topic Re: Question about Tracking and Continuous AF in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Question about Tracking and Continuous AF

stevet1 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 02:00:45 GMT

I just had a question.

If I am using Tracking, do I have to have Continuous AF enabled?

Steve Thomas

Re: Question about Tracking and Continuous AF

p4pictures — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 09:09:41 GMT

This may depend on which camera you are asking about Steve.

For R-series mirrorless models Continuous AF (also called preview AF on later models) continually drives the lens searching for a subject other than focus on when the camera is switched on. This drains battery rather fast too. I have one photographer at least who thought this was SERVO AF setting on their EOS R5 after previously owning EOS 5DS R. For most photography needs it is best to switch this setting off.

SERVO focus is when the camera will constantly adjust the focus on a subject right up to the point of pressing the shutter, and is best used for moving subjects. Some photographers call this tracking focus, but with mirrorless the term tracking also applies to the process where the camera "follows" a detected subject around the frame.

So to answer the direct question, no you don't need continuous AF with "tracking".

Re: Question about Tracking and Continuous AF

stevet1 — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:45:31 GMT

Brian,

"So to answer the direct question, no you don't need continuous AF with "tracking"."

Yay!

I don't like Continuous AF, and have disabled mine. I just didn't know about Eye Detection and all that. I'm not very familiar with tracking..

Steve