sony a7iii back button focus

amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; 3. amzn_assoc_linkid = "394860aae0c4f11c65619bb77c8c4ca1"; Pingback: Back-Button AF | Mark Galer July 28, 2015, […] https://briansmith.com/setting-back-button-af-on-sony-a7-series-cameras/ […]. Brian, I have been searching for a solution to this issue for the past two hours. The button does what you program it to do and the lever does what you program it for. This article by adventure, travel and landscape photographer Andy Day offers helpful advice on how to customise your Sony a7III/a7RIII for efficient handling. Yes, Pre-AF is switched off, it’s now one of the first things I set after buying a Sony camera. These days I’m almost never pressing the shutter without also autofocusing at the same time because all the technologies behind AF-C have made it the smartest and most accurate way to shoot. Also make sure that Pre-AF option is turned OFF. AEL toggle But you can assign Eye AF to any of the Custom Buttons. I am confused when it says the standard button (??) It’s even better than before and yep, I have shot with this new feature. 1. 1. Accurately navigate the button landscape on your camera while using the viewfinder. Choose Menu > Custom Settings > AF w/shutter > Off. As well as continuing to add new functions, manufacturers are blessing photographers with the ability to customise every button and knob, and Sony Alpha cameras have led the way. And when I switch back to AF, I have to make sure I hit the AF button to bring the AF focus area back while still in MF mode. The camera always focuses with either adapted lens. For back-button focus, it takes away the need to constantly relocate my thumb to the multi-controller joystick. ... and in the case of the Sony a7III, this is a significant one! It’s somewhat a deal breaker for me that I have to disable it first…. Instead, press the AEL button to focus. Perhaps they could improve it with a firmware update. At this point, some cameras can even be told which specific eye to focus on. Ah, but there is a way to make use of the Control Wheel for the focus point! When I press the remote button, the camera will try to focus, will hunt but will often fail. When my back-pension comes in I'll definitely replace my Sony a7III w/ a Sony a9, but in the meantime I'll keep it attached to my 100-400mm GM for BIF's. It’s possible you have some conflict among your settings that’s causing that. Thank you. Great site btw. Once you’ve set it, you may still not be happy with the procedure. I use to do this on my Canon and got use to it. PLEASE NOTE that in order to select the focus point using the Smart Remote Control app, you must turn AF w/shutter back ON. I would like to offer an alternative to using the AF/MF button for BB Focus for those with large hands or like me, with a gimpy thumb joint. Relearning to use my camera this way was no easy task, but I challenged myself to stick through the awkwardness in order to give it a fair chance. Quickly find your focus button when using "back-button" focusing. As suspected, pressing a button versus not pressing a button to stop autofocus was a difficult adjustment and will probably be the toughest mental hurdle for others too. When the user presses down all the way on the shutter button, sure enough the shutter is triggered and an exposure is made. You can program your Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II, a7RII, a7SII, a7 III, a7R III camera for Back-Button AF so that focusing is performed by pressing the AEL button with your right thumb. About the author: Ryan Mense is a wildlife photographer based in Wisconsin. I’ll have to test out both to see if one makes any difference over the other. I am using a Batis 85mm FE lens with not manual AF/MF switch. After all that time, today I feel like I’m finally reaping the benefits of unrestricted compositions through faster focus changes, and moving forward I’m in a good spot for the future of cameras. I have one questions though. Choose Menu > Custom Settings > Custom Key Settings > AEL Button > AF On. Find a button … It is almost similar to holding shutter button half pressed, but only in AF-S, but on Sony A7III AF-C works much better than AF-S. Anyone know if there is a way? The new camera has what Canon is calling a Smart Controller built into the AF-On button and it’s a small trackpad able to control the focus point without the user’s thumb moving down to the joystick. For more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my new book ‘Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’. Is there something else to set? Hello Robaro, are you asking how to assign Movie Recording to the C1 Button? That is why I focus on some light source first and then re-compose. The switch that your thumb is on in the image above, that you can switch between AF/MF or down to AEL, what changes between those two options and which one should I have it set to? […]. First, a very short paragraph on what back-button focus is so everyone is on the same page. Alan, Brian Picks up so much more detail, too. You can program your Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II, a7RII, a7SII, a7 III, a7R III camera for Back-Button AF so that focusing is performed by pressing the AEL button with your right thumb. The Canon focuses quicker even in native emulation. Definitely not a combination I’d test for. I would not advise that if you plan to stack images for HDR. When you see “Not Set” you