took me 30 mins to understand what's happening, but it hit hard. So you want to disable focusing with the shutter button and leave focusing for the back button, and while you hold it pressed in it's focusing constantly and when you let go it acts as if it's one shot and you can recompose
I got a 70D a few months ago, and when I got it I decided to try back button focusing so that I could learn it while I was learning my new camera. It has been an awesome change and it helps me in many different situations
The first time I saw this video, I didn't quite get it. This time I did. The reason is that when a novice like me watches and you say to press a button but don;t say when to release it, the novice doesn't know to release it. It doesn't matter in single focus but makes all the difference when you go to recompose in continuous focus.
I watched this video 3 times before I finally understood the purpose of back button focus and how he is able to take more photos. What he doesn't clearly articulate is that using back button focus enables the camera to switch focusing modes instantaneously. Most beginner's may not realize what he us talking about until they understand what a focusing mode is
I just started using back button focus (Been into the hobby a few months now) I'm missing a lot of focus because I simply forgot about it, but I can see why its so good, and I'm quite sure within a week or so I won't be messing up. Amazing channel, looking forward to picking up your video/book soon.
you have no idea how much you helped me out i was completely lost when i bought my first dslr after watching your videos and doing my own research and doing little tests to figure everything out im having people ask me how long i have been a photographer for when i tell them a little over 8 months they think im lying thank you so much for all your help and videos
I think the confusion people are having here and what is not mentioned in the video is you must disable auto focus on the shutter button as well other wise you are not able to recompose the shot with the same focus point as you will effectively re focus when you press the shutter button. Basically you are removing the focus function from the shutter button all together and solely using the back button to focus.
Tony & Chelsea Northrup so what happens if I disable focus on the normal shutter button and then just take pictures without pushing the new focus button?
@Pew Pew Dave, you will get blurry photos if you don't press the new focus button. It takes some practice before you get used to it. I read that some people try it, don't like it, so they switch back to the default functionality.
About a year and a half ago, I first read about back button focus and didn't quite understand why I would want it. Then figured I would at least try it and if I didn't like it I could just switch back. Since switching to back button focus, I've never wanted to return to the old way of doing it. Love having my focusing separate from my shutter and metering.
I've been using back-button focus ever since I bought the book almost a month ago. I find it very convenient indeed! Although I do have to say that I've sometimes gotten blurry shots because after using single-shot focus-recompose for so long I've just forgotten to BBF sometimes :)
Since almost 4 weeks I'm working with Back-Button Focus. And I'm excited - it works fantastic! The first few days I had to change my thinking a bit, but now .. Also I'm much faster and more flexible. Thanks for the tip Tony.
corisco tupi well for me it kinda is the time, I'm often shooting under conditions which the 20D struggles with A LOT, plus mine has some focus problem which is too pricey to repair right now compared to how old it is...and that's why I'm waiting for a bargain for the Nikon D750
AndreCorner Envy, envy! :-) I could use a 100% viewfinder (on a full-frame sensor at that, making it that much larger). I miss the old SLR large, very bright viewfinders. But I have not as yet made my mind if my next camera will be a full-frame, this would call for changing all my lenses except the 50mm. If I do go for it and changing all lenses is on the table, then I'd have no problem exploring, as you, other brands such as Nikon. It would actually be a good opportunity to reassess the market and get whatever camera seems best, has best reviews, etc, for a given price range.
corisco tupi I understand that, the fact I have no problems not only switching lenses but even system is the fact that I have the 70-300mm only which wasn't even bought by me and the other two are some lenses my friends borrowed so I don't have anything to change basically :)
set this up on both my cameras after watching this. can not believe! how much difference this made. should have done this along time ago. wont be able to use my camera for a few weeks, having operation on my shoulder. so i will be buying your book,and looking forward to learning a lot more. many thanks to you all for the best videos.
I prefer doing this 'inverted' - using the back button for AF-OFF so the shutter button still works as normal, and I can lock focus when I need it by holding the back button after focusing.
You know, I’ve just read about this a few days now, and been back button focusing for a decade at least. Really not a bad idea, plus you don’t have to turn shutter AF back onto to use the self timer with AF. It also wouldn’t blow peoples’ freaking mind when I hand them my camera lol. I am an aging dog, but not too old to try a new trick. Anything to be lazier lol, with BBF you don’t need to change focus modes- With BB cancel-Focus, I still won’t, and might never have to open a menu again! 😂
I use it all the time, as you said it's great for candid shots as you can lock your focus and wait for exactly the right moment. Plus if you're taking several shots of a group it's so much easier. I like your trick with the focus mode too. I must give that a try!
I saw a lot of videos on the subject, because for some reason they've bombarded me on facebook and youtube, so someone NEEDS me to learn it... but this is the first video I watch that actually SHOWS in practice how it's useful.
I started using it, because I got tired of that auto focus going into the background or just moving around before I take a photo. I loved it. Now I got to put the camera in continuous mode and I"m set.
Wow. I've been shooting purely amateur family photos for about 10 years and have gotten (to my eye anyway) some amazing shots. But, focus on my Nikon D90 has always been too slow and, when shooting a sporting event with my grandchildren, staying in focus has always been a challenge. I caught your video by accident (RUclips suggested it for me) and just set up my D90 for back button. It's amazing and will be my focusing method from now on. Thanks very much for your great video - I just became a subscriber.
Pretty clever for this scenario. I love the satisfying beep and the red lighting of the focus point I'm using when in "one shot", I wish "ai servo" did the same thing. If that was the case I'd probably never use "one shot".
I just need something clarified. Watched the video like 10 times and I'm slowly grasping it. When the camera is in continuous focus mode and you're using BBF. While the girl is running towards you, do you have the AF on button held down? Or do you just hold it while she is on the mound to focus and then after that you just press the shutter button to take the photos? Thank you
When using separate focus button you should ideally select continuous focus mode (AI-Servo on Canon) so that the camera keeps adjusting the focus on the subject so long as that button is held down. For static subjects, you can let go when you have focus lock; you are then free to recompose your shot if needed.
Hi Tony I photograph professional and semi professional Basketball here in Australia, since I have been using the BBF it has made my shooting basketball a lot more easier, more so as I am shooting in low situations, I use BBF for all my photography and it is the best thing since sliced bread, I would recommend using BBF and I agree with what you are saying here in this video.
Hi Tony, Back button focus or the old hand cramp as its known. Moose Peterson and several other (old) pros don't use it. Try instead to set the rear( AF on) button to( Focus lock).. This way you will only be pushing two buttons for much less time, Give it a try , Much faster, no hand cramp, Something unexpected happens, only have to press the shutter button, not two buttons at the same time.. All the Best
redauwg911 Not a bad suggestion for this particular scenario. It would fail in macro and night photography scenarios, where you might only briefly AF and not want the AF system to kick in later. Whatever works!
Yes I’ve been doing this for years while being told I should back button focus. I don’t see how it’s any different than just holding af lock which is more intuitive to me. Sony eye af is the future anyways and this will essentially be a non issue in many situations.
I find it way easier to set the af-on button to "one shotai servo". So I can focus recompose as usual with the shutter release. And keep pushing the af-on when I need AI servo... I don't find it easy or natural to focus with another button than the shutter release. Another even better way for most people is to use AI Focus, which chooses for you One Shot or AI Servo. It works pretty well.
I have a question and I hope I can explain it right. I understand why you would use back button focus on sports, but why would you need it for say, portraits? When I can lock my auto focus on the subjects eyes in regular auto focus mode by holding down the shutter button and recompose the the shot.
With portrait lenses, say a 85/1.4 you can get VERY shallow DoF. You want perfect focus on the eye, and for that you need to adjust your focus point to the eye, instead of recomposing (since this will move your focus a few cm probably) and the same goes for you or your subject that might move a just ever so slightly in that time between focusing and recomposing (or just holding for the shot). With continous AF and selecting the proper AF spot you will increase your keeper rate very much. I do a lot of portraits with the 77mm F1.8 and this has helped me improve my keeper rate.
Thomas Ohlsson Yes! That makes it quite clear. On my macro's too the eye is very important in most of my shots. Like to keep them in focus. This is when shooting 1:2 If I go beyond into 1:1 or 2:1 that is a different ball game altogether.
