Canon EOS 7D Mark II (G) Manual

AF-Setting Guidebook
Detailed explanations of how to master the
65-point cross-type AF

New AF Setting Operability
04 Newly established AF tabs AF menu functions are in a separate tab
AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
06 Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios
08 Case 1 Versatile multi purpose setting
10 Case 2 Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles
12 Case 3 Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points
14 Case 4 For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly
16 Case 5 For erratic subjects moving quickly in any direction
18 Case 6 For subjects that change speed and move erratically
AF Area Selection Mode
20 AF area selection mode
22 Single-point Spot AF Focusing on a small or narrow area
24 AF point expansion Fast moving subjects that are difficult to track with a single AF point
26 Zone AF Effective for capturing subjects within an known area
28 Large Zone AF Capture subjects in a large zone from right, center, and left
30 65-point automatic selection AF With AI Servo AF all 65 points can be used for automatic tracking
65-point cross-type AF and lens group designations
32 System overview of 65-point cross-type AF
33 Lens groups compatible with 65 cross-type points
34 Lens groups compatible with 65 AF points
34 Lens groups compatible with 45 AF points
35 Lens groups compatible with 5 AF points
Setting the AF Shutter-release Characteristics
36 AF operation characteristics and shutter-release timing settings
Utilizing AF and the new Viewfinder
38 AF points can be set to switch automatically for horizontal and vertical shooting
39 [Orientation linked AF point] in [Separate AF points: Pt only]
40 AF points can be activated instantly by using [Switch to registered AF point]
42 Switching AF area selection modes
44 New customization features for the AF ON/AEL button
46 Intelligent Viewfinder II is equipped with versatile display functions
47 Anti-flicker shooting reducing the flicker’s effect on the exposure or color
48 Recommended settings
Contents
AF-Setting Guidebook
The newly-designed 65-point AF and
versatile AF area selection mode
makes it possible to accurately focus
on quick-moving subjects.
This model is equipped with
the same AF Configuration
Tool as the EOS-1D X,making
the optimum AI Servo AF
settings possible to match
the movement characteristics
of the subject.
The 65-point AF that covers a wide range of areas,
and setting functions that maximize its ability, makes it
possible to capture definitive moments.
The newly-developed 65-point cross-type AF* is
included on the EOS 7D Mark II. By covering a wide
area of the screen with 65 AF points, it is easier to
focus on your desired area. The addition of Large
Zone AF makes 7 different AF area selection modes
available, and when these are used, the multi-point
AF system can be utilized to match the qualities of
the subject, such as any single point for focusing on
a still subject, or a specified zone (surface) for
subjects with intense movement. This model is now
equipped with the AF area selection lever for even
easier switching between modes.
The AI Servo AF (movement AF) on the EOS 7D Mark II uses the
same AI Servo AF III algorithm as on the EOS-1D X. This feature
makes flexible, high-precision focusing possible to match subject
movement. The AF Configuration Tool is what makes it possible
to customize the properties of AI Servo AF and optimize focusing
to fit the subject and shooting situation. When using this
function simply choosing from the 6 presets from Case 1 to 6
allowed for customization of parameters such as tracking
sensitivity. This guidebook describes how to take advantage of
these AF features.
* Number of available AF points, cross-type points, and Dual cross-type points vary depending on the lens.

4
5
Ground-breaking AF setting controls
All AF-related menu functions now in a separate menu
The Various AF-related functions are now incorporated into an AF menu tab
Various settings for AF functions can be made with AF menu tabs [AF2] - [AF5]
AF-related setting items
in the AF menu
The AF1 tab is important when shooting moving
subjects using the AI Servo AF of the EOS 7D Mark II.
It is possible to effectively set AI Servo AF
characteristics by selecting the option that closely
matches the scene with the AF Configuration Tool.
The AF1 tab includes the AF Configuration Tool
The various AF-related settings that were
previously included in the custom functions
(C.Fn) menu, have been incorporated into the
new AF menu tab. This makes smooth access to
AF-related settings possible. In particular, the AF
Configuration Tool included in tab AF1 can be
used to easily match settings with the AI Servo
AF characteristics, making it an important
feature that takes advantage of the advanced
AF performance on the EOS 7D Mark II. By
selecting from six presets (Case 1 - Case 6),
makes it possible to set the AI Servo AF
characteristics to most accurately suit the
subject's movement, and scene conditions. It is
also possible for fine control to adjust each
parameters separately. (Refer to P. 6 – 27 for AF
Configuration Tool details.) Tabs [AF 2] – [AF 5]
include a variety of settings such as shutter-
release timing settings, a setting for the number
of AF points that can be selected and AF area
selection method.
AF2 AI Servo
Settings related to the camera priorities when using
AI Servo AF
The [AF 2] tab includ es set tings related to cameras priority
concerning shutter-release timing when using AI Servo AF. [AI
Servo 1st image priority] and [AI Servo 2nd image priority] make
it possible to make focusing the priority slowing the shutter-
release timing, or prioritize faster shutter-release.
AF3 One-Shot
Settings related to focusing and shutter-release
timing when using One-Shot AF release priority
AF4
Includes general settings related to AF point
selection
Within the [AF3] tab, the [One-Shot AF release priority] settings
related to focusing and shutter-release timing when using One-
Shot AF release priority. The other options [USM lens electronic
MF] and [A F-as sist beam firing], control th e manual focus
operation of some lenses and the operation of AF assist function
of attached Speedlites.
Select which and how AF points are selected. This menu includes
settings related to [AF area selection mode] ([Automatic AF point
selection criteria], [Selec table AF points], [AF area selection
mode], [AF area selection method], and [Orientation linked AF
point]). In addition there is the [Lens drive when AF impossible]
option in this menu.
Within [AF5] tab are settings that control how AF points are
displayed in the viewfinder such as ([AF point display during
focusing], [VF display illumination], and [AF status in viewfinder]).
With the (Manual AF pt. selec pattern) the AF point selection can
stop at the peripheral AF point or instead loop back to the
opposite side of the AF area. For those who need to make fine
adjustments to the focus position [AF Microadjustment] is available.
AF5
Includes general settings related to display of AF points, etc.

