Why Back-Button Focusing? 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...

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Why Back-Button Focusing?

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Dec 8, 2015 09:35:18 #

BobT Loc: southern Minnesota

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

Dec 8, 2015 09:43:40 #

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

BobT wrote:

Simple, it lets YOU control what is focused on instead of the camera.

You can compose and focus, and when you click the shutter the camera does not automatically refocus, giving you the ability for example at a zoo to focus on the animal instead of the cage.

It is very handy for birds in flight & action shots.

http://improvephotography.com/4552/back-button-focusing/

Dec 8, 2015 09:51:25 #

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

BBF is a personal choice based on what kind of shooting that you do.
BBF allows you to focus on your subject, recompose your scene and take several shots without having to refocus each time.
I can focus on a flying bird, release the focus button, and continue panning and shooting without the camera refocusing on other things such as a branch that gets in the way.

Dec 8, 2015 09:55:20 #

tsilva Loc: Arizona

Jesus, you don't want to use it, then don't.

Dec 8, 2015 09:58:34 #

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

Back button allows you to focus on what you want to be the sharpest, and continues that way through any number of pictures until you reset focus. When you 1/2 press the shutter button, you are setting the exposure only.

Recomposing is made easier.

Dec 8, 2015 10:17:41 #

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

BobT wrote:

... So what's the big advantage of focusing in this manner? ...Try and sell me on the BB technique....

With BBF you can focus once, focus and recompose, or focus continuously without having to spin dials or change focus modes.

Dec 8, 2015 10:18:08 #

davefales Loc: Virginia

It also helps in low light situations where the autofocus would keep searching (if using shutter release for focus)...and you lose the moment.

Dec 8, 2015 10:27:06 #

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

BobT wrote:

Don't use it - BBF will just mess you up. Seriously. :)

Dec 8, 2015 10:33:13 #

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

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.

Dec 8, 2015 10:55:29 #

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

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

http://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE

Dec 8, 2015 11:20:43 #

Leitz Loc: Solms

The major drawback for me is, back button focusing requires an autofocus lens :(

Dec 8, 2015 11:26:36 #

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

these folks do a good job of selling BBF"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVRjPjrQYkA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io4cEDtqdno
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PN9R0D3pF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGlYDmZmGY8
http://nikonrumors.com/2014/01/25/how-to-use-nikons-af-on-and-back-button-autofocus.aspx/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PN9R0D3pF0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmYJuCZiJWE

Dec 8, 2015 12:46:36 #

Tom DePuy Loc: Waxhaw, N.C.

Steve Perry wrote:

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

http://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE

I'm not a user of bbf , just watched your you tube video ,after watching I'm now more temped to try bbf, great video also by the way......Tom

Dec 8, 2015 12:54:46 #

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Tom DePuy wrote:

I'm not a user of bbf , just watched your you tube video ,after watching I'm now more temped to try bbf, great video also by the way......Tom

Thanks - I know BBAF is not for everyone, but I sure do like it :)

Dec 8, 2015 13:03:24 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Steve Perry wrote:

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

http://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE

Excellent, easy-to-understand video.

Well done, Steve.

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