Canon autofocus settings tutorial: best settings to nail the shot!

Want to take amazing wildlife photos? Check out my new course with 20 modules and over 5 hours of content, no fluff! AND A CHANCE TO WIN A $13,000 600mm f4 LENS!
journalofwildlifephotography....
My name is Simon d'Entremont and I'm a professional wildlife and nature photographer from Canada. In this video, I share my experience in setting up and customizing my focus settings on my Canon cameras, having used a T3i, 7D, 7D II, 5D IV, R6 and R5. I’ll walk you through the basic settings, show you how and when to use each of the custom cases, and how to tweak these cases to make sure you get the best out of every action shot opportunity. Even if you don't shoot Canon, I think you can get some valuable tips for other models as well.
My equipment:
Canon R5 body amzn.to/3UQeROc
Canon R6 body amzn.to/3RpYqVX
Canon R5 battery grip amzn.to/3dUrHKF
Canon 100-400 EF II amzn.to/3UQi4gJ
Canon 17-40 L lens amzn.to/3y71MGt
Canon RF 16mm f2.8 amzn.to/3EmPNJ1
FLM Tripod (CP 34 L4 II) and Levelling Head (HB 75) www.flmcanada.com?aff=sdentrem
Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3fkRjAC
Sigma Art 20mm f1.4 lens amzn.to/3CjKto2
Rokinon 135mm f2 lens amzn.to/3SoB3x3
Sirui x-k40 ball head amzn.to/3E7Z5sc
Sirui lightweight Traveler 7C tripod with head amzn.to/3dS9Bca
Manfrotto Video Head amzn.to/3RlZie5
Wimberley Gimbal Head amzn.to/3flhya8
Jackery portable 240 lithium-ion battery amzn.to/3rCzX5r
ProGrade Gold 128 GB CF Express amzn.to/3fyx1nh
ProGrade Cobalt 325 GB CF Express amzn.to/3y3Ywf1
ProGrade Gold 256 GB SD amzn.to/3y0Xssg
Zoom H1n field recorder amzn.to/3Sozob9
Comica shotgun mic amzn.to/3REWN73
Rode Videomic NTG shotgun mic amzn.to/3BRlcQK
Rode Wireless GO II mic set amzn.to/3BUfIoh
Lenscoat neoprene camera bags amzn.to/3SNiqmz
Lencoat rain cover for 500mm F4 amzn.to/3SGtyl2
Falconeyes F7 LCD panel amzn.to/3y75z6F
Lowepro 450 AW large backpack amzn.to/3xZOHyL
Lowepro Flipside 300 small backpack amzn.to/3SOTWt7
Mindshift 36L (closest available) backpack amzn.to/3C0fagy
DJI Mavic Air 2S drone (flymore combo) amzn.to/3M9TuDL
B&W circular polarizer, 77mm amzn.to/3SKc6Mx
B&W 2 stop ND Filter amzn.to/3URyIN6
B&W 6 stop ND filter amzn.to/3y6gs8G
B&W 10 stop ND filter amzn.to/3fwRIjs
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 binoculars amzn.to/3URprEz
Blackrapid retro-classic shoulder strap amzn.to/3y0wUHt
FjallRaven trekking pants amzn.to/3y77DeV
Heat 3 gloves (shell only) www.theheatcompany.com/en-us/...
Heat Company Merino Wool liners www.theheatcompany.com/en-us/...
HP Omen 17.3" performance laptop amzn.to/3BZ7w69
Synology NAS storage amzn.to/3BXfcWF
16 TB hard drives for NAS amzn.to/3LTdrOW
2023 Calendar is ready!
www.simondentremont.com/2023-...
Follow me on:
Facebook / sdentrem
Instagram / simon.dentremont
VERO vero.co/simondentremont
Website www.simondentremont.com/

[@simon_dentremont]

What’s the most important setting or technique you use to get the shot? Please share!