I've been using back button af for more than a year, but never thought of keeping the camera on continuous focus at all times, so thanks, that would be helpful.
i really don't get why cant you do it with the half press shutter button too? i mean like,like the back button, just keep it on continuous focusing, and when you need it to be focused like one shot and recompose you can do it like u did at the beginning with the back button,and just follow her if you want continuous .... i would like a respond :) thanks
Amit H It's impossible to recompose with single focuspoint(or small group) and af-c on. If I focus on subject by half pressing shutter, recompose and press shutter again it throws focus to where ever focus point happens to be. When camera is focusing only by pressing af-on button you can focus on your subject, release af-on, recompose and press shutter button to take a correctly focused shot. If subject starts moving you just get focus point to your subject and hit af-on, keep it down and start taking photos while camera is constantly focusing. But (at least older) Nikons do not activate VR with af-on button. So you need to activate it by half pressing shutter button.
I was unaware of this technique until now. Thanks for sharing this tip. I do a lot of action photography (sports, dance, kids) so I know this will improve my photos and number of sale-able images.
Do you really need to take the focus off the shutter button? On my 70D, I just turn on AI Servo...select my AF mode, and then point the camera and press the AF On button...and hold it...then just use the shutter when I want the shot. I find this works even for stationary subjects...just pay attention to whether the image is in focus...but I still like having focus tied to the shutter button...I guess I'm trying to understand what I gain by not correcting focusing to the shutter button if I have an AF On back button...
The main advantage for me, is that it completely bypasses any focus hunting in situations where you're sure you have the right focus. With AF-ON I can just press my shutter on not worry. You can say that I could just put my lens in manual mode, but this way I have control of everything at my fingertips. It has really helped me a lot, especially with sports photography.
I have heard of back button focusing, but never understood it until you explained it on another video. Changed my photography. Thanks! Of all the photo channels I subscribe to I have learned more from Tony than anyone else. Tony is knowledgeable about the technical details and explains it is terms anyone can understand and Chelsea has a passion for the art of photography . Just a joy to watch your videos. Thank You!
I tried this and on my Nikon and it is worse than using the shutter button to focus. Doing it the usual way, I press the shutter button half way to focus. I can re-compose while holding the button. Pressing all the way takes the photo That is done using the same button. Doing it the back button focus way however, I press the AE-L/AF-L button and focus I have to hold this down to keep focus and have to press the shutter button to take the picture so I am now having to use two buttons when I used to only need one. Where's the sense in that? I have tried pressing the back button and taking my finger off but focus is lost. It would only make sense if the AE-L/AF-L button could be pressed once without having to hold it down. That may be possible on the Canon but it isn't on the Nikon. I don't see why I should use it just because everyone else is. I have a horrible feeling that I'm missing something here but I can't see it.
10 лет назад
The sense of that is that you can focus independently of taking pictures. You can keep auto-focus working (as long as you keep af-on button pressed), and press shutter to take photos immediately. When using half-shutter focus, camera will stop to AF after shot, it needs to focus again before you'll be able to take sharp photo. It's useful mostly for moving subjects, with static ones and recomposing that's only matter of different buttons used (at least for me). And the second reason, that was given in this video is that you don't need to switch between continuous and still AF modes. It took me a few weeks to get used to it in my case (and I'm shooting on Canon 550d, 30d and Nikon D90) but after that period of time I can't just use camera without this setting.
***** I have, since my first post, got a D3200 for Christmas and bought a 35mm lens for it. I have started using the rangefinder shooting mode which I find very accurate every time. Now I somehow find the back button focusing better. It confused me before but now I sort of get it.
***** Have you tried the rangefinder shooting mode? I couldn't get a sharp hand held picture at first when I got my 35mm and thought it was needing calibrated but when I tried the rangefinder mode, I could see the pores in the portrait of my wife. I won't be taking action shots so this suits me well.
***** My lens is fine. I think it was shaking hands that was the problem. The rangefinder mode on my camera has, in the viewfinder, a scale that shows which way to turn the lens.The correct focus shows as one mark each side instead of more to the left if it's back focused or more to the right if it's front focussed. For example, I I for correct, IIIIII I for back and I IIIIII for front focus. if it can't find focus, it shows marks at both sides IIIIII IIIIII Hope this makes sense.
So glad followed your advise to use BB Focus, except I enabled it and forgot, couple days later I picked up my camera and thought it was broken because it wouldn't focus, obviously I'm new at this, but thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy your book SDP!! Best money ever spent on photography lessons!
At the risk of sounding like a total smart ass I have to ask...if back button focusing is so amazing (and judging by the amount of videos/blog posts out there, it is) why does it not come as the default option by camera makers like Nikon/Canon? That's to say, why do you have to seek out and manually re-assign buttons to enable this functionality? I would assume they (the camera makers) would want everyone to be able to take the "best" photos possible and if this option enables the shooter to do so - why make it a hidden option?
Because when people set this up they DISABLE auto focus on the shutter button. Auto focus is then exclusively handled by the back button. If you ever learn to use back button focus you will understand that this (disabled auto focus on the shutter button) is the desired behavior. If camera makers sold cameras with auto focus on the shutter button already disabled they would get about 3,000,000 technical support calls complaining about their "broken" cameras.
Is there for you when you are ready for the next level :wink: . For a newbie, having less buttons to manage is the best. They are already overwhelmed by the fact that they keep in hands an advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Lol. Some people can't even see image is totally blurred, while they look through the camera. Having back button focus as default would not be possible.
I only have one back button, and I prefer to use it for exposure lock (spot metering). I tried the back button focus thing for a year, but went back to shutter focus as auto metering wasn't cutting it for my application. Another button (for me) would be more useful.
Hi, #1 - thanks for taking the time to explain that kind of stuff. #2 - regarding fast switching to continuous focussing mode: Canon cameras usually have user modes (on my 7D modes C1-C3). Use C1 for single shot, C2 for AF-C. Changing focus modes that way is very easy and super fast plus you get the bonus setting other camera parameters on top. If the change from AF-S to AF-C and back happens VERY frequently you might have the edge with back button focussing, but otherwise it comes down to personal preference I'd say. #3 - most dSLR cameras have a button layout, that works well if you are right-handed and you aim with your right eye. My aiming eye is the left one and I wear glasses. Try it: wear glasses and aim with your left eye. You'll absolutely start to HATE back button focussing because you have to clean your glasses a thousand times a day. Just my two cents, Th.
(Not so) Funny story. I've shot a t3i for a couple of years, but borrowed a 7D for a recent event. I kept wondering why the camera didn't seem to be focusing and I was missing shots...until I discovered it was set up for back-button focusing!!!! Arrgh! I now own that 7D and love it.
+Tony Northrup It was a bad joke, sorry.I never use that AF-ON button on my D800 cameras, I tried to use it, but I as I mainly use single AF mode, it is not very useful for me.
I have loved every single one of your videos that I have watched. You are both a great photographer, you are also a great teacher and you do a great job of producing your videos. Thank you for your hard work!
Famous bird photographer Art Morris (Birds as Art) gives the following reasons why he no longer uses Back Button Focus. Art was previously a promoter of BBF. "I stick with shutter button AF nearly full time. Why? 1-For flight and action photography and in all situation where you can get an AF point exactly where you want it on the subject (almost always that means on the same plane as the subject’s eye …) I find it a lot easier to do one thing (press the shutter button) than it is to do two things (press whichever rear button that you use to focus and then have to press the shutter button to make the image). 2- Some folks using rear focus develop thumb or wrist problems from having to “reach around the corner” to get to the AF-On button. That is why I used (and still use on occasion) the Star button for rear focus. 3- All AF points and all AF Area Selection modes are now available at f/8 with both camera bodies that I use, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. In most situations that makes it a lot easier to get an AF point exactly where you want it on the subject. 4- On all three of my camera bodies, I have assigned AF lock [AF Off] to the AF-On button. So if I am using shutter button AI Servo AF - as I now do 98% of the time - and need to focus on a subject in the corner of the frame, I acquire focus with the shutter button and then reach around the corner and press and hold the AF-On button. This locks the focus and essentially gives me the advantages of using rear focus (without ever having to change any of my settings). Do understand that this technique works best with your rig on a tripod or at least when your gear is well-supported by a railing or as a result of your using the knee-pod technique. If you are straight out hand holding there is a risk that even your tiniest movement will throw off the focus. The same of course is true whenever you are using either One-Shot AF or rear button focus … So yes, I now believe that shutter button AF is better than rear button AF at least 99% of the time 🙂 with love, artie"
I wholeheartedly disagree (unless you’re physically unable or being injured by using bbf) and don’t understand the “improvement” on some of those points, but whatever works for you, is what you should use, period. I can acquire and track on any part of the frame on my gen 1 a9, I’d assume most cameras can do that by now in 2024 ;)
Excellent photography tip. Sony cameras allow you to lock on a target all the same and recompose. They also have DMF and focus peaking which is very handy.
