Back button focus: I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for...

liberator Loc: Cambridgeshire, UK

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

Keep using it, and you will eventually appreciate it. BBF gives you total control over where the camera focuses. Use a single center focusing point, press the BB, and that spot will be in focus if you recompose - or don't.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

It takes a short period to get used to it but once you do, you will never go back. If you leave your camera in continuous servo mode, you are always ready to focus on moving or stationary objects. Getting your exposure and focus on separate buttons is a wonderful thing!! The only scenario you won't have at your fingertips is exposure lock but you can set that in your personal menu button for easy access.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

liberator wrote:

... I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? ...

There is no need to agonize over BBF; just do it.
Its the way the camera should have functioned in the first place.

Allen McDonald Loc: Atlanta, GA

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

To take full advantage you should have your autofocus mode set to AF-C (continuous). That allows you to in effect instantaneously switch between "Continuous" and "Single" (AF-S) modes. For "Continuous" mode press and hold the back button and for "single" simply press and release. I find it more useful for dynamic situations but also useful anytime you focus and recompose since the exposure isn't locked when you focus.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

Here is just 1 of the reasons why I use BBF. I learned photography on fully mechanical film cameras ( as so many have) I was trained to press the shutter slowly to avoid camera shake. The first time I tried to use 1/2 press I ripped off 8 shots before my finger could get off the shutter. I went to BBF and never looked back.

Jahawk Loc: Rhode Island

oldtigger wrote:

There is no need to agonize over BBF; just do it.
Its the way the camera should have functioned in the first place.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Check out my video, it gives the reasons why you should use it (and how)

http://youtu.be/FzqQskGoURE

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

awkward at first!! but once I got used to it!!! can't shoot any other way!!

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

If you just make use of the shutter release, it handles Both Focus & Exposure. Thats great if you have a standing object and can achieve good exposure.

What Back Button Focus allows you to do is focus witth the back button, and have your exposure set with the half press of the shutter button.

For the shutter button to act as stated, you need to set it in Custom Setting (I think its C1).

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I agree with all the above. You just have to use it until it becomes instinctive. The biggest disadvantage I have encountered is when I hand the camera to an assistant and forget to mention it is set for back button focus.

liberator Loc: Cambridgeshire, UK

Thanks for all your replies (great video, Steve Perry!). As I too started on manual focus film cameras it does make sense what you are all saying, and I will carry on using BBF. Have a great Xmas everyone.

Jim Bob

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

After a serious effort, if you don't like it kick it to the curb. Don't let folks on this site convince you to do what is uncomfortable for you.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

liberator wrote:

I've been reading a lot in the photo press lately about "back-button focusing", and how good it is over "shutter button half press focusing". I've set my D750 for back button use, and so far I'm finding no great advantage. Do I need to persevere with it for the shining light moment? Do others use this technique? Any thoughts?

Some folks never get used to it or find it particularly useful. You may be one of them. If it doesn't work for you or make your photography easier or better, there is a simple solution. Stop using it.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Jim Bob wrote:

After a serious effort, if you don't like it kick it to the curb. Don't let folks on this site convince you to do what is uncomfortable for you.

:thumbup: