Finally . Someone who not only really knows this camera . But explains in detail each feature and slowly shows shows and explains it. No rushing here . Also he does not jump around into long stories. Keep it simple and always to the point .
I realize these videos are five years old but they excellent. I have just ordered my 7D2 and find your expertise and straightforward presentation very helpful. And your photos are stunning. Thank you.
thanks for taking the time to write and glad the video helped. Even in 2021, the 7D2 is a pretty good camera and takes great pictures, hope you enjoy yours :-)
I want to thank you for taking the time to really explaining auto focus. I agree with Missy in that you are the only person who has taken time to explain this operation in a way we can understand it with out reading the manual.
Thank you! I asked two very, very good Canon bird photographers how to have a camera in servo mode and have an easy way to switch to one shot without having to enter the menu. They couldn't tell me. You did! Thanks!
I have been trying to avoid doing that. If the selected item is, for example, ISO, it takes forever to toggle over to the Ai Servo/One Shot box. Once set up as Mr. Atkinson showed in the video, I just hit a button on the upper right of the camera, and bingo--done!
Thank you for explaining the 7D Mark II in a very simplistic easy to understand manner. Grant has given me the confidence to go out and trust my knowledge and shoot amazing sports action shots.
You sir are simply amazing, I'm halfway to saving up for my 7D 2 and I could not get to grips with the focus method. Your explanations are excellent, thank you.
I wanted to wait for canon to release the mark 7d mark3 but they havent release any information on it yet..i been debating should i wait or get the 7d mark2
Just made the same upgrade myself. This video is really informative and I look forward to better results with my motor sport photography. A minor point, but I was irritated by the hand waving around directly in front of the screen being demonstrated.
I have a 7D and have found it a bloody great camera, it wasn't till I looked at the release of the 7D Mkii, this new release was a great, great camera but I got a bit confused with it. So, I stayed with my 7D. I've just found your vid's on the 7D Mkii and with you explaining about the Auto Focus, it seemed to all come together with you explaining it and how it worked, and how to set it up. SOOOOO much simpler, (kinda) with your vid's explaining the AutoFocus of the 7D Mkii. Thanks a blood heap mate, really helped me work with it so much easier. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks. ......... Teddy.
I just bought the 7D Mark II and this was exactly what I was looking for. Easily to understand. Perfect Video. Thank you so much Sir for clearing things up. You just made using the camera 100% easier.
please post more videos .. you are one of the few people who actually know about the camera sir.. fantastic video.. i request if you could make a video of Nikon d7200..thanks
I have been looking for something which is clearly explained by you. Your explanation are easy to understand and very helpful. Keep the good work and thanks for helping others.
This series is amazing. Thank you so much! I've been shooting with this camera for a few months and was really confused by all the focus options. Now I finally get it!
@@grantatkinson8108 thanks sir. As finally I got hands on the custom settings and will help me for sure. For 7d mark ii I am sure if one should go through this 5 videos bird photography definitely done better in future.
It is an excellent camera and you are right, it can do a lot. In many ways it is the match of equal of Canon cameras that cost more than twice as much as it does just a few years before!
Thank you very much Grant for the wonderful videos. I really want to learn to make beautiful pictures, I am totally new to this kind of pictures. But I've learned a lot thanks to your amazing clips! Hopefully, there will be more tips! Peter from Holland
Thanks Grant. Well done. Just picked up a 7D MkII and having some trouble with the AF servo mode. Had the same problem with the Canon 5D MkII. I shoot mostly airplanes and pan a lot with a Canon 100-400mm and somehow I get better results in the AI Focus, so I've stuck to that method. I really don't understand all the tech, but it works out. Look forward to more videos. I need all the help I can get.
Hi Slats, I hope the videos help out at least a little bit. If you find Ai Focus works for you, then keep using it. When it works properly, it is meant to detect when a subject is moving and then set the camera automatically into Ai Servo mode, or it will switch by itself to One Shot for static subjects...good luck.
Thank you. Excellent information. I liked your vocal and video presentation and audible sound recording. Watched all five of these videos. Very clear information. Amazing video editing. Subscribed. Liked. Commented.
Thank you very much. I have watched the four videos in the series so far. The videos have been very informative. Thank you again. I hope one day to do a shoot with you.
+scarmenl Thanks for your feedback. I will still be doing one more video on the 7Dmk2 AF, covering the AF cases, but it will only be ready in May or June :-)
Dear Mr. Atkinson, Thank you so much for the lucid explanations. It is a joy to hear uncluttered and unambiguous instructions from a generous true professional. I have visited your website and admired your brilliant work. The knowledge you part with, is second to none. It is precise and concise. Your reviews on equipment are fabulous. Please do more videos. I have subscribed to your channel. Take great care & best wishes.
grant, the most informative videos i have yet seen covering the canon 7d mk 2, im just in the process of ordering one so i will be setting mine up accordingly, keep up the great work and look forward to many more video tutorials.....
Thank you SO MUCH!!! I just bought this camera and I was loving it, except I was having such terrible issues with focusing. This has helped me so much. I am currently working my way through part 1-5.
Excellent informative video, I'm shooting at an airshow this weekend and this info will definitely help me set my 7D Mk2 to the required autofocus that will aid in getting those perfect shots. Great vid! Subscribed! :)
I just purchased a 7D Mk II and and 100-400 ver. 2 to go with it. I am primarily a bird photographer and your videos have been a great help in getting set up.Any plans to do a video on the various exposure metering modes and what you choose for wildlife photography?
It’s 2019 and the 7D2 is my go to workhorse camera for shooting outdoor sports and even indoor dance and gymnastics. The AF is still outstanding. Still regretting selling my 1DX and 5D3 though 😂
Hi Peter, you press the "Info" button first until you get the screen showing with all the main camera settings, then press the button on the top, far right of your 7Dmk2 rear..it is easiest to reach with the right thumb,..
