As a photographer, you know that having control over your camera’s focus point is crucial for capturing stunning images. The Canon EOS 80D is an exceptional camera that offers advanced features and flexibility, but navigating its menu system can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. In this article, we’ll take you through a comprehensive guide on how to change the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D, helping you unleash its full potential.
Understanding Focus Points and Autofocus Modes
Before we dive into the process of changing the focus point, it’s essential to understand the basics of focus points and autofocus modes on the Canon EOS 80D.
The Canon EOS 80D features a 45-point autofocus system, which allows you to choose from a variety of focus points to suit your shooting needs. These focus points are divided into two categories: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal points are ideal for tracking subjects moving horizontally, while the vertical points are perfect for capturing subjects moving vertically.
The camera also offers several autofocus modes, including:
- One-Shot AF: This mode is suitable for still subjects, as it locks focus on the selected focus point.
- AI Servo AF: This mode is ideal for tracking moving subjects, as it continuously adjusts focus to keep the subject sharp.
- AF Point Expansion: This mode allows you to expand the focus point to surrounding areas, making it easier to track subjects.
Changing the Focus Point Using the Camera’s Controls
Now that you understand the basics of focus points and autofocus modes, let’s explore how to change the focus point using the camera’s controls.
Method 1: Using the AF Point Selection Button
The easiest way to change the focus point is by using the AF Point Selection button, located on the top-right of the camera. Here’s how to do it:
- Press the AF Point Selection button and rotate the Main Dial to select the desired focus point.
- Use the Quick Control Dial to move the focus point up, down, left, or right.
- Once you’ve selected the desired focus point, press the Set button to confirm.
Method 2: Using the Multi-Controller
Alternatively, you can use the Multi-Controller to change the focus point. Here’s how:
- Press the Menu button and navigate to the AF tab.
- Select AF Point Selection and press the Set button.
- Use the Multi-Controller to move the focus point up, down, left, or right.
- Once you’ve selected the desired focus point, press the Set button to confirm.
Changing the Focus Point Using the Camera’s Menu
If you prefer to use the camera’s menu system, you can change the focus point by following these steps:
Method 1: Using the AF Point Selection Menu
Here’s how to change the focus point using the menu:
- Press the Menu button and navigate to the AF tab.
- Select AF Point Selection and press the Set button.
- Use the Quick Control Dial to select the desired focus point.
- Once you’ve selected the desired focus point, press the Set button to confirm.
Method 2: Using the Custom Functions Menu
You can also change the focus point by assigning a custom function to a button. Here’s how:
- Press the Menu button and navigate to the Custom Functions tab.
- Select C.Fn III: Operations/Others and press the Set button.
- Select AF Point Direct and press the Set button.
- Assign the AF Point Direct function to a button of your choice (e.g., the AE Lock button).
- Press the assigned button and use the Multi-Controller to move the focus point up, down, left, or right.
- Once you’ve selected the desired focus point, press the Set button to confirm.
Tips and Tricks for Changing the Focus Point
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master changing the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D:
Use the AF Point Expansion Mode
When tracking moving subjects, use the AF Point Expansion mode to expand the focus point to surrounding areas. This will increase the chances of capturing a sharp image.
Assign a Custom Button to AF Point Direct
Assigning a custom button to AF Point Direct allows you to quickly change the focus point without having to navigate through the menu system.
Use the Quick Control Screen
The Quick Control Screen provides a convenient way to access and change the focus point. Press the Q button and use the Multi-Controller to select the desired focus point.
Conclusion
Changing the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D is a crucial aspect of capturing stunning images. By mastering the different methods outlined in this article, you’ll be able to take full control of your camera’s autofocus system and unleash its full potential. Remember to experiment with different autofocus modes and focus points to find what works best for your shooting style. Happy shooting!
What is the focus point on my Canon EOS 80D?
The focus point on your Canon EOS 80D is the area in the viewfinder where the camera focuses on a subject. It is indicated by a small rectangle or square in the viewfinder and can be moved to different positions using the camera’s controls. The focus point is an essential aspect of photography as it determines what part of the image will be in sharp focus.
By default, the camera uses the center autofocus point, but you can change it to one of the other 45 points available on the EOS 80D. This allows you to focus on a specific area of the image, such as a person’s eyes or an object in the scene, and create a more dynamic composition.
Why do I need to change the focus point on my Canon EOS 80D?
Changing the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D gives you more creative control over your photography. By selecting a specific focus point, you can ensure that the area of the image that you want to be in focus is sharp and clear. This is particularly useful when shooting portraits, close-ups, or street photography, where the subject may not be centered in the frame.
Additionally, changing the focus point can help you to create more dynamic compositions by focusing on specific elements in the scene. For example, you can focus on a person’s eyes in a portrait or on a specific object in a still-life setup. This allows you to draw the viewer’s attention to the most important parts of the image and create a more engaging photograph.
How do I change the focus point on my Canon EOS 80D?
To change the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D, you need to enter the autofocus point selection mode. To do this, press the AF point selection button, located on the back of the camera, and then use the multi-controller or the main dial to select one of the 45 available autofocus points. You can also use the camera’s touchscreen LCD to select the focus point by tapping on the area of the screen where you want to focus.
Once you have selected the focus point, you can use the camera’s autofocus system to focus on the subject. You can also use the AF point expansion mode to expand the focus area to include multiple points, which can be useful when tracking moving subjects.
Can I customize the autofocus points on my Canon EOS 80D?
Yes, you can customize the autofocus points on your Canon EOS 80D to suit your shooting style. The camera allows you to register multiple autofocus points and assign them to specific controls, such as the AF point selection button or the SET button. This allows you to quickly switch between different focus points depending on the situation.
You can also customize the autofocus points by setting the camera to remember the last-used autofocus point. This means that when you turn the camera off and then turn it back on, the autofocus point will be set to the last point you used. This can save you time and make it easier to switch between different shooting modes.
How do I use the autofocus point expansion mode on my Canon EOS 80D?
The autofocus point expansion mode on your Canon EOS 80D allows you to expand the focus area to include multiple points. To use this mode, press the AF point selection button and then use the multi-controller or the main dial to select the autofocus point expansion mode. You can then use the camera’s autofocus system to focus on the subject, and the camera will automatically select the nearest autofocus point.
The autofocus point expansion mode is useful when tracking moving subjects, such as birds in flight or athletes in action. It allows the camera to quickly switch between different autofocus points to ensure that the subject remains in focus, even when it moves rapidly across the frame.
Can I use the touchscreen LCD to change the focus point on my Canon EOS 80D?
Yes, you can use the touchscreen LCD on your Canon EOS 80D to change the focus point. To do this, enter the autofocus point selection mode and then tap on the area of the screen where you want to focus. The camera will automatically select the nearest autofocus point and focus on the subject.
Using the touchscreen LCD to change the focus point can be quick and intuitive, especially when shooting from unusual angles or in tight spaces. However, it’s worth noting that the touchscreen LCD can be less responsive in bright sunlight, so you may need to adjust the screen’s brightness or use the camera’s other controls to change the focus point in these situations.
Will changing the focus point affect the camera’s autofocus mode?
Changing the focus point on your Canon EOS 80D does not directly affect the camera’s autofocus mode. However, the focus point you select can affect the camera’s autofocus performance in certain situations. For example, if you select a focus point that is close to the edge of the frame, the camera may have difficulty focusing on the subject, especially if it is moving rapidly.
In general, it’s a good idea to select a focus point that is near the center of the frame, as this gives the camera the best chance of accurately focusing on the subject. However, by experimenting with different focus points and autofocus modes, you can find the combination that works best for your specific shooting style and subject matter.