So you dont like back button focus because the ergonomics, so the problem is ergonomics in big cameras not back button focusing. Second reason you consider it less intuitive well just some practice and you got it. I think is much dificult to coordinate two fingers for focusing one to activate, one to disengage focus; adding the process of giving oposite order to one finger against the other. I consider much easy and intuitive one finger engage and disengage focus.
nice tuto. I have a a7iv and hesitated. does canon AF-ON disengaged means it is af-c/MF toggle button ? so, being in MF you have peaking dipslayed, you can magnify what you focus with zoom button,... ?
I don't have manual focus peaking on this camera. The way i shot here, yes essentially.. when not pressed its AF-C. When pressed it locks so kind of manual focus.
BBF seems like a useful tool... But I don't think it will work when trying to get a self-timer 2second or 10second shot... unless you somehow focus on a person in advance where you will be during the shot. Am I missing something here?
I actually love shooting with BOTH methods and regularly switch between them. BBF is more efficient for lots of situations, but for pure run-and-gun style shooting, I get a lot of mileage switching to shutter focus. The way my D850 is set up, it takes seconds to switch between the two methods. I have multiple Custom Settings Banks and two specifically dedicated to these two ways of shooting. So depending on the situation, I just hit the "i" button on the back to choose between A or B and my camera is instantly re-configured. For me, each method requires more than just changing the shutter and AF-ON button functions, and so, when I realized my camera had the ability to switch everything instantly, I found this to be the best of both worlds. Switching between focusing methods may initially screw with your brain. People like consistent ways of operating their camera so it's not be for everyone, but personally I love the flexibility.
Between the hair trigger on my old D7100 and a slight tremor in my hands, the half press shutter resulted in LOTS of misfires. BBF has been a bit of a life saver for me. Different strokes and all that!
So if you disengage focus by releasing the bbf and bird move a bit forward or backward, is that mean camera keeps focus on this point or only in one place?
Very glad I found this! I've been shooting wildlife with Canon cameras for 20 years and I tried a stint with BBF a few years back but it didn't stick for some of the reasons you mentioned. I do mostly insect photography often with subjects moving quickly and erratically and a lot of times only one shot out of 50 comes out acceptable. So despite its benefits, the extra moments required for my brain to pull off BBF frustrated me and I stopped after a few days. This is the best of both worlds for when the subject settles down for a second. Thank you!
I actually like this technique better than BBF. I found an article about Debunking BBF: www.essence-of-light.com/debunking-back-button-autofocus/ BBF was invented back in the days when lenses and cameras were awfully slow to focus. With BBF, you have to hold down 2 buttons most of the time, probably 80-90%. BBF makes sense for shooting portraits, but not wildlife photography, in my opinion.
I am absolutely with you mate. I think I remember trying it for about 5 minutes a couple of decades ago and quickly realised it's not for me. I completely agree with all the reasons you don't use it. I spent 30 years as a news photographer, 11 as a war photographer in Afghanistan, and there is no way on Gods green earth I was going to spend even a few extra tenths of a second for each shot while out on the front lines. I couldn't imagine having to go through a procedure to take an image.
Your method makes perfect sense to me too. I never got comfy with BBF, too often I would forget to press it when needed - and get an out of focus shot.
Your method makes a lot of sense to me! Keeps it easier most of the time when your hands are full, and then when you have the time to recompose you can also take the trouble to press an extra button. I'll try to move from simple shutter AF-C to your technique because even as a beginner I'm occasionally struggling with recomposition, and switching to AF-S in a pinch is a no go. Many thanks!
I love it!! It does make a lot of scenes, with BBF your finger is on the BBF button until you need to take the shot, your way you only need to hit the button once the subject had positioned its self. I will have to try this. I am a Nikon shooter and when I had my D7100 I tried BBF but didn’t like it. I felt it was uncomfortable to use. Once I got the D750 I tried it again. The body of the camera is bigger than the D7100 and the button for BBF was in a better position, so now I use BBF all the time. I use it so much that when I used my friend’s camera, I tried to get it to focus but it wouldn’t then he reminded me to push the other button lol. Anyway, I do like your idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Stephen. Nice that you agree with me! If BBF works for you then no reason to switch, but this might work for you too. Many thanks for such a thoughtful comment.
