Back button focus
Dec 4, 2016 14:16:28 #
allanh
Loc: Central Indiana
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
Dec 4, 2016 14:24:47 #
allanh wrote:
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
It certainly takes getting used to. Also you can always switch back and forth, but many of us like to have independent control of focus and exposure and so forth.
Once you have learned to use it and spent the time for it to become second nature you may like it, or not, but it is merely a choice, just like program or manual modes, JPEG or raw.
Perhaps I'm just an old fart, but I've never liked automatic transmission vehicles as much as manual transmission vehicles. There is a degree of balance and elegance in driving that auto vehicles cannot match in comparison manual shift vehicles. It's about control and precision, like dancing or skiing instead of taking the bus!
Dec 4, 2016 14:28:09 #
Dec 4, 2016 14:28:22 #
allanh wrote:
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
I tried once and didn't like it because my thumb wasn't used to it and I would forget. Some 6 months later I tried again and had no trouble with it and have been using it ever since. The only problem with BBF is that if you want someone else to take your picture with the camera, they can't do it. So you need to know how to put it back to the shutter button fast.
Dec 4, 2016 15:12:58 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
I tried once and didn't like it because my thumb wasn't used to it and I would forget. Some 6 months later I tried again and had no trouble with it and have been using it ever since. The only problem with BBF is that if you want someone else to take your picture with the camera, they can't do it. So you need to know how to put it back to the shutter button fast.
I have used BBF exclusively on all my bodies for many years and never looked back, just can not beat it for any sorts of action shots!
Dec 4, 2016 15:22:03 #
It's like the first sip of coffee when you were a youngster and how terrible it tasted. Now it's hard to get the day started without it.
Dec 4, 2016 15:46:05 #
allanh wrote:
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
Certain types of photography (macro) require procedures between focusing and shutter actuation. The use of live-view allows fine-tuning focus. These are just two reasons I do not want my shutter button actuating the focus. I use the shutter button to meter and actuate. Focus is much too important to be left to "auto" or mixed in with metering.
Dec 4, 2016 16:57:53 #
allanh wrote:
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
... just to add, some camera's allow different buttons to be programmed as BBF.
So if you are not comfortable with current BBF button location, depending on camera, you may be able to change it to another button.
Example : I'm a left eye shooter and the BBF button on my Nikon was awkward to get to with my right thumb, so just moved BBF to a button on the front of the camera.
Dec 4, 2016 20:02:20 #
It took me a while to get used to it, now I wouldn't go back. In fact, I see no reason to include shutter button focus on any camera.
Dec 4, 2016 20:20:07 #
Dec 5, 2016 06:06:34 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
I tried once and didn't like it because my thumb wasn't used to it and I would forget. Some 6 months later I tried again and had no trouble with it and have been using it ever since. The only problem with BBF is that if you want someone else to take your picture with the camera, they can't do it. So you need to know how to put it back to the shutter button fast.
For use when asking someone else to take a picture, pre focus on them, set aperture to f/11, flip AF off and hand it over. Easy peasy without messing with the menus.
Dec 5, 2016 06:20:16 #
If you put you camera in "Auto" mode your camera will automatically switch back to the shutter button. So, you can hand your camera to someone and they can take the picture without BBF.
Dec 5, 2016 06:25:17 #
I use it and will not be going back to the shutter button focusing. After a little practice it became second nature to me. Try it for awhile before you give up on it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Dec 5, 2016 06:29:50 #
I'm with you, Allan. 1/2 depression of the shutter release is quite a bit easier.
--Bob
--Bob
allanh wrote:
I'm trying to use it. Feels clunky. It gets rave reviews on YouTube. The focus/shutter combo seems lot's smoother.
Dec 5, 2016 06:46:39 #
ragatazz
Loc: Michigan
Thank you Tracy, that's good to know, so many times, I'll hand my camera over to someone and they have a difficult time comprehending.
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