Grant Atkinson HI Grant, thanks for not only replying but for doing so so promptly and also for the great videos you are posting, I had been looking through the menus and trying with no success, so thanks again.
Thanks for great info Grant- one setting I can't figure out is focus search on or off for birds in flight - should this be off for bif and on for static ? The default is 0 or on - txs so much !
Hi John the menu is the Pink Autofocus menu AF 4 and the top level menu is Lens Drive When AF impossible, and the selection after going into that menu item is Continue Focus Search and it should be ON. That will mean the camera will keep trying to drive a lens focus motor back and forth to keep trying to find focus if it becomes deeply out of focus. It is more relevant with long focal length lenses
If you use back button focus to recompose your shot and are still using the shutter button to focus as well the camera will re focus, Back button focus does take a while to get used to but stick with it , it takes awhile to get used too it . ,
Assigning the bbf button to 'AEstop' is a better techinque. Ifshooting wild life, birds, fast moving animals, then 90% of your shooting will be instant af when you depress the shutter. If, only 10% of your shooting requires focus lock, simply hit the AEstop button during that small amount of time. With bbf you are wearing your hand out and fatiguing unnecessarily. Plenty of birders have discovered the benefits of AEstop.
Tnx for this Grant. At the custom control [min 9:23] menu I see that the first (small lever) and the third custom button [*] seem to be set to do the same thing ! Also how do you get the 7DII to display all the focus points at the back I can only see them in the viewfinder.
Hi Dimitris, to show the focus points on the back screen, once the INFO button has been pressed to show the screen with camera settings in white, then press the button on the back of the camera, on the top and far right (its the same button that can be set to show the viewfinder AF when you press it) and the focus points should show up on the back screen
@@grantatkinson8108 Tnx Grant, and why in the custom control [min 9:23] menu the first (small lever) and the third custom button [*] seem to be set to do the same thing ?
@@dimitristsagdis7340 as I use my 7D Mk 2 side by side with several other Canon dslrs that don't have the small lever for changing the AF point grouping with one touch, I just leave the third custom button still enabled for consistency across all of them. I do wish that all Canon dslrs had the same lever as the 7Dmk2 has or the one on the 5Dmk4 which is also fine. The omission of that control on the 1DX and 1DX Mk 2 slows down my effectiveness when I need to change AF point grouping on those cameras, compared to the 7D Mk 2
Grant Atkinson Tnx Grant, I understand; the issue of control consistency across different body types. I have issues like that too with the 6D vs the 7Dii and I worry that if I get the 5DIV I would also be spoiled with the touch screen and then I would have an even harder time with my other (non-touch screen bodies). It is indeed a hassle that is unnecessary. So can if you are listening pls converge on control layout :-)
@@dimitristsagdis7340 I agree with you there on having the same control layout, it makes a huge difference to me when I can easily switch between different bodies set up with lenses on them without them being different. In Canons latest collection of dslrs, there is a very high degree of similarity between the 80D and 6D Mark 2 but then the 7D Mark 2, 5D Mark 4 and 1DX Mark 2 have the basic common controls but the AF switches differ. And then there is the EOS R which is deeply different and very hard to shoot side by side, for me. :-)
For sure, Shutter Priority TV can be a better setting for moving subjects. That way you can set the shutter speed first that you know or think you need, to get the moving subject free of motion blur. In my own shooting I do nearly always choose the shutter speed first, and regard it as the most important parameter of the three - Shutter speed, aperture opening and iso setting.
Wonderful video! THANK you for doing such a fantastic job explaining this awesome camera! Question: Would this setting up for wildlife focusing be a Custom control on the mode dial? C1-C2-C3? Would you have suggestions for birds/versus bigger wildlife? Thank you....:)
For different AF setups, you definitely could make use of the Custom control dial settings, C1, C2, C3. Something like this: For situations where i needed total accuracy like for big mammals in low light, not moving too fast, I might go Ai Servo, Single AF Pt (manually selected), Tracking Sensitivity 0, Ai Servo 1st Image - Release, Ai Servo 2nd Image 0. That would be C1. Then for faster moving subjects, like lion cubs or cheetah and small, fast birds, Ai Servo, Af Pt Expansion (1 Pt plus 4 ), Tracking Sensitivity 0, Ai Servo 1st image- Release, Ai Servo 2nd Image -1 (toward Release), and perhaps use Selectable AF point to reduce the number of AF points in the grid to 21 points can make it easier to navigate quickly around the grid). For a C3 option, which I might only use when ambient light was strong, I had ample depth of field like f7.1 or f8 apertures, and the subject moving steady and smooth, like aircraft or slow flying birds like storks, pelicans, then having Ai Servo, AF Zone, Tracking Sensitivity -1 or 0, 1st Image Release, 2nd Image either 0 or minus 1 (towards Release), keep all 65 points selectable. But remember these settings are just my guidelines, they may give different results depending on the strength and direction of light, what lens/es you are using, your subject speed, the background and your own skill level on the day :-)
Thank you so much for this valuable comment! I just watched your video series and I was starting to think what customized modes I might want and found this wonderful advice as a starting point.
Grant, please explain how to QUICKLY switch from a 5 point AF array for BIF, to SPOT focus mode for when the bird lands in a tree and we need to isolate it from branches. Many thanks.
There are two ways to do it, and the quickest one is to make use of the AF Area Selection Lever, which is on the back of the camera on the 7D Mark 2, and is the small lever which kind of surrounds the AF Multi-controller joystick. You can enable that Selection Lever for direct changing of the focus point grouping by going into Custom Controls (Orange Menu C.Fn 3) then the AF Area Lever is the last item in that graphic menu. Default Canon setting is OFF. I change it to Direct AF area selection. This is the fastest way. Another way is to use the M.Fn button which is located beside the shutter release button but it requires another button press first to make it active...
