back button focus is not as sharp as shutter focus
Jun 12, 2018 06:58:38 #
Yes, and it all depends on if you shoot continuous focus or single focus. 90% of the time I am in continuous focus so I keep depresing the BBF.
Bridges wrote:
You may be making the same mistake I did when first using BBF. You must put your aiming dot on what you want in focus and immediately release it. Then recompose your shot before pressing the shutter release button. Only hold the BBF down if you are tracking a moving subject. When I first started using BBF I would hold the button down while firing the shutter release button and when I recomposed the shot, I may have switched the focus point away from my initial focus point.
Jun 12, 2018 07:48:46 #
bmike101 wrote:
I've discovered that back button focus is not as sharp as shutter focus on my D3200. Is that a universal problem or only has to do with my particular camera?
I am surprised that you believe there is a difference between the two mode: but to put your mind at rest, make sure you have the camera focusing aid(s) on. When you hear a beep you will know the camera has focused on your subject, regardless of which method you choose. Just remember to release the BBF if, having focused, you recompose the shot.
Jun 12, 2018 09:36:28 #
Jun 12, 2018 09:58:33 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
bmike101 wrote:
I've discovered that back button focus is not as sharp as shutter focus on my D3200. Is that a universal problem or only has to do with my particular camera?
It may have to do with your technique. It is important that you press and release the back button at the correct time. For most subjects that are not moving rapidly, I keep the button pressed until after I trip the shutter. For rapidly moving subjects, I pick a focus point, press and release the button and let the camera track the focus point. It takes a little practice.
Jun 12, 2018 09:59:14 #
Linary wrote:
The reason is that when in continuous shooting mode with continuous focussing, the beep would be an almost continuous annoying sound as the camera constantly regains focus.
aaahhhh, it was so simple , i should have figured it out, thank you
Jun 12, 2018 11:01:58 #
With Nikon when using Continuous Focus with the back button focus button, a green dot in the view finder denotes focus has been achieved. It works in other modes as well but I find it most useful in the continuous focus mode. With a stationary subject, once focus has been achieved you can let up on the button and shoot away, the subject will stay in focus as long as it doesn’t move closer or farther away, lateral movements, like a bird at a feeder, or a subject recomposing don’t effect focus. You can set your aperature to allow for a depth of field that will allow for more of a sweet spot as well.
Jun 12, 2018 11:07:05 #
bmike101 wrote:
I've discovered that back button focus is not as sharp as shutter focus on my D3200. Is that a universal problem or only has to do with my particular camera?
Sorry to say it is user error.
Jun 12, 2018 20:04:48 #
When set properly you just press the back button (BB) and focus on whatever you deem appropriate then take the picture and if the subject is moving you hold the BB down continuously until after you have take the picture.
However, if you are taking hand-held macro or extreme close-ups your depth of field will be very shallow and you may inadvertently move slightly further away or closer before you release the shutter. In this situation I have found that I get consistently better focused pictures if I treat the subject as being moving, even though it is me that is moving, i.e. hold the BB down and the lens will automatically refocus as you move. If you hear the lens making slight buzzing sounds it is doing exactly that.
Also, if you are filling the frame with a flower you should be stopped down to at least f/11 to get the centre of the flower as well as the petals in focus.
However, if you are taking hand-held macro or extreme close-ups your depth of field will be very shallow and you may inadvertently move slightly further away or closer before you release the shutter. In this situation I have found that I get consistently better focused pictures if I treat the subject as being moving, even though it is me that is moving, i.e. hold the BB down and the lens will automatically refocus as you move. If you hear the lens making slight buzzing sounds it is doing exactly that.
Also, if you are filling the frame with a flower you should be stopped down to at least f/11 to get the centre of the flower as well as the petals in focus.
Jun 13, 2018 01:31:15 #
bmike101 wrote:
I've discovered that back button focus is not as sharp as shutter focus on my D3200. Is that a universal problem or only has to do with my particular camera?
I believe the bbf does not initiate vr, soooo, it could be dependent on the lens, maybe.
Jun 16, 2018 20:20:15 #
They are the same. Did you turn off the AF on for the shutter release. If both are on you could have issues. For me, I hold the bbf too hard sometimes and all the opposing pressure when I pressed the shutter introduced enough shake to cause what you're seeing. Too much redbull.
Jun 16, 2018 20:25:01 #
After looking at the flower shot your dof looks too shallow, unless that's your intention.
Jun 17, 2018 20:22:03 #
bmike101
Loc: Gainesville, Florida
MauiMoto wrote:
After looking at the flower shot your dof looks too shallow, unless that's your intention.
It was. I couldn't find anything in focus in the flower pic though... or am I mistaken?
Jun 17, 2018 22:56:43 #
Can't really look closely with my phone, have to change all kinds of settings to pixel peep.
Jun 20, 2018 16:48:43 #
Jun 20, 2018 17:09:20 #
Bridges wrote:
You may be making the same mistake I did when first using BBF. You must put your aiming dot on what you want in focus and immediately release it. Then recompose your shot before pressing the shutter release button. Only hold the BBF down if you are tracking a moving subject. When I first started using BBF I would hold the button down while firing the shutter release button and when I recomposed the shot, I may have switched the focus point away from my initial focus point.
The only way to be sure it's not an "owner operator problem" Is to shut of the shutter 1/2 press feature.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.