102

N

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible
to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition.
If the
camera is unable to focus using autofocus (098), focus lock can also be used to
recompose the photograph after focusing on another object at the same distance as
your original subject.
Focus lock is most effective when an option other than auto-
area AF is selected for AF-area mode (099).
1Focus.
Position the subject in the selected focus point
and press the shutter-release button halfway to
initiate focus.
Check that the in-focus indicator
(I) appears in the viewfinder.
2Lock focus.
AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release
button pressed halfway (q), press the AAE-L/AF-L
button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an
AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder).
Focus will remain locked while the AAE-L/AF-L
button is pressed, even if you later remove your
finger from the shutter-release button.
AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when
the in-focus indicator appears, and remain
locked until you remove your finger from the
shutter-release button.
Focus can also be locked
by pressing the AAE-L/AF-L button (see above).
3Recompose the photograph and shoot.
Focus will remain locked between shots if you
keep the shutter-release button pressed halfway
(AF-S) or keep the AAE-L/AF-L button pressed,
allowing several photographs in succession to
be taken at the same focus setting.
Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus lock is
in effect.
If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance.
ASee Also
See Custom setting c1 (Shutter-release button AE-L, 0226) for information on using the
shutter-release button to lock exposure, Custom Setting f4 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button,
0244) for information on choosing the role played by the AAE-L/AF-L button.
Shutter-release button
AAE-L/AF-L button