@@grantatkinson8108 I tried the lever reassignment route - it was already set to that, but when I move the lever, nothing happens. The other method is the default, as per the manual, and I was hoping to avoid pressing two buttons instead of one. I don't know why the lever (first method) isn't responding. Please advise.
@@usernamemykel the only thing that comes to mind now is that for the viewfinder focus groups to be 'activated' and 'live' is that you should touch the Shutter button first to wake up the camera? If you wait too long and the metering switches 'off' in the viewfinder then the focus grid becomes inactive again
one of the benefits of canon 7d mark 2 is the back button focus; actualy, u have 2 of those buttons! u can focus and shoot with the shutter button in one shot mode. but, u can also set teh AF-ON button as back button focus, press the info button and that will send u to a secondary menu where u can further customize the BBF. so, u can choose to change the focus mode from one shot to servo, choose a focus poin and a case scenario, all just by pressing on button. when u release the BBF , camera switches back to one shot that's what u have paid for, and u wont get those option with any camera its a waste not to use the BBF imo u can set the DOF to change the focus mode from one shot to servo, but u wont get the extra menu, u wont be able to choose a case scenario or a preset focus point so, if u have a stationary subject, select and move the focus point with the joystick, then focus and shoot with the shutter button. but if the subject suddenly starts to move, press the bbf , camera changes to servo and a case scenario and u just keep shooting. when the subject stops again, release the bbf, camera changes automatically to one shoot
Hi Grant - great help with this video, thank you. I have a question...if i am taking pictures of a stationary (lets say) bird which is perched and not moving, but I also want to possibly get a shot as it takes off to fly away, will it be ok to still take pictures of the stationery bird in SERVO (in preparation for the movement later)?
Hi Leigh, it is usually fine to take the photo of the stationery bird in Ai Servo, although you just need to make sure that you have placed the active focus point on the birds eye or head. You may also need to take a few frames to make sure that you get a properly focused one if you are shooting with limited depth of field
lot of thanks such a nice video i have the same machine 7D mark 2 i have brought for wildlife photography i m little bit confused for which lens should i buy pliz suggest it will help me lot thank you
It depends if you will photograph mammals or birds, or both, Niraj? The Canon EF 100-400 IS ii is a great wildlife lens, but you may need something longer in focal length for small birds?
Hi Grant! First, thank you for your informative and well put content! It’s great to watch your videos! They come from your professional experience, rather then from tech sheet’s specs reviews and comparisons or being paid for commercial. Now to the point. I need your advise, if you could, please. I own a Canon 70D. I feel that 70D is a little limited due to autofocus accuracy and speed, buffer, low light performance, etc. I wonder if you have tried the new 90D? If you did, then what do you think about it’s autofocus accuracy and speed, compared to 7D ii? I know buffer and low light performance is a little better then my 70D. I am asking about action tracking AF for wildlife, birds in flight, etc. I’ve read a lot of complaints and disappointments (due to a lot of missed shots) about Canon 90D’s autofocus tracking, due to default and unreliable face detection ITR. Because of that people had to turn it off and switch to single point autofocus in AI Servo. Did you experience any of that too? And is the 7D ii still better performer than 90D in 2020 (I do not care about video capabilities)? What do you think? I would like to upgrade, but if I get the 90D - I think, it’s going to be another limited midrange camera (better in some ways then my 70D, but in some - about the same). Thank you very much! Igor.
Hi Igor, I do own and use the 90D as well as the 7D Mk2. For both those cameras, when it comes to fast moving subjects and action photography, I prefer to use the Single Pt in Ai Servo, and when I use them that way, the viewfinder autofocusing of the 7Dmk2 and 90D feels identical to me, like its the same system. The 90D viewfinder AF does have less focus point options, as it does not have the AF Expansion groups. The 90D also has less focus points than the 7dmk2 but I only use Single Pt anyway so that does not bother me. So for fast moving subjects and autofocus through the viewfinder, I regard the 90D and 7Dmk2 equal for my use, and just a little bit better than the 70D. All three of these cameras are out-performed in this regard by the Nikon D500. With the 90D and 7D Mk2 , the 90D has better image quality, obviously in resolution, its 6960 pixels long side compared to 5472 pixels, and there is a little bit less noise, perhaps a third of stop or in some situation up to half a stop. One advantage of the very high resolution of the 90D is that when you capture a small subject you still get many pixels on the subject, so its allowed me to get print resolution which i could not achieve with my 7Dmk2 or full frame Canon bodies easily before. One disadvantage for me of that very high resolution in a crop- sensor camera is that I find it gets a little more demanding of my technique at keeping still and also needs very fast shutter speeds, to get pixel level sharpness, specially with moving subjects and telephotos. Buffer is very big on the 90D as I use the C-Raw image quality and its no limitation so its even better than the 7Dmk2. Frames per second is about the same, and battery life is much improved on the 90D. You already know the swivel-tilt screen from the 70D but it works very well with the 90D and i also use the new Canon bluetooth remote controller with my 90D to capture some wildlife shots from different angles much more easily due to the swivel screen, very good live view AF and Bluetooth remote. Hope something there helps..? Cheers Grant
Grant Atkinson thank you so much for your response as well as valuable information regarding comparison of 90D vs 7D Mk ii, coming from your professional experience! That’s what I wanted to know! I really appreciate it! I am a Canon user and have a decent lens collection, therefore I will stick with Canon for now, rather then switching to another brand. I’m thinking if Canon will continue it’s 7 line due to big popularity of aps-c sensor among wildlife and sports shooters, they probably will release it in a mirrorless form, like R5/R6, so it will be called perhaps an R7. It should have some improvements over the 7D Mk ii, logically thinking... I might as well wait to see if that happens and what specs it is going to have as well as real life performance. What is your overall take on mirrorless cameras vs DSLRs? I saw reviews that an R5/R6 have an excellent AF tracking with human/animal eye tracking system, but low battery life and overheating issues. That might be the case in an upcoming R7 (if it is coming...). Thank you very much again for taking your time and informative response! Igor.
