Thank you, Brett. For some reason, the benefits of back-button AF never really registered with me until this video. When it sunk in that one mode and button can be used to achieve both continuous and one-shot behavior, that really was a “holy s*@t” moment. Thank you!
After reading these comments I'm more confused. I hold my shutter button halfway down, and it auto focuses, regardless of one shot or servo. Then I press it down all the way to take the picture. What does back button auto focus change about that same behavior? Is this beneficial for older cameras that didn't let you push the shutter button halfway down?
Let me first say that I am not a pro, so treat this summary accordingly. That said, I set the shutter button up not to autofocus on half press, but ONLY to meter. Next, set up one back button for normal AF (the currently selected mode) and another for eye AF. With the camera set up this way, you press and hold the appropriate back button to autofocus while also pressing the shutter button half way to meter. 1) you can choose between eye AF and another standard mode instantaneously. 2) If you are in servo AF, just release the back button and focus is locked now (just like one-shot AF). Just press the shutter button down the rest of the way to take the shot. It takes a lot of getting used to, but it’s a game-changer. The first step is to customize the shutter button ONLY to meter - the customize buttons menu.
Brett, as a 15 years professional stock photographer I have to say: your settings *are* the best. After putting them to use and playing around a bit, there is no way back. Thank you, man.
@@BrettCarlsen what other advantage is there to leaving eye detect af and continuous af off? like it seems like more work having to always hold that button down to get eyes focused on. what am I missing?
Loss of control would be the downfall. But if you were a portrait photographer etc I could agree it is extraneous. But I always want to have control of when AF (among other camera settings) are engaged or disengaged.
I have been watching so many different videos to get my R5 setup - and just shooting old school for months now - This video has blown my mind and fixed all the things I wanted it to do in one video. Great job, and thank you.
This is the first of your videos I've watched. Great information but I found I had to keep going back in the video and rewatching to follow what, and how, you were actually changing the settings. Slow down and pause a second on the new information, settings, to allow us to comprehend what you just did. I've got an R6 and I've been experimenting with the AF settings. I liked how you set yours up.
Bro, two years late to the game, but I just followed your advice. I have always done back button auto focus (it is the way)! However, with the new people/eye detect in addition, I thought I was sold... but when I couldn't move my auto focus point around, I was like... er, this isn't for me. But, BOOM, you solved it with the custom * setting! Bro, thank YOU!
Why am I just now coming across this!! 😩 I am SO excited to get to my session tomorrow now with these settings!! You're the real mvp, even if I am 2 years late. 😂
Oh. My. Gooood! I was ready to throw my R6 away! I bought it a year ago and just always go for my 5D Mark iii because, while it's less wonderful at tracking movement, when I ask it to lock on a point of focus, it actually does, where as the R6 kept popping out of focus and I didn't know why. I had competing settings which were making it impossible to lock focus when using BBF (who knew about that pesky Continuous AF option that was making my settings for AF-ON moot?!) and now with the * set for eye tracking I have the best of both worlds. I have watched other instructional videos for setting up the BBF and none of them helped fix my problem. You. Rock!
Thanks for the explanation and helpful info. I was haveing tons of issues with the autofocus this weekend at an airshow until I discovered and disabled the continuous AF mode. That mode is definitely something I will not be useing.
Thank you for your video. I am renting to try an R6. I am trying to get the AF back button set up and this helped. Suggestion: for those of us that are brand new to the camera, a little slower pace going through the menus that you use and a tad slower explanation would be great. Good luck on your house in the mountains!
Brett, I've been shooting for years, and always avoided BB focus like a whimp because it was never explained in a way I could get it. Then I stumble upon your video; this is a complete game changer for me; more keepers! I can't wait to apply this on my photoshoot today! Thanks Brett.
For back button focus? Just separates the two functions. If shooting something stationary or in studio photography, likely not a huge benefit. Out in the world with fast moving subjects it’s nice to be able to control them separately especially in servo mode. Engaging the autofocus while tracking and then taking the pictures as you see a moment that strikes you etc.
I applauded Brett for making this video. I truly wishes he would have slowed down with the menu selections a 2:09 Went so fast, it didn't register. at all.Doe anyone know how to get a hold of Brett ... or ... can explain the setting much much slower.????
Great video for setting up my R6 menus. Super helpful and so much more helpful than a manual. One comment.... when you slow down when you show the menus and your selections? I love your quick paced talking but I was constantly rewinding just the menu videos because it was on/off in seconds. Just a thought but not to give an criticism because it was overall super!
What a lovely cheerful Chappy and I do hope you get the recognition to buy the house with RUclips money. Refreshing to see a person who genuinely loves what he does
🥰 I just learned how to use back button autofocus about a year ago and while it was difficult to get used to the idea and muscle memory, I found it to become second nature and it improved finding focus faster. But because the R5 has many types of autofocus I was constantly changing from Point AF to Eye AF. So I programmed the second button like you did to do Eyes. Then I said why stop there and programmed the box (3rd) button. So I have Point AF, Eye AF, and General AF. But why stop there? So I'm constantly swapping my AF-ON button with my * button. So I just programmed C1 for General work and C2 for Weddings (people). C3 is for landscapes. Now I have a crazy 9-button autofocus!
Very awesome! I think it helps out a lot. I hate having to go into menus to adjust things especially in a hurry and I also find the eye AF is amazing for those types of pictures however the traditional spot/area is better for a lot of things I do on assignment
@@BrettCarlsen I also set it almost the same. Only issue I have is that I would like that Eye autofocus would stay on after releasing assigned custom button. I use servo and I have to sometimes choose different eye and for that I need free finger to use it on yojstick. Can you check also that out, if I'm doing something wrong? Ofcourse spot AF stays on after depressing custom button.
