The Canon 6D Mark II is a powerful and feature-rich DSLR camera that has become a favorite among photographers of all levels. One of its key features is the ability to change the focus point, allowing you to have precise control over where you want to focus in your scene. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to change the focus point on a Canon 6D Mark II, exploring the different methods, modes, and techniques to help you master this essential skill.
Understanding Focus Points And Modes
Before we dive into the specifics of changing focus points, it’s essential to understand the different focus modes and points available on the Canon 6D Mark II. The camera features a 45-point all-cross-type AF system, which provides fast and accurate focusing. The focus modes include One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, and Manual Focus. Each mode is designed for specific shooting situations, such as portraits, landscapes, or sports photography.
Focus Point Selection
Changing the focus point on the Canon 6D Mark II is a straightforward process. To do so, follow these steps:
To select a focus point, use the Multi-controller on the back of the camera. This joystick-like controller allows you to move the focus point to any of the 45 available points. You can also use the Quick Control Dial to select a focus point. Simply press the AF point selection button and use the dial to choose your desired focus point.
AF Point Selection Methods
The Canon 6D Mark II offers two primary methods for selecting AF points: Manual Selection and Automatic Selection. Manual selection allows you to choose a specific AF point using the Multi-controller or Quick Control Dial. Automatic selection, on the other hand, allows the camera to select the AF point for you, based on the scene and subject.
Using the Multi-controller for AF Point Selection
The Multi-controller is a versatile tool that allows you to quickly and easily select an AF point. To use the Multi-controller for AF point selection, follow these steps:
Press the AF point selection button to activate the AF point selection mode.
Use the Multi-controller to move the focus point to your desired location.
Press the Set button to confirm your selection.
Using the Quick Control Dial for AF Point Selection
The Quick Control Dial is another convenient way to select an AF point. To use the Quick Control Dial for AF point selection, follow these steps:
Press the AF point selection button to activate the AF point selection mode.
Use the Quick Control Dial to select your desired AF point.
Press the Set button to confirm your selection.
Customizing AF Point Selection
The Canon 6D Mark II allows you to customize the AF point selection to suit your shooting style. You can register your favorite AF points, allowing you to quickly recall them when needed. You can also limit the number of AF points available, making it easier to select the point you want.
To customize AF point selection, go to the Custom Functions menu and select AF point selection. From here, you can register your favorite AF points, limit the number of AF points, or set the AF point selection method to Manual or Automatic.
AF Point Registration
Registering your favorite AF points is a convenient way to quickly recall them when needed. To register an AF point, follow these steps:
Select the AF point you want to register using the Multi-controller or Quick Control Dial.
Press the Set button to confirm your selection.
Go to the Custom Functions menu and select AF point registration.
Choose the registered AF point you want to recall.
Limiting AF Points
Limiting the number of AF points available can make it easier to select the point you want. To limit AF points, go to the Custom Functions menu and select AF point limitation. From here, you can choose to limit the AF points to 15 points, 9 points, or all 45 points.
Shooting Modes And AF Point Selection
The Canon 6D Mark II features a variety of shooting modes, each with its own AF point selection characteristics. Understanding how AF point selection works in each mode is essential for getting the best results.
One-Shot AF Mode
In One-Shot AF mode, the camera focuses on a single subject and locks focus. The AF point selection is manual, allowing you to choose a specific AF point using the Multi-controller or Quick Control Dial.
AI Servo AF Mode
In AI Servo AF mode, the camera continuously focuses on a moving subject. The AF point selection is automatic, with the camera selecting the AF point based on the subject’s movement and distance.
AI Focus AF Mode
In AI Focus AF mode, the camera automatically switches between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF, depending on the subject’s movement. The AF point selection is automatic, with the camera selecting the AF point based on the subject’s movement and distance.
