topic Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

JFG — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:16:52 GMT

Hi everyone,

Today I fine-tuned my R5 Mark II and set it up with Double Back Button AF and with Eye Controlled AF. WOW, what a difference! It's like having a laser pointer in my eye, just look close to the wildlife that I want to photograph hit the asterisk [*[ button which is set up for whole area AF + servo AF the eye tracking locks on and then press the shutter button. I configured the AF-ON button for Single Point AF + One Shot for static subjects (landscape, architectural, portrait and street photography). It's now like having a laser pointer in my eye and two AF engines at my thumb. No menu diving required. Just in case any of you are wondering, I configure the M-Fn button to turn on and off the Eye Controlled AF, this way I can just use the Dual Back Buttons AF with or without Eye Control AF. It works like a charm! I figure since the technology is there then use it. I recommend any of these set ups, you'll have more fun taking picture with less work.

😀

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

p4pictures — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:58:14 GMT

I'm always in awe of the people who can successfully use multiple back button AF setups. I've tried but I find I can't reliably use my thumb to select the intended button by instinct.

One thought I have is that the button that you instinctively hit with you thumb should be the one you use the most, and then use the other button for scenarios where you have time to be sure you are using the "correct" button.

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

JFG — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:50:28 GMT

Hi Brian,

Absolutely, I agree with you 100%. "The button that you instinctively hit with your thumb should be the one you use the most and then use the other button for scenarios where you have time to be sure you are using the "correct" button." Actually, it's just a matter of getting used to it. I started out with Single Back Button AF then I went to Double Back Button AF with Eye Control AF. Usually, I know beforehand the type of photography that I'll be doing, so if I'm doing action photography, I then press the "asterisk" button for wildlife and turn on the Eye Control AF by pressing the M-Fn button. If, while I am doing wildlife, I see a good landscape to photograph I simply press the A-ON button and I'm all set to go. The thing is that you have to commit to it and before long it becomes instinctively. If you have a big thumb, then I would suggest using the DOF button for the type of photography that you do the most or the least. This way you can use your left index finger to change it and your right thumb for the AF-ON button. Go out and shoot for a few hours and you will have adjusted. Pressing a button to go from one mode of photography to another is easier than diving into your camera's menu.

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

Tequila-Pepita — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:51:58 GMT

Hi Joe,

This sounds great and I would really like to know how to set it up that way. This is not very clear to me. Any help?

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

JFG — Sun, 03 May 2026 01:41:15 GMT

Hi Tequila-Pepita,

What Canon camera are you using, that you want to se BBAF or DBBAF on?

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

Tequila-Pepita — Sun, 03 May 2026 09:23:24 GMT

Hi Joe,

I have the Canon R5 Mark ii and would like to set up Double Back Button AF and with Eye Controlled AF.

Thanks

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

JFG — Tue, 05 May 2026 01:31:41 GMT

Pepita,

I can send you step by step set up instructions of SBBAF or DBBAF. Since you'll be just starting out, it is best that you decide if you want Single Back Button Auto Focus or Double Back Button Auto Focus. I also sent you an invitation for you to join our JFGs KB. I'm looking forward to sharing tips and good vibes. Let me know what you think and which way you want to go. SBBAF is an easy learning curve and if you start with DBBAF is just as easy learning curve with an additional option. Let me know, the type of photography you plan of doing, Wildlife and Sports, Landscapes and Stills, Street Photography and Architecture etc.

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

Tequila-Pepita — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:43:06 GMT

Hi Joe,

I actually liked your own set up because it corresponds to the type of photos I am doing ie one set up for bird wildlife and another one for landscape, portrait, architecture and street photography. In other word a DBBAF set up. I'll be very honest with you as I asked both Gemini and Claude to send me precise guidelines so that I could implement them in my camera but it did not work. It was actually very confusing as the menus indicated were not exactly as they are on the R5 Mark II. I am prepared to give it another try if you could kindly send me the paths to follow through the different menus. Thank you in advance!

Re: Today I setup the AF on my R5 Mark II

JFG — Tue, 05 May 2026 20:03:49 GMT

Pepita,

I sent you a PM. Check it out and let me know if you have any questions. Just PM me and I'll get back to you ASAP.