All this talk about Back Button Focus, what makes this better than using the shutter button ?
boomer826 wrote:
All this talk about Back Button Focus, what makes this better than using the shutter button ?
it allows you to take multiple photos without needing to refocus each time you depress the shutter. it also allows you to manually focus when needed and not lose your focus when pressing the shutter release without needing to change the camera or lens to manual focus before doing so. much faster and, in my opinion, more reliable. if you are shooting action, simply hold down on the back button focus button while shooting and you will keep your subject in focus while shooting. it takes a little time and practice to get used to it, but most photographers that I know will never go back to using the shutter button for focus.
boomer826 wrote:
All this talk about Back Button Focus, what makes this better than using the shutter button ?
There are many great videos that explain the how's and why's but I like Steve's so I've included it here. Hope it helps! S-
How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE
boomer826 wrote:
All this talk about Back Button Focus, what makes this better than using the shutter button ?
Watch this video by Steve Perry who posts from time to time here...
https://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE
orrie smith wrote:
it allows you to take multiple photos without needing to refocus each time you depress the shutter. it also allows you to manually focus when needed and not lose your focus when pressing the shutter release without needing to change the camera or lens to manual focus before doing so. much faster and, in my opinion, more reliable. if you are shooting action, simply hold down on the back button focus button while shooting and you will keep your subject in focus while shooting. it takes a little time and practice to get used to it, but most photographers that I know will never go back to using the shutter button for focus.
it allows you to take multiple photos without need... (
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Excellent description, Plus when in a hurry to get a shot you don't prematurely release the shutter by accidentally pushing the release button too far while trying to get focus. As mentioned, I've NEVER heard of anyone who has gotten acclimated to it switching back to shutter button focus. Try it!....You'll be a true believer. It's cool.
Mostly I use it when my subject needs to remain in focus, although I need to reposition my subject in the frame, like a rock in the foreground that I want in focus and I background I don't. I focus on the rock, lock in the focus and reposition the subject in the frame with losing the focus on my subject.
I've been using it for over 6 months and under pressure from my mentor switch back to shutter release and after 1 hour went back to back button, and not looking back to switch again ever
Thanks for your reply's everyone!!! I think I may have to give it a try !!
boomer826 wrote:
Thanks for your reply's everyone!!! I think I may have to give it a try !!
Absolutely! You should give it a try!
But I know of two persons that have stopped using it, at least on moving targets. Myself and Arthur Morris... Art (according to his blog) don't use it on bif, and I never use it.
I use a Nikon D500, and have the AF-ON button configured to change Af-Mode. When I press and hold the button camera switches to Group Mode (at the present setting).
For me this is a much, much better use than BBF.
/Mats
Revet
Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio
I have been using BB focus for about a year and a half and would never go back to the shutter release controlling focus. Having the focus on a separate button works for every type of photograph you would take better than having it on the exposure button. The only exception to this is when you hand the camera over to your spouse to take a picture. Then I switch to U1 on my Nikon which is set to focus with the shutter release
orrie smith wrote:
it allows you to take multiple photos without needing to refocus each time you depress the shutter. it also allows you to manually focus when needed and not lose your focus when pressing the shutter release without needing to change the camera or lens to manual focus before doing so. much faster and, in my opinion, more reliable. if you are shooting action, simply hold down on the back button focus button while shooting and you will keep your subject in focus while shooting. it takes a little time and practice to get used to it, but most photographers that I know will never go back to using the shutter button for focus.
it allows you to take multiple photos without need... (
show quote)
What he said.
Especially if you want to focus on one thing, and meter on another.
Try it, you will love it. Practice, Practice.
My Pentax cameras have like that also. It's just another tool to use. Something you need it, sometimes you don't. Don't get me wrong I do use it when needed, but for my style of shooting it's mainly not used.
Where I do use it a lot is more towards an extreme 3D type shot where even my spot focus setting is changing with a slight movement.
As I said, it's a tool.
I've been using BBF for several years and will never go back. I shoot wildlife (not birds) if the subject is standing it's not a real advantage, if it runs it's a great advantage when camera is set on AF-C. It depends on what you like to shot if you shoot moving targets it's great if stationary well it's up to you.
Simply you will separate focus from shutter release. If you feel comfortable using focus-shutter release and recomposing when you have to no need to use the rear focus button.
It is the rear focus button what I have set in all my Nikon bodies.
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