@@igordyda307 about the mirrorless cameras, I bought the Canon EOS R and the M5. Both of them suffered from viewfinder lag, and the R suffered the most when using long focal lengths. I also used the Sony A9ii and A9 on Sony G-master lenses, and it was far superior to the EOS R with virtually no viewfinder lag and also excellent automatic subject tracking. I have ordered a Canon R6 but it will only arrive in October maybe. So I cannot give a real opinion on the two new cameras because I did not use them yet. From what I have seen with a few photographers using them for wildlife pictures, it does seem that the subject tracking is very strong on the R5 and R6, and it looks as if they are close to the Sony A9 and A9ii in their tracking ability. I have no bias of preference really when it comes to dslr or mirrorless but except for the Sony A9 and A9ii, all the other mirrorless cameras I have used have suffered from viewfinder lag when trying to shoot continuously and track a moving subject. Some of them also take longer to make the initial focus lock on, and some lack real cross-type focus points which can make it hard for them to focus on a subject with tree branches behind for example. On the other hand they are very silent, can have focus points right to the edge of the frame and they dont have a mirror mechanism which is one less thing to break. For overheating, i dont believe the R6 or R5 overheat in stills shooting. Who knows if Canon will make a mirrorless equivalent with an APS-C sensor like the 7D2? We do know from our work that we encounter so many people using the 7D2 that we did think it was a very popular model but of course those are just from our encounters with other wildlife photographers .....If they did make an APS-C version the smaller sensor would probably mean it could generate less heat and would likely use less battery power....?
Hi Grant! Thank you very much for sharing your experience and opinion! I really do appreciate it! I guess you’re right about overheating issue with an R5/6. For stills they are perfectly fine and do not overheat. The battery life isn’t that bad either. I watched some more reviews and everyone says about the same. That’s great news! Looks like Canon did a great job once again! I guess, I will wait and see if Canon does release an R7. That would be my primary choice. If they don’t, then I would have to do some thinking and choose between the 90D and an R6. Thank you very much again for your replies and valuable info from your professional experience! I really appreciate it! That helped me to shape up my decision! You provide really great content, both informative and interesting! That is needed out there! Subscribed! Thank you! Igor.
On the Canon 7d mk2 in the menu it has a setting for the use of (A-FC) = Continuous Auto Focus it is defaulted to disabled, does one need to enable this when shooting in the AI Servo mode. I’m a bit confused your help in explaining this would be much appreciated. May I also say I really enjoy your channel. Thank you.
Hi Grant.I am looking into buying a second hand 7d2. It is R8000.00 with a shutter count of 6000. And it comes with 2 batteries and a 15-85mm lens.I just want your opinion on the shutter count,is it good or bad?
Thank you Grant. You continue to help people in 2024.
You are literally the only person who actually discusses auto focus. Thank you for helping me figure this out!!
literally? wow. if its literally then it must be LITERALLY!
Finally . Someone who not only really knows this camera . But explains in detail each feature and slowly shows shows and explains it.
No rushing here . Also he does not jump around into long stories. Keep it simple and always to the point .
I realize these videos are five years old but they excellent. I have just ordered my 7D2 and find your expertise and straightforward presentation very helpful. And your photos are stunning. Thank you.
thanks for taking the time to write and glad the video helped. Even in 2021, the 7D2 is a pretty good camera and takes great pictures, hope you enjoy yours :-)
Thanks Grant...God bless.
I want to thank you for taking the time to really explaining auto focus. I agree with Missy in that you are the only person who has taken time to explain this operation in a way we can understand it with out reading the manual.
I appreciate that feedback Henry :-) thanks for letting me know
Christ !! At last!! An easy to follow video showing clearly how it all works. Nice work Grant!
Thanks Matthew, appreciate the feedback!
Hello Mr. Atkinson , I am German and English for me is a foreign language . You explain things in a perfect and simple way
Just great !
Thank you! I asked two very, very good Canon bird photographers how to have a camera in servo mode and have an easy way to switch to one shot without having to enter the menu. They couldn't tell me. You did! Thanks!
Glad I could help :-)
Are you referring to the method - Info screen>press Q>toggle to Ai Servo.>
I have been trying to avoid doing that. If the selected item is, for example, ISO, it takes forever to toggle over to the Ai Servo/One Shot box. Once set up as Mr. Atkinson showed in the video, I just hit a button on the upper right of the camera, and bingo--done!
Just bought a 7dii and these videos are SO helpful. I'm shooting Bears and Wolves in Canada and am loving your tips. Thanks very much Grant!!
Thank you for explaining the 7D Mark II in a very simplistic easy to understand manner. Grant has given me the confidence to go out and trust my knowledge and shoot amazing sports action shots.
Appreciate your feedback, thanks so much Susan :-)
Hi Grant just checking out your fantastic videos again ..
I am a novice photographer. Excellent tutorial.Thank you very much.
The only video I have seen that explains this clearly. Thank you, well done,
Thanks for the feedback!
Suscribed! Thank you for not hurrying up your english, I speak spanish, therefore, english just comes as a second language. !
What an awesome video. You dived right into the heart of the matter. The best video out there on 7d2 autofocusing
Appreciate that feedback Ankur !
This is by far the most comprehensive and to the point explanation I have ever come across. Thank you for your efforts and ease of understanding...
You sir are simply amazing, I'm halfway to saving up for my 7D 2 and I could not get to grips with the focus method. Your explanations are excellent, thank you.
I wanted to wait for canon to release the mark 7d mark3 but they havent release any information on it yet..i been debating should i wait or get the 7d mark2
You are the best Grant. I just upgrade from 60D to 7D MK II and love your videos
Very glad they are useful Elna :-)
Just made the same upgrade myself. This video is really informative and I look forward to better results with my motor sport photography.