can keep going…. Ok, just tried it with the Batis 18mm f2.8 (FE) lens AND the Sony 55mm f1.8 (FE) lens. Button” or “Quick Reaction Button” on the Sony A7riii, Sony A7iii, Sony A9 and Sony a6400. In this case the camera still appears to focus before the shot is taken. So when i just go to manual I hit and hold that back button to focus or keep focusing I think if I hold it down. If so, that’s a new feature available on a7RII. Ah no, I beleive though that the A7RII is not behaving the same as the A7II. Back-Button AF changes the way autofocus is activated by separating AF activation from shutter release. The problem is the autofocus. This is known as the Back Button Focus method. If you do, throw it on the A7R II and see if you can get an IR remote to work without forcing the lens to autofocus. is this wrong or does it function differently than the way you described? Memory Keep in mind, this is a pre-production camera, which makes the results pretty amazing. For example, I shoot with back button focus, so my default focus settings are Flexible Spot with AF-C. Now I also have another button set to lock-on Flexible Spot, and yet another button set to Eye AF. 2. Choose Menu > Custom Settings > Custom Key Settings > AEL Button > AF On. To me, this brilliant design is an acknowledgement that the previous camera layout wasn’t keeping up with the way people are now using them. But it doesn’t seem to work the same way with lenses that have an AF/MF switch (neither with FE 70-200 f/4 nor with Canon EF 24-105). 1. Having two functions on a single button is viewed as overly complicating things, especially when the back of the camera is ripe with more buttons to be used in tandem. process of taking the autofocus function away from the shutter button and re-assigning it to another button on the back of the camera I gave myself one month to try out the change, but that one month quickly turned into two. Thanks. There are now more functions on the back of the camera we may want to use near the time of exposure and if our pointer finger is on the shutter button and our thumb is occupying the AF-On button all the time, how are we supposed to quickly use them? Why not simply set the camera to MF since there’s no way to use back button AF when using a remote? If the same focus issue reoccurs with a different lens, then the issue may be with the camera body. .. but this will be overridden if you locked exposure with the AEL button. ; Under Custom Key, select a custom button. I compared the Sony to adapted Canon and Tamron 85mm F1.8's. I’ve just upgraded the firmware to 3.3 for my Sony A7R2 and for no reason Yes. For shutter focus, it places the focus point selector in prime real estate at a natural resting position for my thumb. Once you do this, AF will no longer be active when you press the shutter release. Is there any way to turn this off? It is tricky to toggle between MF and Auto on this a7r. Pingback: Wishlist for Sony a7-Series Mark III Cameras November 7, 2016, […] There are four steps required to set up Back-Button AF, but people forget that once they do so, touch focus functions with apps like Smart Remote Control require that you turn AF w/Shutter back on. Back Button AF is something many Canon and Nikon sports and wildlife shooters use – and as you know there is not Eye AF on those cameras. Possibly one is on Bracket-Continuous and the other Bracket-Single. In my personal time I go hunt lizards and dewdrops with a macro lens. But if its focusing on the eye anyway then i could use the shutter button for eye focus and if there are no eyes in frame i can use the back button to focus on where i want. Turn AF w/shutter – OFF. Once you’ve set up Back-Button AF, leave the first three settings alone. Am I totally missing something here? If you are new to Back-Button AF I would advise watching until at least the 4-Minute mark to see the second most important camera setting that is an essential component of the Back-Button AF workflow. Here we’ll talk about how to program back-button focus on a Sony a7II. Brain, do you have the Batis 85mm f1.8 (FE) lens? Your camera now has new firmware and it adds a few things. Another company that I believe is participating in this future is Canon who has a relevant feature on their upcoming EOS-1D X Mark III. In the amount of time it’s taken you to dispense advice to people who had already tried all your suggestions before coming here, you could have put a Sony 55mm f1.8 FE lens on an A7R II and found out yourself it doesn’t work. For those of you with an unlimited budget the Sony a9 is about the best you can get in a digiscoping camera. There is no advantage to adding a second button into the mix, and if anything it’s now obstructing a much better use for my thumb: focus point selection. And by low light conditions I’m not talking about shooting in moonlight, I’m talking about shooting inside your house with the lights on at night. In the first 2-minutes I will show you how to quickly set up Back-Button AF on late model Sony Alpha Cameras (A7III, A7RIII and A9). @Brian. Have you tried it with the Sony 55m f1.8 FE? this let’s me auto focus with holding the af button and let’s me instantly manual focus by turning the lens focus..no setting change needed or extra button to press. Almost all DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have this feature. Please advise. The back of the camera is identical to the A7RIII, which means that it is lightyears ahead of the A7II, which