I had no idea that this feature existed, I now have back-button focusing setup on my camera (had to search the web to find the setting for it), this will make a large difference to the way I handle my camera, thanks.
I switched to using back button some time ago. I found that, for me, it took a bit of getting used to and I did miss a few shots to start with, but once I got the hang of it I never looked back. Great for wildlife.
Took me a second to set it on my 7D but once I did it it worked wonders capturing snow at 1/1000th fly off the sleigh. A great way to spend the east coast blizzard today shooting with back button
Dean Turner There are. It allows you to take photos without having to wait for the camera to refocus. Also, if you have a tricky subject to focus on, you know your camera will never mess up by focusing on the wrong thing.
Changed to this method last week. The best advice I've had in years! It was easy to adjust to it and more importantly the results are way better than I expected. I do just about 100% wildlife shots and using this method so far has given me a far better success rate for BIF shots. Can't see any reason why I'd change back.
I remember when I first found out about the Back-Button focusing. I absolutely fell in love, and it's so much easier for me to focus and keep my subject sharp. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
For those unclear on the main advantage: you can ALWAYS be in continuous focus mode with BBF (back button focus), but get the full advantages of both single and continuous focus modes, without needing to change modes. Another confusing thing is, you don’t generally have to “turn BBF mode on”… if your camera has a back focusing button, it is probably already on by default. Rather, you usually have to turn the shutter autofocus mode off. The problem with shutter focus is, if you focus and recompose in single focus mode, you have to literally change your focus mode to then use continuous focus. Conversely, If you want to use continuous focus, you can’t focus, re-compose (by taking your finger off the shutter button), and then shoot, as the camera will re-focus when you hit the shutter, which does actually cost a small amount of time, and may lead to the originally focused subject now being out of focus. The solution: 1)TURN OFF SHUTTER BUTTON AUTOFOCUS (the back focus button is usually defaulted to on if your camera has one, so you likely don’t have to adjust the back button setting). 2) SET YOUR CAMERA TO CONTINUOUS FOCUS. Now, If you acquire focus with the back button, even in continuous focus mode, and then let go of the button, and re compose, it will NOT re focus when you hit the shutter button, therefore giving the same freedom to focus and re-compose as single focus mode. This also gives more instantaneous response. Then, If you want to shoot with continuous focus, well, just hold the back button down and use the shutter button whenever you want, because you’re already in continuous focus mode! There may be some specialized situations in which shutter focus might be best, but I can’t think of any lol. However, here’s the only caveat: you usually do have to switch back to shutter focus for self timer shooting with autofocus. I put the AF with shutter button setting near the top of my custom menu, so I can easily turn it off when I need to use self timer with AF, it comes up several times a year for family photos when they want me in the picture for some reason ;) . If you use manual focus, this isn’t an issue, but I find letting the camera focus usually works well on self timer shots. I don’t shoot a lot of video, but that autofocus might be tied to the shutter button too. But for 99.9% of stills, BBF is the way to go.
Thank you so much Tony for your video's. I've been taking my share of average pictures sense the 1970's Kodak 110 to a Minolta X370, Nikon D80, D90, D7200 and have learned more from you in the past 2 months than I have on my own in the past 20 years. Oh yea, don't mind the RUclips trolls, I get them on my channel too. It's required. LOL
This was exactly what i needed to know. I wasn't sure about using back button focus and AI Servo for photographing people on a trapeze. Great useful video.
Okay I figured it out. You have to select AF-ON on your back button then you set to AF-C. So if you push and release its like AF-S it will hold focus where you set it. If you hold on the subject and push the back button continuously it will operate in AF-C mode. Yes this works well... I like it.
i watched this tutorial 5 times two years ago and didn't get it. I'm watching it again on 9/17/19 and I finally get it. This video assumes that you already know what the hell back button auto focus is - and the fact that it doesn't come standard on camera's. You have to enable it by turning off the autofocus on the shutter button!
I just bought my 80D the other day and have finally gotten to use it today. I switched to AI Servo as well as Back Button Focus and i have to say, it's opened up a new world. Throughout the day i still had held down the shutter button halfway out of habit but as soon as i realize it's not focusing my mind switches to the back button. I'll get it at some point! Now that the focusing system is out of the way, i've got to focus a bit more on my metering modes.
I used to shoot this way for the same reason. However, I have switched back, and re-assigned the DOF preview button to switch to AF Tracking while holding the button down. Single shot is far more accurate, especially with a nice 400mm f2.8. I do still use it to pause AF to recompose, or to refire a picture really quickly, like when i've already taken a photo of the bride and groom dancing, and waiting until he spins or kisses her, I pull the camera up to my face and press the AF stop and then shutter almost instantly. So I use it when i need to take a photo that's the same distance away as the last shot.
This is the best description of back button focusing I've seen yet. I have had my camera set to bbf because I was told it was the best way to focus but I really didn't understand why. Thanks for the simple explanation. I'm Subscribing today!:)
Tony & Chelsea, I love your vids. I hadn't had time to catch up on this one before today and I just want to say that last year a Nikon owner in our camera club gave this tip to us but it was good to see it from the Canon perspective this time. A couple of the club members said that they don't use the AF button. I started with that one, choosing the * instead. When I found that my thumb was always drifting towards the bigger, * button next to it, I, too, changed over to that one. I'm another one of the converted...
Thank you both for providing so much free information and tips. I ordered your book last night and can't wait till it arrives this Sunday. Best regards!
Thank you very much! I always see my friends use the back-button focus, and I thought it was weird to use 2 different buttons. They told me it was faster, but I felt slower when I tried. This video shows me the practicality of using the back button for AF.
You’ve solved my issues with continuously moving my focus box too got the proper composition. No I just back button focus on subject then get composition. Clever 🎉
I just recently started testing the back button focus after using front button focus for 20 years (professionally I might ad). Maybe it's because I'm not that used to it, but for me the front button feels alot faster, more accurate and more safe. Safe in the sense that you can't press the wrong button. Using the back focus button, there's more than one option and the statistics of failure is therefore higher. So, front button for me.
I have been shooting for over 30 years, but I only started using back-focus a couple of months ago... I never looked back since.... it's definitely the way to go ;)
Almost all the professional photographers that I know use this, and it makes one wonder why it isn't standard programming in all their SLR's. I guess Canon decided that beginners might not understand how to use what seems like an extra step. With consumer Canon cameras it means reprogramming one of the buttons, but it's generally easy. And it's nice that the button they use is in about the same place that a pro uses with his right thumb on the 1D line. I've been using this tip for 20 years, and the only time I have a slight problem is when I give my camera to a bystander to click a shot for me.
I use my back button focus to stop auto focus. Leaving my forefinger on shutter release to start focus and release my shutter. Using my thumb to stop focus recompose and continue shooting leaving my thumb free to move or adjust my focus point with my multi control dial/joystik on my 7d mii,5dsr or 1dx mii.
I use a 5D MKIII and there’s another method of getting the same thing. You can program the depth of field button to switch to continuous (servo) focus just while the button is down. I use it when photographing brides walking down the aisle. Otherwise, after all my experience without BBF, I’d be forgetting to press the back button to focus.
I'm a "normal" user and for me the traditional way is easier to handle when you gotta take quick shots. Stationary objects with the camera on a tripod I focus manually. Handheld I use Ai Servo all the time. But I've fiddled a bit arround with my Canon 60D and found this quite handy: -the AF-On button actually as "AF stop" So you're on Ai Servo all the time and can stop the AF on demand. Like setting the AF, recompose the frame and then press the AF-On & Shutter simultaniously. Suits me better. But thanks for the exlaination what this button can do - I had ignored it till now... ;-)
I have been using the back button focus on my Nikon D600 and have no desire to go back ! Oh and for those who like to focus&recompose... For your info you can still do this with the back button too.
in fact you have to. Otherwise it would refocus(if the button is still pressed). Tony Northrup it would've been nice if you said anything considering light metering of the camera and VR. For my D610 you can set the button for back focus to lock the lighting (in modes other than M, except for auto iso in manual). The VR starts working as soon as either the back button is fully or the shutter button is half way pressed. And you can also take the light meter reading in one direction (half way pressed shutter) then focus and recompose. carlismycat when you're using self timer or remote control keep in mind that you've got to turn off the AF on the lens/ camera body because it will otherwise focus which is especially annoying in night shots (think it's the same on your D600 as on my D610).
