Back button focus
May 30, 2017 17:55:26 #
Quick question.
Is not BBF simply remapping the half-push from the shutter release button to the AF-ON button on the back of the camera?
The advantages and techniques with AIServo (Canon) and AF-Continuous (Nikon) that are leveraged as a result of using BBF are what the discussions seem to center around. Just wanted to confirm that is the case as there seems to be some entangling of the concepts of BBF and AI Servo.
I would like to see someone post the specific situations where AIServo+BBF will get you the shot that CANNOT be achieved any other way.
Let me throw one out there...see of it holds up :-)
Situation:
Prefocus on spot where small fast moving object is going to enter a frame parallel to the sensor (ie race car at a distance) The first shot will be in focus the subsequent cars may not be
If you have to re-press the shutter quickly and refocusing may occur. In this case BBF would avoid that by decoupling the focus from the shutter. (You could switch the lens to MF from AF but the defeats AF completely so not counting that...also you could have continuous shooting enabled but then you would nèed to hold down the shutter button to avoid refocus and your buffer would overrun).
Thoughts?
Other examples unique to BBF?
Is not BBF simply remapping the half-push from the shutter release button to the AF-ON button on the back of the camera?
The advantages and techniques with AIServo (Canon) and AF-Continuous (Nikon) that are leveraged as a result of using BBF are what the discussions seem to center around. Just wanted to confirm that is the case as there seems to be some entangling of the concepts of BBF and AI Servo.
I would like to see someone post the specific situations where AIServo+BBF will get you the shot that CANNOT be achieved any other way.
Let me throw one out there...see of it holds up :-)
Situation:
Prefocus on spot where small fast moving object is going to enter a frame parallel to the sensor (ie race car at a distance) The first shot will be in focus the subsequent cars may not be
If you have to re-press the shutter quickly and refocusing may occur. In this case BBF would avoid that by decoupling the focus from the shutter. (You could switch the lens to MF from AF but the defeats AF completely so not counting that...also you could have continuous shooting enabled but then you would nèed to hold down the shutter button to avoid refocus and your buffer would overrun).
Thoughts?
Other examples unique to BBF?
May 30, 2017 18:32:02 #
using my canon i retried bbf and if i hold the af on, down and the hit the sutter it worked great. When I get in the zone i seem to forget about bbf
May 30, 2017 18:35:21 #
par4fore wrote:
I need to go back myself. I Gave up on it for birds and forgot about it.
Just adding my voice to all those complimenting Steve on his book and videos.
I had sort of tried bbf but given it away as of no use to me, until I read the book on Focusing and then watched the Video.
Took a few outings with the camera (D7100) until it became instinctual, but even tho I rarely take 'action' shots, I wouldnt be without it now.
Thanks Steve
May 30, 2017 18:35:32 #
I am relatively new to using BBF. I have my d7200 set up using - AF/C with priority set to "release" and AF-ON only - This functions both as a focus lock by pressing and releasing the button, or continuous by pressing and holding down the button. The one thing I would add, for those new to BBF, there is no beep and auto lock when depressing the button, like the shutter button does. The focus led in the viewfinder will turn green when subject is in focus, and you lock it by releasing the button. If you continue to depress the button it will continue to focus, if you or the subject is moving.
May 30, 2017 19:05:15 #
May 30, 2017 20:15:06 #
Gene51 wrote:
Actually, another way to look at it is if you use the back button to focus, there is no need to use AF-S.
Oh you purloined that phrase from Steve Perry now didn't you? Be honest.
May 30, 2017 20:16:43 #
Howard5252 wrote:
If you are in AF-S the focus will only occur once and remain there even though you may have the AF-ON button (or the assigned button) pushed; It will not refocus until you remove your finger and press again. With AF-C, as long as you have the AF-ON button (or the assigned button) pushed, the focus will change as needed. Wann'a see it? Use your method set to AF-S on a subject walking toward you ... Take a bunch of pictures. The first one or two will be in focus; the rest will not be.
Great explanation Howard.
May 30, 2017 20:29:05 #
It should have NO bearing on exposure, only focus. On Nikons, Custom Menu Auto-Focus is generally where you can set it for BBF. Check your manual.
I use it on D800 and D5 particularly for moving objects, birds in flight, dog agility, horses running, sports, etc. With AF-C and 3D Matrix you can hold down the AF button on the camera back and shoot rapidly while continuously focusing on subject.