I have it set for one of my custom options on my 80D. The smaller body makes its use perhaps more comfortable than your larger body. I find it handy for when a small bird is visible through dense foliage. I get the bird in focus and then don't find the focus changing every time my aim changes or the wind blows a branch in the way. I also use it when I am using hand-held and waiting on a distant perched bird to do something. I lock focus, then I can quickly push the shutter when action happens and and don't have to wait for the lens to grab focus if I have let my aim stray. But whatever works for you is the best. I tend to use it with telephoto shots and for closeups of flowers. Otherwise I just pop into AV, TV or M to get what I want. No single tool works all the time. But thanks for letting your experience be expressed and for offering another option.
There's some good techniques there John. I actually prefer 'One Shot' focus if I'm concentrating on just portraits - I can then achieve the same result though foliage, or sometimes I would actually switch to manual. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this - I think others will find your information very valuable. Cheers,
That's an interesting and valid alternative to conventional BBF, thanks for sharing. One aspect that always seems to be neglected is that using conventional focusing, using the shutter button, can result in accidental shots, either through a shutter button that fires too easily or a lack of sensitivity in the shooting finger! That is a problem I had with a couple of Nikon cameras, so I used BBF for quite a while. Since moving to a Sony A9, I find that I can focus using the shutter button and clearly feel the right pressure to focus without shooting, so I'm currently using the traditional method. I do, however, miss that easy focus and recompose facility that BBF gave me! I totally agree that you should use whatever method you are comfortable with.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tom. very valid points indeed. I've never actually had that accidental trigger problem myself - only very rarely. You're right though, it can happen for sure.
Hi Paul thanks for the tube - I like the ole way of focusing & dont do mucb bird or wildlife - if I do I will try BBF - What I do do is ND filter work and your idea seems brilliant - currently I set tripod & AF then switch off AF on lens and apply NDs just gone over to magnetic (brill) Thanks to you I will now focus Press the AF to disengage and hopefully a method is born ! Pete
I'm with you on this in terms of the comfort and my brain! However, I just got a Canon R6 Mark II and I would like to set it up with just using the shutter button with eye tracking, and then using the AF or * button for stationary subjects. Can you please explain how you program the camera for this method. Thanks!
Great way to use the focus system the other way around, I will give it a try, I just found that couple of possible issues with it, but still want to give it a try. One of the possible issues I see is that in case your lenses is not really good at low light or possible you are a beginner, this lenses can really struggle, and having a long lens (in my experience a 75-300mm f4-5.6) looking constantly for focus can be really messy and annoying. Other than that I think it can work, I personally like the BBF method and most likely will stick to it. Great content, thanks
how I see BBF is just OLD school for cameras with less focus points, new cameras like mine has almost 6000points no need that at all, but If you want to "recompose" using one point AF instead to touch your screen and drag your finger what is quick and easy, I think your option is better instead to using complicated methods. thanks for your video!
Hello! So, for this usage you have to keep your index finger halfway engaged all the time to continuously autofocus, take your shots when you want, and then return to the halfway position again without releasing the shutter button all the way, right?
BBC is very handy in wildlife work when there are branches between you and the subject. Once focus is locked on you can release AF-ON and recompose to your heart's content for several shots with no fear that the camera will refocus. Each to his own though. That's part of the fun of photography.
For simple use: no servo, one shutter button, joystick 🕹 (no bb) Works for many cases. Until you try to catch a fly 🪰. I programmed my AF-ON button to do bbf eye detection though, and * to switch to servo, yet use one shotter button to do metering and AF (default). So I guess I use both worlds.
The mere fact the photographer uses the lemon squeeze technique a world class target shooter applies with his handgun when applying BBF should be proof enough that it is better than pushing down on one side of your camera.
I agree with you completely. I hate BBF because being a creature of habit I always forget to focus when I'm in a hurry and a possible good photo becomes a crap photo. Leaving the camera as god or Canon intended the focus is achieved automatically when taking the shot.
Being as awkward as I am I have different systems on different cameras, the one thing you’re told never to do. I use BBF on my 7DII which is my primary wildlife camera. However, I have never set it up on my 5DIII, which is my primary landscape camera. I do find it a lot easier for ripping off a few action shots, and for me I think there’s more control over the number of frames I take. However, I also find it gets in the way for taking sharp landscapes as you either have to use a cable or have two buttons to press that can increase the possibility of unintentional camera movement. I do use several different systems though, using the Bronica for landscapes and other film cameras. So maybe it isn’t as alien to me to use different setups. Another great video Paul, thank you for posting it.
