When photographing wildlife very often speed is critical. You've likely experienced the frustration of missing focus on fast-moving animals, even with high-end telephoto lenses and the latest camera systems. And the worse situation is when your autofocus is stuck on the background and refuses to jump back and lock into a subject just in front of you. This happens especially with the longest focal lengths, as the foreground can sometimes be so blurred that the camera’s brain can’t recognize a subject close to us.
Luckily there's an incredibly useful feature designed exactly for these situations—yet surprisingly overlooked by beginner and intermediate photographers: the Focus Preset.
What is the Focus Preset?
Most high-end telephoto lenses have a built-in focus preset ring and button. This handy feature allows you to instantly recall a pre-set focus distance without waiting for the camera and lens to hunt for focus again. This will force your autofocus back in a fraction of a second. Despite being incredibly useful it remains one of the less-known tools in wildlife photography.
How to Set Up and Use the Focus Preset (for Canon)
Most high-end Canon, Nikon and Sony telephoto lenses come equipped with this feature (check the full lens list at the bottom).
Here's how to quickly set up and use Focus Preset on your lens:
Activate: Make sure the focus preset selector on your lens is set to ON.
Focus (either auto or manual focus, doesn’t matter) on the spot where you expect your subject to appear—like a common perch or the edge of a waterhole.
Press and hold the pre-focus set button for a couple of seconds to save that distance.
Now anytime your subject moves back into that predetermined area you can simply turn the preset ring or press the recall button and your lens will immediately snap back to your saved distance.
It’s also possible to set two different pre-focused distances that you will then access by rotating the pre-focus ring either left or right.
NOTE that if you are a Nikon or Sony user the setting process might be slightly different; check your lens user manual.
When to Use the Focus Preset
Birds on Perches or at Waterholes: Set your preset to a branch or landing spot to instantly capture birds as they land.
Birds in Flight: Save a pre-focused distance at the expected landing area, allowing instant focus acquisition.
Fast-Moving Animals: Set a focus point in the foreground or background so you can rapidly switch between close and distant subjects without delay.
Example Scenario
Imagine you're photographing eagles from a hide. You focus precisely on the perch where you anticipate them to be. By using the focus preset, the moment the eagle comes into your frame, you instantly achieve focus without delay—capturing sharp, perfectly composed images every time.
Watch the Full Tutorial
For more detailed insights and a visual walkthrough of the focus preset feature, check out this complete guide.
Compatible Telephoto Lenses
Here's a comprehensive list of lenses featuring the Focus Preset button:
Canon Lenses:
RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM
EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM
EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM
EF 600mm f/4 L IS III USM
Nikon Lenses:
AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
AF-S 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
AF-S 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR
Sony Lenses
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS
Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Final Thoughts
Mastering the focus preset feature can significantly increase your keeper rate in wildlife photography, making your expensive telephoto lenses even more valuable. Give this powerful feature a try on your next outing—your photography will never be the same!
Enhance Your Autofocus Skills
To further improve your photography, consider mastering back button autofocus—a technique that separates focusing from the shutter button, offering greater control and precision. Learn more in our detailed guide: Mastering Back Button Autofocus: A Game-Changer for Your Photography
Ready to Take Your Wildlife Photography Further?
Put these techniques into action on an unforgettable adventure! Join me on one of my guided wildlife photography workshops or safari trips to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and other incredible destinations worldwide.
You’ll receive personalized instruction, visit spectacular wildlife hotspots, and dramatically improve your photography in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
