Patent ID: 7831138

Claim:
A focus adjusting method for adjusting focus by moving a focusing lens group of a photographing optical system, wherein said focus adjusting method performs a focus search process in which a focus state is obtained to detect an in-focus position of said focusing lens group based on a contrast of an image formed by said photographing optical system, in one of at least one large focus area and each of a plurality of small focus areas included in said large focus area, while said focusing lens group is moved stepwise from one toward the other of a near extremity and a far extremity, and moves said focusing lens group to said in-focus position, wherein said focus adjusting method comprises: a first search stage at which a focus search operation is performed based on an image formed in said large focus area while said focusing lens group is moved stepwise over an entire range of movement thereof from said near extremity to said far extremity, and a second search stage at which said focus search operation is performed, based on images formed in said plurality of small focus areas, at front and rear close vicinities of said in-focus position while said focusing lens group is moved stepwise over a portion of said entire range of movement thereof.