Wow, that's a lot of systems Mark! I used to love my Bronica - should really get one and give it a go again one day. I can see the benefits of BBF in theory, just doesn't seem to work for me. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. Cheers,
I’m using BBF at the moment, you state it can’t be used unless using focus tracking mode, this is wrong, it can be used in any focus mode ( I use a Sony mirrorless), it’s especially good for landscapes and moving the point of focus when focus stacking. There is no right or wrong, appreciate you showing the alternative.
I have been working wirh back button focus as well. I mistly use it whe shooting through deprha of folioge. I use the af to of servo as I manually fix focus. Have not fotten rje preas on back and then rhe shutter button quick enough for my comfort.
BBAF Negatives 1)Engages the thumb which otherwise is essential for changing the exposure comp, 2)Discomfort -as Paul pointed out prolonged use of BBAF can cause strain on the thumb, 3)Can miss critical moments -again as Paul pointed out, focusing and then releasing shutter will take a fraction of second longer, 4)Usability of the front Fn(Pv) buttons are hindered, suppose you want the front buttons(Fn/Pv) to just change the AF Area Mode (Say from singe AF pt to something larger) and not start AF then you must hit the front button then the AF-on button and finally the shutter button, coordinating 3 buttons is a lot of work...
I use BBF for wildlife and prefer it. I like it also because I can focus manually whenever I want without risk of the shutter button refocusing by just lifting my thumb. I know of several wildlife togs who us The alternative method of AF Off/stop - very few who leave focus enabled on the shutter button - whatever works and is comfortable I guess!
Hi Paul. Totally agree with you. Can't see the point of BBF, it's just creating more, and potentially unnecessary, work. Keep it simple, ie one button, less chance of something going wrong and missing the shot. As far as recomposing is concerned, isn't that where post processing cropping comes in? Enjoy your vids, keep em coming👍
Thanks for the support! Most people seem to prefer back button these days, but agree with what you’ve said. For composition, yes you can do afterwards, but to get the most out of the file it’s better in camera... depends what you will do with the image, I do crop a little sometimes afterwards.
get video! As a beginner, BBF can cause problems. In a rush to focus I was pushing the wrong back button and missed my shot. I'll try this method. Thank you
Not often I would disagree with you Paul, but on this one occasion I'm afraid I have to! Maybe the button on a Nikon D850 is slightly better positioned? Maybe its because I'm new to this type of photography and started using BBF from the start and have got so used to it. But, rest assured, I am still subscribed!
Thanks for the video. Small hands, comfort, speed. Experience of losing photos with back button focus. l am feel more stable system when using one button for shut and focus. Still trying BBF :)
All the videos on BBF changing one's life is so weird. Been using the AE lock button to switch between one shot/servo for years then tried the BBF for a week and it didn't live up to the hype probably because my pointer finger naturally associates with focusing. The biggest issue I have with the videos is they're teaching the method of AF lock then recompose with telephoto lenses that naturally have a *shallower DOF. The slight shift from your focus plane creates an out of focus shot that's doing no justice to what could have been an amazing photo if the user just selected the correct focus point. There's a lot of amazing technology out there that makes our life easier, but with that technology creates a more competitive field. Learning the basics seem to be lost on us the more convenient camera's become. Rant over. Now let me go batch process my field trip photos with my ultra high pass filter action I just created.
Very good point there. I have found off centre focus points can be unreliable (on DSLR) and sometimes recompose with the centre one. But I have absolutely asked the same question - does this method affect the accuracy of focus? I'm really not sure but it's worth discussing.
Hi Paul, you're definitely right in saying try these methods and then find one that works for you. I tied back button focus for a while but found it uncomfortable. I now use my Fn button on the front of my Nikon for focusing as I found my finger naturally sat there anyway. Great talking point.
Re your first objection to BBF: why not just program BBF to the AE Lock button? At least in the 5DM4, the AF-Lock and AE Lock buttons have the same available functions; I presume the 1DX2 does as well. Not trying to convert you, just asking. Thanks.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography In that case, just program AE Lock to the AF On button. Again, I presume you can, since I can with my 5DM4. I find it easier to track moving objects like BIF with BBF in AI Servo and burst modes. I get focus then keep the button down with my thumb as I pan to follow the animal or bird.