If you are like me and have to use your left eye on the viewfinder, a suitable back button may get in the way, or even poke you in the right eye (or smear your glasses). So on my Nikon D7200 that was too cramped. I therefore chose to assign the lower front function button for focus and use my right ring finger instead. Same idea, just a better placed button for me. Whatever button you choose, it works so much better than a shutter half press.
After doing copious amounts of research on the topic of back button focus, I remain perplexed about this function. First, it would be helpful to know that first, the Drive Mode "continuous shooting" needs to be selected, especially if a person is photographing subject matter as shown in your video involving a moving subject. Secondly, the second setting that needs to be selected would be the Al Servo focusing mode (single shot is not going to work?). My impression is that you cannot simply switch from a still, single photograph to a run of continuous shots without having the" Drive Mode" of the camera set for continuous shooting from the get go. Watching your video, after setting up for back button focusing, the first photo was two continuous shots. The second part was when you were holding down the back button auto focus button and shot a longer set of continuous shots. Therefore, it is a correct assumption that one must have the "Drive Mode" set to "Continuous" and the "Focus Mode" set to Al Servo in addition to holding down both the focus button and the shutter? Finally, apparently the back button function is incompatible with remote shutter release devices. With a remote shutter device, you an press the device half way, it will focus the image and then push it all the way to expose the image. This is something a landscape photographer would do, - yes? How would back button focusing be of assistance under these circumstances? From what little I have found online, using back button focus, the only feature that a remote device would remember is the metering. It would cancel out the remote device's ability to focus the lens. Thank you for listening.
To get the benefit of focus on shutter with single shot focusing and still being able to ai-servo focus occasionally set the DOF preview button to switch the camera to AI-Servo while you hold down the button. I know the feature exists on the 5D mark 3 but I'm not sure what other bodies have it.
After watching this vid for the first time, I immediately switched to Back-Button AF. I'm still getting a hang of it, but like it a lot better than half-shutter press.
Informative video. I had heard of back-button focus but never really tried it. Now I think I am sold. Mostly, I shoot trains and railroads, but I also have done my daughter's soccer games. I picked up an old 1990's era 70-210 3.5-4.5 USM (metal mount, distance scale, etc,) because I heard that it was almost as sharp as an L. The USM ring motor AF is lightning fast, but last season, it got few good shots with the half press shutter method. Probably 5 shots out of 100 were real keepers. Now, I want to go out and find some sports to shoot just to try the back button method. Plus, with a new body (650D) I can really improve my photography game. Thanks and I look forward to watching more of your material.
I think it's important to point out that for best results to set your camera to servo / continuous focus with back button focus. then when you want to do single shot, or focus recompose, you just let go of the focus button when you have focus achieved. I think it was implied in the video, but not really pointed out exactly the "let go". Also, if you want the ability to get the beep focus confirmation while using BB focus sometimes -maybe when you are in lower light- you can set (on a canon, anyway) the DOF preview button to toggle between continuous and single shot. You set your normal operating mode to continuous, but if you want the beep - you can hold the dof preview as well as the bb focus, and you are using single shot. To go back to continuous, just let go of the dof preview button. Pretty handy.
There's actually a few more alternative methods. 1. You could move the AF point. Depending on the camera that might be more or less of an option, on most good bodies it shouldn't be too hard to make the camera switch from single point AF to full grid AF with a single button press. 2. On a camera like the 7D2 you have the AF lever that you can customize to select between a variety of AF modes or groups. 3. Face Detection AF might be able to do the job reasonably well, keeping the shot focused on the batter the whole time.
One point you did not mention is separating the focus and the metering. If you want to focus on your daughters face in the batters box, she might not be framed well. And that different framing can affect the exposure. Say you have more sky in the picture when you focus on her face, but when you recompose you have less sky which will change your exposure. Using the back button focus you can get that face focused, recompose the shot and then press the shutter button to get the correct exposure of the shot composed like you would like it. In some situations the difference can be minimal. Others can make your exposures off enough to ruin the shot, especially if you shoot jpeg. I hope I explained it clearly. Thanks for the great videos and books. And not to get all weird, you are a very lucky man Tony. Your wife and family are very beautiful. Shoot on.
On Nikon cameras I've often noticed a higher miss-rate when shooting stationary objects with back button focusing compared to AF-S. AF-C just seems to hunt more and if you take the finger of at the wrong time you're not going to have the focus 100% spot on.
For those with a Fujifilm camera that want to know how to use Back-Button Focus, you have to do this (comment made by Arjay on fujix-forum): "In normal AF-S mode, you can lock focus to a previous measurement by using the AF-L button, but you'll need to take a focus measurement first by half-pressing the shutter button. Once you have taken the measurement and locked AF via the AF-L button, the shutter button will only take an exposure measurement on half-pressing, and the focus distance will remain constant. And, you can adjust the size of the focus window in AF-S mode"
Angelchildxx On my X-T1, I just put the body in MF mode and press the AF-On button... that button still works in MF mode. The ease of setting that up is one of my favorite things about that Fuji.
Tony Northrup yes, you're perfectly right, but maybe (correct me if I'm wrong) most of the time people use that button in AF-S mode...and btw this trick it's one thing I remembered watching this video so it was useful because I'm definitely going to get some practice with that next weekend with my x-e2 ;) thanks for your very very veeeery good and informative videos Tony!
I think it's superb for wildlife and I always have my digital cameras set up for BBF, but I find it much more useful on the 7DII than the 5DII or 5DIII. But again the cameras are primarily used for different purposes, the 7DII mainly used for whilst the 5DIII is used for landscapes and portraits.
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In 2019 do you still recommend back button focusing Tony?
GABRIEL CRAFT do u have any better idea plz show us
took me 30 mins to understand what's happening, but it hit hard. So you want to disable focusing with the shutter button and leave focusing for the back button, and while you hold it pressed in it's focusing constantly and when you let go it acts as if it's one shot and you can recompose
I get it now that you explained it!
Thanks for explaining what he couldn't!
So say I am using the back button AF to act as one-shot, do I just need to tap the AF button once in order to re-focus if I moved?
doesn't work that way for me lol at least not the when you let go part. it refocuses too fast too often
@@kefkapalazzo1 if it's assigned to back button it won't refocus until you continuously press back button
I got a 70D a few months ago, and when I got it I decided to try back button focusing so that I could learn it while I was learning my new camera. It has been an awesome change and it helps me in many different situations
The first time I saw this video, I didn't quite get it. This time I did. The reason is that when a novice like me watches and you say to press a button but don;t say when to release it, the novice doesn't know to release it. It doesn't matter in single focus but makes all the difference when you go to recompose in continuous focus.
I watched this video 3 times before I finally understood the purpose of back button focus and how he is able to take more photos. What he doesn't clearly articulate is that using back button focus enables the camera to switch focusing modes instantaneously. Most beginner's may not realize what he us talking about until they understand what a focusing mode is
I just started using back button focus (Been into the hobby a few months now) I'm missing a lot of focus because I simply forgot about it, but I can see why its so good, and I'm quite sure within a week or so I won't be messing up. Amazing channel, looking forward to picking up your video/book soon.
you have no idea how much you helped me out i was completely lost when i bought my first dslr after watching your videos and doing my own research and doing little tests to figure everything out im having people ask me how long i have been a photographer for when i tell them a little over 8 months they think im lying thank you so much for all your help and videos
I think the confusion people are having here and what is not mentioned in the video is you must disable auto focus on the shutter button as well other wise you are not able to recompose the shot with the same focus point as you will effectively re focus when you press the shutter button. Basically you are removing the focus function from the shutter button all together and solely using the back button to focus.
Johnny641 Right!
And how do you do that?
Tony & Chelsea Northrup so what happens if I disable focus on the normal shutter button and then just take pictures without pushing the new focus button?
Isnt back button focusing essentially doing that? Its separating the focus from the shutter. You just hold down BBF while in continuous and snap away
@Pew Pew Dave, you will get blurry photos if you don't press the new focus button. It takes some practice before you get used to it. I read that some people try it, don't like it, so they switch back to the default functionality.
About a year and a half ago, I first read about back button focus and didn't quite understand why I would want it. Then figured I would at least try it and if I didn't like it I could just switch back. Since switching to back button focus, I've never wanted to return to the old way of doing it. Love having my focusing separate from my shutter and metering.
