Back Button Autofocus (Page 3): Silly me put off using it for years...not realizing Canon had it built in (I was slightly put off by all the “how to” videos setting and applying it).

fotobyferg

Silly me put off using it for years...not realizing Canon had it built in (I was slightly put off by all the “how to” videos setting and applying it).

Just this Spring I had a light bulb moment and started using it for my adult son’s rugby team, since I take the photos for their website.

It has virtually eliminated those occassionally out-of-focus shots so it’s a no brainer for me now.

DaveC Loc: Illinois

I read about it for a long time and sort of ignored it. Then one day I decided to investigate, so I read about it in detail and then turned it on. Instantly loved it. I get lots of shots I would have missed. I have it set for continuous focus so as long as i hold the button down it keeps focusing, when I take my finger off it locks. Best of both worlds. Nikon D7100, Nature photography.

Bill_de Loc: US

Mac wrote:

I use BBF. Like you I have set the AE-L/AF-L button on my D7200 for BBF and I have set the fn button for AF-L.
On many Nikon cameras (like my Df) Nikon has included a separate AF-ON button for BBF.

Why would you need an AF-L? Using BBF, when your finger is off the back button your focus is locked. That's is supposed to be one of the features.

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papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

rmalarz wrote:

I don't, nor am a proponent of it. To me, it's just another do-dad they didn't need on a camera. 1/2 press on the shutter works for me just fine.
--Bob

Me too. Tried for 6 months and never liked having to use 2 buttons to take the picture. I do a lot of BIF but it did not help me. Why use two buttons when one will do the same thing? Push shutter button 1/2 way and focus. Page all the way and take picture. But if it works for you, have at it.

jeryh Loc: Oxfordshire UK

Likewise!

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Bill_de wrote:

Why would you need an AF-L? Using BBF, when your finger is off the back button your focus is locked. That's is supposed to be one of the features.

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I don't think he did use the AF/L.. My BBF is using the AF/L button to perform the back button focus. That is the button, that I've assigned BBF to. When I press the AF/L button on the back of my camera, the lens focuses, when I let off, it locks at that position of focus. I can also BBF using single or multiple focus points. It does confuse the heck out of me when I pickup the other camera that uses regular shutter button focus though.

SeaBrat Loc: St Petersburg, FL

Laura72568 wrote:

I think BBF, especially for bird photography, is a great tool! I’m so used to it now, I can’t imagine not having it.

I agree. The BBF downsides are you have to remember to focus, muscle memory for different cameras has the button in different places and you can't pass the camera to someone else with some difficulty. BBF is a great tool with point focus to get the bird among the leaves or shoot through fences.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Les Brown wrote:

This may be an old topic, but I just assigned my d7200 AE-L, AF-L button to autofocus. Just wondering who uses back button focus and who doesn't, and is it a good option. Everything on the Web seems to say it is wonderful. If so, why did Nikon not just build it in?

Nikon doesn't build it in because 99.99% of the population would never get sharp focus. The shutter button has been the focus button for years.

I use it because it offers more control. Using a single, center focusing point, I can get the exact spot I want in focus.

If you have more than one DSLR, set all of them to BBF, or you'll drive yourself crazy trying to focus.

ziggy_nc

I use it and like. The key is to AF-C set on.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

SeaBrat wrote:

I agree. The BBF downsides are you have to remember to focus, muscle memory for different cameras has the button in different places and you can't pass the camera to someone else with some difficulty. BBF is a great tool with point focus to get the bird among the leaves or shoot through fences.

I'm smart enough that I don't have to remember to focus.. It is what they call a habit. You either get used to pressing the back button (which allows you to constantly focus on a moving object) or you miss the shot. Yes, I've used shutter button focus but I find my shots greatly improved when I can better control the focus. And I don't loan my camera to anyone else... and when I shoot with the wife's camera, I will hit BBF the first time and nothing happens so I remember that the focus is on the shutter button.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Bill_de wrote:

Why would you need an AF-L? Using BBF, when your finger is off the back button your focus is locked. That's is supposed to be one of the features.

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Sorry, my mistake, I hit F instead of E. I have the fn button set to AE-L not AF-L.

Bill_de Loc: US

dcampbell52 wrote:

I don't think he did use the AF/L.. My BBF is using the AF/L button to perform the back button focus. That is the button, that I've assigned BBF to. When I press the AF/L button on the back of my camera, the lens focuses, when I let off, it locks at that position of focus. I can also BBF using single or multiple focus points. It does confuse the heck out of me when I pickup the other camera that uses regular shutter button focus though.

I quote, "I have set the fn button for AF-L."

According to this he reassigned focus lock to another button. I'm curious why someone would do that. While it doesn't seem to make sense, I am often surprised.

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leftj Loc: Texas

srt101fan wrote:

I Use it and love it. But some people don't like ... (show quote)

Tried back bbf and stuck with it for several months and then went back to shutter release focus. It just never felt natural or comfortable for me.

leftj Loc: Texas

Mountainlife wrote:

I assigned BBF on my D7000 for some time. It is advantageous. But I often find while I try to press it the movie button gets clicked and is annoying . Also if you give the camera to someone else to shoot your picture they would not be able to focus . So I reverted back to shutter press focus .

Actually, if you give your camera to someone else to shoot you probably need to put it on Auto which will put it back to shutter release focus.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Bill_de wrote:

I quote, "I have set the fn button for AF-L."

According to this he reassigned focus lock to another button. I'm curious why someone would do that. While it doesn't seem to make sense, I am often surprised.

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Sorry.. realized that too... I really like having the AF-L set as BBF... it is on the back next to the view finder and the natural spot for your thumb to hit/rest while index finger is on the shutter button... Wasn't trying to be snarky but was confused.