What To Know
- One of the most crucial aspects is knowing how to change the focus point, allowing you to precisely target the subject you want to capture.
- This feature allows you to take a series of images with different focus points, ensuring that at least one image will be in focus.
- When photographing a stationary subject, you can use a single focus point and carefully position it on the subject’s eyes or other key features.
The Canon 6D Mark II is a powerhouse of a camera, offering incredible image quality and versatility. But to truly unlock its potential, you need to understand how to control its focus system. One of the most crucial aspects is knowing how to change the focus point, allowing you to precisely target the subject you want to capture. This blog post will guide you through the process, equipping you with the knowledge to master your focus and take your photography to the next level.
Understanding Focus Points
Before diving into the specifics of changing focus points on the Canon 6D Mark II, let’s clarify what they are and why they matter. Essentially, focus points are small, sensitive areas on your camera’s sensor that detect contrast and determine where the lens should focus. Your camera uses these points to lock onto your subject, ensuring it’s sharp and in focus.
The Canon 6D Mark II boasts a 45-point autofocus system, with 27 cross-type points that provide enhanced accuracy and reliability. This means you have a wide array of focus points to choose from, enabling you to precisely target different parts of your frame.
How to Change Focus Points: The Basics
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of changing focus points on your Canon 6D Mark II. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps:
1. Select the Focus Mode: Your camera offers several focus modes, including One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, and AI Focus AF. One-Shot AF is ideal for stationary subjects, while AI Servo AF is designed for moving subjects. Choose the mode that best suits your shooting scenario.
2. Use the Multi-Controller: The multi-controller, located on the back of your camera, is your primary tool for selecting focus points. Simply press the multi-controller up, down, left, or right to move the active focus point around the viewfinder. You can also use the directional buttons on the back of the camera to achieve the same effect.
3. Confirm Your Selection: Once you’ve positioned the focus point where you want it, simply half-press the shutter button. The camera will confirm your selection by displaying the active focus point in the viewfinder.
Advanced Focus Point Control
While the basic method is simple enough, the Canon 6D Mark II offers several advanced features that give you more control over your focus:
- Focus Area Selection Modes: Your camera provides different focus area selection modes, including:
- Single-point AF: This mode allows you to select a single focus point. It’s excellent for precise focusing on a specific subject.
- Zone AF: This mode allows you to choose a group of focus points within a specific zone. It’s useful for subjects that are not perfectly centered in the frame.
- Large Zone AF: This mode uses a larger group of focus points, making it suitable for subjects that are moving around within a wider area.
- Automatic Selection: This mode lets the camera automatically choose the best focus point based on the scene.
- Focus Expansion: This feature allows you to expand the focus area by adding additional focus points around the selected one. This is helpful when you want more flexibility in tracking a moving subject or when your subject is slightly off-center.
- Focus Bracketing: This feature allows you to take a series of images with different focus points, ensuring that at least one image will be in focus. This is particularly helpful for macro photography or when you’re unsure about the precise focus point.
Tips for Choosing the Right Focus Point
Choosing the right focus point is crucial for capturing sharp and well-composed images. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your focus points:
- Consider Your Subject: When photographing a stationary subject, you can use a single focus point and carefully position it on the subject’s eyes or other key features. For moving subjects, use AI Servo AF and focus expansion to ensure continuous focus tracking.
- Use the Center Focus Point: The center focus point is often the most accurate and reliable. If your subject is not perfectly centered, you can use the center focus point and recompose the shot after focusing.
- Experiment with Different Settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different focus area selection modes and focus expansion settings to see what works best for your shooting style and subject matter.
Focus Point Selection in Live View Mode
The Canon 6D Mark II also allows you to change focus points while using Live View mode. This can be particularly helpful when shooting from low angles or using a tripod. Here’s how to do it:
1. Enable Live View: Press the Live View button on the back of your camera.
2. Select Focus Point: You can use the touchscreen to tap on the desired focus point or use the multi-controller to move the focus point around the screen.
3. Confirm Selection: Half-press the shutter button to confirm your focus point selection.
Mastering Focus: The Key to Sharper Images
Learning how to change focus points on your Canon 6D Mark II is a fundamental step in mastering your photography. By understanding the different focus modes, area selection options, and advanced features, you can gain complete control over your camera’s focus system and consistently capture sharp, well-composed images. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, taking the time to learn about focus points will significantly elevate your photography and help you unlock the full potential of your Canon 6D Mark II.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How do I know if my focus point is active?
A: When you half-press the shutter button, the active focus point will be highlighted in the viewfinder. If you’re using Live View, the active focus point will be displayed as a square on the screen.
Q: Can I change the focus point while shooting?
A: Yes, you can change the focus point while shooting. Simply use the multi-controller or touchscreen to move the focus point to the desired location.
Q: What is the best focus mode for wildlife photography?
A: AI Servo AF is generally the best choice for wildlife photography as it allows you to track moving subjects.
Q: What happens if I miss the focus point?
A: If you miss the focus point, your image may be blurry. It’s always best to double-check your focus point before taking a shot.
Q: Can I customize the focus point settings?
A: Yes, you can customize focus point settings in your camera’s menu. This includes options like focus area selection modes, focus expansion, and focus bracketing.
