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RockvilleBob · 12-21-2013, 01:48 PM

I would appreciate some advice on when to use AF1 vs AF2. I primarily use continuous shooting for taking pictures of my grandkids playing sports and for wildlife photography, for example photographing eagles in flight. I get the impression that AF2 is the preferred method but the K-3 lacking details regarding tracking in general and AF1 /AF2 is explained in a simple chart below. Thanks for your help.

Attached Images

**jatrax** · 12-21-2013, 02:43 PM

This option determines what happens when you press the AF button on the back of the camera.

AF1 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and when the shutter button is half pressed
AF2 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and NOT when the shutter button is half pressed

If you are only using the shutter button to focus then you can ignore this option.

klkitchens · 12-21-2013, 02:46 PM - **2 Likes**

I've started using AFS.C and AF2 because I can hold AF button with thumb to keep focus and track and press shutter to capture image.

RockvilleBob · 12-21-2013, 03:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by klkitchens

I've started using AFS.C and AF2 because I can hold AF button with thumb to keep focus and track and press shutter to capture image.

Thanks both posts help explain this to me. The wording in the manual is poor, the way jatrax described the options make them much clearer to me. Plus the way klkitchens describes the use of AF2 is something I had not considered and will have to try. On the surface it seems that it will improve my shooting but I just know .. I will forget the press the AF button a few times before I get the method ingrained.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

**Miguel** · 12-21-2013, 03:18 PM

Canon has a nice tutorial on using back-button AF.

M

RockvilleBob · 12-21-2013, 04:00 PM

Originally posted by Miguel

Canon has a nice tutorial on using back-button AF.

M

Thank you - very well explained

**monochrome** · 12-21-2013, 07:41 PM

When I got the K10D I started shooting my son playing Lacrosse, which as you probably know due to your location is a fast-paced field game with comparatively little stoppage of play. My daughter coincidentally attended a SI action photography camp and showed me how to use the back AF button and AF.C with a low focus point selected and aimed at the beltline, 1/500, and as low an ISO as I could get. She insisted I learn how to time my shutter release so that no more than three frames were exposed for each "shot" (film habits die hard, I guess) and that I wanted to catch the Lacrosse ball in flight just after release from the stick. Using the shutter release half-press, she said, encourages spray and pray since your finger is already half way down. I don't bother arguing with my daughter. She makes a typical Type-A look like a milque-toast.

She showed me a photo she submitted in a High School competition of a running back turning the corner and a cornerback coming up to tackle him. Though the focus point was on his left hip, she perfectly captured the ball carrier's eyes turned completely to the side, toward the tackler, while his running motion was clearly away from the tackle. I've never seen so much action in a still image - and it didn't win anything! She said the low focus point and back button focusing allowed her to get both bodies completely in the frame. Were the focus point centered she would have either missed the shot or not gotten the feet by trying to get the eyes.

If she still lived here I'd ask her for a scan - maybe she'll do it and email me for a later addition.

I lost the muscle memory when I started using the K-01. I just set up my K3 for AF2, but the AF button is not as conveniently placed as on the K10. That's OK - I'll get accustomed to it - but I did notice.

**Catscradle** · 12-25-2015, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

This option determines what happens when you press the AF button on the back of the camera.

AF1 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and when the shutter button is half pressed
AF2 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and NOT when the shutter button is half pressed

If you are only using the shutter button to focus then you can ignore this option.

What happens in AF1 if you get back button focus and then take the shot (with the shutter button of course)? Will the focus change on you if you change the composition so that the primary focus area is on a different place in the potential photo? If so, can this be avoided by keeping the back button depressed?
I hope I made it clear what I'm asking.

IchabodCrane · 12-26-2015, 06:50 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Catscradle

What happens in AF1 if you get back button focus and then take the shot (with the shutter button of course)? Will the focus change on you if you change the composition so that the primary focus area is on a different place in the potential photo? If so, can this be avoided by keeping the back button depressed?
I hope I made it clear what I'm asking.

With AF1, both the shutter button and AF button can be used for focusing. If you press the AF button to focus and then release it, the shutter button will then reactivate the auto focus mechanism when pressed. The exception is if you hold the AF button down in which case AF will then be locked and the shutter button will not influence the AF mechanism.

As others have noted, AF2 simply disables the shutter button from focusing the camera altogether.

**Catscradle** · 12-26-2015, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by IchabodCrane

With AF1, both the shutter button and AF button can be used for focusing. If you press the AF button to focus and then release it, the shutter button will then reactivate the auto focus mechanism when pressed. The exception is if you hold the AF button down in which case AF will then be locked and the shutter button will not influence the AF mechanism.

As others have noted, AF2 simply disables the shutter button from focusing the camera altogether.

Thanks, you covered the point I was wondering about perfectly.

elrengo · 04-16-2024, 04:43 AM

I do not understand the difference between AF2 and Cancel AF. Someone can illuminate me?
Thanks

pschlute · 04-16-2024, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by elrengo

I do not understand the difference between AF2 and Cancel AF. Someone can illuminate me?
Thanks

AF2 means the camera will AF only when the AF-button is pressed (the shutter button half-press does nothing)

Cancel AF means the camera will only AF with the shutter button half-press, and the AF-button function is to prevent it taking place while the button is held. Mostly used when using AF-C to temporarily stop the AF from being active.

