Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

1. I have a Canon MK 7D II, and I've been reading a lot about the benefits of using back button focus. Isn't the AF-ON button in the back of my camera the same thing?

2. I recently took some pictures of a softball game. It was an overcast sky and the first few shots were taken using ISO settings between 100 & 200, those pictures were washed out to the point that you couldn't tell what the subject was. When I changed to a much higher ISO (1250) and slightly lowered the exposure settings the pics came out good. I was under the impression the lower ISO settings on sunny day prevented washout. What did I do wrong?

BTW, I didn't save any of the bad pics, sorry.

Thanks for your help.
Cookie

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Depends. What were the other settings of the exposure triangle? And, for action photography, a higher ISO is always warranted, even on a sunny day, since you are catching movement.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I am confused by what you wrote. At low ISO your images were washed out, but when you increased the ISO and "lowered the exposure settings" - what exactly did you change?

This may help.

https://shuttermuse.com/camera-shutter-speed-chart/

Whenever possible, use the lowest ISO that will allow you to shoot at the optimal shutter speed and aperture.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

When I saw the bright pictures, I set the exposure just one click darker (1) The exposure is usually in the middle (0). Maybe switching to the higher ISO was all I needed to do.
Thanks

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

I didn't change the exposure by much, maybe just by increasing the ISO was all I needed.

Thanks

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You increased the ISO by more than 3 stops. Without changing shutter speed or aperture, you would have had a much worse "washout"

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

On my T1i I had to set the AE-LOCK button (in tools) to do the focusing.
Default focusing is 1/2 shutter press.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Thanks Linda,
The washout wash bad. Luckily I noticed quick enough, and made the rest of the day a productive one.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

My shutter button when held half way down focuses as well. I was just wondering if the AF-ON button on the back of my camera would serve as the back button for focusing without having to make any additional changes.

Appreciate your help.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I edited my earlier comments to include a lecture on learning exposure, but then I discovered I already gave you that lecture last May

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-528166-2.html#8973010

.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Yes you did, and I’m embarrassed to say that not only did I forget all about it, but didn’t look up some of the valuable responses you folks have provided.😬

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Not normally. It's not an "either button" situation I believe, but a reassignment.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Oh, I thought I could use both. I like the idea that I can hold my AF button down while following my granddaughter around the field and stay in focus. I missed a great catch she made (she almost went over the fence) because I lost focus.
Thanks

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Without making changes a half press pf your shutter button will both meter and auto focus. The AF-On button, which is the default button for back button focusing on the 7D Mark II will also auto focus. If you autofocus using the back button and keep it held down the shutter button will not refocus even if you recompose your shot. You have effectively taken focus off the shutter button. However, if you intend to shoot that way all the time you can go into your custom controls and take autofocus off the shutter button altogether. In that case, assuming you are shooting in One Shot you can take your thumb off the back button and the focus won't change when you depress the shutter.

However, as they say in the informercials, but wait...there's more. Many of the buttons on the 7D Mark II are highly configurable. My standard setup is to leave the shutter alone. My default AF mode is 1 point with four assist points and One shot. I set the AF-On button to automatically change to AI Servo and use whatever AF Mode is current. I have also turned the * button into a second back button and for that one I have also selected Ai Servo and but with Zone AF (15 moveable points) for my AF mode. That my quick and dirty go to for quickly moving wildlife. This camera allows for an incredible degree of configuration.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Yes you can use both. Its not either/or unless you configure it that way.