A minor point, but I was irritated by the hand waving around directly in front of the screen being demonstrated.
Grant your explanations are unique indeed, Thanks it truely helps to master the beast. Kind regards Roland
I have a 7D and have found it a bloody great camera, it wasn't till I looked at the release of the 7D Mkii, this new release was a great, great camera but I got a bit confused with it. So, I stayed with my 7D. I've just found your vid's on the 7D Mkii and with you explaining about the Auto Focus, it seemed to all come together with you explaining it and how it worked, and how to set it up. SOOOOO much simpler, (kinda) with your vid's explaining the AutoFocus of the 7D Mkii. Thanks a blood heap mate, really helped me work with it so much easier. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks. ......... Teddy.
This is one of the best explanations of the auto focus settings I have found of RUclips. Thank you!
Very informative video I look forward to the rest of the series, thanks!
Fantastic vid. Been looking for something like this for ages for my 7dii as I am too thick to understand the manual. Appreciate this immensely. M
I just bought the 7D Mark II and this was exactly what I was looking for. Easily to understand. Perfect Video. Thank you so much Sir for clearing things up. You just made using the camera 100% easier.
please post more videos .. you are one of the few people who actually know about the camera sir.. fantastic video.. i request if you could make a video of Nikon d7200..thanks
I have been looking for something which is clearly explained by you. Your explanation are easy to understand and very helpful. Keep the good work and thanks for helping others.
Thanks for that feedback Rakesh!
This series is amazing. Thank you so much! I've been shooting with this camera for a few months and was really confused by all the focus options. Now I finally get it!
Thats good feedback for me, thanks Cristin McKee!
Thank you for the clear descriptions.
Just Osam ! So simple , really focused the issue . Love it !!!
Thank you very much for such wonderful teaching videos. Gaining knowledge is not important but sharing it is .
Once again a BIG THANK YOU . ..
Its really helpful and frankly i see 5 parts its a complete guide for 7d mark ii af.
Yes, I found the camera to have such a deeply customizable AF system, that it takes 5 short videos to cover each section of it well :-)
@@grantatkinson8108 thanks sir. As finally I got hands on the custom settings and will help me for sure. For 7d mark ii I am sure if one should go through this 5 videos bird photography definitely done better in future.
Thank you for making a thorough and easy to follow video. Great work !
Great job - 7dii af explained - short, precise and to the point -- Thanx
JUST EXCEllent! Thank you so much!!! I shoot birds as my main subject, so your lesson was wonderful, best regards from Uruguay.
Great video.. very informative and concise..
Watched all your videos. Very good videos. Please continue the good work.
+Anandavadivelan V thanks for that, I will do so!
Love the direct AF area tip - thank you so much for explaining this.
Great video for a new user like me. Thanks.
Thanks..I just started photography.and with the canon 7D MARK2..and it's hard enough..The camera can do so much..
It is an excellent camera and you are right, it can do a lot. In many ways it is the match of equal of Canon cameras that cost more than twice as much as it does just a few years before!
Grant this is an excellent tutorial. Thank you so much 👍
Well done, thanks for the simple yet effective explanation on auto focus setup
Great work Grant.
Keep it up.
Thanks.
Thank you very much Grant for the wonderful videos.
I really want to learn to make beautiful pictures, I am totally new to this kind of pictures.
But I've learned a lot thanks to your amazing clips!
Hopefully, there will be more tips!
Peter from Holland
Thanks Grant. Well done. Just picked up a 7D MkII and having some trouble with the AF servo mode. Had the same problem with the Canon 5D MkII. I shoot mostly airplanes and pan a lot with a Canon 100-400mm and somehow I get better results in the AI Focus, so I've stuck to that method. I really don't understand all the tech, but it works out. Look forward to more videos. I need all the help I can get.
Hi Slats, I hope the videos help out at least a little bit. If you find Ai Focus works for you, then keep using it. When it works properly, it is meant to detect when a subject is moving and then set the camera automatically into Ai Servo mode, or it will switch by itself to One Shot for static subjects...good luck.
Thanks for the help Grant, just got my 7d mark ii today!
Thanks mate good info, just purchased 7D MK ll, just getting my head around it all
This is so important content. Helpfully, thanks sir :)
Thanks. Clear, concise, greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Excellent information. I liked your vocal and video presentation and audible sound recording. Watched all five of these videos. Very clear information. Amazing video editing. Subscribed. Liked. Commented.
Appreciate your support, :-)
Thank you very much. I have watched the four videos in the series so far. The videos have been very informative. Thank you again. I hope one day to do a shoot with you.
+scarmenl Thanks for your feedback. I will still be doing one more video on the 7Dmk2 AF, covering the AF cases, but it will only be ready in May or June :-)
+Grant Atkinson thanks, looking forward to it.
Dear Mr. Atkinson, Thank you so much for the lucid explanations. It is a joy to hear uncluttered and unambiguous instructions from a generous true professional. I have visited your website and admired your brilliant work. The knowledge you part with, is second to none. It is precise and concise. Your reviews on equipment are fabulous. Please do more videos. I have subscribed to your channel. Take great care & best wishes.
Grant-Huge Thanks! Great video and really helped me to get a better understanding of my camera!
great tutorial!! Super helpful and easy to understand. thanks!!
Very nice and informative.
Very good information,thank you Grant.
grant, the most informative videos i have yet seen covering the canon 7d mk 2, im just in the process of ordering one so i will be setting mine up accordingly, keep up the great work and look forward to many more video tutorials.....
I love this great camera !
Very good, thank you so much for so much understandable information and the way of explaining is great.. please keep it up..
Thank you SO MUCH!!! I just bought this camera and I was loving it, except I was having such terrible issues with focusing. This has helped me so much. I am currently working my way through part 1-5.
thank you for all this great tips..
