What To Know
- One of its most useful features is the ability to use back button focus, which allows you to control focus independently from the shutter release button.
- Instead of pressing the shutter button halfway to focus and then fully pressing it to take the picture, you use a dedicated button on the back of the camera to focus and the shutter button to capture the image.
- For portrait photography, you might prefer to use the shutter button focus because it allows you to focus quickly and easily on your subject’s eyes.
The Canon 5D Mark IV is a powerful camera that offers a wide range of features for photographers of all levels. One of its most useful features is the ability to use back button focus, which allows you to control focus independently from the shutter release button. This can be a game-changer for photographers who want to have more control over their focus and capture sharper images. But what if you want to turn off back button focus on your Canon 5D Mark IV? This blog post will guide you through the process of disabling back button focus and exploring the benefits of using this feature.
Understanding Back Button Focus
Before we delve into how to turn off back button focus, let’s understand what it is and why it’s a valuable tool for photographers.
Back button focus is a technique that separates the focus function from the shutter release button. Instead of pressing the shutter button halfway to focus and then fully pressing it to take the picture, you use a dedicated button on the back of the camera to focus and the shutter button to capture the image. This allows for greater control and precision, especially in fast-paced situations.
Benefits of Back Button Focus
Here are some of the key benefits of using back button focus:
- Faster Focusing: By focusing with a dedicated button, you can continuously track your subject without interrupting the shooting process. This is particularly helpful for wildlife and sports photography.
- Improved Accuracy: Separating focus from the shutter release button eliminates the tendency to inadvertently change focus while trying to take a picture. This leads to more accurate focusing and sharper images.
- More Control: You have complete control over when the camera focuses. You can choose to focus only when needed, without having to worry about the camera constantly refocusing.
- Reduced Camera Shake: Since you don’t have to press the shutter button halfway to focus, you reduce the risk of camera shake, especially in low-light situations.
How to Turn Off Back Button Focus on Canon 5D Mark IV
Turning off back button focus on your Canon 5D Mark IV is a simple process. Here’s how:
1. Access the Custom Functions Menu: Press the “Menu” button on the back of your camera.
2. Navigate to the Custom Functions Menu: Use the navigation buttons to scroll to the “Custom Functions” menu, which is usually represented by a wrench icon.
3. Select the Focus Button Option: Within the Custom Functions menu, find the option for “Focus Button” or “AF-ON Button”. The exact label may vary depending on your camera’s firmware version.
4. Choose the Desired Setting: You’ll see different options for the focus button. Select “Shutter Button” or “Off” to disable back button focus and revert to the default behavior.
5. Exit the Menu: Once you’ve made your selection, press the “Menu” button again to exit the menu.
When to Use Back Button Focus
While back button focus offers numerous advantages, it may not be suitable for all scenarios. Here are some situations where you might consider turning off back button focus:
- Beginner Photography: If you’re new to photography, using back button focus can be confusing initially. Start with the default shutter button focusing and transition to back button focus once you’re comfortable with the basics.
- Portrait Photography: For portrait photography, you might prefer to use the shutter button focus because it allows you to focus quickly and easily on your subject’s eyes.
- Macro Photography: When shooting macro subjects, you might find that the slight delay of focusing with the back button can be detrimental to capturing the perfect shot.
Exploring Alternative Focus Modes
The Canon 5D Mark IV offers a range of focus modes that you can utilize depending on your shooting conditions and subject matter. Here are some notable focus modes:
- One-Shot AF: This mode is ideal for stationary subjects. The camera focuses once when you press the shutter button halfway and maintains that focus until you release the button.
- AI Servo AF: This mode is designed for tracking moving subjects. The camera continuously adjusts focus as the subject moves.
- AI Focus AF: This mode combines the best of One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF, automatically switching between the two modes based on the subject’s movement.
Mastering the Art of Focus
By understanding the different focus modes and techniques available on the Canon 5D Mark IV, you can take control of your focus and elevate your photography skills. Experiment with different settings, practice your techniques, and find the approach that best suits your shooting style and subject matter.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Focus Control
Whether you choose to use back button focus or not, understanding the different focus options on your Canon 5D Mark IV is crucial for capturing sharp and impactful images. Experiment with the settings, explore different focus modes, and adapt your technique to the demands of your subject and shooting environment. By mastering focus control, you’ll unlock a new level of creative potential and take your photography to new heights.
Questions You May Have
1. Can I customize the back button focus behavior on the Canon 5D Mark IV?
Yes, you can customize the back button focus behavior. You can choose to use it for both autofocus and manual focus, or you can restrict it to autofocus only.
2. Does turning off back button focus affect the camera’s autofocus performance?
No, turning off back button focus does not affect the camera’s autofocus performance. It simply changes the method of activating the autofocus system.
3. Why is back button focus more beneficial for wildlife photography?
Back button focus allows you to continuously track your subject without interrupting the shooting process. This is crucial for wildlife photography, where subjects are often moving quickly.
4. Can I use back button focus with the Canon 5D Mark IV‘s touchscreen interface?
Yes, you can use back button focus with the touchscreen interface. You can tap the screen to focus and then use the shutter button to capture the image.
5. Is there any way to revert to the default settings on the Canon 5D Mark IV?
Yes, you can reset the camera’s settings to the factory defaults by accessing the “Reset” option in the “Custom Functions” menu.