I believe you are correct. Though spot should disable when you release that button as well unless maybe you’re using single shot...that might continue to focus until it locks on. Possibly you could assign AF to the front button (DOF preview by lens Mount) and then you could have your thumb free to use the joystick still
I have the same query. With this setup I can't select between eyes if more than one is detected. A button to toggle between spot and tracking would be ideal. I have limited the focus modes to tracking, spot and one point (for some reason one point can't be removed from the set you can select) and assigned the * button to switch between these.
@@BrettCarlsen I do a lot of sports photography. I configured my Canon R5 like this. My button on the front is only for release, autofocus is on the AF-ON button and the * button is programmed to activate eye detection. Since I switched from the Canon 7D mark2 to the Canon R5 I hardly use the joystick. I use the thumb of my other hand to make a quick change for the location of my collimator in the framing using the track pad that's programmed in the lower lower left corner of my R5 cannon screen. Not easy to translate all this in google, hoping you understood, sorry I'm bad at English I'm a French speaker.
Thanks Brett. I'm new to the R5 and your instructions will help me better understand my camera. I've set my settings as you prescribed and can't wait to test them out this 4th of July at a large family picnic. A couple of things. You're so excited to share I had to watch your video multiple times to keep up with you. Please, for the novice like me, please slow down. I understand your enthusiasm. Also, as I was watching and another video you might consider? To keep these settings, maybe you can do a video on Customize setting like locking them or linking the settings to C1, C2 or C3. Is that a possible video. Thanks and I did appreciate your willingness to share.
I caught your video a year ago. Nice, informative video. I watched it a few times and was able to setup my R5. You don't have to slow down. You did great. Thanks again!
I have it set up a little different. As i dont like having to hold down buttons to do anything, i have it setup so every setting is an on/off toggle instead. Toggle AF method is set to the AF On button. Eye AF on/off toggle is set to the star button Servo and one-shot toggle is set to the button on the right. M-FN is set to Display on off. Thats really personal preference tho, as i like running around the city for hours, so turning of the display with a button helps save battery, while keeping the camera live, so i am ready to shoot at anytime..
Hi there! interesting option. What I didn‘t figure out so far how to enable the on/off toggle you are mentioning. Thanks in advance for giving me some hints on that.
@@EikonasNet sry I didn’t get your post. If it’s still an issue, I set servo/one shot to most up-right button. Then the AF method to the star button and eye AF on/off to the AF-on button. You can set the eye af toggle in the menu. Orange menu 3. It’s the icon with just the eye!
Thanks. I am going to try Your tips, since I was honestly quite dissapointed with the eye-tracking I tried first time today. My R5 tried to focus today to everything but the intended: person speaking in a venture event. The R5 was far more interested in women's back of a heads. Your focusing method really looked quite interesting.
I hope it helps. I too find the mirrorless cameras at times want to have a kind of their own. I use one af button for a traditional single point and another (the * button) to use eye tracking etc.
@@BrettCarlsen Oh yes. Yesterday I tested different focusing methods and today I got into a trouble; R5 decided that it wants to focus on the upper right corner of the image - no eye focusing on, but as I moved my head slightly the focusing point changed too a bit. All the time and not any idea why and how I get rid of that! I had to made a factory reset and that helped.
Thank you! I set my R5 up for back button focus but did NOT turn off eye autofocus, and did not have the * set up to turn on eye autofocus, and for sports it was driving me nuts. This now works!
I allways looked for a solution to use the af-button like I was used to with my old 5D MKII. But I didn't found any how to till now ! And the switchover via starbutton is genius. Thank you so much !!!
Mega thanks on how to set up the AF on the R5. I have been doing BBF with my 7D and 5D cameras, but was having a devil of a time trying to figure it out with the R5. Also, keeping that Eye focus in play... excellent.
Thank you so much Sandra. I love the eye AF a lot but there is a ton of times I don’t use it so I really enjoy having the best of both worlds available in a hurry.
Great information,,,settings made ! cant wait to use the Back Buttons in the field, I must say all of my changes did not save once I powered off the camera and turned it back on...I have to ALSO save them under C1, C2, C3 etc, unless I am in M mode, manual... and your videos radiate a good comfortable vibe....I love the laid back instruction !
Awesome video and great tips! It also helps that your demeanor is genuine and it seems like you really want to help us newbies out! Plus you’re funny! Thanks!
Thanks man! I rented an R6 to check it out and the auto focus is complicated for sure, so this helped a lot! That "continuous" AF is super nauseating, and makes all of the really "smart" features of the camera almost null because it just jumps around so much. I've only got this camera another few days but I'm gonna have some serious fun with this AF setup you recommended thank you!
I agree with that. The continuous really makes no sense to me. If you have any questions I’d be happy to help. I think this set up works great, I am still using it on my R5 with no changes several months later.
Thank you for a most informative video. I have been using back button focusing for a little while, but your process of switching to eye detection using the asterisk button is incredibly useful, easy and fast. I am looking forward to your next video.
Hi, I just got my R5 this afternoon and turned the AF control as you described in the video. Thank you so much for sharing this, your video saved me a lot of time and that configuration you suggest is just super super convenient. Thanks!
@@BrettCarlsen I played with it just 1 hour yesterday. Before the R5, I used to shoot with a 5d ii. My 135 F2 L lense was very difficult to use at F2 on portrait because the focus point was almost never on the eye. With the R5, this is magic, it is just right on the eye. And the noise is just incredible. I tried 3200 yesterday and the image is soooo clean, just can not believe it compared with my 5d ii. This camera to me should be the same little revolution I experienced when I bought the 5d ii which was my first full frame camera. So yes, just in hour I can already say that this camera is super super awesome. And your AF configuration is insane!!! :)
So stoked to hear that! Totally agree with everything you say! I did an R6 full settings video. It won’t be perfect for the R5 but most everything will translate, I know there is a few other tips and tricks you’ll probably like that might be newer than the 5D II. LIke setting front dial to image jump to locked images when in playback etc.