Conclusion
Changing the focus point on a Canon 6D Mark II is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your photography. By understanding the different focus modes, points, and selection methods, you can take control of your camera and capture stunning images. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or sports, mastering AF point selection is essential for getting the best results. With practice and experience, you’ll become more comfortable with the process, and your photography will improve dramatically.
| Focus Mode | AF Point Selection |
|---|---|
| One-Shot AF | Manual |
| AI Servo AF | Automatic |
| AI Focus AF | Automatic |
By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering AF point selection on your Canon 6D Mark II. Remember to practice regularly and experiment with different focus modes and points to find what works best for you. With time and experience, you’ll become a proficient photographer, capable of capturing stunning images with ease.
- Understand the different focus modes and points available on the Canon 6D Mark II.
- Practice using the Multi-controller and Quick Control Dial to select AF points.
What Are Focus Points And How Do They Work On The Canon 6D Mark II?
The Canon 6D Mark II features a 45-point all-cross-type AF system, which allows for highly accurate and precise focusing. Focus points are the areas within the camera’s viewfinder where the autofocus system can detect and lock onto a subject. These points are spread across the frame, enabling the camera to quickly and accurately focus on a subject, regardless of its location within the scene. By selecting a specific focus point or group of points, photographers can control exactly where the camera focuses, allowing for more creative control over the composition of the image.
To use focus points effectively on the Canon 6D Mark II, it’s essential to understand how to select and adjust them. This can be done using the camera’s AF point selection button, located on the top right of the camera, or by using the Quick Control dial. By selecting a single focus point or a group of points, photographers can customize the autofocus system to suit their specific needs. Additionally, the camera’s AF area selection modes, such as Single Point AF, Zone AF, and Large Zone AF, allow for even more flexibility and control over the focusing process. By mastering the use of focus points, photographers can unlock the full potential of the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system and take their photography to the next level.
How Do I Select And Adjust Focus Points On The Canon 6D Mark II?
Selecting and adjusting focus points on the Canon 6D Mark II is a straightforward process that can be mastered with a little practice. To select a focus point, simply press the AF point selection button and use the Quick Control dial to navigate to the desired point. The selected point will be highlighted in the viewfinder, allowing photographers to see exactly where the camera is focusing. To adjust the focus points, photographers can choose from a range of AF area selection modes, including Single Point AF, Zone AF, and Large Zone AF. Each mode offers a different level of control over the focusing process, allowing photographers to customize the system to suit their specific needs.
In addition to selecting and adjusting individual focus points, the Canon 6D Mark II also features a range of customization options that allow photographers to tailor the autofocus system to their preferences. For example, the camera’s AF point illumination feature can be adjusted to provide a clearer view of the focus points in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the camera’s AF point display can be customized to show only the active focus points, reducing clutter in the viewfinder and making it easier to focus on the subject. By exploring these customization options, photographers can optimize the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system for their specific needs and take their photography to new heights.
What Is The Difference Between Single Point AF, Zone AF, And Large Zone AF On The Canon 6D Mark II?
The Canon 6D Mark II features three main AF area selection modes: Single Point AF, Zone AF, and Large Zone AF. Single Point AF allows photographers to select a single focus point, which is ideal for precise focusing on a specific subject or area within the scene. Zone AF, on the other hand, allows photographers to select a group of focus points, which are arranged in a zone or cluster. This mode is useful for tracking moving subjects or for focusing on subjects that are moving erratically. Large Zone AF is similar to Zone AF but covers a larger area, making it ideal for situations where the subject is moving rapidly or unpredictably.
In practice, the choice of AF area selection mode will depend on the specific situation and the photographer’s creative goals. For example, Single Point AF might be used for portrait photography, where precise focus on the subject’s eyes is critical. Zone AF or Large Zone AF, on the other hand, might be used for sports or wildlife photography, where the subject is moving rapidly and the camera needs to track it quickly. By understanding the differences between these modes and when to use them, photographers can unlock the full potential of the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system and achieve sharper, more accurate focus in a wide range of situations.
How Do I Use Focus Points To Track Moving Subjects With The Canon 6D Mark II?
