Silverman Loc: Michigan

I have a D3300 and looking for assistance to understand Back Button Focusing.

charlespkeith

Back button focusing, when enabled on your camera, allows you to separate the focus function and the shutter-trigger function. I have a D810 and a D7100 both of which are set up for back button focusing. I can use the AEL button on back to focus/set exposure for a shot, then press the trigger to take a shot when I am really ready. Otherwise, I would have to hold the trigger half-way down and then take the shot. May not seem like much but when you try it for a while, you will see that your photography improves. I have less out of focus shots this way and it is less tiring.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

There are instructions in the manual for how to assign the AE-L/AF-L button for back-button focusing.

This removes the focusing function from the shutter release. You can then focus on the subject and even if you move, or recompose, the focus will remain at that same focal distance. It also comes in handy for a situation such as macro photography where you want to reduce the possibility of camera shake when taking the photo. I also use a remote shutter release. Another way to use BBF is for continuous-servo autofocus. Pressing and holding the AE-L/AF-L button while taking photos of a moving subject will allow the camera to continuously change focus to keep the subject sharp. For this you need to set your release-mode dial to one of the continuous settings.

I started using BBF and love it. It takes some getting used to, feels awkward at first, but eventually will feel natural.

It can be difficult to figure all this out, because the manual does not always make things clear. But still make sure you read the whole manual, and learn how to find the information you need. And if you have more questions, ask. Hope this helps.

davefales Loc: Virginia

The subject of BBF has been discussed many times here. There is a wealth of info available for you to search.

I use BBF and find the major challenge is when you hand your camera to someone else and tell them to use BBF. (Some times the photographer wants proof he/she was there too.)

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thanks for your assistance.

FuzMuz Loc: Southern Utah

Go to You tube, submit search inquiry as follows "Back button focus for Nikon D3300. You should find several 'how to' videos

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

One of the main reasons I use BBF, Comes from my training as a film shooter. I was taught to slowly squeeze the shutter release so as to prevent camera shake. I just could not get used to 1/2 press. I even have 1/2 press shut off. I shoot mostly landscapes so I don't usually have to worry about the subject moving. With BBF I can meter and focus and these settings stay while I compose. Works much better.

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Thanks

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

How too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7fGCRx3vMQ

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE
Explains very well.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

At first it takes a while to get used to, but I do think it improves my photography. When I hand the camera 🎥 to someone, I just tell them push this button to focus and this one to take the picture. I also put it in auto and live view for them.

I thought I could put these settings in one of the custom buttons plus return the focus to the shutter button but that doesn't work!

I'm only using BBF on my DSLR, so I get confused 😐 for a minute when I pick up one of my Sony's to shoot pics & then go back to my DSLR. I may change that in the near future!!!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

It's a button I'm still trying to understand why they even bothered putting that on a camera. Tried it, don't like it. Personal opinion and YMMV. The shutter release button pressed 1/2 down will activate auto focus.
--Bob

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I wouldn't go back to focusing with the shutter button, although it took me a little while to get used to it.

http://nikonrumors.com/2014/01/25/how-to-use-nikons-af-on-and-back-button-autofocus.aspx/
http://digital-photography-school.com/back-button-focus/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PN9R0D3pF0
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Learn-And-Explore/Article/hxlkcpoz/benefits-of-using-the-af-on-button-for-autofocus.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=Steve+Perry+Back+Button+Focus&rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS625US625&oq=Steve+Perry+Back+Button+Focus&aqs=chrome..69i57.614j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3sLs_8ywY8

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Once you achieve focus do you have to keep the back button focus depressed when you take the picture?