SWEET! This is sooo very helpful when I'm shooting basketball. If I'm using a wide angle or if players are far, I use one button to at least get a body in focus. Otherwise the other button locks on an eye, face, or head. Now my only problem is culling as I have so many more potential keepers.
in 25 years, never used BBAF, had people try to get me to try it, to use it, had people say "you will like it more!" never liked it, its just personal. but the advantage to having it as half press, is that I can focus and immediately snap the picture, as opposed to having to coordinate two fingers, and two presses, that split second can make a difference. just hold down half way, wait for proper setup, and snap the picture. I set the following and it works best for easy and for me. AF-on=AF modes , *=turns eye detect on/off, square=center AF spot.
As someone who has recently switched from Sony to Canon, I’m very grateful for this video. The menu system in Canon is so much better and so much easier than the Sony’s that it made customizing my camera and auto focus a breeze.
I’ve been with Canon since ~2011 or so and definitely appreciate how the menus work (and have gotten better). They still retain the ability to have extremely elaborate custom setups in my opinion which is awesome.
@@BrettCarlsen so basically you haev to hold down that back button to enable the eye AF when you are shooting people/portraits? is that the point of the back button auto focus?
Love the R series Canons. I just got an R6. I'm going to combine the two back button focus methods with the touch and drag method. I'm working on using my left thumb for the touch and drag, so I can use my right thumb for the two AF methods. We'll see if I'm that coordinated, soon. :)
Thank you. I have always used bbf but previously on 5div was AF on servo, asterisk button for one shot. This will work for me as I want to utilize eye af but not give up standard focusing method. This is definitely the auto focus system I have been wanting for years. I've been so tired of autofocus points clustered in the center. The 5div was a huge gain in auto focus as I hadn't upgraded since original 5d, but this is supreme.
This is awesome! Coming from a 5DMKiii I'm used to the single point AF but having the secondary button to switch automatically to eye detect in mind blowing! Such a great way to setup the R6 - thankyou!
New Canon R5 user here, coming from Sony a7RIV. Was kind of missing the ability to track eyes in any AF area mode. This is exactly what I needed, and more! Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Things aren’t 1:1 between the two but this works pretty well for me. (Not that I’m a Sony user but have been told how they’re different)
Thank you, Brett. I just got the R5 for Christmas - A huge surprise!! Discovered your channel searching for tips on setting up - every single tip was on point with my style of shooting. I'm a new fan of yours.
Can I just say that this has video has changed the way I shoot !! Just purchased my new R6 + the rf 15-35mm and getting used to a whole new system. Thanks mate for the info
Really liked the explanation. I also didn't see the advantage before this video. Especially the tip to set a second button for eye-tracking convinced me to try this method. I like it! 👍
Wow, i had been stuffing around with another set of settings and at last these ones Brett make so much more sense, and actually work. In addition i have solved my batteries being wiped out so quickly as well. Thankyou!! :)
Hi Brett, thank you so much! Only one thing is troubling me, what are you talking about at exactly 8:00 where you say you change the quick dial to be a quick select, please expand on this one!
Very awesome!! As I’ve mentioned to others I have a AF setup for the r5 on here in another video. It works on the R6 and is still the setup I’ve used for everything from NFL to portraits and back again. You’re going to have an awesome time with that camera
Nice Work, thanks for spending the time and sharing your experience with this camera. Can you please use a screen share when your showing the menus please.
Thanks, Brett! My R6 arrives tomorrow and this will give me a head start on setup. I've used back-button focus forever, but 2 back-buttons for different focus modes is awesome!
Excellent video! I sort of use BB Focus. I set the AF ON BUTTON to AF Off and the SHUTTER BUTTON to ExposureAF. I set the STAR BUTTON to Eye Tracking. This way I get the best of both worlds. The only feature I don't get is exposure lock when I have dark background. Instead I use Exposure Compensation. The advantage is quicker acquisition and getting the shot.
Excellent video. I've been shooting sports with 1DX for years but just picked up an R6. I've been using the star for back button focusing all this time, but will setup the R6 with the AF-ON and use the star for eye detection as you described.
Nice! I think it just gives you the best of both worlds. I still predominantly use the traditional AF style when shooting NFL but when a coach or something comes near it’s nice having the eye AF available instantly. Obviously nice in other methods of photo too
I think the 5D Mark IV was the first time I discovered that you could set different AF modes for different buttons on the camera. Ever since then, it has been Servo for the AF-ON and the asterisk was One Shot. It's extremely helpful for setting a prefocus and accommodating sudden changes in the behavior of your subject. I legitimately can't shoot without it now...well not legitimately, but a prefer being able to exploit this on my cameras versus having to manual switch them back and forth. I've set my R5 to Auto in the servo tracking behavior menus. Case 1 couldn't keep up with my dogs eyeballs. Haha I'll be playing around with that next week.
So awesome! I’ve always done two setups too. Different way than you have but find it helps so much with speed and acquiring focus while things are flying around.
Really useful thank you. liked the addition of the star button really enhances this setup. Do you have a similar video referring to preferred video button set ups?
This video was a "Eureka!" moment for me. But . . . . it wasn't until Bret got to the "disable continuous focus" that I got it. I had CF enabled and it was definitely totally confusing and made the whole BBF issue seem futile. Thanks, Brett!
Hi Bret, Using animal eye tracking, If i press the back button focus button for an animal running towards me, do i have to keep it pressed all the time to keep it in focus?
thanks a mil Brett!! that was super helpful, esp setting up the eye auto on the star button - super helpful for me shooting pets with people, cant wait to test now!
I really enjoyed watching this. Your video was really informative. I definitely enjoyed learning about using the two different buttons for two types of focussing. Thanks for making the video for us.
New subscriber here...I was looking for something on my r5 and you answered it very funny way and simply so I'm subscribed and notification on :) good luck.