[@pal54321]

simon, very helpful, thanks so much

[@Shutterbun4]

Honestly, your video about "Auto ISO" was a "brain explodes" moment for me. None of my previous cameras had it, but I just got a 5D mkiii and woah mama. What a great setting! You're absolutely right: ISO doesn't mean a̶n̶y̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ nearly as much as it used to. As you said: "it's the ONE variable that I don't care about". Complete eye-opener. One technique I use (I do a lot of club photography) is to use a VERY small amount of flash, with a long shutter speed. It allows me to freeze my subjects' faces, but keeps the lens open to absorb the cool background club lighting. Sometimes I even simply use the "flashlight" app on my phone to highlight faces, and let the ambient club lighting do the rest!

[@christopherh4653]

Taking off the lens cap.

[@MrBillkaz]

Sensei Simon I would of guessed you have long eclipsed the 1 million captures !?! :: i operate the Sony rx 10 m 4 and the focus limiter and normally staying wide in focal points

[@MrBillkaz]

@@Shutterbun4 I want to do auto iso but my Sony rx 10 disappoints me almost all the time .. usually way overexposed .. and then I feel like it just get too much defeating point when I’m called to adjust Pc

[@oolamigoke]

This video needs to be in the official Canon literature.

[@lorihutchinson9485]

You have more great information in two sentences than most KZbinrs have in an entire video. Excellent tutorial.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@DaTPs3GaMer]

I agree. Very informative video

[@michaelwhalen7154]

Agreed!

[@b2unoo7]

Because they are youtubers.. 😂

[@zorawarmanchanda5397]

Have not seen a clear guide who does not waste a word! Hats off to you sir

[@TChoppy46able]

This is the best video I’ve watched about Canon autofocus. Clear, easy to understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome!

[@willowdoesmusic1484]

10/10 thank you so much. As a self-taught concert photographer a lot of the settings on the 'big boy' cameras just go straight over my head, but videos like this really make me realise how insanely powerful the modern dslr can be. can't wait to try and implement all of this!

[@osmiumsoul9535]

I bought a canon just because of your comprehensive underatanding and ease of explanation for them. Fantastic video, as always

[@MrSaintJupiter]

I’ve been looking for photography instruction like this for literal years. Extremely thorough presentation and helpful information. Really appreciate your videos!

[@isaacislaughter]

A true expert, who is also a really good teacher. A rare bird indeed. Merci beaucoup monsieur d'Entremont!

[@dascudder]

Finally found the video that explains this topic in simple terms

[@youngfloridaboy]

litterally one second helped me soo much !!!

[@tassenook]

Great tutorial! No fluff as advertised. For me, being Swedish, I especially can relate to Canadian conditions, be it outdoors, wildlife and ice hockey. Great!

[@geethadhina9460]

Very helpful tips. Thanks Simon.

[@Shutterbun4]

My new favorite photography channel, hands down.

[@scottwasser2434]

Totally agree with Cynthia's comment. This is the first time I watched one of your videos, and I was extremely impressed. You did a better job of explaining Canon's autofocus settings and, more importantly, how and why to apply them, than any other KZbinr I've seen. That includes those I highly regard, such as Canon's own Rudy Winston and Explorer of Light David Bergman. Thanks so much for the great video. I've subscribed to your channel and will be looking through your archive for more content to watch.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Scott!

[@deborahhage854]

Seriously amazing!! Finally understanding stuff!

[@Rbbuckler]

Great description of the different options,how they work and when to use which focus option. What made this the best video I have seen on this subject was your use of examples that were so easy to relate to.

[@old4004]

Thanks so much for this mini-seminar. The information was detailed, but never boring.

[@mikecarroll5853]

Well done Simon. 👏 my love hate relationship with AF is alot clearer to nail the surfing shots. 🏄‍♂️

[@davem4760]

Finally, a thorough AND understandable explanation of the four Cases! I had never paid much attention to their importance before, having been a Canon user for only a few months.