I use BBF and the way I have it set up gives me three options, one is manual focus (don't press the button) handy for when the bird or beastie is among foliage that is giving the AF problems. Second is single point AF on the AF on button which I use when the bird is flying against a busy background. Third is group or zone focus programmed to the AE lock button which I use when the bird is flying against the sky so there is nothing to confuse the auto focus. This means that I can quickly change focus modes as the background changes, it's just a matter of moving my thumb.
Re. your "comfort" argument, you just have a poorly designed camera from an ergonomic viewpoint. Example of camera manufacturer providing box ticking functions without taking into account how features are actually used.
Been using this for many years but somehow I realize during a shoot, my thumb is really stressed me and not comfortable for long use. Thats why I like this method
I like your view on BBF. As a reporter by a newspaper I have to be quick and in the same time i need a good composition. So... your video was/is a great help for me!
From my earliest days of photography, I always used manual focus and assigned auto focus to a back button. Never found a reason to do things differently. Now I use one back button to do a quick autofocus and another to do continuous autofocus. I don't take the same types of photos you do, so your way doesn't make sense for me. But it does make sense for the photos you take. One thing we should all agree on is, silent mode should be 1) on all cameras and 2) truly silent. I hate the sound. Eats up battery juice and it's lacking in discretion.
I agree 100% with your video. I feel the same way. There are different advantages to shooting back button but I just cannot get past having to press two buttons to take my shot!
I much prefer the regular half shutter to focus, but BBF allows me to have manual control of focus without putting the lens to MF. I can keep the lens' switch on AF and still have manual control when BBF is enabled, so no fumbling for that focus switch in a critical moment that AF isn't locking on a target. Regular shutter is more comfortable for me tho, but I can deal with that.
i do the same as you in a way i use the normal shutter button (M50) the hit the af/mf rocker to disable autofocus, the other option i use when i have the m kit lens like the 55-200 if you turn the focus ring while in af it switches to manual focus while holding the shutter button (also has a preset of normal x5 or x10 on that operation) great if a bird lands in a group of branches and the af hits them.
BBAF Positives, 1)Lens AF motors get rest as they are not activated unless you hit one of the AF-On buttons, 2)Focus Trapping is easy as you can pre-focus on a distance and wait for the perfect moment to trigger the shutter, other than these 2 benefits one can argue about not having to switch between continuous/servo AF and static/one shot AF but these days with eye tracking and other AF aids the static AF is hardly needed...
Great video, thank you. I'm learning both techniques with my 80D. I must say I'd rather leave the AF on the normal way, just in case I grab the camera in a hurry and can't find the back button because... it's so small !!!... 🤣 I'm now trying the back button set to AF-off as you do. So far, I like it very much. I only use it when I have time and not rushing to catch a plane or bird in flight at the last second !!!... 👍🏻 Thank you, keep up the great work.
No issues with back button focus with my Nikon, I I have set up the AF-ON button for single point focus and the joystick button which sits right next to the AF-ON button for group focus for BIF shots. With back button focus you can lock focus on the subject, while not having to worry about the releasing the shutter button, you actuate the shutter button when you know the subject is locked in to your focus point/points.
Whatever works for you is great, but it’s basically the same thing... might try it to see tho, because there are times I want to just use the shutter button alone.
i do shutter (halfway) focus... and still have blurry photos. i understand shutter speed, iso and f-stop. I still get blurry photos. i understand the shutter speed should be higher for moving objects, still get blurry photos. i understand shutter speed should be doubled the length of the lens attached, still blurry photos. Any suggestions on clear, crisp, sharper photos???
I used to use your technique for the longest time since my Rebel didn't have a bbf dedicated button. I've since moved on to the M6 Mark.ii which does have a bbf, but I've also customized a button very close to my bbf button which can change from (1-Shot) / (AI Servo) on the fly which gives me the option to do either technique at any given time without changing it in the menu.
Hey! I’m glad I found this video, I thought I was just me who used this “backward” method, I tried BBF and I just couldn’t get on with it, but this way really feels second nature to me, and I used it for wildlife, wedding, landscape and portrait photography, once you’ve got that focus of what you want just press the AF-ON, lock your focus and recompose to your hearts desire, all of a sudden the bird takes off, let go of the button and AF-C will do the rest, makes sense.