Tracking moving subjects with the Canon 6D Mark II requires a combination of technical knowledge and practice. To get started, photographers should select the AI Servo AF mode, which is specifically designed for tracking moving subjects. Next, they should choose an AF area selection mode, such as Zone AF or Large Zone AF, which allows the camera to track the subject as it moves across the frame. To initiate tracking, the photographer should place the active focus point over the subject and half-press the shutter button. The camera will then begin to track the subject, adjusting the focus point as needed to maintain sharp focus.
To get the best results when tracking moving subjects, photographers should also pay attention to the camera’s AF settings, such as the AF tracking sensitivity and acceleration/deceleration tracking. These settings can be adjusted to fine-tune the camera’s performance in different situations. For example, a higher AF tracking sensitivity might be used for fast-moving subjects, such as sports cars or airplanes, while a lower sensitivity might be used for slower-moving subjects, such as people or animals. By mastering the art of tracking moving subjects with the Canon 6D Mark II, photographers can capture sharp, dynamic images that convey a sense of energy and motion.
Can I Customize The Focus Points On The Canon 6D Mark II To Suit My Specific Needs?
Yes, the Canon 6D Mark II allows photographers to customize the focus points to suit their specific needs. One way to do this is by using the camera’s AF point registration feature, which allows photographers to register a specific focus point or group of points to the AF point selection button. This means that photographers can quickly switch to their preferred focus point or points, without having to navigate through the camera’s menu system. Additionally, the camera’s Custom Functions menu allows photographers to customize the AF point illumination, AF point display, and other AF-related settings to their preferences.
By customizing the focus points, photographers can optimize the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system for their specific needs and shooting style. For example, a landscape photographer might register a focus point to the top of the frame, allowing them to quickly focus on the horizon or other distant features. A portrait photographer, on the other hand, might register a focus point to the eye or face of the subject, allowing them to quickly focus on the most important part of the image. By taking advantage of these customization options, photographers can streamline their workflow and achieve sharper, more accurate focus in a wide range of situations.
How Do I Use The Canon 6D Mark II’s Autofocus System In Low-light Conditions?
Using the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system in low-light conditions requires a combination of technical knowledge and practice. To get started, photographers should select the AF mode that best suits their needs, such as Single Point AF or Zone AF. Next, they should adjust the camera’s AF settings, such as the AF sensitivity and AF speed, to optimize performance in low light. The camera’s AF assist beam can also be used to help the autofocus system acquire focus in low-light conditions. This beam emits a burst of light that illuminates the subject, allowing the camera to detect the subject’s distance and focus more accurately.
In addition to adjusting the AF settings, photographers can also use the Canon 6D Mark II’s low-light autofocus features, such as the AF point illumination feature. This feature illuminates the active focus point in red, allowing photographers to see exactly where the camera is focusing, even in extremely low-light conditions. By combining these features and techniques, photographers can achieve sharp, accurate focus in low-light conditions, even when using wide-aperture lenses or high ISO settings. With practice and patience, photographers can master the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system and capture stunning images in a wide range of lighting conditions.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Focus Points On The Canon 6D Mark II?
One common mistake to avoid when using focus points on the Canon 6D Mark II is not taking the time to understand the different AF area selection modes and how they work. This can lead to confusion and frustration, especially in situations where the subject is moving or the lighting is challenging. Another mistake is not customizing the AF settings to suit the specific situation or shooting style. This can result in missed shots or soft focus, especially in low-light conditions or when tracking moving subjects. By taking the time to understand the camera’s autofocus system and customizing the settings to suit their needs, photographers can avoid these common mistakes and achieve sharper, more accurate focus in a wide range of situations.
To avoid these mistakes, photographers should take the time to read the camera’s manual and practice using the different AF area selection modes and AF settings. They should also experiment with different customization options, such as AF point registration and AF point illumination, to see what works best for their specific needs. Additionally, photographers should pay attention to the camera’s autofocus performance in different situations, making adjustments as needed to optimize the system for their specific needs. By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking the time to master the Canon 6D Mark II’s autofocus system, photographers can unlock the full potential of the camera and take their photography to the next level.