[@matthiasg.9658]

Thanks Simon, very helpful informations 👍🏻 Best regards from Germany 🇩🇪

[@CFLDumpsters]

So helpful! These new camera systems, specifically autofocus are so advanced. I’m learning because of you thank you!

[@jameshout5814]

I wish I had this info when shooting my equestrian photo essay for a UK publisher. It would have made things easier and I wouldn't have missed many shots.

[@sisi5408]

The best explanation I have ever heard on KZbin. Thank you Simon!

[@Breaking__Chad]

Hi Simon. Just wanted to say I love your videos. You've just received a new subscriber. Your videos are ridiculously informative, and I feel like I learn more about photography watching them now than I ever have in my whole time learning this hobby. They're easy to follow and understand, and it's clear you know what you're doing behind a lens. I love seeing your wildlife pictures as well. It's also a bonus that you shoot with Canon.

[@user-rr2yf7dm4h]

It was great listening to you and you just say everything that everyone wants to hear. I was just "glued" to your video and you don't ramble on about any useless information at all. I shall be watching more of your material as your are just great! Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rml3wood]

Very pleased to have found this video! Answer most of the questions I had about the AF on my new R5.

[@ladylincoln6691]

This was so helpful, thank you so much I have 2 grandchildren playing hockey and I can't wait to try this!

[@mangentle7618]

absolutely fantastic explanations. Thank you Simon.

[@neuregu0]

great tips! Holding my R6 watching your video! Thanks a million!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@cguerrieri4866]

great explanations, as always. Im starting the learning process for the R5 so I'm familiar with it when I get one thanks for the content

[@MaxwellSmart6425]

As always, Simon, you have some of the very best photography videos, you cover great subjects, you explain them very well and you get right to the point it is a bonus tip. I also on a canon R5, so it makes it very easy to follow along. Keep up the good work and will keep giving you a thumbs up.👍👍👍👍👍

[@anthonyscuderijr.cluchfc6602]

Just fantastic! As a new 7D Mark ll user, this was pure gold!

[@bresq343]

thank you for the great explanation of different cases! I have applied these to c1-c3 on my R5. One for portrait, one for slow moving animals, and ones for birds in flight.

[@ingwarmagn3393]

Grandiose! There are very few people right now who can tell all this.

[@sawekzabron8591]

Thank You so very much Simon for Your Time to explain us this quite difficult to understand issues in the camera 🙏❣️

[@laprimanerda7333]

This is incredibly helpful! I'm mostly using my Canon SL3 to video my painting process and I think I just learned how to stop it from jumping to focus solely on my hands.

[@lncmason]

Extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@DrPankajMalukar]

you are awesome. so clear and loud advices ! love your videos , learn a lot from you. plz keep posting and sharing your experiences . Thank you !

[@robertdeforge2179]

Really an awesome video. Best I have seen to discuss the real world aspects of the auto focus system and how it relates to your subjects.

[@bernym4047]

Having recently studied my autofocus settings on my Panasonic to hopefully get the best settings for bird photography, I found this very useful and could easily identify similar settings on my camera to the Canon system.

[@iredefined26]

beside light & color u need a super technical knowledge too.. this man should be called as the god of cameras.😃 wishing to attend his 'field workshop' smday.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks

[@BigO_Productions]

This channel is absolutely amazing

[@orsolyaacs3285]

First I was scared to click your videos because you look really strickt, but now I worked up the courage and did not regret. Lots of information, great content, great teaching skills and of course wonderful photos. Just got an r6 and planning to use it with a sigma 150-600mm, so all your videos are really helpful! Thank you :)

[@ashovid8915]

I am a lumix user. But your video still help me to understand its various AF systems. Thanks a ton.

[@user-gv6wp8qf9q]

Simon i cant thank you enough thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise your lesson have helped me to improve. i really appriciate it much respect for you.

[@astocum]

Simon…your videos are so helpful…thank-you!