Hi. I loved your video. I also don't like BBF usually. You can end up missing the shot. I am not really sure what disengaging the auto focus means. How do you focus in that situation when the auto focus is disengaged? Dose that mean manual focus? And what is the advantage of doing that when the bird lands? why not just keep focusing the same as before?
Hi. If I wanted to recompose the bird to one side for example (with continuous AF), I focus on the bird then deliberately stop focusing, recompose, and take the shot. Hope that makes sense.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography it does make sence. Thank you for your response. Is it posible to set that in 7DM1 as well? And can you set it for either button at the back?
Great video, and love that you use the 1DX MkI (I do too!). There are a lot of customisation options, and I find your way quite interesting. However, I am a big BBF guy, and it has become second nature to me. As you say, whatever works!
I'm with you Paul, I tried BBF and my camera/lens was actually "missing" focus on what I "know" I was focused on, which were the eyes. I had a hard time using it, although I love the concept. It is also not a good way to shoot rodeo photography. I am going to try your way, as I also get frustrated when I am trying to re compose and I can't with the front focus. I still need to have everything fine tuned and synced, but I love this idea thanks so much.
It's such a divisive thing - people literally have arguments over it (for some reason..) Thanks for sharing your view - it just goes to show that it doesn't work for everyone. You'll find your own way and the one that works for you. It's working well for me, although I still just use my 'one shot' focus sometimes.Dictionary thing
Good video, but I like bbf. For me, it’s simply a matter of control. This way, I decide when to focus, not the camera. When I had it on the shutter button, too many times, the camera started start autofocusing when I wanted to take a shot and I missed the moment. I much prefer to be the one controlling it. Don’t worry though, no death threats or eggs from me. I enjoy your videos too much for that. 👍😀
Call me a fogey or unenlightened, but I never use BBF; it just seems very unintuitive to me. I don't feel I'm missing anything, in fact I miss more trying to make my fingers stretch to the back button, etc. Also, I never mistakenly press the trigger; I know my cameras well enough to not make that mistake. Your alternative method makes sense.
I find BBF is great when trying handheld night photos.... the last thing I want is to be holding the BBF button while trying to hold my camera still with 1/6s shutter... otherwise it is a little clunky
Thanks. I think your method is more natural. Furthermore, when I ask some to take my picture when travelling or during gathering, I don't have to reset the focusing method.
Hi Paul. I'm really comfortable using the back button focus on my Nikon but you've given me food for thought here. Planning on going to Slimbridge next week so might give this a try. Many thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming please.
If you're happy with BBF I'd probably stick with it. Having said that it's always worth trying something new... just don't blame me if you miss the shot of a life time at Slimbridge Tim..!
With shutter RF you have to focus each time you take exposure. When the ShutterRB in continuous mode is fully pressed it does not focus which means that the camera must haunt for focus each time you half press after exposure thus refocusing. It is slower and not precise.
I’ve been using bbf for 4-5 years. I instantly fell in love with it. It felt natural after a couple of hours and I couldn’t go back. Even for portraits and landscape. I was sceptical when I researched it but when I tried it I knew it was for me. But having said that, you’re a far better wildlife photographer than me and to each their own 👍
Thanks for sharing David. I have no problems with anyone using BBF and indeed when I work with clients, if it works for them I tell them to stick with it!
I didn’t realise the AF ON button could be set to disengage servo. Thanks for the tip. The problem is I only just spent the last year learning BBF after 20yrs of the only the shutter button for AF. LOL 😂
Oh. My. God. Yes, you spoke directly to me on this topic. Back button focus presented problems for my style of photography. I like to shoot live concerts and this is EXACTLY the behavior I need! Thank you!! Use the AF-on in reverse as AF-OFF. BRIALLIANT!
I have been using the 'focus lock' button method for 3yrs now. Works fine. I also program a button next to it to center focus if the ai eye detect isnt playing the game and locking on bif. And programeed the 3rd mutton at the back to change focus strategies. Works great. Avoiding bbf is also great if my gf picks the camera up for a shot.