6
7
The best parameters for different subjects and shooting scenes are
combined into presets from Case 1 - 6
Hints & Tips
Case6
For subjects that change speed and move erratically
Case5
For erratic subjects, moving in any direction
Case4
For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly
Case3
Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points
Case2
Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles
Case1
Versatile multi purpose setting
AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios
Presets consist of three different parameters combinations
The AF Configuration Tool is a function for setting
AI Servo AF characteristics. Therefore, it’s settings
will have no function when using [One shot AF].
[AF1] tab screen. By selecting an appropriate preset from the Case 1 - Case 6
icons on the left side of the screen, the most effective AI Servo AF settings for
different subjects can be made.
When the [AF1] tab on the EOS 7D Mark II is
opened, [Case1 Versatile multi purpose setting]
a running man icon will be displayed. This is the
default option for the AF Configuration Tool.
Different presets to match the characteristics of
the type of subject and its movement, and the
shooting conditions, can be selected from Case
1 - Case 6. By simply selecting one of these
cases, settings for the AI Servo AF characteristics
that match the scene will be used.
,These six presets are combinations of the
following three parameters, [Tracking
sensitivity], [Accel./decel. tracking], and [AF pt
auto switching] (P. 20 - 27). Using the presets
sets the parameters in the most effective way.
However, if you wish It is also possible to
manually adjust the parameters individually.
A combination of parameters to best suit the characteristics of subject movement have been used to create the
presets from Case 1 – Case 6. By selecting the appropriate icon, the different AI Servo AF settings can be selected
to suit the subject.
Press the
INFO
button
Content
displays on
the help
screen
Moving the purple square over Case 1 – Case 6 will
display the name of each case, for example [Case1
Versatile multi-purpose setting]. If you want more
detailed information, you can press the INFO button.
T h i s w i l l d i s p l a y t h e h e l p s c r e e n c o n t a i n i n g
information about shooting scene examples and
which settings to alter and when.
Pushing button while any of [Case] is
indicated in display, then text information of AF
Setting Characteristics or Shooting Scene
Example is indicated.

8
9
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity [0]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [0]
Single-Point
Case1AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Precise and accurate focusing is possible for a wide range
Versatile multi-purpose setting
of subjects
The [AF Configuration Tool] [Case 1] is the basic
AI Servo AF setting on the EOS 7D Mark II. As
its name indicates, it is versatile and achieves a
high level of tracking performance in a wide
variety of scenes.
Equipped with AI Servo AF III, the EOS 7D Mark
II has improved flexibility in handling a variety of
moving subjects, and superior prediction of
movement for more accurate focusing. Even
with a variety of difficult elements such as
extremely fast movement, sudden changes in
speed, and interruptions by obstacles, AI Servo
AF III overcomes these and is able to capture
the subject.
Case 1 is the recommend setting to start
shooting with, Case 1 will provide great results
when shooting a variety of sports and moving
subjects. When more specific settings for
individual cases are desired, please try Case 2 –
Case 6 to match shooting conditions.
Case 1 can be used
to great advantage
when shooting
moving subjects,
making it possible to
accurately capture
fast subject.
AF on the EOS 7D Mark II is equipped with a new focus tracking algorithm, AI Servo AF III. It supports an even greater
variety of subject movement than before, and by utilizing the high level tracking performance of the AI Servo AF III,
and Case 1 configuration setting, it can handle many different shooting conditions.
AI Servo AF III makes it possible to carry out precise focus for subjects
in a wide variety of conditions
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

10
11
Case2AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Continue to focus-track even when the subject momenta rily moves from the AF points
Effective when shooting scenes with fast moving subjects, or when an obstacle momen tarily appears in front of the subject
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity [-1]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [0]
Use Case2 to shoot badminton
players that move quickly from
side to side. Even though the
subject may move out of the
AF frame and obstacles such
as the racket can pass in front
of the subject, the subject can
be accurately tracked.
Case 2 is an effective setting for shooting fast
moving subjects when they move away from
the selected AF point, or when obstacles may
momentarily obscure the subject. Sometimes
when the subject moves from the selected AF
point, focus can shift to the background
(resulting in an out of focus subject), similarly
when an obstacle obscures the subject, focus
can shift to the obstacle. By selecting Case 2 in
situations like these, focus will attempt to
continue to track the desired subject. When a
subject moves away from the AF points for an
extended period (such as swimmers doing the
butterfly stroke, or sports where the subject is
hidden for intervals), even better performance
may be achieved by manually setting the
[Tracking sensitivity] parameter to [-2].
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

12
13
Case3AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus instantly on subjects that move into the AF points
Effective when you want to continuously photograph targeted athletes one after the other
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity
[Responsive: +1]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [0]
This is a situation
where you anticipate
a hiding wild bird
jumping out from a
nearby nest. You can
set Case 3 and wait.
The moment the bird
appears, you can
quickly focus and
shoot continuously.
This is a jump scene in motocross. Case3 was used to
instantly focus when the bike and rider who were
hidden on the other side of the jump suddenly
appeared. (The photo before the bike appeared and
the photo directly before the rider appeared were
captured with manual focus for visualization purposes.)
Accurately focusing
on a wild bird that
suddenly jumps into
the frame
Case 3 is the ideal setting for situations when
you want to focus quickly between subjects in
the AF points. In Case 3, the [Tracking
sensitivity] parameter is set to [+1]. As a result,
subjects that come into the AF points will be
focused on more quickly. This setting is effective
for scenes when subjects (for example, when a
wild bird suddenly jumps out from the shadow
of a tree) suddenly appear while you are waiting
to shoot. Other shooting situations, this setting
can be extremely effective is when switching
between different subjects you want to shoot
(for example, at the start of a bicycle road race,
when you want to shoot continuously and
switch from cyclist to cyclist while focusing).
When set to Case 3, if the subject moves away
from the AF points, the camera may quickly
refocus on a different subject or background, in
contrast to Case 2. Therefore, it is recommended
that you use this setting only when you have a
particular objective as indicated above.
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

14
15
Case4AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus track subjects that can accelerate or decelerate quickly
Effective when a subject's speed changes rapidly, or in sports where subjects stop or change direction
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity [0]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [0]
Continuously track players as they suddenly slow down and speed up
In sports photography and motocross, you
often have to respond to quick movement.
Subjects suddenly going from static to moving
or sudden stopping can occur in various sports
and situations and it can be difficult for the AF
system to judge accurately, In these situations,
Case 4 is most effective. With the [Accelerate /
decelerate Tracking] parameter set to [+1], the
AI Servo AF will work to focus track any
changes in speed, including sudden stops and
acceleration. This makes Case 4 the most
effective setting for shooting soccer, rugby,
basketball or sports where there is a lot of
running and stopping, as well as changes of
direction. It is also effective for cornering during
motor sports (sudden deceleration and
acceleration).
This is a cornering
scene in motocross.
The bike races at
high speed, suddenly
decelerates just
before turning the
corner, and Case4
can be used to
accurately capture
the shot.
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

16
17
Case5AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus on subjects with erratic movement
Suitable for sports and fast action where traditionally AF systems have difficulty tracking
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity [0]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [+1]
Case 5 is most effective for subjects with large
amount of movements which could occur in
any direction. This setting works in 65-point
automatic selection AF, Zone AF, and AF point
expansion modes only. In Case 5, [AF pt auto
switching] is set to [+1], when the subject
moves away from the manually selected AF
point (AF points focused on initially with Zone
AF), focusing automatically switches to other AF
points that contain the subject. As a result, even
when the subject continuously leaves the
selected AF point, it is possible to increase the
ratio of photos that are in focus. This setting is
most effective when shooting subjects with
erratic movement such as figure skating,
badminton, skateboarding, and inline skating.
This is a scene in a badminton tournament where a
player jumps and performs a smash. Case 5 works best
in this kind of scene where there is significant subject
movement both vertically and side to side.
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

18
19
Case6AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus on subjects with erratic movement and changes in speed
Effective when shooting sports that feature lots of quick movements
Parameter default settings
Tracking sensitivity [0]
Acceleration/deceleration tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [+1]
Case 6 is a setting that combines features of
both Case 4 (support for sudden changes in
speed), and Case 5 (support for erratic movement
in any direction). [Accel./decel. tracking] and [AF
pt auto switching] parameters are both [+1].
Therefore, Case 6 is an effective setting for
subjects that stop and start suddenly, but also
have erratic movement which could happen in
any direction, it works during Auto selection
65-point AF, Zone AF, and AF point expansion
only.
Shooting subjects that are most appropriate for
this setting include Gymnastics which includes
large movements with complete stops.
This scene shows a
kayak proceeding
toward the camera
and moving
incessantly in an
area with differences
in elevation, then
dropping. Case6 is
an effective setting
for subjects with
significant
movement and
sudden changes in
speed.
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.
Track and focus
on subjects that
rapidly move a
significant
amount in up,
down, left, and
right directions