Dual Back Button Focus on the R6

In the context of action photography, Dual Back-Button Focus is about having precise control over when and how the camera focuses. It involves decoupling the focusing function from the shutter button and assigning it to one or more buttons at the back of the camera. This way, you can focus and shoot at different times without the camera refocusing every time you press the shutter.

Step 1: Navigate to the Custom Buttons Menu

Press the ‘Menu’ button.

Go to the 'Custom Functions' menu (the orange tab).

Select ‘Customize buttons’.

Step 2: Detach Focus from the Shutter Button

Scroll to ‘Shutter button’.

Select it and choose ‘Metering start’. This ensures that the shutter button will only activate the metering and not refocus.

Step 3: Set Up the AF-ON Button for Eye Detection

Scroll down to ‘AF-ON’.

Select it and choose ‘Eye Detection AF’. This is useful when you want to quickly ensure that the subject’s eyes are in focus, which is often crucial in action shots.

Step 4: Configure the AE Lock Button for Single Point

Navigate to the ‘AE Lock’ button.

Select it and choose ‘Metering and AF start’.

Next, go to the purple AF tab in the menu and select ‘1-point AF’ under ‘AF method’. This setting is essential for quickly focusing on a specific part of the subject, which can be vital in action photography.

Step 5: Set Default Focus Mode

Scroll to the 'AF method' in the purple AF tab.

Choose '1-point AF' or your preferred focus mode to set it as the default focus mode. This ensures that whenever you switch to single-point focus using the AE Lock button, it will be the default focus mode.

This configuration allows you to quickly switch between two different autofocus modes. By having the AF-ON button set for Eye Detection and the AE Lock button set for spot or single-point focusing, you can effortlessly alternate between the two based on your subject and the action you are capturing. This dual setup is akin to having two different cameras at your fingertips – it’s all about flexibility and being able to adapt quickly.

As the race reaches its climax, switch between the AF-ON button and AE Lock button, alternating focus modes to capture different facets of the event. The agility of the Dual Back-Button Focus mirrors the speed of the bike race, ensuring that you never miss a moment.

Now that you're all set up, let's pedal through how you can effectively use this Dual Back-Button Focus setup in a practical scenario - a bike race. The speed, dynamics, and sheer adrenaline of a bike race make it an enthralling subject for action photography.

Imagine a scenario where a cyclist is breaking away from the peloton and you want to capture the sheer determination in their eyes. This is where the Eye Detection mode you set on the AF-ON button shines. Press and hold the AF-ON button as the cyclist approaches. The camera will lock onto the eyes, giving you a striking, sharp focus on the face. Release the shutter at the right moment to capture the cyclist’s expressions.

As the race progresses, you might want to capture not just the riders but the atmosphere, the crowd, or other elements of the race. Trying to use eye detection in this scenario inevitably leads to focussing on the kid in the foreground staring back at you, rather than your intended subject.

In a heartbeat, switch to the AE Lock button which you’ve set for spot or single-point focus. This is where you play maestro. With single-point focus, you can selectively focus on a cyclist or another subject while artistically composing the shot with the background and surrounding elements. For instance, if you want to capture a cyclist with the crowd cheering in the background, use the AE Lock button to focus on the cyclist and compose your shot so that the audience is in the frame, but slightly out of focus, adding depth and context to the image. 

Setting up Dual Back-Button Focus on the Canon EOS R6 is a game-changer for action photographers, especially in dynamic settings like bike races. The ability to have two focus modes at your fingertips offers unparalleled flexibility and control. Whether you're capturing the raw emotion in a cyclist's eyes or the atmospheric depth of the race, this setup ensures your camera is an extension of your creativity. This approach takes practice, but the payoff in responsiveness and control is well worth the effort. As an action photographer, staying nimble and adaptable are your greatest allies; let Dual Back-Button Focus be the tool that elevates your craft.