I just found out about BBF and then I found your video. Your logic makes much more sense. Only thing is I don't have a fancy camera so I don't know if I can setup my buttons that way.
a6500 for wildlife and landscape ..small form factor of body.. my thumb never aches.. tons better than shutter button half press,
Hay Ho, have to disagree with your comments. But each to there own and keep vlogging.
No worries. Appreciate the comment.
Love your videos, Paul, but have to disagree with you concerning BBF. I’m a great fan of BBF but as you say, whatever suits you, then use it.
No problem Tony - it would be boring if we were all the same! I do appreciate your kind comments, thank you.
Thank you! Not a big fan of BBF. My hand is too small and it get uncomfortable 🙏🏻☺
So you dont like back button focus because the ergonomics, so the problem is ergonomics in big cameras not back button focusing. Second reason you consider it less intuitive well just some practice and you got it. I think is much dificult to coordinate two fingers for focusing one to activate, one to disengage focus; adding the process of giving oposite order to one finger against the other. I consider much easy and intuitive one finger engage and disengage focus.
what a great video! I gonna try both ways
nice tuto. I have a a7iv and hesitated. does canon AF-ON disengaged means it is af-c/MF toggle button ? so, being in MF you have peaking dipslayed, you can magnify what you focus with zoom button,... ?
I don't have manual focus peaking on this camera. The way i shot here, yes essentially.. when not pressed its AF-C. When pressed it locks so kind of manual focus.
BBF seems like a useful tool... But I don't think it will work when trying to get a self-timer 2second or 10second shot... unless you somehow focus on a person in advance where you will be during the shot. Am I missing something here?
Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. I do think in some situations, it's almost like a landscape type image.. with a subject in there too.
I actually love shooting with BOTH methods and regularly switch between them. BBF is more efficient for lots of situations, but for pure run-and-gun style shooting, I get a lot of mileage switching to shutter focus. The way my D850 is set up, it takes seconds to switch between the two methods. I have multiple Custom Settings Banks and two specifically dedicated to these two ways of shooting. So depending on the situation, I just hit the "i" button on the back to choose between A or B and my camera is instantly re-configured. For me, each method requires more than just changing the shutter and AF-ON button functions, and so, when I realized my camera had the ability to switch everything instantly, I found this to be the best of both worlds. Switching between focusing methods may initially screw with your brain. People like consistent ways of operating their camera so it's not be for everyone, but personally I love the flexibility.
Between the hair trigger on my old D7100 and a slight tremor in my hands, the half press shutter resulted in LOTS of misfires. BBF has been a bit of a life saver for me. Different strokes and all that!
I understand. It works for you. Keep using it!
So if you disengage focus by releasing the bbf and bird move a bit forward or backward, is that mean camera keeps focus on this point or only in one place?
Yes. Once you disengage focus, it will stay on what you had focused on.
Very glad I found this! I've been shooting wildlife with Canon cameras for 20 years and I tried a stint with BBF a few years back but it didn't stick for some of the reasons you mentioned. I do mostly insect photography often with subjects moving quickly and erratically and a lot of times only one shot out of 50 comes out acceptable. So despite its benefits, the extra moments required for my brain to pull off BBF frustrated me and I stopped after a few days. This is the best of both worlds for when the subject settles down for a second. Thank you!
Love it!
I actually like this technique better than BBF. I found an article about Debunking BBF: www.essence-of-light.com/debunking-back-button-autofocus/
BBF was invented back in the days when lenses and cameras were awfully slow to focus. With BBF, you have to hold down 2 buttons most of the time, probably 80-90%. BBF makes sense for shooting portraits, but not wildlife photography, in my opinion.
I am absolutely with you mate. I think I remember trying it for about 5 minutes a couple of decades ago and quickly realised it's not for me. I completely agree with all the reasons you don't use it. I spent 30 years as a news photographer, 11 as a war photographer in Afghanistan, and there is no way on Gods green earth I was going to spend even a few extra tenths of a second for each shot while out on the front lines. I couldn't imagine having to go through a procedure to take an image.
That was a really interesting read. I feel the same. Have tried BBF with my R6 but i still don't like it.
did you leave your thumb on the af on button when you took the shot. ?
I lock the exposure (if 'One Shot') with the AF On button, so yes that's correct.
Your method makes perfect sense to me too. I never got comfy with BBF, too often I would forget to press it when needed - and get an out of focus shot.
Thanks for the support!
I can't imagine not using BBF.
If it is working for you, don't change it. Stick with it.