[@mameyerosdeverdad1771]

100% precise & clear explanation without waste or excess of words. Tyvm Mr. d'Entremont.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@garv25]

great information , i just bought Canon 5D Mark IV, good communication and tired of British and Australian accents. Keep up the good work

[@markexploringnewstuff]

Wow! Best training on the topic I’ve seen.

[@jusinocasino11]

Best photography teacher out there, and it's free. Its crazy

[@simon_dentremont]

Crazy! I know, right!

[@rocksteady903]

I just want to take this time to thank you Simon for making these videos as they are extremely helpful. I truly appreciate this channel and I’m glad I’m able to take what I’ve learned on this channel out in the field. Thanks again and keep on rocking!

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome!

[@PhreddCrintt]

Superb Simon. Long-time Nikon user who has 'seen the light' in some ways and changed to Canon (dSLR - 5D Mk3) MOST helpful. As always. Thank you.

[@shoshanakory6572]

Thank you this was a wonderful tutorial. Extremely helpful! Looking forward to watching more

[@mariosnicolaou8770]

Thank you for an excellent, beautifully explained and demonstrated video Simon. Really helpful.

[@brendallsterling4117]

This was super helpful. I wasn't sure how to use these settings. Thanks for clearing it up!

[@treystripling921]

Best step-by-step tutorial for auto-focus features of Canon R cameras I have seen. I actually got my EOS R, set it up on my tripod, and 'walked' thru this video - hitting 'pause' frequently so I could stop an familiarize myself with each setting...and finally know why I was doing it! I always knew what kind of results I wanted with my auto-focusing for different situations, but frankly didn't know how! The settings available for the EOS R are a wee bit different than the R5, but its close enough that I was able to apply the lessons of this video to my own camera with ease. Thanks, Simon! All your videos are 'Master Class' quality!

[@toni5133]

Wow! You've made it make so much sense I cannot thank you enough for this 🙏 legend

[@OtayMedia]

Appreciate the info and how descriptive you were with the AF settings. Coming from using mainly manual focus for video, auto has been almost alien to me especially I hard hardly take photos nowadays. I definitely have a better understanding of AF settings now and I look forward to utilizing them.

[@sarahthorpe752]

Brilliant tutorial, thank you for your very clear explanation.

[@ganeshrao9796]

You are so clear and crisp in the points you make. Excellent !!

[@simon_dentremont]

I appreciate that!

[@subeeshrnarayanan]

Finally found it in a understanding way Thank you

[@MrBillkaz]

My favorite photographer on YT and IG … a true master

[@simon_dentremont]

too kind!

[@Fatimaahmed-lw8tn]

Mine too

[@MrBillkaz]

@@simon_dentremont the song and that phenomenal eagle footage gets m e every time bud

[@LadanLutfi]

What a great video. All I needed to hear. I stayed "focused" the whole time. Thank you.

[@malcrickman4999]

Great video Simon, I watched one a few days ago, where the different cases were mentioned. Didn't have a clue. Now, wow, I understand it. Thank you so much. Off to watch the back button focus video, then go outside.

[@madamekanon]

Thank you so much for excellent explanation of Case 1-4!

[@williambosso5178]

Incredible information. Thank you so much!

[@nevillewatkins4997]

You have a talent for explaining things Simon. It's all a bit beyond me. But, if I had a Canon this is where I'd come.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@thomasjennings2593]

Thanks for the info. I have had trouble with Auto Focus and Settings, but it's getting better thanks to you, and thanks to much practice. I really enjoy your 'straight to the point' style. Keep 'em coming Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@andeeleininger5968]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen on focus.

[@eyeammjh]

Thank you Simon... You explained the Canon systems, but your explanations and scenarios were so clear I can understand my Sony much better. Great video

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maximeblais2032]

You are just an awesome teacher ! Thank you

[@simon_dentremont]

You're very welcome!