I just stumbled on the video and it makes a lot of sense for BB Focusing. One question that I still have. Is there a purpose now for half-pressing the shutter button? Or moving forward do you just press all the way down?
Oh interesting! I prefer Canon obviously but cool to hear you switched back. These new R’s are really impressive! Don’t have that mirrorless feel or whatever that I never liked before.
Brett....thanks for this video! I've owned the R5 for about 3 months, after switching from a Sony A7IV. And I've watched about 7000 videos on 'back-button focusing', and this one was the setup I was looking for! After trying it this weekend at a family-event, I ran into some issues with the 'AF' button where I pressed it once, but it didn't seem like my subject (people) was in focus. When I chose the 'star' button, it seemed to handle face-detection quite nicely. After looking at the photos afterward, what I was seeing through the viewfinder was confirmed: an array of pics 'not in focus'. Was it maybe because I chose to focus with the 'AF' button when it involved human subjects? The R5 'hunting' for an eye, where I should have just chose the 'star' button all the time? Again...thanks for this. I'll try it out again this week to see if I can figure out my dilemma.
Interesting. I kind of like having one button use a traditional box etc and the other do face/eye tracking. Has been the most successful for me in an array of situations.
Great vid Brett! Just came across your video looking at various ways to do BBF with the R5. I just got the body today and super stoked. Been using BBF for years with Olympus though and a huge fan of it. I think I want eye AF to be my default instead of having to hold down the star, but also want a quick way to switch to spot focus since I do use that frequently as well. So I’ll probably do a mix of what you did with some minor adjustments. Still, very helpful video!!
Amazing!! Pure gold with the normal servo focus and the quick switch to face/eye detect. What’s your setup for the M-Fn button and the AF selector button? Please give me more great ideas! This was fantastic! Thanks man :)
Brett Thank you so much for sharing this double back button info. I’ve been consistently nailing ducks in flight at 400mm out ! “Unbelievably astounding” ❤️
Just amazing right?? So glad it’s helpful. Nice to be able to use a traditional setup on these cameras. I think many people lean on the newer AF methods a bit too much (which is fine!) but it’s nice to have a traditional method available when it fails without any fiddling
Hi, I found the dual back button focus suggestion extremely helpful for photography. Do you have any suggestions for button customisation for video please?
Hey. Not particularly. I don’t change much traditionally. Used to setup a custom mode for video shutter speed settings etc. but now going to video mode seems to retain those
Thank you, Brett. For some reason, the benefits of back-button AF never really registered with me until this video. When it sunk in that one mode and button can be used to achieve both continuous and one-shot behavior, that really was a “holy s*@t” moment. Thank you!
😂😂 dude. That was me! 11 years ago or whatever but same. I was like BUT WHY!? over and over then that was said and I was like ohhhhhh
Same. It never would have occurred to me but a pro changed it on my camera and explained it. Now its second nature and really a good way to go.
After reading these comments I'm more confused. I hold my shutter button halfway down, and it auto focuses, regardless of one shot or servo. Then I press it down all the way to take the picture. What does back button auto focus change about that same behavior? Is this beneficial for older cameras that didn't let you push the shutter button halfway down?
Let me first say that I am not a pro, so treat this summary accordingly. That said, I set the shutter button up not to autofocus on half press, but ONLY to meter. Next, set up one back button for normal AF (the currently selected mode) and another for eye AF. With the camera set up this way, you press and hold the appropriate back button to autofocus while also pressing the shutter button half way to meter. 1) you can choose between eye AF and another standard mode instantaneously. 2) If you are in servo AF, just release the back button and focus is locked now (just like one-shot AF). Just press the shutter button down the rest of the way to take the shot. It takes a lot of getting used to, but it’s a game-changer. The first step is to customize the shutter button ONLY to meter - the customize buttons menu.
@@sovREVERE go to 1:59 of the video and note the shutter button must be changed. Then try it…
Brett, as a 15 years professional stock photographer I have to say: your settings *are* the best. After putting them to use and playing around a bit, there is no way back. Thank you, man.
Dang! That means a lot!! Really grateful you like them and they are working for you
@@BrettCarlsen what other advantage is there to leaving eye detect af and continuous af off? like it seems like more work having to always hold that button down to get eyes focused on. what am I missing?
Loss of control would be the downfall. But if you were a portrait photographer etc I could agree it is extraneous. But I always want to have control of when AF (among other camera settings) are engaged or disengaged.
Agreed
I have been watching so many different videos to get my R5 setup - and just shooting old school for months now - This video has blown my mind and fixed all the things I wanted it to do in one video. Great job, and thank you.
Ditto!
This is the first of your videos I've watched. Great information but I found I had to keep going back in the video and rewatching to follow what, and how, you were actually changing the settings. Slow down and pause a second on the new information, settings, to allow us to comprehend what you just did. I've got an R6 and I've been experimenting with the AF settings. I liked how you set yours up.
Thank you! Will take this into consideration for the next one!
I have a different point of view on this. I like the delivery speed - I'd rather pause when needed than fast forward because it's too slow.
Bro, two years late to the game, but I just followed your advice. I have always done back button auto focus (it is the way)! However, with the new people/eye detect in addition, I thought I was sold... but when I couldn't move my auto focus point around, I was like... er, this isn't for me. But, BOOM, you solved it with the custom * setting! Bro, thank YOU!
Same.
7 minutes for the double AF set up is super helpful thanks!
Very welcome!
Why am I just now coming across this!! 😩 I am SO excited to get to my session tomorrow now with these settings!! You're the real mvp, even if I am 2 years late. 😂
Oh. My. Gooood! I was ready to throw my R6 away! I bought it a year ago and just always go for my 5D Mark iii because, while it's less wonderful at tracking movement, when I ask it to lock on a point of focus, it actually does, where as the R6 kept popping out of focus and I didn't know why. I had competing settings which were making it impossible to lock focus when using BBF (who knew about that pesky Continuous AF option that was making my settings for AF-ON moot?!) and now with the * set for eye tracking I have the best of both worlds. I have watched other instructional videos for setting up the BBF and none of them helped fix my problem. You. Rock!