12-21-2013, 01:48 PM	#1
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	AF1 vs AF2 I would appreciate some advice on when to use AF1 vs AF2. I primarily use continuous shooting for taking pictures of my grandkids playing sports and for wildlife photography, for example photographing eagles in flight. I get the impression that AF2 is the preferred method but the K-3 lacking details regarding tracking in general and AF1 /AF2 is explained in a simple chart below. Thanks for your help. Attached Images

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12-21-2013, 02:43 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	This option determines what happens when you press the AF button on the back of the camera. AF1 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and when the shutter button is half pressed AF2 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and NOT when the shutter button is half pressed If you are only using the shutter button to focus then you can ignore this option.

12-21-2013, 02:46 PM - 2 Likes	#3
klkitchens Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Allanta, GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 480	I've started using AFS.C and AF2 because I can hold AF button with thumb to keep focus and track and press shutter to capture image.

12-21-2013, 03:02 PM - 1 Like	#4
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780 Original Poster	Originally posted by klkitchens I've started using AFS.C and AF2 because I can hold AF button with thumb to keep focus and track and press shutter to capture image. Thanks both posts help explain this to me. The wording in the manual is poor, the way jatrax described the options make them much clearer to me. Plus the way klkitchens describes the use of AF2 is something I had not considered and will have to try. On the surface it seems that it will improve my shooting but I just know .. I will forget the press the AF button a few times before I get the method ingrained. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

12-21-2013, 03:18 PM	#5
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	Canon has a nice tutorial on using back-button AF. M

12-21-2013, 04:00 PM	#6
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780 Original Poster	Originally posted by Miguel Canon has a nice tutorial on using back-button AF. M Thank you - very well explained

12-21-2013, 07:41 PM	#7
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	When I got the K10D I started shooting my son playing Lacrosse, which as you probably know due to your location is a fast-paced field game with comparatively little stoppage of play. My daughter coincidentally attended a SI action photography camp and showed me how to use the back AF button and AF.C with a low focus point selected and aimed at the beltline, 1/500, and as low an ISO as I could get. She insisted I learn how to time my shutter release so that no more than three frames were exposed for each "shot" (film habits die hard, I guess) and that I wanted to catch the Lacrosse ball in flight just after release from the stick. Using the shutter release half-press, she said, encourages spray and pray since your finger is already half way down. I don't bother arguing with my daughter. She makes a typical Type-A look like a milque-toast. She showed me a photo she submitted in a High School competition of a running back turning the corner and a cornerback coming up to tackle him. Though the focus point was on his left hip, she perfectly captured the ball carrier's eyes turned completely to the side, toward the tackler, while his running motion was clearly away from the tackle. I've never seen so much action in a still image - and it didn't win anything! She said the low focus point and back button focusing allowed her to get both bodies completely in the frame. Were the focus point centered she would have either missed the shot or not gotten the feet by trying to get the eyes. If she still lived here I'd ask her for a scan - maybe she'll do it and email me for a later addition. I lost the muscle memory when I started using the K-01. I just set up my K3 for AF2, but the AF button is not as conveniently placed as on the K10. That's OK - I'll get accustomed to it - but I did notice.

12-25-2015, 08:05 PM	#8
Catscradle Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Weymouth, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 220	Originally posted by jatrax This option determines what happens when you press the AF button on the back of the camera. AF1 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and when the shutter button is half pressed AF2 - the camera will auto focus when the AF button is pressed and NOT when the shutter button is half pressed If you are only using the shutter button to focus then you can ignore this option. What happens in AF1 if you get back button focus and then take the shot (with the shutter button of course)? Will the focus change on you if you change the composition so that the primary focus area is on a different place in the potential photo? If so, can this be avoided by keeping the back button depressed? I hope I made it clear what I'm asking.

12-26-2015, 06:50 AM - 1 Like	#9
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by Catscradle What happens in AF1 if you get back button focus and then take the shot (with the shutter button of course)? Will the focus change on you if you change the composition so that the primary focus area is on a different place in the potential photo? If so, can this be avoided by keeping the back button depressed? I hope I made it clear what I'm asking. With AF1, both the shutter button and AF button can be used for focusing. If you press the AF button to focus and then release it, the shutter button will then reactivate the auto focus mechanism when pressed. The exception is if you hold the AF button down in which case AF will then be locked and the shutter button will not influence the AF mechanism. As others have noted, AF2 simply disables the shutter button from focusing the camera altogether.

12-26-2015, 07:41 AM	#10
Catscradle Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Weymouth, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 220	Originally posted by IchabodCrane With AF1, both the shutter button and AF button can be used for focusing. If you press the AF button to focus and then release it, the shutter button will then reactivate the auto focus mechanism when pressed. The exception is if you hold the AF button down in which case AF will then be locked and the shutter button will not influence the AF mechanism. As others have noted, AF2 simply disables the shutter button from focusing the camera altogether. Thanks, you covered the point I was wondering about perfectly.

04-16-2024, 04:43 AM	#11
elrengo New Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Posts: 8	I do not understand the difference between AF2 and Cancel AF. Someone can illuminate me? Thanks

04-16-2024, 07:15 AM	#12
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,219	Originally posted by elrengo I do not understand the difference between AF2 and Cancel AF. Someone can illuminate me? Thanks AF2 means the camera will AF only when the AF-button is pressed (the shutter button half-press does nothing) Cancel AF means the camera will only AF with the shutter button half-press, and the AF-button function is to prevent it taking place while the button is held. Mostly used when using AF-C to temporarily stop the AF from being active.