Why Back-Button Focusing? (Page 8): Steve, thankks for the video. I'm going out tomorrow and I am so glad I saw this in UHH! Agai, UHH has professional instruction for the newbees like...

NewBEE161 Loc: Olney, Maryland

Steve, thankks for the video. I'm going out tomorrow and I am so glad I saw this in UHH! Agai, UHH has professional instruction for the newbees like me!

photon56 Loc: North America

BobT wrote:

I see many folks use back-button focusing. So what's the big advantage of focusing in this manner? I seem quite content with my use of a center focus point and 1/2 press, and recompose, then shoot.
Try and sell me on the BB technique.

Thanks

For me, because it's a dedicated button on the back of my camera.

Haveago Loc: Swindon, Wiltshire. UK.

I've used BBF over the past yr & yep i'm sold on it.

Great lot of info on here tho'.

Good job all.

Baz

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I tried BBF with a D3100 and didn't like it. Small camera, big hand, not comfortable. Since I've gone to larger cameras (D7100, D750, D800) it fits my hand and is easy and natural. All my bodies are set on BBF now and I won't go back!

Ted Liette Loc: Greenville, Ohio

corryhully wrote:

no need to sell it. set it up on your camera and try it. if it works for you fine. if not, fine. it is only you who can decide.

Well said :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

Morning Star wrote:

I won't try and sell you on the technique, my stor... (show quote)

You could get the same outcome by just using manual focus too, since you are just using the BBF to pre-focus on an area and DOF the kids will be in.

will

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

BobT wrote:

I see many folks use back-button focusing. So what's the big advantage of focusing in this manner? I seem quite content with my use of a center focus point and 1/2 press, and recompose, then shoot.
Try and sell me on the BB technique.

Thanks

The concept will sell itself. Many experienced photographers prefer to focus and meter as separate functions. Almost every photography book ever written will explain about focusing and then re-composing. With time you may see the value of this procedure, if not don't use it.

glgracephoto Loc: Arlington, WA

INshooter wrote:

BobT is the OP, not Jesus.

:thumbup:

CathyAnn Loc: Apache Junction, AZ

Steve Perry wrote:

Check out my video, it's turned a lot of people to back button AF:

http://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE

Thanks for the excellent video! I have a D5500, and didn't quite understand about that AE-L/AF-L button. Now I'll set it up and use it. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

jimmya wrote:

I agree with you. At times I'll use it for video when I just can't seem to get there with manual but only then. I also use the single point and it works very well.

I always use single point focus , along with back button

LukesBeach Loc: Pawleys Island, SC

I only do BIF and could not have said it better!

Leitz Loc: Solms

Bram boy wrote:

So does shutter focusing ? Or do you just use manual by choice

By choice. For birds on the wing I prefer video as it's not static.

MakuaMan Loc: Waianae, Hi.

MakuaMan wrote:

That's the down side. I have the D7000 with the vertical grip and that AF/AE button doesn't auto focus so your back to shutter button focus. Somewhat frustrating to have to remember but I rarely shoot vertically so BBF is preferable to me. Does take a while to get used to.

BTW, Steve I saw your video a couple of month's ago and its what convinced me to try it. Mahalo!.

MakuaMan

UPDATE: Amazing what you can learn by reading your camera manual.

I reset the AE-L/AF-L button on my MB-MD11 vertical grip and have BBF there as well now.

Also set up other custom functions like reducing exposure as the D7000 seems to over expose normal and bright scenes and fine tuning AF with each lens. Experimenting with Auto ISO as well.

Mahalo Steve

Aloha M.M.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

A Canon SX50 is arriving today. Wondering if BBC will work on this camera.

rocketride Loc: Upstate NY

MakuaMan wrote:

UPDATE: Amazing what you can learn by reading your camera manual.

I reset the AE-L/AF-L button on my MB-MD11 vertical grip and have BBF there as well now.

Also set up other custom functions like reducing exposure as the D7000 seems to over expose normal and bright scenes and fine tuning AF with each lens. Experimenting with Auto ISO as well.

Mahalo Steve

Aloha M.M.

I'm surprised that you have to teach the buttons on your vertical grip what you want them to do separately from the corresponding buttons on the body itself. I suppose it gives greater flexibility, but who would want the flexibility there-- having to remember that both buttons marked the same way don't do the same thing would be a major pain in my butt.

Canon doesn't make one do that.