You’re so welcome!!!!
I've shared this video hundreds of times on social media to answer questions. good job.
Oh man. That’s the best thank you ever!
Really appreciate the support and glad you appreciate it!
Thanks for the explanation and helpful info. I was haveing tons of issues with the autofocus this weekend at an airshow until I discovered and disabled the continuous AF mode. That mode is definitely something I will not be useing.
Thank you for your video. I am renting to try an R6. I am trying to get the AF back button set up and this helped. Suggestion: for those of us that are brand new to the camera, a little slower pace going through the menus that you use and a tad slower explanation would be great. Good luck on your house in the mountains!
This seriously is THE EFFIN' BEST AF SETTINGS one could use in event photography. Thanks Brett!
Brett, I've been shooting for years, and always avoided BB focus like a whimp because it was never explained in a way I could get it. Then I stumble upon your video; this is a complete game changer for me; more keepers! I can't wait to apply this on my photoshoot today! Thanks Brett.
So so glad to hear it!!! It’s so much better but agreed it’s hard to understand why
@@BrettCarlsen I still try to understand, what real benefit it is.... like my other comment...
For back button focus? Just separates the two functions. If shooting something stationary or in studio photography, likely not a huge benefit. Out in the world with fast moving subjects it’s nice to be able to control them separately especially in servo mode. Engaging the autofocus while tracking and then taking the pictures as you see a moment that strikes you etc.
I cannot believe the back button AF + servo mode combo, this is an absolute game changer for me, thank you!
So glad you found it helpful!
I applauded Brett for making this video. I truly wishes he would have slowed down with the menu selections a 2:09 Went so fast, it didn't register. at all.Doe anyone know how to get a hold of Brett ... or ... can explain the setting much much slower.????
Great video for setting up my R6 menus. Super helpful and so much more helpful than a manual. One comment.... when you slow down when you show the menus and your selections? I love your quick paced talking but I was constantly rewinding just the menu videos because it was on/off in seconds. Just a thought but not to give an criticism because it was overall super!
I really appreciate this! Very helpful to hear. I can do that!
Struggled trying to do this on the camera and after reading the manual. This video nailed it
So welcome! Hope they add more versatility in the future via Firmware but a great start
Thanks for sharing the set-up. My only request to improve the demo is to go a little slower when you're jumping from one menu screen to another.
What a lovely cheerful Chappy and I do hope you get the recognition to buy the house with RUclips money. Refreshing to see a person who genuinely loves what he does
🥰 I just learned how to use back button autofocus about a year ago and while it was difficult to get used to the idea and muscle memory, I found it to become second nature and it improved finding focus faster. But because the R5 has many types of autofocus I was constantly changing from Point AF to Eye AF. So I programmed the second button like you did to do Eyes. Then I said why stop there and programmed the box (3rd) button. So I have Point AF, Eye AF, and General AF. But why stop there? So I'm constantly swapping my AF-ON button with my * button. So I just programmed C1 for General work and C2 for Weddings (people). C3 is for landscapes. Now I have a crazy 9-button autofocus!
I set my Canon R5 in the same way, happy to see that I'm not the only one to have these settings
Very awesome! I think it helps out a lot. I hate having to go into menus to adjust things especially in a hurry and I also find the eye AF is amazing for those types of pictures however the traditional spot/area is better for a lot of things I do on assignment
@@BrettCarlsen I also set it almost the same. Only issue I have is that I would like that Eye autofocus would stay on after releasing assigned custom button. I use servo and I have to sometimes choose different eye and for that I need free finger to use it on yojstick. Can you check also that out, if I'm doing something wrong? Ofcourse spot AF stays on after depressing custom button.
I believe you are correct. Though spot should disable when you release that button as well unless maybe you’re using single shot...that might continue to focus until it locks on.
Possibly you could assign AF to the front button (DOF preview by lens Mount) and then you could have your thumb free to use the joystick still
I have the same query. With this setup I can't select between eyes if more than one is detected. A button to toggle between spot and tracking would be ideal. I have limited the focus modes to tracking, spot and one point (for some reason one point can't be removed from the set you can select) and assigned the * button to switch between these.
@@BrettCarlsen I do a lot of sports photography. I configured my Canon R5 like this. My button on the front is only for release, autofocus is on the AF-ON button and the * button is programmed to activate eye detection. Since I switched from the Canon 7D mark2 to the Canon R5 I hardly use the joystick. I use the thumb of my other hand to make a quick change for the location of my collimator in the framing using the track pad that's programmed in the lower lower left corner of my R5 cannon screen. Not easy to translate all this in google, hoping you understood, sorry I'm bad at English I'm a French speaker.
Just got the R6 and that trick of setting eye AF on the top right button is awesome, thanks so much !
Very welcome!
great video! photo 1 student. changing to BB. Had Nikon for 40 yrs, had the R5 for 2 months & love it! Love your enthusiasm, it's fun to watch!
Thanks Brett. I'm new to the R5 and your instructions will help me better understand my camera. I've set my settings as you prescribed and can't wait to test them out this 4th of July at a large family picnic. A couple of things. You're so excited to share I had to watch your video multiple times to keep up with you. Please, for the novice like me, please slow down. I understand your enthusiasm. Also, as I was watching and another video you might consider? To keep these settings, maybe you can do a video on Customize setting like locking them or linking the settings to C1, C2 or C3. Is that a possible video. Thanks and I did appreciate your willingness to share.
I caught your video a year ago. Nice, informative video. I watched it a few times and was able to setup my R5. You don't have to slow down. You did great. Thanks again!
I have it set up a little different. As i dont like having to hold down buttons to do anything, i have it setup so every setting is an on/off toggle instead.