Your method makes a lot of sense to me! Keeps it easier most of the time when your hands are full, and then when you have the time to recompose you can also take the trouble to press an extra button. I'll try to move from simple shutter AF-C to your technique because even as a beginner I'm occasionally struggling with recomposition, and switching to AF-S in a pinch is a no go. Many thanks!
Nice to have explanation of focus disengage as an alternative.
I love it!! It does make a lot of scenes, with BBF your finger is on the BBF button until you need to take the shot, your way you only need to hit the button once the subject had positioned its self. I will have to try this. I am a Nikon shooter and when I had my D7100 I tried BBF but didn’t like it. I felt it was uncomfortable to use. Once I got the D750 I tried it again. The body of the camera is bigger than the D7100 and the button for BBF was in a better position, so now I use BBF all the time. I use it so much that when I used my friend’s camera, I tried to get it to focus but it wouldn’t then he reminded me to push the other button lol. Anyway, I do like your idea. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Stephen. Nice that you agree with me! If BBF works for you then no reason to switch, but this might work for you too. Many thanks for such a thoughtful comment.
I have it set for one of my custom options on my 80D. The smaller body makes its use perhaps more comfortable than your larger body. I find it handy for when a small bird is visible through dense foliage. I get the bird in focus and then don't find the focus changing every time my aim changes or the wind blows a branch in the way. I also use it when I am using hand-held and waiting on a distant perched bird to do something. I lock focus, then I can quickly push the shutter when action happens and and don't have to wait for the lens to grab focus if I have let my aim stray. But whatever works for you is the best. I tend to use it with telephoto shots and for closeups of flowers. Otherwise I just pop into AV, TV or M to get what I want. No single tool works all the time. But thanks for letting your experience be expressed and for offering another option.
There's some good techniques there John. I actually prefer 'One Shot' focus if I'm concentrating on just portraits - I can then achieve the same result though foliage, or sometimes I would actually switch to manual. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this - I think others will find your information very valuable. Cheers,
That's an interesting and valid alternative to conventional BBF, thanks for sharing. One aspect that always seems to be neglected is that using conventional focusing, using the shutter button, can result in accidental shots, either through a shutter button that fires too easily or a lack of sensitivity in the shooting finger! That is a problem I had with a couple of Nikon cameras, so I used BBF for quite a while. Since moving to a Sony A9, I find that I can focus using the shutter button and clearly feel the right pressure to focus without shooting, so I'm currently using the traditional method. I do, however, miss that easy focus and recompose facility that BBF gave me! I totally agree that you should use whatever method you are comfortable with.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tom. very valid points indeed. I've never actually had that accidental trigger problem myself - only very rarely. You're right though, it can happen for sure.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography accidental trigger , much more of a problem 40 years ago when we were all shooting film and had to make every shot count ! :-)
Hi Paul thanks for the tube -
I like the ole way of focusing & dont do mucb bird or wildlife - if I do I will try BBF -
What I do do is ND filter work and your idea seems brilliant - currently I set tripod & AF then switch off AF on lens and apply NDs just gone over to magnetic (brill)
Thanks to you I will now focus Press the AF to disengage and hopefully a method is born !
Pete
Push your shutter halfway to check your exposure. Now try adjusting shutter speed while holding shutter button halfway. You can’t do it.
I'm with you on this in terms of the comfort and my brain! However, I just got a Canon R6 Mark II and I would like to set it up with just using the shutter button with eye tracking, and then using the AF or * button for stationary subjects. Can you please explain how you program the camera for this method. Thanks!
Great way to use the focus system the other way around, I will give it a try, I just found that couple of possible issues with it, but still want to give it a try. One of the possible issues I see is that in case your lenses is not really good at low light or possible you are a beginner, this lenses can really struggle, and having a long lens (in my experience a 75-300mm f4-5.6) looking constantly for focus can be really messy and annoying. Other than that I think it can work, I personally like the BBF method and most likely will stick to it. Great content, thanks
Tried BBF with mixed results. I have missed shots because of it.
I just set my "button" to AF Lock if my subject lands or stops moving.
how I see BBF is just OLD school for cameras with less focus points, new cameras like mine has almost 6000points no need that at all, but If you want to "recompose" using one point AF instead to touch your screen and drag your finger what is quick and easy, I think your option is better instead to using complicated methods. thanks for your video!