I've been using back-button focus ever since I bought the book almost a month ago. I find it very convenient indeed! Although I do have to say that I've sometimes gotten blurry shots because after using single-shot focus-recompose for so long I've just forgotten to BBF sometimes :)
Hi Tony, this I first viewed in 2017 and started using it. I've never switched back. Thank you very much!!
that camera sound like AK 47
+Charles Sianturi
A camera that can shoot like an AK 47? must be the top of the range model
+RocketMan153251 lol
+RocketMan153251 Neither does and AK variant. I guess compared to an AR or .22 sure.
Why not. He's shooting pictures 😉
more like an airsoft gun
Since almost 4 weeks I'm working with Back-Button Focus. And I'm excited - it works fantastic! The first few days I had to change my thinking a bit, but now .. Also I'm much faster and more flexible.
Thanks for the tip Tony.
I have used back-button focusing since forever on my 20D. Almost 12 years and counting.
+corisco tupi I have that camera too and I'm about to change it, it's still a capable body :)
AndreCorner Yes, I just vcan't justify changing it while it works perfectly. Eventually its time will come, though. Cheers.
corisco tupi well for me it kinda is the time, I'm often shooting under conditions which the 20D struggles with A LOT, plus mine has some focus problem which is too pricey to repair right now compared to how old it is...and that's why I'm waiting for a bargain for the Nikon D750
AndreCorner Envy, envy! :-) I could use a 100% viewfinder (on a full-frame sensor at that, making it that much larger). I miss the old SLR large, very bright viewfinders. But I have not as yet made my mind if my next camera will be a full-frame, this would call for changing all my lenses except the 50mm. If I do go for it and changing all lenses is on the table, then I'd have no problem exploring, as you, other brands such as Nikon. It would actually be a good opportunity to reassess the market and get whatever camera seems best, has best reviews, etc, for a given price range.
corisco tupi I understand that, the fact I have no problems not only switching lenses but even system is the fact that I have the 70-300mm only which wasn't even bought by me and the other two are some lenses my friends borrowed so I don't have anything to change basically :)
set this up on both my cameras after watching this. can not believe! how much difference this made. should have done this along time ago. wont be able to use my camera for a few weeks, having operation on my shoulder. so i will be buying your book,and looking forward to learning a lot more. many thanks to you all for the best videos.
I prefer doing this 'inverted' - using the back button for AF-OFF so the shutter button still works as normal, and I can lock focus when I need it by holding the back button after focusing.
The best of both worlds!
You know, I’ve just read about this a few days now, and been back button focusing for a decade at least. Really not a bad idea, plus you don’t have to turn shutter AF back onto to use the self timer with AF. It also wouldn’t blow peoples’ freaking mind when I hand them my camera lol. I am an aging dog, but not too old to try a new trick. Anything to be lazier lol, with BBF you don’t need to change focus modes- With BB cancel-Focus, I still won’t, and might never have to open a menu again! 😂
@@NickWeissMusic Wow, this was a blast from the past :D Glad you liked it.
But then you would have to have AF-C on at all times, unless I misunderstood you.
@@Pawel-rv1ek No, the shutter button half press starts the AF, like normal factory settings
I use it all the time, as you said it's great for candid shots as you can lock your focus and wait for exactly the right moment. Plus if you're taking several shots of a group it's so much easier. I like your trick with the focus mode too. I must give that a try!
It's my fourth time watching this and I finally understand wtf bbf is useful for.
I saw a lot of videos on the subject, because for some reason they've bombarded me on facebook and youtube, so someone NEEDS me to learn it... but this is the first video I watch that actually SHOWS in practice how it's useful.
I started using it, because I got tired of that auto focus going into the background or just moving around before I take a photo. I loved it. Now I got to put the camera in continuous mode and I"m set.
@ rumvodkaf1 - Thank you...I thought it was just me. Wasn't until I started using BBAF that I had that "Ah ha" moment.
Wow. I've been shooting purely amateur family photos for about 10 years and have gotten (to my eye anyway) some amazing shots. But, focus on my Nikon D90 has always been too slow and, when shooting a sporting event with my grandchildren, staying in focus has always been a challenge. I caught your video by accident (RUclips suggested it for me) and just set up my D90 for back button. It's amazing and will be my focusing method from now on. Thanks very much for your great video - I just became a subscriber.
I can't want to start using my camera to it's full potential. Such a helpful video, thank you.
+Paula Chaplin glad to help!
+Tony Northrup planning to buy ur tutorials online from amazon
Pretty clever for this scenario. I love the satisfying beep and the red lighting of the focus point I'm using when in "one shot", I wish "ai servo" did the same thing. If that was the case I'd probably never use "one shot".
I just need something clarified. Watched the video like 10 times and I'm slowly grasping it. When the camera is in continuous focus mode and you're using BBF. While the girl is running towards you, do you have the AF on button held down? Or do you just hold it while she is on the mound to focus and then after that you just press the shutter button to take the photos? Thank you
Yeah, hold down the AF-On button when tracking a moving subject.
Tony & Chelsea Northrup
Do you need to be in AI-Servo mode? Or will holding down AF-On button only is sufficient?
When using separate focus button you should ideally select continuous focus mode (AI-Servo on Canon) so that the camera keeps adjusting the focus on the subject so long as that button is held down. For static subjects, you can let go when you have focus lock; you are then free to recompose your shot if needed.
Troy Bailey ,स;०;
Hi Tony I photograph professional and semi professional Basketball here in Australia, since I have been using the BBF it has made my shooting basketball a lot more easier, more so as I am shooting in low situations, I use BBF for all my photography and it is the best thing since sliced bread, I would recommend using BBF and I agree with what you are saying here in this video.
Hi Tony, Back button focus or the old hand cramp as its known. Moose Peterson and several other (old) pros don't use it. Try instead to set the rear( AF on) button to( Focus lock).. This way you will only be pushing two buttons for much less time, Give it a try , Much faster, no hand cramp, Something unexpected happens, only have to press the shutter button, not two buttons at the same time.. All the Best
redauwg911 Not a bad suggestion for this particular scenario. It would fail in macro and night photography scenarios, where you might only briefly AF and not want the AF system to kick in later. Whatever works!
That is a great suggestion for sports photography.
thats why i love the af hold button on most sony prime lenses so much! i used to keep shooting as usual and can easily hold the focus for few moments
Yes I’ve been doing this for years while being told I should back button focus. I don’t see how it’s any different than just holding af lock which is more intuitive to me. Sony eye af is the future anyways and this will essentially be a non issue in many situations.
I find it way easier to set the af-on button to "one shotai servo". So I can focus recompose as usual with the shutter release. And keep pushing the af-on when I need AI servo...
I don't find it easy or natural to focus with another button than the shutter release.
Another even better way for most people is to use AI Focus, which chooses for you One Shot or AI Servo. It works pretty well.
I have a question and I hope I can explain it right. I understand why you would use back button focus on sports, but why would you need it for say, portraits? When I can lock my auto focus on the subjects eyes in regular auto focus mode by holding down the shutter button and recompose the the shot.
With portrait lenses, say a 85/1.4 you can get VERY shallow DoF. You want perfect focus on the eye, and for that you need to adjust your focus point to the eye, instead of recomposing (since this will move your focus a few cm probably) and the same goes for you or your subject that might move a just ever so slightly in that time between focusing and recomposing (or just holding for the shot).
With continous AF and selecting the proper AF spot you will increase your keeper rate very much. I do a lot of portraits with the 77mm F1.8 and this has helped me improve my keeper rate.
Ok, thank you for explaining :)
Thomas Ohlsson Yes! That makes it quite clear. On my macro's too the eye is very important in most of my shots. Like to keep them in focus. This is when shooting 1:2 If I go beyond into 1:1 or 2:1 that is a different ball game altogether.
I've been using back button af for more than a year, but never thought of keeping the camera on continuous focus at all times, so thanks, that would be helpful.
i really don't get why cant you do it with the half press shutter button too?
i mean like,like the back button, just keep it on continuous focusing, and when you need it to be focused like one shot and recompose you can do it like u did at the beginning with the back button,and just follow her if you want continuous ....
i would like a respond :) thanks
Amit H It's impossible to recompose with single focuspoint(or small group) and af-c on. If I focus on subject by half pressing shutter, recompose and press shutter again it throws focus to where ever focus point happens to be.
When camera is focusing only by pressing af-on button you can focus on your subject, release af-on, recompose and press shutter button to take a correctly focused shot. If subject starts moving you just get focus point to your subject and hit af-on, keep it down and start taking photos while camera is constantly focusing.
But (at least older) Nikons do not activate VR with af-on button. So you need to activate it by half pressing shutter button.
