Back Button Focus Advantages and Disadvantages
Jun 24, 2019 08:32:40 #
SIMIBILL wrote:
I know this has been much discussed, but recently I have seen several articles on Facebook stating that Back Button Focus can make your photos sharper than auto focus.
Would some of you who use it please explain what you feel are the advantages and if any the disadvantages of Back Button Focus.
Also how to set up Back Button Focus on my Canon 80D.
Would some of you who use it please explain what you feel are the advantages and if any the disadvantages of Back Button Focus.
Also how to set up Back Button Focus on my Canon 80D.
Back-Button Focus provides a convenient way to manually focus for a shot. So perhaps your question should be "why focus manually?" Auto focus in a good camera tends to be quite good much of the time, but sometimes it screws up. A clear example of this problem sometimes occurs when shooting through a window and your camera decides to focus on the window rather than on the scene behind the window. Similarly, when there are some leaves in the foreground and you are trying to shoot the bird or perhaps some children who are further away - your camera may decide to focus on one of the leaves. With manual focus you decide where the focus should be, not the software in the camera.
Jun 24, 2019 08:36:08 #
Erkibler wrote:
I think that was referring to the suggestion to “use the manual”.
I don't think so. He thinks he is enlightened. Others not so much.
Jun 24, 2019 08:40:44 #
I see advantages and disadvantages with BBF. I have used it quite a bit with my Nikon. If you focus using BBF and your focus is off then all the images taken in a burst will be off too. And you may not be able to tell that until you get home and download the memory card. And if the subject moves forward or backward then your focus could be off as well. I do mostly little birds so it's not always obvious in the VF that the bird has moved enough to change the focus. But most people seem to love BBF and have good results with it. I go back and forth.
Jun 24, 2019 08:44:35 #
Jun 24, 2019 09:02:05 #
jwn
Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA
I think UHH should have a requirement that to join you need to sign a statement that you have read your camera manual.
Jun 24, 2019 09:18:03 #
jwn wrote:
I think UHH should have a requirement that to join you need to sign a statement that you have read your camera manual.
I did, but it didn't tell me about the advantages or disadvantages.
Jun 24, 2019 09:27:33 #
One thing that I noticed after switching to BBF when using long a long focal lens (80-200,200-500)
and switching back to a shorter lens it seemed easier to get the balance right with the longer and heavier lens. Ok with it now but did (and does) take some adjustment on my part.
BENT
and switching back to a shorter lens it seemed easier to get the balance right with the longer and heavier lens. Ok with it now but did (and does) take some adjustment on my part.
BENT
Jun 24, 2019 09:35:20 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
1. I’ve become a convert on my D7200.
2. It doesn’t make your focus sharper, it’s just a different method to attain focus.
3. It gives you more flexibility, more options.
4. I avoid accidentally tripping the shutter when I just want to focus.
5. I can focus first and then recompose if needed since the focus is locked.
2. It doesn’t make your focus sharper, it’s just a different method to attain focus.
3. It gives you more flexibility, more options.
4. I avoid accidentally tripping the shutter when I just want to focus.
5. I can focus first and then recompose if needed since the focus is locked.
Jun 24, 2019 09:49:01 #
I have small hands. BBF, now that I'm used to it, is so much more convenient and causes less camera movement.
Jun 24, 2019 09:49:27 #
juan_uy
Loc: Uruguay
suntouched wrote:
I see advantages and disadvantages with BBF. I hav... (show quote)
If you have BBF combined with continuous focus, you could keep the BBF pressed until you press the shutter to have continuous focus until the moment of the exposure. This should avoid the issues you mentioned
Just trying to help, obviously feel free to continue going back and forth
Jun 24, 2019 09:50:08 #
imagemeister wrote:
BBF is an ergonomic disadvantage for people who use their left eye for the VF......
IMO, BBF is also a mental disadvantage (slower) for older people doing BIF's
I have adopted a hybrid version where I use the BB for focus lock and shutter for AF.
.
IMO, BBF is also a mental disadvantage (slower) for older people doing BIF's
I have adopted a hybrid version where I use the BB for focus lock and shutter for AF.
.
I must disagree on your assessment. At least for me personally. I use my left eye and wear trifocals. I have no issues. I am 72 and do BIF. Again no issues.
Jun 24, 2019 09:52:43 #
gvarner wrote:
1. I’ve become a convert on my D7200.
2. It doesn’t make your focus sharper, it’s just a different method to attain focus.
3. It gives you more flexibility, more options.
4. I avoid accidentally tripping the shutter when I just want to focus.
5. I can focus first and then recompose if needed since the focus is locked.
2. It doesn’t make your focus sharper, it’s just a different method to attain focus.
3. It gives you more flexibility, more options.
4. I avoid accidentally tripping the shutter when I just want to focus.
5. I can focus first and then recompose if needed since the focus is locked.
Makes life easier.
Jun 24, 2019 10:00:23 #
jwn wrote:
I think UHH should have a requirement that to join you need to sign a statement that you have read your camera manual.
Also a section on pompous and arrogance.
Jun 24, 2019 10:09:14 #
Note: Do not hand your camera over to an amateur to take your picture. Use the self-timer or a remote shutter release.
Jun 24, 2019 10:25:21 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
avemal wrote:
Here bis Steve Perry set up on BBF.
I use it and LOVE it on my D500. https://backcountrygallery.com/nikon-d500-review/
I use it and LOVE it on my D500. https://backcountrygallery.com/nikon-d500-review/
Can Steve beat a 98% keeper rate? Just because Steve uses BBF doesn't mean it is for everyone.
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