R7 at the Edwards Air Force Base airshow

JayLT4 wrote:

Thanks for sharing your settings, even though they seem quite different from what I use.

R2D2 wrote:

Outstanding stuff! Partly cloudy skies are the BEST!

Can’t wait to see more! Thanks for posting.

R2

ps. Tell us about your AF settings!

Thanks! I agree on the clouds, they make such a difference.

For AF on the R7 I set the following;

Global Settings;
Servo AF
Case 2 (-1 tracking, +1 accel/decel tracking)
Tracking - Off
Subject Detection - Off
AF Method - single-point with all surround points

I find it much easier to use subject tracking (none or vehicle) with the R5.  It allows me to concentrate on framing and zooming. I found that with a point-focus mode (even the expanded), I would concentrate too much on keeping the plane in a focus area, and then it would be framed poorly as the plane passed by.

With tracking AF, I get the focus going (back button focus) and then press the shutter button to start shooting and let the camera worry about tracking the plane. I don't think I have ever lost focus of a plane once locked on. Framing became so much easier because I was not worried about losing focus.

Shutter button - AF+Metering start (uses all global settings)

AF-ON button - AF+Metering start
AF Method - Zone 3
Subject Detection - On
Subject to detect - None
Tracking - On

* Button - AF+Metering start
AF Method - Full
Subject Detection - On
Subject to detect - None
Tracking - On

For prop planes I use the shutter button AF as I don't like using tracking with them, I find it easier to pan with prop planes with a single point and no tracking as it just helps me keep everything centered

Very different from my experience. As per above, I use back-button AF with tracking and get the focus locked on and tracking before I ever hit the shutter button. Sometimes I am waiting on the plane to get to a particular point in the take-off or landing sequence, get closer, or make some other maneuver.

I have my tracking set to start from the current focus point. If I raise the lens and it won't lock (which happens occasionally, and I don't want to take the time to move the focus starting point), I hit my second back button, which is set to eye tracking, and it will lock on something (a plane if there is one in the sky). I then switch the AF button to normal tracking as "eye detection" can jump from plane to plane.

For jets, especially formations, I'll use one of the Zone options on the back buttons and tracking to allow me easier options to re-compose if needed

Interesting that you use both the shutter button and back button focusing (if I understand you). Once I changed to back button, that was it for me, as I didn't want to confuse my "muscle memory." I now reflexively hit the back button. The downside of back button is that you have to hit two buttons for continuous shooting (along with the risk of misfocusing if you don't hit is when you need to).

I may be missing something or misunderstanding, but I understand there is no "tracking" with zone AF as tracking only works with the subject tracking modes.  It may not make a difference in common use if the plane is in the zone.