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Back button focus
Dec 28, 2018 11:37:25 #
mcmama wrote:
I use it exclusively. My reasons have been mentioned already.
Dec 28, 2018 11:37:31 #
Dec 28, 2018 11:38:55 #
jeep_daddy wrote:
The only disadvantage I see when using BBF is when I want to hand my camera over to someone to take my picture, it's difficult to explain how to use BBF. Fortunately I've learned how to quickly go back to normal shutter button focusing when needed so it's not that big a deal.
I have had the same problem. On some cameras if you go to Auto when you give someone the camera to take a pic. the focus automatically goes to shutter release.
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Dec 28, 2018 11:39:04 #
Unfortunately with BBF I get this and have to severely crop and recompose most of the time.
jeep_daddy wrote:
The only disadvantage I see when using BBF is when I want to hand my camera over to someone to take my picture, it's difficult to explain how to use BBF. Fortunately I've learned how to quickly go back to normal shutter button focusing when needed so it's not that big a deal.
Dec 28, 2018 11:42:21 #
On the recommendations of other here I have switched both of my cameras to BBF. There was a learning curve, bit I will never go back. The primary disadvantage to me is if someone else tries to shoot, and doesn't know how to focus, it is a problem. I often leave a camera "laying around" and put it on "full idiot mode" for the family to use at will when we have family gatherings. I actually have gotten some pretty good pictures that way.
Dec 28, 2018 11:49:56 #
The ONLY problem I have had with BBF, is getting people who want me in a shot to remember to keep the button pressed. I show them what to do, and instinctively, I guess, they let go. result is obvious.
Otherwise it's Awesome IMHO.
Otherwise it's Awesome IMHO.
Dec 28, 2018 11:52:09 #
not to throw rocks, but outside of the problem with someone else using your camera, BBF is great. There were a couple that said they didn't like it, and some that just didn't like it for various reasons. There is indeed a learning curve, but unfortunately many that just didn't like it don't understand how to use it properly, and what the difference is in camera. Steve Perry has detailed videos and a Nikon ebook to go over focusing, and he knows and explains it much better than I ever could. One simple point: When you focus with the shutter, your camera must refocus with each shot, and if it loses focus, you lose your shot. With BBF, everything in the same plane will continue to be in focus, and you only need to refocus if something moves or you desire to change your focal point.
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Dec 28, 2018 11:52:35 #
jeweler53 wrote:
On the recommendations of other here I have switched both of my cameras to BBF. There was a learning curve, bit I will never go back. The primary disadvantage to me is if someone else tries to shoot, and doesn't know how to focus, it is a problem. I often leave a camera "laying around" and put it on "full idiot mode" for the family to use at will when we have family gatherings. I actually have gotten some pretty good pictures that way.
Uh OH, I shot my reply off a little too soon. I didn't realize there is a fix for that. Sorry. I will look into that. Thanks!
Dec 28, 2018 11:56:18 #
Jules Karney wrote:
I have had the same problem. On some cameras if you go to Auto when you give someone the camera to take a pic. the focus automatically goes to shutter release.
I never thought of that. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks.
Dec 28, 2018 11:56:50 #
I have been trying to figure out how to do it on my Sony a6300. What would be ideal would be to reprogram half button. I use DMF, I think it is called, to manually fine tune auto focus, but on the way to full press the shutter button the half-button is crossed which screws the fine tune.
Dec 28, 2018 11:57:05 #
Orrie said it perfectly. All of my cameras are set to BBF and I find it especially useful when doing BIF on continuous focus and burst shooting.
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Dec 28, 2018 12:00:46 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Unfortunately with BBF I get this and have to severely crop and recompose most of the time.
When shooting BIF, I am usually happy if I get a burst set of images that are in focus. I almost always crop a BIF anyway so that doesn't really matter to me. Also, both of my Canon cameras can be set so that I have 2 different buttons for BBF. I use on set to a single focus point, and the other to 9 points so that when I shoot BIF using 9 points in a clear sky any one of the 9 can be on the bird and can get the focus needed. That is also a way to have it composed better but honestly, when I shoot BIF I usually am NOT thinking of composition, I'm just trying to get it in the center of the frame and get the shot in sharp focus.
Dec 28, 2018 12:56:57 #
orrie smith wrote:
All of my cameras are set with back button focus. ... (show quote)
I have D7100 and D5300. I use it exclusively for tennis action and baseball with grandkids. Easy! Press, hold and follow the subject and then click!
Dec 28, 2018 13:03:00 #
Jules Karney wrote:
I have had the same problem. On some cameras if you go to Auto when you give someone the camera to take a pic. the focus automatically goes to shutter release.
Dec 28, 2018 13:09:39 #
Photobum wrote:
Just out of curiosity, do many of you use back button focus, and if so, what do you liked or dislike about the feature?
Alternative with Canon 5D III. 1/2 shutter focus set (standard), AI servo mode (always on). To Freeze focus I simply press and hold the AF-ON button (If I don't turn auto focus off, etc.). So if taking a portrait photo and want to focus and recompose; Focus on subject, press AF-ON, recompose, press shutter all the way. Works for me because it is less often I want to focus lock and recompose .. so pressing the AF-ON button is the exception, not the rule.
At least that way if you hand the camera to someone, chances are they can take a successful shot.
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