Like all other options, Back Button Focus have their use, pros & cons etc.
BBF provides extra control and options when composing but it takes a little more learning and getting used to. I personally use it even if it usually makes bad photos when i pass my camera to somebody else should i want to be in the picture myself.
I suggest learning as much as possible about the setting, how to use it and do a lot of practice shots before trying it out on a serious photo-shoot. Not doing so may lead to too many missed shots and a missed opportunity to actually see the benefits of BBF.
I had just gotten my DSLR and was trying to photograph a family wedding rehearsal. however my camera did not know where to focus as people were coming down the aisle. I was so frustrated because I knew the pictures for the next day we're going to be terrible. That night I went online to figure out how I could fix my focus problems when I came up on a site that told me about back button focusing. I set it up that night and I have never looked back. Eventually I also learn how to turn up my shutter speed and adjust my ISO and aperture accordingly in order to get sharper photos. This all takes time but it is well worth learning.
jmw44
Loc: Princeton, NJ USA
BBF - I'll never go back. Thank you, Steve Perry.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
OZMON wrote:
I watched a video on youtube about back button focusing, I have not tried it yet but it looks very promising,have any hoggers tried it and if so what are the results.
You will find that the folks who use it like it.
I use the old fashion button on top of the camera and assign my back button to single spot focusing for when my birds are in branch's of trees. I simply push the back button, put the single spot on the bird and shoot, Walla, the bird is in focus. My default focusing system is GROUP AUTO FOCUS for birds in flight.
My keep rate using the old fashion button on top of the camera is 98%.
Each of us use our on method to maximize our keep rates, what ever works is what you use.
srt101fan wrote:
I use it and love it. Don't know which video you saw, but one you should watch is Steve Perry's on backcountrygallery.com
Yes would definitely recommend reading Steve's perspective. Agree once you use BBF = that is it!
Back button focusing is a standard setting in all my cameras. I like to separate the AF from the shutter and that is the right way to do it.
It works as stated and is quick. I did it for a while, didn't shoot for a couple of weeks and forgot that I moved it. . . This will disable the shutter button from focusing. I simply forgot and it costs me several shots. Requires new muscle memory for quick shots until you get used to it.
Once you try it you will probably never go back but there are a few who don't care for it.
Once you go Back you never go Back !!
Yup, and abandoned the practice 30 seconds later. The shutter release button works quite nicely.
--Bob
OZMON wrote:
I watched a video on youtube about back button focusing, I have not tried it yet but it looks very promising,have any hoggers tried it and if so what are the results.
Did it sometime ago and never looked back check out Steve Perry on YouTube
OZMON wrote:
I watched a video on youtube about back button focusing, I have not tried it yet but it looks very promising,have any hoggers tried it and if so what are the results.
I've been shooting BBF for years. Be sure to set your camera on AI SERVO when using BBF. That will allow the camera to be looking for a focus point all the time until your press the shutter button. AI FOCUS doesn't work as well with BBF because as soon as you press your focus button, the camera locks on, even though your subject may have moved.
jmw44
Loc: Princeton, NJ USA
khorinek wrote:
I've been shooting BBF for years. Be sure to set your camera on AI SERVO when using BBF. That will allow the camera to be looking for a focus point all the time until your press the shutter button. AI FOCUS doesn't work as well with BBF because as soon as you press your focus button, the camera locks on, even though your subject may have moved.
AI SERVO is Continuous/AF-C for Nikon users, BTW.
Thanks, I wasn't sure what is was for Nikon.
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