Excellent tutorial, thank you.
Thanks for sharing.. Such a nice video Grant!
Great Job! Thanks Master
I'm subscribing! this is great! please keep doing 7D Mark 2 videos! I"ll follow!
What a great video and I used your video with my 1DX MkII
Excellent informative video, I'm shooting at an airshow this weekend and this info will definitely help me set my 7D Mk2 to the required autofocus that will aid in getting those perfect shots. Great vid! Subscribed! :)
Jos
Great...!!! MUCHAS GRACIAS FROM ARGENTINA..!!!
I am planning to buy this camera thank you for the good video
Exzellent help - I was just setting up my 7dII. I'm a back-button guy, however.
FABULOUS! I was having a lot of trouble with the settings and you just made my week! Thank you!
excellent presentation
+Michael O'Rourke thanks for that!
Nice job on the video
Really well explained thanks a lot for the class!
I just purchased a 7D Mk II and and 100-400 ver. 2 to go with it. I am primarily a bird photographer and your videos have been a great help in getting set up.Any plans to do a video on the various exposure metering modes and what you choose for wildlife photography?
fantastic stuff - thanks very much!
Very nice video thanks.
Very Informative. Thank you very much Sir!
literally the best video out there :D
good job keep it up :D
Thanks Greeny!
It’s 2019 and the 7D2 is my go to workhorse camera for shooting outdoor sports and even indoor dance and gymnastics. The AF is still outstanding. Still regretting selling my 1DX and 5D3 though 😂
Its 2022 and I'm still using the same. I'm feeling the limitations of the af now, but its still decent and gets the job done.
awesome help thank you just what I needed.
thank you. very helpful.
Good video that's sure 7DmkII is amazing camera (belo video agradeço) realmente a 7DMkii é fantastica
Thanks Grant, very useful video. Could you explain how you set the menu to display the various AF options on the screen on the back of the 7d my 11
Hi Peter, you press the "Info" button first until you get the screen showing with all the main camera settings, then press the button on the top, far right of your 7Dmk2 rear..it is easiest to reach with the right thumb,..
Grant Atkinson HI Grant, thanks for not only replying but for doing so so promptly and also for the great videos you are posting, I had been looking through the menus and trying with no success, so thanks again.
Thanks for great info Grant- one setting I can't figure out is focus search on or off for birds in flight - should this be off for bif and on for static ? The default is 0 or on - txs so much !
Hi John the menu is the Pink Autofocus menu AF 4 and the top level menu is Lens Drive When AF impossible, and the selection after going into that menu item is Continue Focus Search and it should be ON. That will mean the camera will keep trying to drive a lens focus motor back and forth to keep trying to find focus if it becomes deeply out of focus. It is more relevant with long focal length lenses
Thanks Grant !!
Thank You! very helpful.
If you use back button focus to recompose your shot and are still using the shutter button to focus as well the camera will re focus, Back button focus does take a while to get used to but stick with it , it takes awhile to get used too it . ,
Assigning the bbf button to 'AEstop' is a better techinque. Ifshooting wild life, birds, fast moving animals, then 90% of your shooting will be instant af when you depress the shutter.
If, only 10% of your shooting requires focus lock, simply hit the AEstop button during that small amount of time. With bbf you are wearing your hand out and fatiguing unnecessarily.
Plenty of birders have discovered the benefits of AEstop.
Thanks for the great video, sir! it is really helpful!
Tnx for this Grant. At the custom control [min 9:23] menu I see that the first (small lever) and the third custom button [*] seem to be set to do the same thing ! Also how do you get the 7DII to display all the focus points at the back I can only see them in the viewfinder.
Hi Dimitris, to show the focus points on the back screen, once the INFO button has been pressed to show the screen with camera settings in white, then press the button on the back of the camera, on the top and far right (its the same button that can be set to show the viewfinder AF when you press it) and the focus points should show up on the back screen
@@grantatkinson8108 Tnx Grant, and why in the custom control [min 9:23] menu the first (small lever) and the third custom button [*] seem to be set to do the same thing ?
@@dimitristsagdis7340 as I use my 7D Mk 2 side by side with several other Canon dslrs that don't have the small lever for changing the AF point grouping with one touch, I just leave the third custom button still enabled for consistency across all of them. I do wish that all Canon dslrs had the same lever as the 7Dmk2 has or the one on the 5Dmk4 which is also fine. The omission of that control on the 1DX and 1DX Mk 2 slows down my effectiveness when I need to change AF point grouping on those cameras, compared to the 7D Mk 2
Grant Atkinson Tnx Grant, I understand; the issue of control consistency across different body types. I have issues like that too with the 6D vs the 7Dii and I worry that if I get the 5DIV I would also be spoiled with the touch screen and then I would have an even harder time with my other (non-touch screen bodies). It is indeed a hassle that is unnecessary. So can if you are listening pls converge on control layout :-)
@@dimitristsagdis7340 I agree with you there on having the same control layout, it makes a huge difference to me when I can easily switch between different bodies set up with lenses on them without them being different. In Canons latest collection of dslrs, there is a very high degree of similarity between the 80D and 6D Mark 2 but then the 7D Mark 2, 5D Mark 4 and 1DX Mark 2 have the basic common controls but the AF switches differ. And then there is the EOS R which is deeply different and very hard to shoot side by side, for me. :-)
Thanks a lot. It is sorted now.
+Hlekulani Maluleke Good news
Would "Shutter Priority (Tv)" be a better setting for moving subjects?
For sure, Shutter Priority TV can be a better setting for moving subjects. That way you can set the shutter speed first that you know or think you need, to get the moving subject free of motion blur. In my own shooting I do nearly always choose the shutter speed first, and regard it as the most important parameter of the three - Shutter speed, aperture opening and iso setting.
Wonderful video! THANK you for doing such a fantastic job explaining this awesome camera! Question: Would this setting up for wildlife focusing be a Custom control on the mode dial? C1-C2-C3? Would you have suggestions for birds/versus bigger wildlife? Thank you....:)
For different AF setups, you definitely could make use of the Custom control dial settings, C1, C2, C3. Something like this: For situations where i needed total accuracy like for big mammals in low light, not moving too fast, I might go Ai Servo, Single AF Pt (manually selected), Tracking Sensitivity 0, Ai Servo 1st Image - Release, Ai Servo 2nd Image 0. That would be C1. Then for faster moving subjects, like lion cubs or cheetah and small, fast birds, Ai Servo, Af Pt Expansion (1 Pt plus 4 ), Tracking Sensitivity 0, Ai Servo 1st image- Release, Ai Servo 2nd Image -1 (toward Release), and perhaps use Selectable AF point to reduce the number of AF points in the grid to 21 points can make it easier to navigate quickly around the grid). For a C3 option, which I might only use when ambient light was strong, I had ample depth of field like f7.1 or f8 apertures, and the subject moving steady and smooth, like aircraft or slow flying birds like storks, pelicans, then having Ai Servo, AF Zone, Tracking Sensitivity -1 or 0, 1st Image Release, 2nd Image either 0 or minus 1 (towards Release), keep all 65 points selectable. But remember these settings are just my guidelines, they may give different results depending on the strength and direction of light, what lens/es you are using, your subject speed, the background and your own skill level on the day :-)
Grant Atkinson would! Awesome answers! thank you so much!!!!!
Thank you so much for this valuable comment! I just watched your video series and I was starting to think what customized modes I might want and found this wonderful advice as a starting point.
Amazing review
Grant, please explain how to QUICKLY switch from a 5 point AF array for BIF, to SPOT focus mode for when the bird lands in a tree and we need to isolate it from branches.
Many thanks.
There are two ways to do it, and the quickest one is to make use of the AF Area Selection Lever, which is on the back of the camera on the 7D Mark 2, and is the small lever which kind of surrounds the AF Multi-controller joystick. You can enable that Selection Lever for direct changing of the focus point grouping by going into Custom Controls (Orange Menu C.Fn 3) then the AF Area Lever is the last item in that graphic menu. Default Canon setting is OFF. I change it to Direct AF area selection. This is the fastest way. Another way is to use the M.Fn button which is located beside the shutter release button but it requires another button press first to make it active...
Grant Atkinson Many thanks and very much hope that you remain virus-free.
@@grantatkinson8108 I tried the lever reassignment route - it was already set to that, but when I move the lever, nothing happens.
The other method is the default, as per the manual, and I was hoping to avoid pressing two buttons instead of one.
I don't know why the lever (first method) isn't responding. Please advise.
@@usernamemykel the only thing that comes to mind now is that for the viewfinder focus groups to be 'activated' and 'live' is that you should touch the Shutter button first to wake up the camera? If you wait too long and the metering switches 'off' in the viewfinder then the focus grid becomes inactive again
@@grantatkinson8108 "Shutter button" or my back button focusing AF-ON (Canon)?
one of the benefits of canon 7d mark 2 is the back button focus; actualy, u have 2 of those buttons!
u can focus and shoot with the shutter button in one shot mode.
but, u can also set teh AF-ON button as back button focus, press the info button and that will send u to a secondary menu where u can further customize the BBF.
so, u can choose to change the focus mode from one shot to servo, choose a focus poin and a case scenario, all just by pressing on button.
when u release the BBF , camera switches back to one shot
that's what u have paid for, and u wont get those option with any camera
its a waste not to use the BBF imo
u can set the DOF to change the focus mode from one shot to servo, but u wont get the extra menu, u wont be able to choose a case scenario or a preset focus point
so, if u have a stationary subject, select and move the focus point with the joystick, then focus and shoot with the shutter button.
but if the subject suddenly starts to move, press the bbf , camera changes to servo and a case scenario and u just keep shooting.
when the subject stops again, release the bbf, camera changes automatically to one shoot
Hi Grant - great help with this video, thank you. I have a question...if i am taking pictures of a stationary (lets say) bird which is perched and not moving, but I also want to possibly get a shot as it takes off to fly away, will it be ok to still take pictures of the stationery bird in SERVO (in preparation for the movement later)?
Hi Leigh, it is usually fine to take the photo of the stationery bird in Ai Servo, although you just need to make sure that you have placed the active focus point on the birds eye or head. You may also need to take a few frames to make sure that you get a properly focused one if you are shooting with limited depth of field
Grant Atkinson thank you so much. Keep up the great videos and photos 👍🏼
lot of thanks such a nice video i have the same machine 7D mark 2 i have brought for wildlife photography i m little bit confused for which lens should i buy pliz suggest it will help me lot thank you
It depends if you will photograph mammals or birds, or both, Niraj? The Canon EF 100-400 IS ii is a great wildlife lens, but you may need something longer in focal length for small birds?
thank you so much GA
sir i watch you recent videos abt canon 5d mark 4 wildlife settings all canon telephoto zoom lenses are compatible for this gear thank you
Hi Niraj, the Canon 5Dmk4 cannot work with Canon lenses that have EF-S designation, but it works with all EF lenses
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Grant! First, thank you for your informative and well put content! It’s great to watch your videos! They come from your professional experience, rather then from tech sheet’s specs reviews and comparisons or being paid for commercial. Now to the point. I need your advise, if you could, please. I own a Canon 70D. I feel that 70D is a little limited due to autofocus accuracy and speed, buffer, low light performance, etc. I wonder if you have tried the new 90D? If you did, then what do you think about it’s autofocus accuracy and speed, compared to 7D ii? I know buffer and low light performance is a little better then my 70D. I am asking about action tracking AF for wildlife, birds in flight, etc. I’ve read a lot of complaints and disappointments (due to a lot of missed shots) about Canon 90D’s autofocus tracking, due to default and unreliable face detection ITR. Because of that people had to turn it off and switch to single point autofocus in AI Servo. Did you experience any of that too? And is the 7D ii still better performer than 90D in 2020 (I do not care about video capabilities)? What do you think? I would like to upgrade, but if I get the 90D - I think, it’s going to be another limited midrange camera (better in some ways then my 70D, but in some - about the same). Thank you very much! Igor.
