Back button auto focus: Hi Bufferino's , So now I check out Steve Perry on u-tube,I find something else to drive me a little more bonkers than I already am. Back button...

jaddottart Loc: Florida

Hi Bufferino's [izzat a word],

So now I check out Steve Perry on u-tube,I find something else to drive me a little more bonkers than I already am. Back button auto-focus,anybody use it,is it worth the trouble.Before I set up and practice pushing two buttons i"d like to know if it has any merit.

Thanks All,
Mr. Kool.

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

I use it all of the time. It's great for decomposing your image without losing focus on your main subject.
Jack

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

It's all I use.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

jaddottart wrote:

Hi Bufferino's [izzat a word],

So now I check out Steve Perry on u-tube,I find something else to drive me a little more bonkers than I already am. Back button auto-focus,anybody use it,is it worth the trouble.Before I set up and practice pushing two buttons i"d like to know if it has any merit.

Thanks All,
Mr. Kool.

Yes, have used BBF for some time now on my Nikon D7100 - I find I get more keepers that way.

I would say, set it up, spend a few days practicing, it will be worthwhile once you get the hang of it.

MichaelJonesImages Loc: Newburgh,NY

It is great for sports, action, birding, etc. I shut off the focus on the shutter button and use rear focus. I set to focus to AI servo (canon) continuous focus. So when i hold the back button it is continually focusing on the moving subject then I push shutter at the same time to capture. It is also helpful for taking multiple pictures of something stationary that is going to move. bird perched that will fly, baseball batter then running to first,etc. For baseball I push rear focus to focus on the batter then release. Now its not focusing every time he swings or I push the shutter button. Now when he hits the ball and runs to first I just hold rear focus button and follow him and push the shutter to capture. Camera is in Ai servo so it continually focuses while person is running. Same thing for a bird that is stationary then takes flight.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

I tried it on my D5000 but the button on back is in a very uncomfortable place to use it. Got rid of it. Now I've got a new D7000 and it's set up a bit different and it is comfortable to use. Might try it again. Then again might not. If it works I'm not one to fix it and I've been doing the same ole samw ole since I got an auto focus years ago.

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

I use it all the time and would not go back to shutter/focus button. Here is an article about it....Rich.....http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/backbutton_af_article.shtml

rolf Loc: Kenora Ont.Canada

Been using it on my D3200 for about a month takes a while to get used to it.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

That's a good article. Think I will give it another try.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

The real advantage of back button focus is that you can leave your camera in AF-C mode all the time. If your subject is stationary you focus with the back button then take your finger off the button and you can recompose without the camera refocusing when you press the shutter button. However, if your subject starts to move you don't have to change focusing mode, you just press on the back button and your camera will continue to focus. Watch this video for a demonstration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PN9R0D3pF0&spfreload=10

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

jaddottart wrote:

Hi Bufferino's [izzat a word],

So now I check out Steve Perry on u-tube,I find something else to drive me a little more bonkers than I already am. Back button auto-focus,anybody use it,is it worth the trouble.Before I set up and practice pushing two buttons i"d like to know if it has any merit.

Thanks All,
Mr. Kool.

After a week or so it becomes automatic. Use it and find out, you will agree it's better. Be sure to shut off the 1/2 shutter press. It's less confusing that way

BooIsMyCat Loc: Somewhere

MichaelJonesImages wrote:

It is great for sports, action, birding, etc. I sh... (show quote)

Seems like going from one finger focus/shoot to two finger focus/shoot is more work.
I've been using BBF for still shots but not action shots. Will have to test that out.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

I am beginning to see an advantage with it for when I shoot dog's. I like to get a shot of the whole break away line but never sure what to focus on. Do it and move the camera and may have focus 40 yards behind the group.

Don Fischer Loc: Antelope, Ore

Double post.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I think you just have to try it to see if you like it. I don't. But I do very few action shots. I had trouble turning it off on my D7100. But I am sort of a kultz. I would try it. - Dave