[@matthewbell1968]

This is excellent. No BS, straight to the point and useful for both beginners and experts. Case 1 it is 👍

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@olafrotkohl5898]

Best explanation of focusing modes I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Very useful information and well presented with good, live, still life setups, as well as example photo & video illustrations that demonstrate exactly what is likely to happen with the focus in a given situation that one is likely to encounter. Thanks!

[@adammerifield943]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@paulsyrette6942]

Great tutorial to help me with my new R6!! Loved how each AF option was described with real life scenarios. Definitely made it easier to understand. Thank you Simon!!!!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@chriskeele5516]

Great tips on tracking sensitivity! A great reminder that I need to pay more attention to which case I'm using. I had my two back buttons set to use different cases for the longest time, without really thinking about why.

[@simon_dentremont]

Good stuff!

[@vanillagorillaunderground]

Great content !!! Thank you kindly sir 👍💯👍

[@NatesDungeons]

Thank you for being so to the point and very informative not like a lot of these other KZbin videos.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonnievanravestijn748]

Dankjewel voor de duidelijke uitleg Simon

[@robertgrant9721]

Simon, I am very happy that I discovered your channel! You did an excellent job of breaking down the focus settings, especially since I also use an R5. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@IvanMPylypchuk]

Thank you. Your videos have quickly become my favorites! Excellent presentation and delivery. It is wonderful to know that technically (and artistically) proficient photographers do exist and love sharing their knowledge, tricks, experience and tips. Merci!

[@simon_dentremont]

De rien!

[@sahadathsn]

Watched your video for the first time and subscribed! Thanks for the very important tips.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@cynthiaisenhoff8777]

Great video Simon! Your content is so helpful, and easy to understand!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

Simon, I’m the tech guy who reads the entire manual and watches 30 minutes videos from FroKnowsPhoto to understand all the camera settings. Yet, the second half of the video was all new to me 🤯. Je suis flabbergasté!

[@simon_dentremont]

Ha fantastique!

[@mickford386]

Love your work and especially love your in depth analysis and explanation of the Case# scenarios here

[@frida7910]

THANK YOU for providing examples that are easy to understand. Such a great video. Wish I would have watched it right when I got my camera, would have saved me a lot of grey hairs and money on online courses.

[@jmg5878]

Well this is the third video of yours that I’ve watched and the third time I’m leaving a comment. Your videos are pure gold and the best part is I’m not even a wildlife photographer I’m a landscape and portrait/corporate photographer but I’m learning a ton about motion and tracking amongst other things. I’m definitely taking these principles and applying them to two projects I have coming up. And thanks for the info on what the settings are on Nikon as well!

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome!

[@johnhagen31]

Excellent and clear guidance - thank you!

[@Moshe_F3A]

Super tuto Simon merci beaucoup

[@miganmago]

Great Video Simon. Very clear, very helpful

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you think so!

[@carsonreneau6476]

Thank you. That sticky setting is great! Beautiful photos too!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are so welcome!

[@brianbrooking496]

Phenomenal informative series of instructional videos that I have somehow managed to find, the best on KZbin by none. I have been looking for something like this on & off for a while now. Thanks for all your tips n tricks… and your ability to relate to us photography enthusiasts…..

[@simon_dentremont]

Great to hear!

[@clarkerichibaya]

thank you so much.. worth to watch till end

[@CraigEggleton]

always helpful...thank you

[@ronwilson9855]

I upgraded from a 200D to an R7 this summer, it is a big jump up from a 200D, so lots to learn, and this has been the best explanation of the AF system yet.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@paul66daley]

The delivery of explaining Tracking Sensitivity is a master class and thank you, I recently played around with these settings and completely messed it up cause I didn't know what I was doing. But now I am back on track after watching this video, thanks again and I've clicked the subscribed button.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@azlanmohmmed3837]

Very Informative ur a natural teacher and gr8 photographer!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thank you kindly!

[@richarddavis8025]

I bought_a_new_R5_and_your_tutorils_are_the_most_helpful._Thanks