+Timo Iivonen it's possible. Just rapidly press the shutter fully, it won't refocus. Atleast me with my d300 is capable of doing so.
+Timo Iivonen half press shutter button > focused > do not release button > recompose > push shutter button to the end. Done.
+Александр Лютый Doesn't work with continuous autofocus enabled. When you move your selected focus point half pressed camera refocuses.. so no go.
+Leonid Slauto Yeah... just yank the shutter. Gentle.
I was unaware of this technique until now. Thanks for sharing this tip. I do a lot of action photography (sports, dance, kids) so I know this will improve my photos and number of sale-able images.
Do you really need to take the focus off the shutter button? On my 70D, I just turn on AI Servo...select my AF mode, and then point the camera and press the AF On button...and hold it...then just use the shutter when I want the shot. I find this works even for stationary subjects...just pay attention to whether the image is in focus...but I still like having focus tied to the shutter button...I guess I'm trying to understand what I gain by not correcting focusing to the shutter button if I have an AF On back button...
The main advantage for me, is that it completely bypasses any focus hunting in situations where you're sure you have the right focus. With AF-ON I can just press my shutter on not worry. You can say that I could just put my lens in manual mode, but this way I have control of everything at my fingertips. It has really helped me a lot, especially with sports photography.
I have heard of back button focusing, but never understood it until you explained it on another video. Changed my photography. Thanks! Of all the photo channels I subscribe to I have learned more from Tony than anyone else. Tony is knowledgeable about the technical details and explains it is terms anyone can understand and Chelsea has a passion for the art of photography . Just a joy to watch your videos. Thank You!
thank you very much for all your videos!!!
+Tcheon K. You're welcome!
Thanks Tony. Your daughter is very good too and hits the ball very well for her age.
I tried this and on my Nikon and it is worse than using the shutter button to focus. Doing it the usual way, I press the shutter button half way to focus. I can re-compose while holding the button. Pressing all the way takes the photo That is done using the same button. Doing it the back button focus way however, I press the AE-L/AF-L button and focus I have to hold this down to keep focus and have to press the shutter button to take the picture so I am now having to use two buttons when I used to only need one. Where's the sense in that? I have tried pressing the back button and taking my finger off but focus is lost. It would only make sense if the AE-L/AF-L button could be pressed once without having to hold it down. That may be possible on the Canon but it isn't on the Nikon. I don't see why I should use it just because everyone else is. I have a horrible feeling that I'm missing something here but I can't see it.
The sense of that is that you can focus independently of taking pictures. You can keep auto-focus working (as long as you keep af-on button pressed), and press shutter to take photos immediately. When using half-shutter focus, camera will stop to AF after shot, it needs to focus again before you'll be able to take sharp photo. It's useful mostly for moving subjects, with static ones and recomposing that's only matter of different buttons used (at least for me). And the second reason, that was given in this video is that you don't need to switch between continuous and still AF modes.
It took me a few weeks to get used to it in my case (and I'm shooting on Canon 550d, 30d and Nikon D90) but after that period of time I can't just use camera without this setting.
*****
I have, since my first post, got a D3200 for Christmas and bought a 35mm lens for it. I have started using the rangefinder shooting mode which I find very accurate every time. Now I somehow find the back button focusing better. It confused me before but now I sort of get it.
***** Have you tried the rangefinder shooting mode? I couldn't get a sharp hand held picture at first when I got my 35mm and thought it was needing calibrated but when I tried the rangefinder mode, I could see the pores in the portrait of my wife. I won't be taking action shots so this suits me well.
***** My lens is fine. I think it was shaking hands that was the problem. The rangefinder mode on my camera has, in the viewfinder, a scale that shows which way to turn the lens.The correct focus shows as one mark each side instead of more to the left if it's back focused or more to the right if it's front focussed. For example, I I for correct, IIIIII I for back and I IIIIII for front focus. if it can't find focus, it shows marks at both sides IIIIII IIIIII Hope this makes sense.
JAZZ MAN so how will you recompose if the subject is moving? The point of the back button focus is your camera is in continous focussing mode..
There is a lot to learn about AF and AE. The Northrups so a great job in tutorials.
I like to back button focus because it sounds naughty.
Tony this was a fantastic demonstration of back button focus and why you should use it. I'm kind of new to this and this was so helpful!!
I use back-button-focus - never going back...!
: )
Thanks for sharing this great tip
So glad followed your advise to use BB Focus, except I enabled it and forgot, couple days later I picked up my camera and thought it was broken because it wouldn't focus, obviously I'm new at this, but thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy your book SDP!! Best money ever spent on photography lessons!
At the risk of sounding like a total smart ass I have to ask...if back button focusing is so amazing (and judging by the amount of videos/blog posts out there, it is) why does it not come as the default option by camera makers like Nikon/Canon? That's to say, why do you have to seek out and manually re-assign buttons to enable this functionality? I would assume they (the camera makers) would want everyone to be able to take the "best" photos possible and if this option enables the shooter to do so - why make it a hidden option?
Because when people set this up they DISABLE auto focus on the shutter button. Auto focus is then exclusively handled by the back button. If you ever learn to use back button focus you will understand that this (disabled auto focus on the shutter button) is the desired behavior.
If camera makers sold cameras with auto focus on the shutter button already disabled they would get about 3,000,000 technical support calls complaining about their "broken" cameras.
Is there for you when you are ready for the next level :wink: . For a newbie, having less buttons to manage is the best. They are already overwhelmed by the fact that they keep in hands an advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Lol. Some people can't even see image is totally blurred, while they look through the camera. Having back button focus as default would not be possible.
laszu yeah, look at all the garbage photos online...blurry AH.
I only have one back button, and I prefer to use it for exposure lock (spot metering). I tried the back button focus thing for a year, but went back to shutter focus as auto metering wasn't cutting it for my application. Another button (for me) would be more useful.
Hi,
#1 - thanks for taking the time to explain that kind of stuff.
#2 - regarding fast switching to continuous focussing mode: Canon cameras usually have user modes (on my 7D modes C1-C3). Use C1 for single shot, C2 for AF-C. Changing focus modes that way is very easy and super fast plus you get the bonus setting other camera parameters on top. If the change from AF-S to AF-C and back happens VERY frequently you might have the edge with back button focussing, but otherwise it comes down to personal preference I'd say.
#3 - most dSLR cameras have a button layout, that works well if you are right-handed and you aim with your right eye. My aiming eye is the left one and I wear glasses. Try it: wear glasses and aim with your left eye. You'll absolutely start to HATE back button focussing because you have to clean your glasses a thousand times a day.
Just my two cents,
Th.
the white jamie foxx lol
gavriloprinc Cesar Milan, Billy Bob Thornton... sure. But "White Jamie Foxx" is a first! :D
Tony Northrup
Tony Northrup is....THE CAMERA WHISPERER
(Not so) Funny story. I've shot a t3i for a couple of years, but borrowed a 7D for a recent event. I kept wondering why the camera didn't seem to be focusing and I was missing shots...until I discovered it was set up for back-button focusing!!!! Arrgh! I now own that 7D and love it.
Does that also works for manual focusing cameras ?
+Alex Abadi The camera needs an autofocus system.
+Tony Northrup It was a bad joke, sorry.I never use that AF-ON button on my D800 cameras, I tried to use it, but I as I mainly use single AF mode, it is not very useful for me.
+Alex Abadi I Wonder about your comment. Back button focus got manual focus?? Huh?
yes, works like a charm on my Kodak Brownie
Some very old nikon rangefinders have back button manual focus. But it is useless.
I have loved every single one of your videos that I have watched. You are both a great photographer, you are also a great teacher and you do a great job of producing your videos. Thank you for your hard work!
Famous bird photographer Art Morris (Birds as Art) gives the following reasons why he no longer uses Back Button Focus. Art was previously a promoter of BBF.
"I stick with shutter button AF nearly full time. Why?
1-For flight and action photography and in all situation where you can get an AF point exactly where you want it on the subject (almost always that means on the same plane as the subject’s eye …) I find it a lot easier to do one thing (press the shutter button) than it is to do two things (press whichever rear button that you use to focus and then have to press the shutter button to make the image).
2- Some folks using rear focus develop thumb or wrist problems from having to “reach around the corner” to get to the AF-On button. That is why I used (and still use on occasion) the Star button for rear focus.
3- All AF points and all AF Area Selection modes are now available at f/8 with both camera bodies that I use, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II. In most situations that makes it a lot easier to get an AF point exactly where you want it on the subject.
