June 12, 2025, 5:42 p.m.

Hi Rathindra, Thanks for sharing your experience—in short, everything you've noticed adds up to reports we've seen from other A6700 users. It’s likely not a defect, but rather a settings/technique tuning issue with back button focus. Why Back Button Focus (BBF) Feels Different • BBF separates focus from exposure and shutter—ideal for tracking, but requires correct AF mode and customization (alphauniverse.com). • When misconfigured, BBF can feel less responsive than half press focus, particularly with fast-moving wildlife. What to Check & Adjust 1. AF Area + Tracking Mode • For birds, use Tracking: Spot S or Expand Spot instead of wide/zone modes (helpguide.sony.net). • Increase AF Tracking Sensitivity (“stickiness”) to avoid focus hunting when birds pass behind branches. 2. Assign Buttons and Focus Modes Properly • Ensure your AF ON button is mapped to permanent AF ON, not temporarily activating only while pressed (helpguide.sony.net). • Button-to-mode mapping: Use one button for AF ON with tracking, and configure another (like C2) for spot-focus or spot tracking . 3. EVF Refresh Rate • Increase EVF refresh to 120 fps, minimizing viewfinder lag and improving response to fast-moving subjects (garyluhm.net). ✅ Configuration Checklist Task Suggested Setting Custom Key AF ON button → permanent AF ON C2 button Set to Tracking On (e.g. Spot S tracking) Focus Area Spot S or Expand Spot AF Tracking Sensitivity 5 (locked-on) EVF Refresh 120 fps DMF Enable for quick manual adjustments Why This Helps These settings ensure that: • Focus stays locked on birds through branches or on-the-move. • No lag or jitter due to switching settings mid shot. • You retain ability to fine tune focus manually as needed. Summary 1. Re-map AF ON correctly for continuous focus. 2. Set Spot S + tracking with high responsiveness. 3. Turn EVF refresh to 120 fps and enable DMF. 4. Practice tracking birds in-flight with this setup. If behavior remains inconsistent, double-check lens firmware and camera AF behavior in controlled tracking drills. Let us know how it goes—we would be happy to help further!

Posted in Nature & Wildlife on thread A6700 with 200-600 mm Lens Not Focusing Well with Back Button Focus Enabled