What To Know
- Enter back button focus – a technique that allows you to control autofocus using a dedicated button on the back of your camera, freeing up your shutter button for capturing the moment.
- The traditional method of autofocus, where you half-press the shutter button to focus and then fully press it to take the picture, can be cumbersome and prone to accidental focus adjustments.
- If you need to lock focus on a specific point while recomposing, use the focus lock button (usually located near the shutter button).
The Canon RP is a fantastic camera for photographers of all levels, but its default autofocus system can feel clunky for those who prefer a more responsive and intuitive shooting experience. Enter back button focus – a technique that allows you to control autofocus using a dedicated button on the back of your camera, freeing up your shutter button for capturing the moment. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up back button focus on your Canon RP, explaining the benefits and providing tips for mastering this technique.
Why Use Back Button Focus?
The traditional method of autofocus, where you half-press the shutter button to focus and then fully press it to take the picture, can be cumbersome and prone to accidental focus adjustments. Back button focus offers several advantages:
1. Enhanced Focus Control: By separating focus from the shutter release, you gain complete control over when the camera focuses. This is especially helpful when shooting moving subjects, as you can initiate focus before pressing the shutter button.
2. Reduced Shutter Lag: With back button focus, you can pre-focus on your subject and then quickly capture the moment by simply pressing the shutter button. This eliminates the delay associated with half-pressing the shutter for focusing, leading to sharper images.
3. Improved Focus Accuracy: Back button focus prevents accidental focus changes during composition. You can focus on your subject, recompose, and then capture the image without worrying about the camera refocusing on something else.
Setting Up Back Button Focus on Your Canon RP
Now, let’s dive into the steps involved in setting up back button focus on your Canon RP:
1. Access the Custom Functions Menu: Press the Menu button on the back of your camera and navigate to the “Custom Functions” tab (represented by a wrench icon).
2. Select the Focus Setting: Scroll down to “C.Fn III: Focus” and press the Set button.
3. Choose the Focus Button: Within the “C.Fn III: Focus” menu, you’ll find the option “Focus Button.” Select it and press the Set button.
4. Assign the Focus Function: You’ll now see a list of options for the Focus Button. Choose “AF-ON” to assign autofocus activation to the dedicated button.
5. Customize the AF-ON Button: By default, the AF-ON button is located on the back of the camera, near the thumb rest. However, you can customize its location to suit your preferences. To do this, go to the “Custom Functions” menu and navigate to the “C.Fn II: Buttons/Control” section. Select the “AF-ON Button” option and choose the desired location.
Getting Started with Back Button Focus
Now that you’ve successfully set up back button focus, it’s time to start using it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get comfortable:
1. Focus on Your Subject: Use the AF-ON button to focus on your desired subject. The camera will focus and lock onto the target.
2. Compose Your Shot: Once the focus is locked, you can recompose your shot without the camera refocusing.
3. Capture the Image: Press the shutter button to take the picture. The camera will capture the image with the pre-focused subject.
Tips for Mastering Back Button Focus
1. Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any new technique, back button focus requires practice to master. Start with simple subjects and gradually increase the complexity.
2. Use the Focus Modes: Experiment with different autofocus modes (Single-shot AF, AI Servo AF, etc.) to find the best setting for your shooting style and subject.
3. Understand the Focus Points: Familiarize yourself with the camera’s focus points. This will help you quickly and accurately select the desired focus area.
4. Use the Focus Lock Button: If you need to lock focus on a specific point while recomposing, use the focus lock button (usually located near the shutter button). This will prevent the camera from refocusing when you move the camera.
5. Combine Back Button Focus with Other Techniques: Consider using back button focus in conjunction with other techniques like continuous shooting or exposure bracketing to further enhance your photography.
The Benefits of Back Button Focus
1. Enhanced Control: Back button focus gives you complete control over when the camera focuses, allowing you to capture the moment precisely.
2. Faster Shooting: By eliminating the delay associated with half-pressing the shutter, back button focus allows for faster and more responsive shooting.
3. Improved Focus Accuracy: Back button focus prevents accidental focus changes during composition, ensuring that your subject remains in focus.
4. More Creative Possibilities: Back button focus opens up new creative possibilities, allowing you to experiment with different focus techniques and achieve unique results.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Back Button Focus Techniques
1. Focus Tracking: Many Canon cameras, including the RP, offer focus tracking capabilities. This allows you to continuously track a moving subject while maintaining focus. You can activate focus tracking by holding down the AF-ON button.
2. Manual Focus Fine-Tuning: Once the camera has focused on your subject, you can manually fine-tune the focus using the focus ring on your lens. This is useful for achieving precise focus in critical situations.
3. Focus Bracketing: Focus bracketing allows you to capture multiple images with different focus points, ensuring that at least one image is perfectly focused. You can activate focus bracketing in the camera’s menu.
Stepping into a New Era of Photography
By embracing back button focus, you unlock a new level of control and precision in your photography. It’s a technique that can significantly enhance your shooting experience, allowing you to capture sharper, more dynamic images. While it may take some practice to master, the benefits are well worth the effort.
The Final Word: Embracing a New Way to Focus
As you continue your photographic journey, remember that back button focus is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some photographers prefer the traditional method, while others find back button focus to be a game-changer. It’s essential to experiment and discover what works best for your style and shooting preferences.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I use back button focus with all lenses?
A: Yes, back button focus is compatible with all lenses that have autofocus capabilities.
Q: Is back button focus only for moving subjects?
A: While back button focus is particularly beneficial for moving subjects, it can be used for any type of photography. It provides greater control over the focusing process, regardless of the subject.
Q: Does back button focus affect the camera’s autofocus performance?
A: No, back button focus does not affect the camera’s autofocus performance. It simply changes how you control the autofocus system.
Q: Can I switch back to the traditional focus method?
A: Yes, you can easily switch back to the traditional focus method by re-assigning the Focus Button to “Shutter” in the camera’s menu.
Q: What are the benefits of using back button focus?
A: Back button focus offers several benefits, including enhanced control, faster shooting, improved focus accuracy, and more creative possibilities.
