TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

I have been trying to learn how to back button focus - but I'm still confused. Could you guys explain it to me - (as if you were explaining it to a 5 year old)?? THANKS
PS - on a Canon 7D

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

It is where you use a different button to focus other than the shutter button. The shutter button then locks your exposure and operates the shutter only.

Grizzly Loc: USA

Replying to follow this link.

Thx

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

In your manual, reference pages: 35, 85, 133 and 151

Also see, Back-Button Auto Focus Explained http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/backbutton_af_article.shtml

And, Canon Quick Tips: Back Button AF
http://youtu.be/giYkmbm_2Ow

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

I dont have a 7d but I have other canons. The option is in custom
functions no.4. Choose first option if memory serves my right.use

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

If you wear glasses, beware that you might end up with knuckle smudge on your glasses lens :) I switched back to standard focus/click for that reason.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

I see there are already replies where to find this in your camera's users guide. Allow me to add how I use it:
Three of my grandchildren love to play on the trampoline, and expecially the oldest one is quite good at performing his saltos and at the same time avoiding bumping into his siblings.
I love to sit on the sundeck with my camera at the ready, but when I realize he's doing a salto worthy of a photo, it's too late to focus the camera, either autofocus or manual focus.
So, I set the back button (and it really is a button on the back of my camera) and make sure that the depth of field is such that the entire trampoline is in focus. Then, when I see a jump coming, the camera is already focused and all I have to do is aim and press the shutter button all the way down.
Since I started using this back button focus, the number of "keepers" of my grandkids at play has increased considerably.

One caveat: On my camera, I simply set the focus to this button through the menu; when it comes time to take photos, I press that button once to set the focus. After that, as long as my subjects are within the depth of field area I focused on, all I have to do, is press the shutterbutton all the way down.
Check that in your user's guide as well: From messages elsewhere here on the Hog, I understand that on some cameras you have to keep the back button pressed down while you are taking photos - let go and you have to "pre-focus" again.

EDIT: Just noticed there's another thread on this subject under the header "Back Button Focus BBF" - also mentions holding the button down.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You can click on Watch, at the top, and it will do the same thing.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Great links THANKS - that helps - I think I just need to get out there and practice

KarynS Loc: West Hartford Connecticut

Following- I have a Canon 6D and want to know how to use it.

TommiRulz Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Great thanks!!!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Always! S-

Bud S Loc: Logan Ohio

I shoot Nikon, but the advantage that I never used to understand because it wasn't explained well is that I press BBF and release to focus on stationary subjects. If I need to track something, bird in flight or people moving towards or away, simply push BBF and hold, as long as focus is preset to continuous. That way camera is ready for any situation without having to move dials or reset anything. I'm very happy I made the change.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

this great when taking pictures of people especially little children. What you do is focus on the face and then you can move the camera around so the face is not in the center of the frame, wait for that expression and press. Fantastic. So you do not need to ramble through 51 focal points.

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Disregarding the "how" to do it, there being many different ways, there are some very good videos on YouTube as to "why" you should try it and the benefits to be derived from BBF. I'm glad I switched.