For an experimentation into focal length, AF/MF, focal points and depth of field, I took a variety of photographs using these techniques, so that I can compare them.

In the above gallery, the top 2 rows of images were taken using Auto-focus, where the camera automatically focused on a focal point, and the bottom 2 rows used manual focus, where I physically adjusted the camera lens in order to adjust the focus and focal point.

I discovered that using manual focus allows for more control over the focal point of the image, and overall allows for a the focal point of the image to be focused on more easily.