Hi Igor, I do own and use the 90D as well as the 7D Mk2. For both those cameras, when it comes to fast moving subjects and action photography, I prefer to use the Single Pt in Ai Servo, and when I use them that way, the viewfinder autofocusing of the 7Dmk2 and 90D feels identical to me, like its the same system. The 90D viewfinder AF does have less focus point options, as it does not have the AF Expansion groups. The 90D also has less focus points than the 7dmk2 but I only use Single Pt anyway so that does not bother me. So for fast moving subjects and autofocus through the viewfinder, I regard the 90D and 7Dmk2 equal for my use, and just a little bit better than the 70D. All three of these cameras are out-performed in this regard by the Nikon D500. With the 90D and 7D Mk2 , the 90D has better image quality, obviously in resolution, its 6960 pixels long side compared to 5472 pixels, and there is a little bit less noise, perhaps a third of stop or in some situation up to half a stop. One advantage of the very high resolution of the 90D is that when you capture a small subject you still get many pixels on the subject, so its allowed me to get print resolution which i could not achieve with my 7Dmk2 or full frame Canon bodies easily before. One disadvantage for me of that very high resolution in a crop- sensor camera is that I find it gets a little more demanding of my technique at keeping still and also needs very fast shutter speeds, to get pixel level sharpness, specially with moving subjects and telephotos. Buffer is very big on the 90D as I use the C-Raw image quality and its no limitation so its even better than the 7Dmk2. Frames per second is about the same, and battery life is much improved on the 90D. You already know the swivel-tilt screen from the 70D but it works very well with the 90D and i also use the new Canon bluetooth remote controller with my 90D to capture some wildlife shots from different angles much more easily due to the swivel screen, very good live view AF and Bluetooth remote.
Hope something there helps..?
Cheers
Grant
Grant Atkinson thank you so much for your response as well as valuable information regarding comparison of 90D vs 7D Mk ii, coming from your professional experience! That’s what I wanted to know! I really appreciate it! I am a Canon user and have a decent lens collection, therefore I will stick with Canon for now, rather then switching to another brand. I’m thinking if Canon will continue it’s 7 line due to big popularity of aps-c sensor among wildlife and sports shooters, they probably will release it in a mirrorless form, like R5/R6, so it will be called perhaps an R7. It should have some improvements over the 7D Mk ii, logically thinking... I might as well wait to see if that happens and what specs it is going to have as well as real life performance. What is your overall take on mirrorless cameras vs DSLRs? I saw reviews that an R5/R6 have an excellent AF tracking with human/animal eye tracking system, but low battery life and overheating issues. That might be the case in an upcoming R7 (if it is coming...). Thank you very much again for taking your time and informative response! Igor.
@@igordyda307 I will try answer what i can of those questions :-) with regard the R cameras by tomorrow on this thread
@@igordyda307 about the mirrorless cameras, I bought the Canon EOS R and the M5. Both of them suffered from viewfinder lag, and the R suffered the most when using long focal lengths. I also used the Sony A9ii and A9 on Sony G-master lenses, and it was far superior to the EOS R with virtually no viewfinder lag and also excellent automatic subject tracking. I have ordered a Canon R6 but it will only arrive in October maybe. So I cannot give a real opinion on the two new cameras because I did not use them yet. From what I have seen with a few photographers using them for wildlife pictures, it does seem that the subject tracking is very strong on the R5 and R6, and it looks as if they are close to the Sony A9 and A9ii in their tracking ability. I have no bias of preference really when it comes to dslr or mirrorless but except for the Sony A9 and A9ii, all the other mirrorless cameras I have used have suffered from viewfinder lag when trying to shoot continuously and track a moving subject. Some of them also take longer to make the initial focus lock on, and some lack real cross-type focus points which can make it hard for them to focus on a subject with tree branches behind for example. On the other hand they are very silent, can have focus points right to the edge of the frame and they dont have a mirror mechanism which is one less thing to break. For overheating, i dont believe the R6 or R5 overheat in stills shooting. Who knows if Canon will make a mirrorless equivalent with an APS-C sensor like the 7D2? We do know from our work that we encounter so many people using the 7D2 that we did think it was a very popular model but of course those are just from our encounters with other wildlife photographers .....If they did make an APS-C version the smaller sensor would probably mean it could generate less heat and would likely use less battery power....?
Hi Grant! Thank you very much for sharing your experience and opinion! I really do appreciate it! I guess you’re right about overheating issue with an R5/6. For stills they are perfectly fine and do not overheat. The battery life isn’t that bad either. I watched some more reviews and everyone says about the same. That’s great news! Looks like Canon did a great job once again! I guess, I will wait and see if Canon does release an R7. That would be my primary choice. If they don’t, then I would have to do some thinking and choose between the 90D and an R6. Thank you very much again for your replies and valuable info from your professional experience! I really appreciate it! That helped me to shape up my decision! You provide really great content, both informative and interesting! That is needed out there! Subscribed! Thank you! Igor.
On the Canon 7d mk2 in the menu it has a setting for the use of (A-FC) = Continuous Auto Focus it is defaulted to disabled, does one need to enable this when shooting in the AI Servo mode. I’m a bit confused your help in explaining this would be much appreciated. May I also say I really enjoy your channel. Thank you.
Hi Grant.I am looking into buying a second hand 7d2. It is R8000.00 with a shutter count of 6000. And it comes with 2 batteries and a 15-85mm lens.I just want your opinion on the shutter count,is it good or bad?