4- On all three of my camera bodies, I have assigned AF lock [AF Off] to the AF-On button. So if I am using shutter button AI Servo AF - as I now do 98% of the time - and need to focus on a subject in the corner of the frame, I acquire focus with the shutter button and then reach around the corner and press and hold the AF-On button. This locks the focus and essentially gives me the advantages of using rear focus (without ever having to change any of my settings). Do understand that this technique works best with your rig on a tripod or at least when your gear is well-supported by a railing or as a result of your using the knee-pod technique. If you are straight out hand holding there is a risk that even your tiniest movement will throw off the focus. The same of course is true whenever you are using either One-Shot AF or rear button focus …
So yes, I now believe that shutter button AF is better than rear button AF at least 99% of the time 🙂
with love, artie"
I wholeheartedly disagree (unless you’re physically unable or being injured by using bbf) and don’t understand the “improvement” on some of those points, but whatever works for you, is what you should use, period. I can acquire and track on any part of the frame on my gen 1 a9, I’d assume most cameras can do that by now in 2024 ;)
Love you Tony ! You are really soft and sweet spoken. So is Chelsea...
Excellent photography tip. Sony cameras allow you to lock on a target all the same and recompose. They also have DMF and focus peaking which is very handy.
I had no idea that this feature existed, I now have back-button focusing setup on my camera (had to search the web to find the setting for it), this will make a large difference to the way I handle my camera, thanks.
I switched to using back button some time ago. I found that, for me, it took a bit of getting used to and I did miss a few shots to start with, but once I got the hang of it I never looked back. Great for wildlife.
Took me a second to set it on my 7D but once I did it it worked wonders capturing snow at 1/1000th fly off the sleigh. A great way to spend the east coast blizzard today shooting with back button
I've seen a lot of hype about back button focusing, but this is the first video i found that actually gives a practical use for it.
Dean Turner There are. It allows you to take photos without having to wait for the camera to refocus. Also, if you have a tricky subject to focus on, you know your camera will never mess up by focusing on the wrong thing.
Tony, I set up my nikon d7000 to back focus and it works like a charm. . Thanks again. Victor.
Changed to this method last week. The best advice I've had in years! It was easy to adjust to it and more importantly the results are way better than I expected. I do just about 100% wildlife shots and using this method so far has given me a far better success rate for BIF shots. Can't see any reason why I'd change back.
I remember when I first found out about the Back-Button focusing. I absolutely fell in love, and it's so much easier for me to focus and keep my subject sharp. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
For those unclear on the main advantage: you can ALWAYS be in continuous focus mode with BBF (back button focus), but get the full advantages of both single and continuous focus modes, without needing to change modes.
Another confusing thing is, you don’t generally have to “turn BBF mode on”… if your camera has a back focusing button, it is probably already on by default. Rather, you usually have to turn the shutter autofocus mode off.
The problem with shutter focus is, if you focus and recompose in single focus mode, you have to literally change your focus mode to then use continuous focus. Conversely, If you want to use continuous focus, you can’t focus, re-compose (by taking your finger off the shutter button), and then shoot, as the camera will re-focus when you hit the shutter, which does actually cost a small amount of time, and may lead to the originally focused subject now being out of focus.
The solution:
1)TURN OFF SHUTTER BUTTON AUTOFOCUS (the back focus button is usually defaulted to on if your camera has one, so you likely don’t have to adjust the back button setting).
2) SET YOUR CAMERA TO CONTINUOUS FOCUS.
Now, If you acquire focus with the back button, even in continuous focus mode, and then let go of the button, and re compose, it will NOT re focus when you hit the shutter button, therefore giving the same freedom to focus and re-compose as single focus mode. This also gives more instantaneous response. Then, If you want to shoot with continuous focus, well, just hold the back button down and use the shutter button whenever you want, because you’re already in continuous focus mode!
There may be some specialized situations in which shutter focus might be best, but I can’t think of any lol. However, here’s the only caveat: you usually do have to switch back to shutter focus for self timer shooting with autofocus. I put the AF with shutter button setting near the top of my custom menu, so I can easily turn it off when I need to use self timer with AF, it comes up several times a year for family photos when they want me in the picture for some reason ;) . If you use manual focus, this isn’t an issue, but I find letting the camera focus usually works well on self timer shots. I don’t shoot a lot of video, but that autofocus might be tied to the shutter button too. But for 99.9% of stills, BBF is the way to go.
Thank you so much Tony for your video's.
I've been taking my share of average pictures sense the 1970's Kodak 110 to a Minolta X370, Nikon D80, D90, D7200 and have learned more from you in the past 2 months than I have on my own in the past 20 years. Oh yea, don't mind the RUclips trolls, I get them on my channel too. It's required. LOL
This was exactly what i needed to know. I wasn't sure about using back button focus and AI Servo for photographing people on a trapeze. Great useful video.
Okay I figured it out. You have to select AF-ON on your back button then you set to AF-C. So if you push and release its like AF-S it will hold focus where you set it. If you hold on the subject and push the back button continuously it will operate in AF-C mode. Yes this works well... I like it.
i watched this tutorial 5 times two years ago and didn't get it. I'm watching it again on 9/17/19 and I finally get it. This video assumes that you already know what the hell back button auto focus is - and the fact that it doesn't come standard on camera's. You have to enable it by turning off the autofocus on the shutter button!
Great suggestion. I've known about that button, but never thought about how I'd actually use it. On my way to make some changes now.
I just bought my 80D the other day and have finally gotten to use it today. I switched to AI Servo as well as Back Button Focus and i have to say, it's opened up a new world. Throughout the day i still had held down the shutter button halfway out of habit but as soon as i realize it's not focusing my mind switches to the back button. I'll get it at some point! Now that the focusing system is out of the way, i've got to focus a bit more on my metering modes.
I used to shoot this way for the same reason. However, I have switched back, and re-assigned the DOF preview button to switch to AF Tracking while holding the button down. Single shot is far more accurate, especially with a nice 400mm f2.8. I do still use it to pause AF to recompose, or to refire a picture really quickly, like when i've already taken a photo of the bride and groom dancing, and waiting until he spins or kisses her, I pull the camera up to my face and press the AF stop and then shutter almost instantly. So I use it when i need to take a photo that's the same distance away as the last shot.
I've just turned back button focus on. And i'm trying it out and it seems nice and convenient so far.
This is the best description of back button focusing I've seen yet. I have had my camera set to bbf because I was told it was the best way to focus but I really didn't understand why. Thanks for the simple explanation. I'm Subscribing today!:)
Tony & Chelsea, I love your vids. I hadn't had time to catch up on this one before today and I just want to say that last year a Nikon owner in our camera club gave this tip to us but it was good to see it from the Canon perspective this time. A couple of the club members said that they don't use the AF button. I started with that one, choosing the * instead. When I found that my thumb was always drifting towards the bigger, * button next to it, I, too, changed over to that one. I'm another one of the converted...
Thank you both for providing so much free information and tips. I ordered your book last night and can't wait till it arrives this Sunday. Best regards!
Thanks Tony and family. I have just started and you both help alot with us newbies.
Thank you very much! I always see my friends use the back-button focus, and I thought it was weird to use 2 different buttons. They told me it was faster, but I felt slower when I tried. This video shows me the practicality of using the back button for AF.
Aziz
Probably the best tip I have gotten in a long long time. Thank you. It has changed my photography for the better!
You’ve solved my issues with continuously moving my focus box too got the proper composition. No I just back button focus on subject then get composition. Clever 🎉
I just recently started testing the back button focus after using front button focus for 20 years (professionally I might ad). Maybe it's because I'm not that used to it, but for me the front button feels alot faster, more accurate and more safe. Safe in the sense that you can't press the wrong button. Using the back focus button, there's more than one option and the statistics of failure is therefore higher. So, front button for me.
It's so big!
The possibility! The possibilities are so big with back button focus!
It really makes the camera a lot easier to use ... I've been using this technique for over a year and I would never dream of going back.
I have been shooting for over 30 years, but I only started using back-focus a couple of months ago... I never looked back since.... it's definitely the way to go ;)
Almost all the professional photographers that I know use this, and it makes one wonder why it isn't standard programming in all their SLR's. I guess Canon decided that beginners might not understand how to use what seems like an extra step. With consumer Canon cameras it means reprogramming one of the buttons, but it's generally easy. And it's nice that the button they use is in about the same place that a pro uses with his right thumb on the 1D line. I've been using this tip for 20 years, and the only time I have a slight problem is when I give my camera to a bystander to click a shot for me.
