david vt Loc: Vermont

Hi

Using my D7200 for amature team sports with lots of fast action. After learning about it here, I changed the AF-L button function to be BBF when pressed and locked when released. Learning how to use it, but I like this as the scene is always changing and this is definetly easier that than pressing half way on the shutter release. Focus is now set to AF-C/D9 matrix

My question, for those of you whom use BBF, especially for sports, is that occasionally I want to compose a scene (e.g. A corner kick) where I can set the focus on the ball in advance, and then release the BBF button to "lock it". This allows me to recompose the framing of the scene. My question is that when I have done this, and then a press the shutter release all the way down, will going through the half way point reactivate focus and then change to focus on whatever is in the center of the viewfinder. It seems to be doing this and throwing pics slightly out of focus. Also happens occasionally when I shoot through the hole between two players battling for the ball.

Anyone have any experience with this? If so, is there a way (and should I) turn off the focus on the half shutter release?

Thanks in advance to you all, and not just for this. I feel reading this every day is gaining me knowledge very quickly. For giggles, attaching a few pics shot this weekend. Not submitting for critique (at least not yet), but as examples of what I have learned in less than 60 days from you all. Lots more to go. So I think pics 1 and 3 might be showing the focus issue as these are not "tack sharp" to my eye. (Or if just flubbed it - always a possibility. These are cropped, but in the original shots the focus point in the exact center was between players

Thanks. (FYI - these are just cropped jpegs. Local lightroom class starting after first of year)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Yes, I tried it and found that it's more of a hindrance. I find pushing the shutter release 1/2 way works better. Brings to mind the saying 'just because one can doesn't mean one should'.
--Bob

toxdoc42

I have not had this problem recently with my D3400. When I first went back focus, I found that it sometimes failed. Turns out I was deactivating it, by mistake, when I turned off the camera. Recently I remember to be sure not to reset the camera and avoid this. I do find that sometimes the camera seems to lock up and fails to focus. I then turn off the camera and then back on and the back button focus returns properly.

rdubreuil Loc: Dummer, NH USA

In addition to setting your BBF you must also de-activate the focus function from the shutter release, otherwise yes the camera will re-focus after recomposing your image and pressing the shutter half way down.

david vt Loc: Vermont

I suspected I might. Will look through the manual to find that little setting

Thanks

cmcaroffino Loc: Sebring, FL

I have the D7200 and use back button focus only I assign the the preview button instead of the AF/AE button and use my middle finger to activate it, just my preference instead of using my thumb on the AF/AE button. Go to A4 in the custom menu settings to turn off the shutter release button. I add this to My Menu settings then it is a quick and simple matter to turn the focus off and on for the shutter release button. I also assign the Fn button on the front of the camera to turn on Access top item in My Menu which I activate with my little finger to quickly change between settings. I might also add that I have my camera set so that when I hold the BBF in the camera will focus continually to follow action and will lock focus when I release it.

Grand Loc: Lebanon, Pa

I use it all the time, to me, no other way. To those that tell you the other way is better, dont know what their talking about.

jonfrei

Check your manual — I believe there is *ALSO* a setting that *turns off* the 1/2 shutter focus function. If you don’t do that, they will be constantly fighting...

david vt Loc: Vermont

Thanks for the menu direction. Saves me from going into that horrible manual :). I also have my buttons set to CF when pressed and freeze when released. I am trying to train myself to use this to allow another player to "cross" my target and not change focus by releasing as they go through the frame.

R/

veezee Loc: CT

Steve Perry's book on focusing for Nikon cameras is a great resource (and no, he didn't pay me for this 😜)

https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/

francwoods

"Ditch Auto" YouTube has a video specifically for setting up the D7200 for BBF. You do have to disable the shutter half press to prevent focus on re-compose.
https://youtu.be/gc_SM_H22lg
Cheers

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

It may depend on your specific camera, but my Nikon D800 allows me to turn off the shutter from having any impact on the auto focus and this is how I set it. You might also consider moving the focus point as needed as you shoot so that the person you desire to be as sharp as possible is sharp, when shooting this way you will not need to focus and recompose.