Setting up Back-button AF on the Canon EOS R5

By following these steps, you will be able to set up Back-button AF operation on the Canon EOS R5. This guide has been written specifically for the Canon EOS R5; however, the operation will be similar to other EOS R cameras, including the EOS R5 II.

Sports photographers often want to customise their cameras for so-called ‘Back-button AF‘ operation; however, it can be a useful option for most photographers.

Customising this feature involves deactivating the AF start feature from the shutter button and selecting Servo AF from the camera’s AF menu options, if it is not already enabled. This action effectively switches between Servo AF, One-Shot AF, and manual focusing with a single button press (and a timely release of said button).

Back Button AF is a great way to have control over both AF and manual focusing with one-button operation. It allows:

• Autofocus with both One Shot AF and Servo AF with Tracking: Press AF-On while composing your subject, and autofocusing will be performed as usual. However, with Servo AF previously enabled (see below), the operation resembles both Servo AF with tracking of moving subjects (by holding the AF-On button in) and One Shot AF (by releasing the AF-On button when in focus). Requires getting used to releasing the shutter at the appropriate time.
• Focus and Recompose: Press AF-On to initiate AF and acquire the target off-centre. When the subject is in focus, release the AF-On button to maintain focus at that point. Then, recompose and press the shutter release to take the photograph. This method is less useful now that autofocus is offered across most of the entire frame with mirrorless cameras, but it still proves useful on occasion.
• Manual Focus: By not pressing the AF-On button, autofocus is not initiated (even when the shutter release is pressed), and control returns to the focusing ring. Focus by turning the ring; most L-series EF and RF lenses feature full-time manual focus (manual override with the lens set to AF). This needs to be enabled from the camera menu on RF lenses, or switch to MF on the lens barrel.

Steps to Customise AF Operation Shortcuts

1. Ensure your Canon EOS R5 (or other EOS R camera) is powered on and then Access the Menu:
   • Press the Menu button on the back of the camera.
2. Navigate to the Custom Functions:
   • Use the multi-controller or touchscreen to navigate to the Custom Functions (C.Fn) menu (represented by the small Camera with a scale icon).
   • Look for the Custom buttons option on page 3 (C.Fn3).

1. Select the Button to customise:
   • In the Customise buttons menu, you will see a diagram with icons representing the buttons that can be customised.
   • Select the button you want to customise; in this instance, the Shutter release button.
2. Choose the AF Function:
   • After selecting the shutter button (which has metering and AF start enabled), you will see a list of three available functions.
   • Scroll through the options and select the desired operation:
     • Metering Start (only)

1. Save Your Settings:
   • After selecting the desired function, confirm your choice by pressing the Set button.
   • Exit the menu by pressing the Menu button again or by lightly pressing the shutter release button.
2. Test the Customisation:
   • Try using the customised buttons in shooting mode to ensure it activates the desired AF function.

Additional Tips

• Multiple Custom Buttons: You can customise more buttons for different AF functions, allowing for a more tailored shooting experience.
• Experiment: Take some time to experiment with different settings to find what works best for your shooting style. For example, the AF Point Selection button, located between the AF-On and Asterix (AF-Lock) buttons, could be customised as the Direct AF Method Selection button instead, which saves having to adjust the setting with the control wheel as well.