Toggle AF method is set to the AF On button.
Eye AF on/off toggle is set to the star button
Servo and one-shot toggle is set to the button on the right.
M-FN is set to Display on off. Thats really personal preference tho, as i like running around the city for hours, so turning of the display with a button helps save battery, while keeping the camera live, so i am ready to shoot at anytime..
Those are awesome ideas!
Hi there! interesting option. What I didn‘t figure out so far how to enable the on/off toggle you are mentioning. Thanks in advance for giving me some hints on that.
how can I actually TOGGLE Eye AF on and off?
@@lukash.5079 set It in the menu? You can set it to a button e.g
@@EikonasNet sry I didn’t get your post. If it’s still an issue, I set servo/one shot to most up-right button. Then the AF method to the star button and eye AF on/off to the AF-on button.
You can set the eye af toggle in the menu. Orange menu 3. It’s the icon with just the eye!
Thanks. I am going to try Your tips, since I was honestly quite dissapointed with the eye-tracking I tried first time today. My R5 tried to focus today to everything but the intended: person speaking in a venture event. The R5 was far more interested in women's back of a heads.
Your focusing method really looked quite interesting.
I hope it helps. I too find the mirrorless cameras at times want to have a kind of their own. I use one af button for a traditional single point and another (the * button) to use eye tracking etc.
@@BrettCarlsen Oh yes. Yesterday I tested different focusing methods and today I got into a trouble; R5 decided that it wants to focus on the upper right corner of the image - no eye focusing on, but as I moved my head slightly the focusing point changed too a bit. All the time and not any idea why and how I get rid of that!
I had to made a factory reset and that helped.
You're video made all the difference in the world. Focusing is spot on!!!
Received my EOS R6 on Monday & came across several of your videos. Really enjoying your tips, tricks & setup. Thank-you for sharing your wisdom!
Very welcome! This camera is awesome! You’re going to love it. Happy to provide any help or insight I can to help.
Thank you! I set my R5 up for back button focus but did NOT turn off eye autofocus, and did not have the * set up to turn on eye autofocus, and for sports it was driving me nuts. This now works!
Back button focus has always been my first change, but the star button? Killer! Thanks!
I allways looked for a solution to use the af-button like I was used to with my old 5D MKII. But I didn't found any how to till now ! And the switchover via starbutton is genius. Thank you so much !!!
Watched so many back button AF videos, this is one that finally convinced me to use it with the R5.
That’s awesome!! I’m glad it was helpful and clearly explained. I have a tendency to ramble
Thank you so much! I've tried a lot of combinations and none of them worked for me. This is a lot like my Mark IV setup, but more versatile.
Mega thanks on how to set up the AF on the R5. I have been doing BBF with my 7D and 5D cameras, but was having a devil of a time trying to figure it out with the R5. Also, keeping that Eye focus in play... excellent.
Thank you so much Sandra. I love the eye AF a lot but there is a ton of times I don’t use it so I really enjoy having the best of both worlds available in a hurry.
Great information,,,settings made ! cant wait to use the Back Buttons in the field,
I must say all of my changes did not save once I powered off the camera and turned it back on...I have to ALSO save them under C1, C2, C3 etc, unless I am in M mode, manual...
and your videos radiate a good comfortable vibe....I love the laid back instruction !
Awesome video and great tips! It also helps that your demeanor is genuine and it seems like you really want to help us newbies out! Plus you’re funny! Thanks!
Thanks man! I rented an R6 to check it out and the auto focus is complicated for sure, so this helped a lot! That "continuous" AF is super nauseating, and makes all of the really "smart" features of the camera almost null because it just jumps around so much. I've only got this camera another few days but I'm gonna have some serious fun with this AF setup you recommended thank you!
I agree with that. The continuous really makes no sense to me. If you have any questions I’d be happy to help. I think this set up works great, I am still using it on my R5 with no changes several months later.
Thank you for a most informative video. I have been using back button focusing for a little while, but your process of switching to eye detection using the asterisk button is incredibly useful, easy and fast. I am looking forward to your next video.
Thank you so much!!
Hi,
I just got my R5 this afternoon and turned the AF control as you described in the video. Thank you so much for sharing this, your video saved me a lot of time and that configuration you suggest is just super super convenient.
Thanks!
So excited to hear this! Camera is awesome isn’t it??
@@BrettCarlsen I played with it just 1 hour yesterday. Before the R5, I used to shoot with a 5d ii. My 135 F2 L lense was very difficult to use at F2 on portrait because the focus point was almost never on the eye. With the R5, this is magic, it is just right on the eye. And the noise is just incredible. I tried 3200 yesterday and the image is soooo clean, just can not believe it compared with my 5d ii.
This camera to me should be the same little revolution I experienced when I bought the 5d ii which was my first full frame camera.
So yes, just in hour I can already say that this camera is super super awesome.
And your AF configuration is insane!!! :)
So stoked to hear that! Totally agree with everything you say! I did an R6 full settings video. It won’t be perfect for the R5 but most everything will translate, I know there is a few other tips and tricks you’ll probably like that might be newer than the 5D II. LIke setting front dial to image jump to locked images when in playback etc.
What kind of sorcery is this?!?! Why are my photos coming out crispy clear and so in focus now? I see a huge difference. 😳🧐🤔 Thank you!
Hahahaha best comment in a while. So glad it was helpful!
SWEET! This is sooo very helpful when I'm shooting basketball. If I'm using a wide angle or if players are far, I use one button to at least get a body in focus. Otherwise the other button locks on an eye, face, or head. Now my only problem is culling as I have so many more potential keepers.
Cheers Bret...just got my R5 delivered today...so a bit of reading and sorting out for the weekend...
