When automatically switching from the state where the operator operates the focus operation member (FR) to the AF, condition of the switching is that a focus evaluation value exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the operation of the focus operation member (FR), or that an operation amount of the focus operation member (FR) is changed more then a predetermined amount, thereby permitting further rapid focusing and improvement of operability. Gradually switching a clutch (MCL, ECL), which switches the focus lens driving from manual to electrical operation, from a manual to electrical state in switching to the AF can eliminates uncomfortable operation feeling of the focus operation member (FR). Further, for the processing after completion of focusing by the AF, a mode of returning to the AF standby state of waiting for the operator to demand the AF start-up direction, mode of returning to a manual mode, or mode of continuing the AF can be selected, which permits improvement of convenience of the AF mode. <IMAGE>