I use my back button focus to stop auto focus. Leaving my forefinger on shutter release to start focus and release my shutter. Using my thumb to stop focus recompose and continue shooting leaving my thumb free to move or adjust my focus point with my multi control dial/joystik on my 7d mii,5dsr or 1dx mii.
You can set the depth of preview button on the 5D MKiv to toggle one shot/ai servo when you hold it. It’s very powerful.
I use a 5D MKIII and there’s another method of getting the same thing. You can program the depth of field button to switch to continuous (servo) focus just while the button is down. I use it when photographing brides walking down the aisle. Otherwise, after all my experience without BBF, I’d be forgetting to press the back button to focus.
I'm a "normal" user and for me the traditional way is easier to handle when you gotta take quick shots. Stationary objects with the camera on a tripod I focus manually. Handheld I use Ai Servo all the time. But I've fiddled a bit arround with my Canon 60D and found this quite handy:
-the AF-On button actually as "AF stop"
So you're on Ai Servo all the time and can stop the AF on demand. Like setting the AF, recompose the frame and then press the AF-On & Shutter simultaniously. Suits me better. But thanks for the exlaination what this button can do - I had ignored it till now... ;-)
Thank you: I watched this video about 6 months ago and it changed my photography forever!
+Matt Butchers Glad to help!
I have been using the back button focus on my Nikon D600 and have no desire to go back ! Oh and for those who like to focus&recompose... For your info you can still do this with the back button too.
in fact you have to. Otherwise it would refocus(if the button is still pressed).
Tony Northrup it would've been nice if you said anything considering light metering of the camera and VR. For my D610 you can set the button for back focus to lock the lighting (in modes other than M, except for auto iso in manual). The VR starts working as soon as either the back button is fully or the shutter button is half way pressed.
And you can also take the light meter reading in one direction (half way pressed shutter) then focus and recompose.
carlismycat when you're using self timer or remote control keep in mind that you've got to turn off the AF on the lens/ camera body because it will otherwise focus which is especially annoying in night shots (think it's the same on your D600 as on my D610).
If you are like me and have to use your left eye on the viewfinder, a suitable back button may get in the way, or even poke you in the right eye (or smear your glasses). So on my Nikon D7200 that was too cramped. I therefore chose to assign the lower front function button for focus and use my right ring finger instead. Same idea, just a better placed button for me. Whatever button you choose, it works so much better than a shutter half press.
After doing copious amounts of research on the topic of back button focus, I remain perplexed about this function. First, it would be helpful to know that first, the Drive Mode "continuous shooting" needs to be selected, especially if a person is photographing subject matter as shown in your video involving a moving subject. Secondly, the second setting that needs to be selected would be the Al Servo focusing mode (single shot is not going to work?). My impression is that you cannot simply switch from a still, single photograph to a run of continuous shots without having the" Drive Mode" of the camera set for continuous shooting from the get go. Watching your video, after setting up for back button focusing, the first photo was two continuous shots. The second part was when you were holding down the back button auto focus button and shot a longer set of continuous shots. Therefore, it is a correct assumption that one must have the "Drive Mode" set to "Continuous" and the "Focus Mode" set to Al Servo in addition to holding down both the focus button and the shutter?
Finally, apparently the back button function is incompatible with remote shutter release devices. With a remote shutter device, you an press the device half way, it will focus the image and then push it all the way to expose the image. This is something a landscape photographer would do, - yes? How would back button focusing be of assistance under these circumstances? From what little I have found online, using back button focus, the only feature that a remote device would remember is the metering. It would cancel out the remote device's ability to focus the lens.
Thank you for listening.
thanks ,tried this in the past but wasn't sure but after your great explanation i'm sold !
To get the benefit of focus on shutter with single shot focusing and still being able to ai-servo focus occasionally set the DOF preview button to switch the camera to AI-Servo while you hold down the button. I know the feature exists on the 5D mark 3 but I'm not sure what other bodies have it.
I love BBF for everything even portraits 😍
After watching this vid for the first time, I immediately switched to Back-Button AF. I'm still getting a hang of it, but like it a lot better than half-shutter press.
Informative video.
I had heard of back-button focus but never really tried it. Now I think I am sold. Mostly, I shoot trains and railroads, but I also have done my daughter's soccer games. I picked up an old 1990's era 70-210 3.5-4.5 USM (metal mount, distance scale, etc,) because I heard that it was almost as sharp as an L. The USM ring motor AF is lightning fast, but last season, it got few good shots with the half press shutter method. Probably 5 shots out of 100 were real keepers.
Now, I want to go out and find some sports to shoot just to try the back button method. Plus, with a new body (650D) I can really improve my photography game.
Thanks and I look forward to watching more of your material.
I think it's important to point out that for best results to set your camera to servo / continuous focus with back button focus. then when you want to do single shot, or focus recompose, you just let go of the focus button when you have focus achieved. I think it was implied in the video, but not really pointed out exactly the "let go". Also, if you want the ability to get the beep focus confirmation while using BB focus sometimes -maybe when you are in lower light- you can set (on a canon, anyway) the DOF preview button to toggle between continuous and single shot. You set your normal operating mode to continuous, but if you want the beep - you can hold the dof preview as well as the bb focus, and you are using single shot. To go back to continuous, just let go of the dof preview button. Pretty handy.
Ron Inabinett I don't know how to get to that setting in my 7d mark2. How do I find servo/continuous focus?
wow thank you so much! I take photos of cars and just got my first DSLR, and its so useful when they are moving
There's actually a few more alternative methods.
1. You could move the AF point.
Depending on the camera that might be more or less of an option, on most good bodies it shouldn't be too hard to make the camera switch from single point AF to full grid AF with a single button press.
2. On a camera like the 7D2 you have the AF lever that you can customize to select between a variety of AF modes or groups.
3. Face Detection AF might be able to do the job reasonably well, keeping the shot focused on the batter the whole time.
Exactly. This back button focus method may have been useful before touch screen focus point adjustment but now, it’s redundant
@@DrRussell That might be true if you only shoot in LV mode. But in VF mode, BBF is a godsend.
It's down to shooting style and personal preference.
One point you did not mention is separating the focus and the metering. If you want to focus on your daughters face in the batters box, she might not be framed well. And that different framing can affect the exposure. Say you have more sky in the picture when you focus on her face, but when you recompose you have less sky which will change your exposure. Using the back button focus you can get that face focused, recompose the shot and then press the shutter button to get the correct exposure of the shot composed like you would like it. In some situations the difference can be minimal. Others can make your exposures off enough to ruin the shot, especially if you shoot jpeg. I hope I explained it clearly. Thanks for the great videos and books. And not to get all weird, you are a very lucky man Tony. Your wife and family are very beautiful. Shoot on.
Great tip good even for set up shots focus once and then take as many pictures as you want knowing the focus will not move.
Innerlightuk Yeah, it's great for night photography, too.
Thank you! You two are inspiring me - and helping me -
to be a better photographer!
On Nikon cameras I've often noticed a higher miss-rate when shooting stationary objects with back button focusing compared to AF-S. AF-C just seems to hunt more and if you take the finger of at the wrong time you're not going to have the focus 100% spot on.
I have seen so many videos on this but I finally understand now. THANK YOU!!!
For those with a Fujifilm camera that want to know how to use Back-Button Focus, you have to do this (comment made by Arjay on fujix-forum):
"In normal AF-S mode, you can lock focus to a previous measurement by using the AF-L button, but you'll need to take a focus measurement first by half-pressing the shutter button. Once you have taken the measurement and locked AF via the AF-L button, the shutter button will only take an exposure measurement on half-pressing, and the focus distance will remain constant. And, you can adjust the size of the focus window in AF-S mode"
Angelchildxx On my X-T1, I just put the body in MF mode and press the AF-On button... that button still works in MF mode. The ease of setting that up is one of my favorite things about that Fuji.
Tony Northrup yes, you're perfectly right, but maybe (correct me if I'm wrong) most of the time people use that button in AF-S mode...and btw this trick it's one thing I remembered watching this video so it was useful because I'm definitely going to get some practice with that next weekend with my x-e2 ;) thanks for your very very veeeery good and informative videos Tony!
I think it's superb for wildlife and I always have my digital cameras set up for BBF, but I find it much more useful on the 7DII than the 5DII or 5DIII. But again the cameras are primarily used for different purposes, the 7DII mainly used for whilst the 5DIII is used for landscapes and portraits.
I did this when I bought my Nikon D7100, The best thing i ever did.
I've used the DOF preview button to engage the AI servo works just as well. Just an alternative for folks that want to use that approach.