More on Back Button Focusing: I've been using the AF/AE lock on my D7100 for back button focusing for a couple of weeks now. So far I am very pleased. The only problem is that when I...

bettis1 Loc: Texas

I've been using the AF/AE lock on my D7100 for back button focusing for a couple of weeks now. So far I am very pleased. The only problem is that when I first pick up the camera to shoot I still attempt to focus with the top button but once my brain kicks into gear and I overcome that old habit I don't have any problems with the AF button on subsequent shots.

I wonder just how common using BBF is with photographers, both pros and serious hobbyists, and if any of you have used it and stopped for some reason or other. I'll be interested in your comments.

Bob

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

I use it all the time, on my D-800 and D-7000. I can see no reason to stop.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

I started BBF a little while ago and I'm experiencing the same thing you are at times. IT WILL TAKE A WHILE TO "TRAIN" YOUR BRAIN. We've all been through it.
After all, how long have you been focusing with the release button.

BermBuster Loc: Hi Desert S.Cal

I have never found a reason to go back, since I started using back button focus. I can see why they don't put that on a point shoot camera, but I wonder why in the world it doesn't come as a default on DSLR's?

xxredbeardxx Loc: San Clemente CA.

bettis1 wrote:

I've been using the AF/AE lock on my D7100 for back button focusing for a couple of weeks now. So far I am very pleased. Bob

I have a 7100 and I have never used the AF/AE.
Is there an advantage to using that over the regular
way of focusing with the release button?

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I use it now, and I have the same problem. I am getting used to it, I still forget that I have to use the back button, and try to focus with the shutter release. But it certainly is an improvement using the back button.Although I do miss the exposure lock that I was using on the back button.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I've never bothered with it... What am I missing? I thought it was just a method of locking focus regardless of what focus mode you were in. Doesn't Single focus mode do the same thing with a half press of the shutter release button?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

sloscheider wrote:

I've never bothered with it... What am I missing? I thought it was just a method of locking focus regardless of what focus mode you were in. Doesn't Single focus mode do the same thing with a half press of the shutter release button?

It's handy because it detaches focusing from the shutter button.

You can focus once...and take multiple shots and you won't "refocus"

Handy for when things aren't changing distance to the camera and you want to snap multiple poses.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

sloscheider wrote:

I've never bothered with it... What am I missing? I thought it was just a method of locking focus regardless of what focus mode you were in. Doesn't Single focus mode do the same thing with a half press of the shutter release button?

Rather than me attempt to give you an amateur answer, I would suggest that you search for it on this forum. I have several Nikon photography books and there is little or nothing in any of them. I have searched many more in the book stores and the subject is absent but there is a lot on the internet.

Bob

PS. On re-reading your post, don't confuse the Auto Focus Lock with Back Button Focusing. They use the same button but they are different functions.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

rpavich wrote:

It's handy because it detaches focusing from the shutter button.

You can focus once...and take multiple shots and you won't "refocus"

Handy for when things aren't changing distance to the camera and you want to snap multiple poses.

But, if your subject is moving, you can continue to hold the AF button down and it will continue to refocus if you have your focus set to AF-C.
Bob

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

bettis1 wrote:

But, if your subject is moving, you can continue to hold the AF button down and it will continue to refocus if you have your focus set to AF-C.
Bob

This is actually what I find most useful.

Acountry330
love the avatar
:-)
looks like anniversary red :-)

GT

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

sloscheider wrote:

I've never bothered with it... What am I missing? I thought it was just a method of locking focus regardless of what focus mode you were in. Doesn't Single focus mode do the same thing with a half press of the shutter release button?

Maybe you're not missing anything at all... but here's my "take":
My grandkids have a trampoline in the backyard, and I love to sit on the sundeck to take some photos of them doing their summersaults.
I found that with the half-press/full-press routine I missed a number of what could have been really good shots, simply because it takes too long for the camera to fire.
With BBF, I set the focus, then try and anticipate a good jump or summersault and press the shutter release button in one smooth motion.
Another use: How often don't we try and focus on something, then recompose to take the photo, and our finger slips off the button. Use BBF and there's no need to worry about your finger slipping off the shutter release button.

MW

bettis1 wrote:

I've been using the AF/AE lock on my D7100 for bac... (show quote)

Assuming you have decided its a good thing, here is a suggestion that worked for me. Spend a weekend taking many, many (as in hundreds) photos. Do not choose subjects you care much about. Try to use at lease a couple of different lenses and try for several different categories of photo (macro, landscape, people etc). Stop and review every so often to see if you remembered to use the back button. If you forgot kick yourself. Delete everything if you like. The idea to to establish a habit before you go out and use the technique on something you care about.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

MW wrote:

Assuming you have decided its a good thing, here i... (show quote)

Good suggestion :thumbup:

amehta Loc: Boston

xxredbeardxx wrote:

I have a 7100 and I have never used the AF/AE.
Is there an advantage to using that over the regular
way of focusing with the release button?

I think the biggest advantage is that autofocus activation is done in only one consistent, and using AF-C gives the benefits of both AF-S and M without switching AF modes or operational modes.