Does anyone else use BBF this way?
Mar 5, 2023 08:13:04 #
I like to think that I know what I'm doing for the most part! The best thing about BBF (Back button focus) [See what I did there?] in my opinion is being able to get a sharp focus and then reframing the shot before taking the shot without being concerned that the focus will change when I hit the shutter button. If I knew what I was doing, what would I do differently?
Mar 5, 2023 08:15:36 #
Retired CPO wrote:
I like to think that I know what I'm doing for the most part! The best thing about BBF (Back button focus) [See what I did there?] in my opinion is being able to get a sharp focus and then reframing the shot before taking the shot without being concerned that the focus will change when I hit the shutter button. If I knew what I was doing, what would I do differently?
I’m with you 100%, Chief!
Mar 5, 2023 08:28:21 #
Now that I use a mirrorless camera I shoot servo/continuous mode most of the time, so BBF doesn’t seem advantageous to me anymore. I have also set my * button to enable on-demand eye focus, so most often I’m pinpointing to a particular face and holding the button down to lock focus in servo mode. This method has increased my percentage of sharp images considerably. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Mar 5, 2023 08:28:30 #
Ben Mar 5, 2023 08:30:30 #
Retired CPO wrote:
I like to think that I know what I'm doing for the most part! The best thing about BBF (Back button focus) [See what I did there?] in my opinion is being able to get a sharp focus and then reframing the shot before taking the shot without being concerned that the focus will change when I hit the shutter button. If I knew what I was doing, what would I do differently?
Exactly.
Mar 5, 2023 08:34:24 #
Mar 5, 2023 08:54:57 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
Then the autofocus tracks the moving subject because it’s tied to the depressed shutter button. I find it awkward to hold down two buttons at once. The result is exactly the same.
Maybe someone asked already, but haven't you both (a) programmed AF onto a different button on the back of the camera and (b) re-programmed the shutter release button to only be shutter release? You need these two programming / reprogramming steps so only one button on the camera exterior performs AF. These two steps are BBF.
Mar 5, 2023 09:22:23 #
Rab-Eye wrote:
Long story short, I love BBF and use it except when I’m using continuous autofocus in burst mode. In that situation, it seems to me that I’ll already be pressing the shutter button, wanting to maintain auto focus throughout the burst, and see no advantage in having to hold down a second button to focus. I turn BBF off in that situation. Am I the only one?
Thanks,
Ben
Thanks,
Ben
I watched one pro video where the photographer explained why at times you might not want to use BBF. They set one of their function buttons to switch between the two easily. I personally only use BBF.
Mar 5, 2023 09:25:31 #
Like you, I find it awkward to hold the second button in continuous/servo mode. You raise a good option in just turning BBF on and off as desired. Thanks for raising the issue.
Mar 5, 2023 09:53:27 #
Mar 5, 2023 10:30:23 #
I do not use it the way you do. I keep applying focus all the way throughout the burst as the subject is moving too. There are special circumstances when I stop using BBF when I shoot a burst. If a bird is bathing and sending water droplets towards the lens, I do not want the focus to shift from the bird to the (brighter) water droplets.
Mar 5, 2023 10:58:51 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Maybe someone asked already, but haven't you both (a) programmed AF onto a different button on the back of the camera and (b) re-programmed the shutter release button to only be shutter release? You need these two programming / reprogramming steps so only one button on the camera exterior performs AF. These two steps are BBF.
Yes, I have, Paul. However, I switch it back when using continuous focus and burst mode together. I just find it easier than holding down the shutter plus an additional button at the same time. For me, the advantage of BBF is setting the focus, and then not having to hold down the focus button, but not having the shutter refocus when I shoot.
Mar 5, 2023 11:42:42 #
Mar 5, 2023 11:43:34 #
A lot of nonsense about nothing. I'm older and I like the way I've been doing things for years. I use the shutter button half way down for focus and then press harder to take the shot. Works for me! I've tried BBF and I absolutely hate it. Why use two buttons when you can use one? My shooting partner loves BBF. I have absolutely no issue with that. IMHO. YMMV. Best of luck to all.
Mar 5, 2023 12:47:16 #
billnikon wrote:
I have two Sony camera's, one has BBF (back button focus, you see, I explain BBF, unlike you, for those that do not know, it is always a courtesy few employ here, I digress) and on the other I use the regular shutter button, I see no advantage to either, I get award winning shots with both camera's.
If you know what your doing, I see no advantage with BBF.
The image below was taken with a traditional shutter button.
If you know what your doing, I see no advantage with BBF.
The image below was taken with a traditional shutter button.
That is certainly worthy of an award. Great shot.
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