Back Button Focus Configuration
Apr 4, 2022 09:28:07 #
larryepage wrote:
I have found myself caught up on other study proje... (show quote)
I tried it 4 yrs. ago and never looked back, to me it is great. I have a nikon D610.
Apr 4, 2022 12:53:05 #
One other point not mentioned here is that for the real advantage for BBF you also want to set focus mode to AF-C. If you’re tracking focus you keep the button pressed during the shutter press. If you want to “lock” focus you just release the back button before you press the shutter, effectively giving you AF-S.
Apr 4, 2022 14:08:19 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
One other point not mentioned here is that for the real advantage for BBF you also want to set focus mode to AF-C. If you’re tracking focus you keep the button pressed during the shutter press. If you want to “lock” focus you just release the back button before you press the shutter, effectively giving you AF-S.
"Effectively" is not always sufficient. Be sure to try both Single and Continuous AF. AF-C may be the majority sentiment but users needs differ and cameras differ.
Apr 4, 2022 15:46:09 #
Thanks for this input, about the BBF taking precedence over the shutter release focus, but still allowing the shutter release button half-way push to focus if BBF is not used. On my Z7 it is "a7 AF Activation." I have been using BBF exclusively. This will give me needed flexibility when shooting stage performers who are moving unpredictably. Thanks again, Kiyote
Apr 4, 2022 16:13:43 #
larryepage wrote:
I have found myself caught up on other study proje... (show quote)
Larry I think the d500 is already partially set. The AF on button (I think will focus) but you need to go t A8 and disable the shutter button. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgSilzFy-c
Pretty much the same on the D850 https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=hpw+to+set+back+button+focus+on+a+d850&view=detail&mid=A9D56972CFBEE650964AA9D56972CFBEE650964A&FORM=VIRE
Steve Perry from BackCountryGallery is a good place also. https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=hpw+to+set+back+button+focus+on+a+d850&&view=detail&mid=06E1D64A7753A2AC503F06E1D64A7753A2AC503F&&FORM=VDRVRV
Both are done in setting A8 as you say.
Apr 4, 2022 16:16:09 #
larryepage wrote:
Yes. The rear AF-On is already selected, and a8 disables shutter release focus activation. So that one selectuon is all I need. Revisiting a8 puts everything back as it was.
Larry, revisiting a8 wont change the settings (or should not) unless you change the selection with the selector.
Apr 4, 2022 16:18:33 #
User ID wrote:
"Effectively" is not always sufficient. Be sure to try both Single and Continuous AF. AF-C may be the majority sentiment but users needs differ and cameras differ.
When in AF-C, if you press and release, itis the same as AF-S. Holding it allows the camera to continuously change focus as the camera is moved.
Apr 4, 2022 16:23:55 #
Kiyote wrote:
Thanks for this input, about the BBF taking precedence over the shutter release focus, but still allowing the shutter release button half-way push to focus if BBF is not used. ............ Kiyote
Are you sure you wrote what you meant ? Or meant what you wrote ? I have read it over and over again, and that describes the Nikon factory default operation, not a BBF set up. Youve got the shutter button overriding the focus that the BBF has set.
Apr 4, 2022 16:52:26 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
User ID wrote:
"Effectively" is not always sufficient. Be sure to try both Single and Continuous AF. AF-C may be the majority sentiment but users needs differ and cameras differ.
Selection of AF-C or AF-S is also a quick and easy task. I shoot very few subjects where continuous focus is required or helpful. And unlike many folks, I do shoot a lot of subjects where audible focus verification is very helpful. (There was a poll on this a few months ago, and I learned just how small the minority is.)
Apr 4, 2022 17:47:46 #
If you are going to Try BBAF I think it helps to really think about why you would WANT to use BBAF, What whould the benefit be for the way you like to shoot. I moved to BBAF more then 10 years ago and love it. Not everyone does.
I think about it as separating Focusing from releasing the shutter which are two different (but related) steps in the process. It makes it easier to place the point of best focus precisely where you want it, and not have it move until you decide to move it. In the early days of digital it also sped things up because you didn't have to wait to acquire focus. But now thats not an issue because all cameras focus very fast.
My point is you should only do it if you see the benefit of separating the functions. If you don't see the benefit, you won't find it helpful.
I think about it as separating Focusing from releasing the shutter which are two different (but related) steps in the process. It makes it easier to place the point of best focus precisely where you want it, and not have it move until you decide to move it. In the early days of digital it also sped things up because you didn't have to wait to acquire focus. But now thats not an issue because all cameras focus very fast.
My point is you should only do it if you see the benefit of separating the functions. If you don't see the benefit, you won't find it helpful.
Apr 4, 2022 19:06:21 #
avemal wrote:
Check this out by Steve Perry on Back Button Focus. It worked for me & never went back with the standard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE&t=531s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzqQskGoURE&t=531s
Don
Apr 4, 2022 19:32:34 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
MJPerini wrote:
If you are going to Try BBAF I think it helps to r... (show quote)
My intention is to give it an honest trial and see. Knowing I can move in and out of it effortlessly removed a significant obstacle.
Apr 4, 2022 21:27:04 #
starlifter wrote:
I switched to BBF years ago and have never looked back. My thumb is already condition to advance the film lever after every shot. So BBF gives it something to do Since it still wants to move after each shot.
👍
Apr 4, 2022 21:31:34 #
philo wrote:
you just have to get use to it.
Nikon even added a BBF button to the back of their D780.
Photo by Ken Rockwell
Apr 5, 2022 03:44:48 #
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