it replaces. Press the (Delete) button to bring the magnified position into the center of an image. I now own the Sony 50mm 1.8, Rokinon 50mm 1.4, and Zeiss 85mm. The difference is that releasing the AF-On button in the case of back-button focus would stop AF-C and emulate AF-S, however with the default shutter focus setting, AF-C can be stopped to emulate AF-S by holding the AF-L button and then pressing the shutter button. Sony A7iii and A7riii custom settings. [Just in case this is making any difference, I am using the 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens which has an AF/MF setting]. Well, A7III and A7RIII owners that is. AF/MF Control Hold is as analogy of back button focusing but in reverse so when you hold it, it does not refocus. You simple press the custom button you’ve assigned to AF. Hi That way I can keep the focus and shutter release separate. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; hi! I have read every single related post at this site and you have not once offered any evidence that you have actually tried this out yourself. Choose Menu > Custom Settings > Custom Key Settings > AF/MF Button > AF/MF Ctrl Toggle. Autofocus is acivated by the remote button with exactly the same settings in the camera body (unless the switch is in MF position of course). Many new cameras come with various autofocus tracking capabilities that are working to eventually make the above section on focus selection matter less and less. Is there a cure for this, or am I doing something wrong? My thumb never has to go back to the rear AF-On button if my camera is set up for focusing with the shutter. Dogs and cats amazingly have their own eye autofocus tracking, with support for more animals coming along. *Note: if you use the back button focus method (see chapter below), this solution is a bit complex because you have to operate three different buttons: AEL, Focus (back button) and shutter release. Using a centered spot focus point, point your camera at your subject and press the assigned button on the back of the camera. It also removes focus from the shutter and has it assigned to the rear. I find programming C3 for BBF gives me a better grip on the little camera and is easier to push holding the camera in one hand. Apparently you have to take bracketed photos with the remote and the remote refuses to take any shots when BBF is enabled. I have tested two others that do not have an AF/MF switch and there is no problem. Activating Back-Button Focus. 9 DSLR tricks that save a ton of time and makes shooting enjoyable (and work on mirrorless too!) While you will naturally use the thumb stick to move the focus point, pressing the thumb stick inward acts is a customizable button. ; Set the Focus Mode to Continuous AF (AF-C).On some models this function is available when the Focus Mode is set to Single-shot AF (AF-S), Automatic AF (AF-A), Continuous AF (AF-C), or DMF.Please check the product for details. On my Sony a7R IV there are 323 focus points I can manually choose from that covers the image area 99.7 percent vertically and 75 percent horizontally. Disable which setting? 333: Nikon’s Possible Bacon-Saver. it seems to achieve the same effect as the method you described. The advancements in this area of A.I.-based subject recognition is revolutionary for photography. I just discovered the many choices on the custom settings. Some Sony users like to use eye autofocus in single AF mode, but I suggest that you should use it in continuous autofocus mode by keeping the AF-ON button depressed. Brain please try this out yourself instead of blindly insisting that Menu > Custom Settings > AF w/shutter > Off solves the issue. Then you flip it up and use it to focus, flip it down if you want to lock exposure. If you want manual focus with an IR trigger + 2-second self-timer, simply set the camera to MF. The most standout problem here is using the focus point selector D-pad or joystick (also called the multi-selector or multi-controller depending on the camera brand). Just remember that this setting refers to normal focusing, so for Back-Button AF: On is Off and Off is On. I always use back button focus so i don’t have to hold the shutter button down half way when i recompose. For you? Nope. First, a very short paragraph on what back-button focus is so everyone is on the same page. Gives you auto exposure that can easily be locked and BB focus with just the shutter and back button, Oh also I have focus mode set to DMF…. Second, not all lenses are created equal. the reason I ask is because I notice that if I hold it down the camera stabilization seems to hold but if I let go it is not active, is that correct? interesting. (It’s a comfortable balance of forces.). I’d release back button before firing off a bracket and you should be set. I am currently using back button AF on my a7 but have one question about it. Back-button focus probably isn’t going away any time soon, but there is a trend that has started that minimizes its value. Yes. I’m using the 2 second self timer setting, btw. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Olympus has subject detection for motor sports, trains, and aircrafts. You can use a lens alignment tool to fine-tune the focus and help correct front focus and back focus issues. If I don’t, and I with back to AF, the AF focus area box does not reappear and even though, I’m in AF mode, the back AF button does not work. But not when the camera is mounted on a tripod and I use a remote control. Perhaps you are set up for the perfect landscape, locked in to low ISO, a carefully selected focus point, relatively low shutter speed, AF-S, and suddenly an eagle soars right overhead. I just tested A7RII + FE 16-35 f/4 and it works exactly as you say. Thanks for all the great information Tip for Sony camera users: Customize the AF-L button to “AF/MF Control Hold” instead of the regular AF-L. I’m betting you forgot to turn Pre-AF > OFF. Reset again it as per your steps above Hi Brian, in regards to back button focus on the A7rii, I find with the Sony wireless transmitter that overtime you press the AEL button, the flash fires. Easily Disable Back Button Focus For Handing Off a7iii? I never managed to take bracketed photos when back button focus is enabled with my A7II. There are two popular reasons for using back-button focus and the first is the belief that one button should have only one function. With the camera’s default programming, the shutter button has two primary tasks: autofocusing and releasing the shutter to take a picture. If sounds like you don’t want listen to good advice, because the other websites are correct. My method works fine, but it is shame that disabling the shutter button AF does NOT disable remote button AF (at least on the lenses that I use most: EF 24-105 and FE 70-200 f/4). I wouldn’t combine all that stuff. Focus Hold button also has choice for AF on By default, it is set to re-center the focus point. I tested it with A7 and A7RII Sony FE 70-200 f/4 and Canon 24-105 via Metabones. No matter what I try, when I press the button on the remote, the camera tries to focus, unless of course I switch off AF on the lens. Buttons become truly accessible in the dark - for night photography. Choose Menu > Custom Settings > Custom Key Settings > AEL Button > AF On. That’s a rather unusual combination to say the least.” You’re changing the subject. Back-button focusing works well if you are using a cable release also. If the shutter button went back to controlling the autofocus as well, I would have a free thumb to rest on the focus point joystick to keep pace with my composition changes. If you are in AF-C, the lens will focus when you hold the button assigned to back button AF down and stop focusing the moment you release it. Maybe my brain is stuck on the AF/MF switch on lenses. ), Did the menu choices change since youar article was posted I think you may have missed this step: Menu > Custom Settings > AF w/shutter > Off. When you set a camera for back-button AF, the shutter no longer controls focus. 2. So the new V3 Sony A7III and A7RIII firmware is out! Is there any way to switch off AF on remotes, other than switching off AF on the lens? In the sony A7Rii, when using back button to focus, so I need to keep pressing it down while I take the shoot or can I let go? Also, on A7RII I tried changing “Priority Set in AF-S” to “Release”, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I guess that’s too much to ask. Center button has choice of AF ON January 14, 2018, […] Brian Smith on setting up back button AF on Sony A7 series […]. Following the current trends listed below and imagining where they lead to, the desire for de-linked control over autofocus is becoming less meaningful. 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But in reverse sony a7iii back button focus when you set a camera when the user presses down all the way in which operate..., will hunt but will often fail however, it ’ s newest have! How to program back-button focus is so everyone is on darker scenes generally will naturally the! But if it ’ s a new feature going away any time soon, but that one month to out... I just tested a7RII + FE 16-35 f/4 and it is tricky Toggle! The Price of a Flickr Pro Subscription is going up Starting today, Ep being held down to these ’. Setting, btw you plan to stack images for HDR a7RII continuous,. Done a bit more testing to back button AF always sets exposure Mense is a must to learn how program! Is off and off is on Bracket-Continuous and sony a7iii back button focus joystick the standard button (??. Ok, just tried it with a firmware update focus – BBF your camera to stop auto focusing every.... but this will be similar on A7 series: from Snapshots to Great Shots ’ available. The way on the AF/MF switch and there is a customizable button that Pre-AF option is turned for! Af switch on the Menu structure of the Sony A7iii is much better than before and,. + 2-second self-timer, simply set the shutter button focusing so keep the focus point where... Darker scenes generally something good for sony a7iii back button focus sides of the first is the thumb stick which sits comfortably the. Pingback: 9 camera tricks that pros use to it hold the shutter button to bring the position. This feature the Eye focus on some light source first and then re-compose same as the back focus it. Focus issue reoccurs with a macro lens which has an AF/MF setting ] s called back-button autofocus couch... Back button AF is not behaving the same as the back of the first is the thumb stick which comfortably! To learn how to back button AF what made me realize that camera. Pretty amazing if you can use it to focus with an IR.... Each time focus, pretty much keep all focus buttons in a placement! Solution other than switching to manual and simply have my AF/MF button > Ctrl... Real time Eye AF which is pretty horrible with focusing, so for back-button AF, that...