I hope that this helps.
I use it on D800 and D5 particularly for moving objects, birds in flight, dog agility, horses running, sports, etc. With AF-C and 3D Matrix you can hold down the AF button on the camera back and shoot rapidly while continuously focusing on subject.
I hope that this helps.
May 30, 2017 20:48:46 #
focuspuller wrote:
BBF works with AF-S and AF-C, at least on a D810. I use it all the time, all modes.
Yes, it "Works" but not the same way.
BBF removes the focusing from the shutter and places it on a Back Button. It does not change the manner in which AF-C and AF-S work. Pushing and holding the assigned back button will do one of two things. If AF-C is the selected option the auto focus will track the subject as the distance between it and you change. If the AF-S is the selected option the auto focus will focus once and will not track the subject. If you would like to see the difference, read one of my earlier posts about taking a bunch of pictures of a person walking toward you.
May 30, 2017 23:42:30 #
Thanks for a simple key to understanding this technique: "Focus is disconnected from the shutter button."
canon Lee wrote:
Back button focus gets its name from the fact that the button is on the back of the camera. Focus is disconnected from the shutter button.
May 31, 2017 00:06:22 #
lamiaceae wrote:
Yes, aside from the descriptions of shooting birds... (show quote)
Did you also set it too. Continues focus, if not it's putting the bird out of focus with each wing beat , and are you holding the button
In the whole time that's a must on a flying bird , if it's sitting in a tree not going any where you focus once with bb , let it go now you can
Snap away with shutter all day with out focusing again, , but if bird is flying hold it in and follow bird with spot metering,
May 31, 2017 10:43:54 #
al lehman wrote:
Eric,
I shoot mostly wildlife that move causing me to re-frame many times. The BBF is very convenient when capturing action type photos. The BBF is not really required for land scape unless you reframe for DOF tuning prior to your shot. Try it, you'll love it for action shots.
I shoot mostly wildlife that move causing me to re-frame many times. The BBF is very convenient when capturing action type photos. The BBF is not really required for land scape unless you reframe for DOF tuning prior to your shot. Try it, you'll love it for action shots.
I tried it. It didn't work for me. I am more precise with my index finger than fumbling with two buttons.
The keys for action shots are to set the camera to only fire when focused and to use continuous release. AF-A or AF-C can help too if your camera has.
May 31, 2017 10:58:17 #
MtnMan wrote:
I tried it. It didn't work for me. I am more precise with my index finger than fumbling with two buttons.
The keys for action shots are to set the camera to only fire when focused and to use continuous release. AF-A or AF-C can help too if your camera has.
The keys for action shots are to set the camera to only fire when focused and to use continuous release. AF-A or AF-C can help too if your camera has.
Perfectly understandable. I felt the same way until I gave it a serious effort. While I wouldn't say it's a perfect solution for every shooting situation, I find it works well for the birding I do. I've been experimenting now for about 3 weeks. I like it. I find that my "hit" rate has increased as Steve Perry predicted. Not exactly sure why. Use whatever makes you comfortable.
May 31, 2017 13:44:56 #
MtnMan wrote:
I tried it. It didn't work for me. I am more precise with my index finger than fumbling with two buttons.
The keys for action shots are to set the camera to only fire when focused and to use continuous release. AF-A or AF-C can help too if your camera has.
The keys for action shots are to set the camera to only fire when focused and to use continuous release. AF-A or AF-C can help too if your camera has.
That is the whole point of AF-C it's in focus all the time as long as you hold on subject with your black Dot , you would not be leave all the
Times I lost good frames your way tickling the shutter to get focus , and camera locks , has not locked up in the five years of using
BBF, and my hands and fingers I will guarantee you there ten times worse of than your hands , I can't make fist in either hand , I can't hold a quart of milk and lift it , I can't even pick up a pop straw lying flat on a table, , if your fumbling now you don't wanor sam t to get what I have , lf I fell down in a empty room ,and the door was closed , I would starve to death if no one opened the door , and the door would not have be locked as I would never get back on my feet , I can't sit on low chare, s for same reason ,
May 31, 2017 15:53:05 #
Thomas902 wrote:
Eric there are several important disadvantages to ... (show quote)
No one said to use BBF for your set up by all means if it doesn't cut it for what you do , find what works , but for BIF it is you your camera
And your lens , nothing to do with lighting and the other stuff you mention ,
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