Ah man. It’s a fun one to use though. You’ll love it once you got it setup the way you like
in 25 years, never used BBAF, had people try to get me to try it, to use it, had people say "you will like it more!" never liked it, its just personal. but the advantage to having it as half press, is that I can focus and immediately snap the picture, as opposed to having to coordinate two fingers, and two presses, that split second can make a difference. just hold down half way, wait for proper setup, and snap the picture. I set the following and it works best for easy and for me. AF-on=AF modes , *=turns eye detect on/off, square=center AF spot.
Nice. I’m glad we can all customize these so much to meet our own needs!
As someone who has recently switched from Sony to Canon, I’m very grateful for this video. The menu system in Canon is so much better and so much easier than the Sony’s that it made customizing my camera and auto focus a breeze.
I’ve been with Canon since ~2011 or so and definitely appreciate how the menus work (and have gotten better). They still retain the ability to have extremely elaborate custom setups in my opinion which is awesome.
@@BrettCarlsen so basically you haev to hold down that back button to enable the eye AF when you are shooting people/portraits? is that the point of the back button auto focus?
Love the R series Canons. I just got an R6. I'm going to combine the two back button focus methods with the touch and drag method. I'm working on using my left thumb for the touch and drag, so I can use my right thumb for the two AF methods. We'll see if I'm that coordinated, soon. :)
Thank you. I have always used bbf but previously on 5div was AF on servo, asterisk button for one shot. This will work for me as I want to utilize eye af but not give up standard focusing method. This is definitely the auto focus system I have been wanting for years. I've been so tired of autofocus points clustered in the center. The 5div was a huge gain in auto focus as I hadn't upgraded since original 5d, but this is supreme.
I agree with all that!
This is awesome! Coming from a 5DMKiii I'm used to the single point AF but having the secondary button to switch automatically to eye detect in mind blowing! Such a great way to setup the R6 - thankyou!
New Canon R5 user here, coming from Sony a7RIV. Was kind of missing the ability to track eyes in any AF area mode. This is exactly what I needed, and more! Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Things aren’t 1:1 between the two but this works pretty well for me. (Not that I’m a Sony user but have been told how they’re different)
Thank you, Brett. I just got the R5 for Christmas - A huge surprise!! Discovered your channel searching for tips on setting up - every single tip was on point with my style of shooting. I'm a new fan of yours.
Thank you so much! Glad it helped!!
You must have been VERY good all year for Santa to bring you that camera! At least I didn't get a lump of coal, but no camera. LOL
😂😂
it took me quite a time to get the idea, but its brilliant
Can I just say that this has video has changed the way I shoot !! Just purchased my new R6 + the rf 15-35mm and getting used to a whole new system. Thanks mate for the info
Oh man you’re so welcome!!
Please show the menu pictures more slowly so we can see exactly what you selected. Great tips!
Agree. Was way too fast to understand. I still don’t get it.
Way too fast. Had no idea what you set. 🤦🏽
Click the gear icon on bottom right > choose playback speed of 0.5.
@@inspired1531 - that does help
Really liked the explanation. I also didn't see the advantage before this video. Especially the tip to set a second button for eye-tracking convinced me to try this method. I like it! 👍
Very welcome!
Wow, i had been stuffing around with another set of settings and at last these ones Brett make so much more sense, and actually work. In addition i have solved my batteries being wiped out so quickly as well. Thankyou!! :)
Oh man thanks so much!!
Hi Brett, thank you so much! Only one thing is troubling me, what are you talking about at exactly 8:00 where you say you change the quick dial to be a quick select, please expand on this one!
Thanks! Just got mine and the battery is almost finished charging. Haven’t turned it on yet. Soooo excited and subbed.
Very awesome!! As I’ve mentioned to others I have a AF setup for the r5 on here in another video. It works on the R6 and is still the setup I’ve used for everything from NFL to portraits and back again.
You’re going to have an awesome time with that camera
Nice Work, thanks for spending the time and sharing your experience with this camera. Can you please use a screen share when your showing the menus please.
Thanks, Brett! My R6 arrives tomorrow and this will give me a head start on setup. I've used back-button focus forever, but 2 back-buttons for different focus modes is awesome!
Very welcome! You’ll love it
I have watched this video like 3 times already! very helpful man! Now you got a new sub and a follower on your insta! please keep it up!
You’re so welcome and deeply appreciate the support. Glad it was helpful
So helpful! I was fighting all these settings when trying to shoot yesterday. This totally cleared up my confusion!!!😅
You’re so welcome!!
Excellent video! I sort of use BB Focus. I set the AF ON BUTTON to AF Off and the SHUTTER BUTTON to ExposureAF. I set the STAR BUTTON to Eye Tracking. This way I get the best of both worlds. The only feature I don't get is exposure lock when I have dark background. Instead I use Exposure Compensation. The advantage is quicker acquisition and getting the shot.
Very nice!
Excellent video. I've been shooting sports with 1DX for years but just picked up an R6. I've been using the star for back button focusing all this time, but will setup the R6 with the AF-ON and use the star for eye detection as you described.
Nice! I think it just gives you the best of both worlds. I still predominantly use the traditional AF style when shooting NFL but when a coach or something comes near it’s nice having the eye AF available instantly. Obviously nice in other methods of photo too
I think the 5D Mark IV was the first time I discovered that you could set different AF modes for different buttons on the camera. Ever since then, it has been Servo for the AF-ON and the asterisk was One Shot. It's extremely helpful for setting a prefocus and accommodating sudden changes in the behavior of your subject. I legitimately can't shoot without it now...well not legitimately, but a prefer being able to exploit this on my cameras versus having to manual switch them back and forth.
I've set my R5 to Auto in the servo tracking behavior menus. Case 1 couldn't keep up with my dogs eyeballs. Haha I'll be playing around with that next week.
So awesome! I’ve always done two setups too. Different way than you have but find it helps so much with speed and acquiring focus while things are flying around.
Super awesome tips Brett!!
Thanks, this is an excellent way to set up the camera. love it!
Thanks for the support and nice comment!!
Really useful thank you. liked the addition of the star button really enhances this setup. Do you have a similar video referring to preferred video button set ups?
This video was a "Eureka!" moment for me. But . . . . it wasn't until Bret got to the "disable continuous focus" that I got it. I had CF enabled and it was definitely totally confusing and made the whole BBF issue seem futile. Thanks, Brett!
You are so welcome!!! Glad it helped!!
WOW ..this is genius. I got the R6 and loving it to bits, this just makes it perfect, thanks a lot
Very welcome!!!
Hi Bret, Using animal eye tracking, If i press the back button focus button for an animal running towards me, do i have to keep it pressed all the time to keep it in focus?
With my settings you would (servo and back button) and that would be true in any servo setup
thanks a mil Brett!! that was super helpful, esp setting up the eye auto on the star button - super helpful for me shooting pets with people, cant wait to test now!
You’re so welcome!!
please please do more of these videos i was going crazy trying to figure these out
THIS IS PURE EXCELLENCE! Thank you.
you are amazing, thank you for this. I was so used to my canon 5D Mark 2 and moving stuff around this works great
New owner, this is a game changer for me. Thank you!
Very very very welcome! Really love that it helps!
Just got home with my R5 an Rf 85 1. 2 and is amazing but yes there's a but I couldn't have figure this out with out you . Thank you ,!!!!!!!
Very welcome!!
I really enjoyed watching this. Your video was really informative. I definitely enjoyed learning about using the two different buttons for two types of focussing. Thanks for making the video for us.
Man you are so welcome!! Really appreciate the kind words!!
Wow this is brilliant. I don’t have an R5/R6 yet but I can do this with my 90 if it’s in live view.
New subscriber here...I was looking for something on my r5 and you answered it very funny way and simply so I'm subscribed and notification on :) good luck.
Thanks so much Patrick!
Very nice video and description on setting the Auto focus... thanks!
Very welcome!!
Thank you again and again Brett! Your videos have helped me out a lot.
Dude, you are SO fun to watch... what a fun personality. Thanks for the video! Subbed!
Great video!! Do you need to keep you finger held down on the star button for eye AF?
I just stumbled on the video and it makes a lot of sense for BB Focusing. One question that I still have. Is there a purpose now for half-pressing the shutter button? Or moving forward do you just press all the way down?
That was an awesome vid bud, REALLY helpful....Good luck with the house in the mountain
Really appreciate it and glad it could help!
Thanks for the tip, switched back to canon after shooting sony since 2013, I like my r6!
Oh interesting! I prefer Canon obviously but cool to hear you switched back. These new R’s are really impressive! Don’t have that mirrorless feel or whatever that I never liked before.
Brett....thanks for this video! I've owned the R5 for about 3 months, after switching from a Sony A7IV. And I've watched about 7000 videos on 'back-button focusing', and this one was the setup I was looking for! After trying it this weekend at a family-event, I ran into some issues with the 'AF' button where I pressed it once, but it didn't seem like my subject (people) was in focus. When I chose the 'star' button, it seemed to handle face-detection quite nicely. After looking at the photos afterward, what I was seeing through the viewfinder was confirmed: an array of pics 'not in focus'. Was it maybe because I chose to focus with the 'AF' button when it involved human subjects? The R5 'hunting' for an eye, where I should have just chose the 'star' button all the time? Again...thanks for this. I'll try it out again this week to see if I can figure out my dilemma.
Interesting. I kind of like having one button use a traditional box etc and the other do face/eye tracking. Has been the most successful for me in an array of situations.
You motor boatin' SOB. Thank you for changing my game.
😂😂😂 you’re very welcome!!
Thank you!!! I have customized my buttons and feel empowered to shoot!
Woo!!! Awesome
Awesome video thank you. Rear button focus is the best.
Just got my R6 and this video was super helpful. Liked and subscribed. Can't wait for more.
Coming ASAP!
Great job, most helpful! Thanks and many greetings from Austria!
So very welcome!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! This was SUPER helpful for me!
You’re so welcome!!
So good man! Can I ask you a unrelated question to your subject. How to you screen record the camera menu?
You’re welcome! I use a recording device like an Atomos recorder usually or blackmagic ATEM mini. Both just record HDMI connections from cameras
@@BrettCarlsen gotcha, I knew that way but was curious is there was a different way! Nice work again amigo.
OK, I did what you said and man, the difference in ease of use. Thanks for the heads up. A new subscriber.
Great vid Brett! Just came across your video looking at various ways to do BBF with the R5. I just got the body today and super stoked. Been using BBF for years with Olympus though and a huge fan of it.
I think I want eye AF to be my default instead of having to hold down the star, but also want a quick way to switch to spot focus since I do use that frequently as well. So I’ll probably do a mix of what you did with some minor adjustments. Still, very helpful video!!
Very welcome! It’s a great starting point!
Amazing!! Pure gold with the normal servo focus and the quick switch to face/eye detect. What’s your setup for the M-Fn button and the AF selector button? Please give me more great ideas! This was fantastic! Thanks man :)
AF selector is default as I change that often. M-fn goes to C1 custom shooting mode
Brett Thank you so much for sharing this double back button info. I’ve been consistently nailing ducks in flight at 400mm out ! “Unbelievably astounding” ❤️
Just amazing right?? So glad it’s helpful. Nice to be able to use a traditional setup on these cameras. I think many people lean on the newer AF methods a bit too much (which is fine!) but it’s nice to have a traditional method available when it fails without any fiddling
Thanks so much for this video dude you really upped my game with this info.
Hi, I found the dual back button focus suggestion extremely helpful for photography. Do you have any suggestions for button customisation for video please?
Hey. Not particularly. I don’t change much traditionally. Used to setup a custom mode for video shutter speed settings etc. but now going to video mode seems to retain those
@@BrettCarlsen Many thanks!