AE-L/AF-L or AF-ON
AE-L/AF-L
AE-L
AF-ON
There are also other, detailed, options for these functions. AE Lock only, AE Lock (Reset on release), AE Lock (Hold) and AF Lock only.
You may have to set a function button for this same option but not have a dedicated AE-L or AF-L button.
AE-L stands for Automatic Exposure Lock or Auto Exposure Lock. AF-L stands for Automatic Focus Lock or Auto Focus Lock. The way this button works is you may compose an image, press the shutter release half way down to catch your focus, then press and hold the AE-L/AF-L, remove your finger from the shutter release, re-compose your image, and then release the shutter to take your picture.
As far as I can tell there is very little use for the AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock). The use of this function suggests you are shooting with an automated exposure mode; Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, or Program modes. Furthermore, this would indicate you are not shooting in Manual. Now I understand the Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Program modes, but these are specialty modes that should only be used under the right conditions. If you are like me and shoot in Manual just about all of the time this AE-L/AF-L or AF-ON function serves little to no purpose. In fact, I find it to be a much slower process to use the AE-L/AF-L button.
Happy Shooting!
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