This is great!!!! I like this method much better! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻
Hello! So, for this usage you have to keep your index finger halfway engaged all the time to continuously autofocus, take your shots when you want, and then return to the halfway position again without releasing the shutter button all the way, right?
Finally!!!! Finally i have found someone who does exactly the same thing I do
BBC is very handy in wildlife work when there are branches between you and the subject. Once focus is locked on you can release AF-ON and recompose to your heart's content for several shots with no fear that the camera will refocus.
Each to his own though. That's part of the fun of photography.
Thanks for sharing Chris. That's a perfectly valid method. You're right though... it would be boring if everyone did the same!
For simple use: no servo, one shutter button, joystick 🕹 (no bb) Works for many cases. Until you try to catch a fly 🪰.
I programmed my AF-ON button to do bbf eye detection though, and * to switch to servo, yet use one shotter button to do metering and AF (default). So I guess I use both worlds.
The mere fact the photographer uses the lemon squeeze technique a world class target shooter applies with his handgun when applying BBF should be proof enough that it is better than pushing down on one
side of your camera.
You’re talking about it’s functions everyone does that lol
I agree with you completely. I hate BBF because being a creature of habit I always forget to focus when I'm in a hurry and a possible good photo becomes a crap photo. Leaving the camera as god or Canon intended the focus is achieved automatically when taking the shot.
Cheers Graham. Nice to have another supporter! 'As god or Canon intended'.. I like that.
Being as awkward as I am I have different systems on different cameras, the one thing you’re told never to do. I use BBF on my 7DII which is my primary wildlife camera. However, I have never set it up on my 5DIII, which is my primary landscape camera. I do find it a lot easier for ripping off a few action shots, and for me I think there’s more control over the number of frames I take. However, I also find it gets in the way for taking sharp landscapes as you either have to use a cable or have two buttons to press that can increase the possibility of unintentional camera movement.
I do use several different systems though, using the Bronica for landscapes and other film cameras. So maybe it isn’t as alien to me to use different setups.
Another great video Paul, thank you for posting it.
Wow, that's a lot of systems Mark! I used to love my Bronica - should really get one and give it a go again one day. I can see the benefits of BBF in theory, just doesn't seem to work for me. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. Cheers,
I’m using BBF at the moment, you state it can’t be used unless using focus tracking mode, this is wrong, it can be used in any focus mode ( I use a Sony mirrorless), it’s especially good for landscapes and moving the point of focus when focus stacking.
There is no right or wrong, appreciate you showing the alternative.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this.
I have been working wirh back button focus as well. I mistly use it whe shooting through deprha of folioge. I use the af to of servo as I manually fix focus. Have not fotten rje preas on back and then rhe shutter button quick enough for my comfort.
BBAF Negatives 1)Engages the thumb which otherwise is essential for changing the exposure comp, 2)Discomfort -as Paul pointed out prolonged use of BBAF can cause strain on the thumb, 3)Can miss critical moments -again as Paul pointed out, focusing and then releasing shutter will take a fraction of second longer, 4)Usability of the front Fn(Pv) buttons are hindered, suppose you want the front buttons(Fn/Pv) to just change the AF Area Mode (Say from singe AF pt to something larger) and not start AF then you must hit the front button then the AF-on button and finally the shutter button, coordinating 3 buttons is a lot of work...
Shutter focus is equally good .. it’s just that you need to master the usage
I use BBF for wildlife and prefer it. I like it also because I can focus manually whenever I want without risk of the shutter button refocusing by just lifting my thumb. I know of several wildlife togs who us The alternative method of AF Off/stop - very few who leave focus enabled on the shutter button - whatever works and is comfortable I guess!
Hi Will. I certainly seem to be in a minority these days! Keep using what works for you, for sure. I'm happy with my method.
Hi Paul. Totally agree with you. Can't see the point of BBF, it's just creating more, and potentially unnecessary, work. Keep it simple, ie one button, less chance of something going wrong and missing the shot. As far as recomposing is concerned, isn't that where post processing cropping comes in?
Enjoy your vids, keep em coming👍
Thanks for the support! Most people seem to prefer back button these days, but agree with what you’ve said. For composition, yes you can do afterwards, but to get the most out of the file it’s better in camera... depends what you will do with the image, I do crop a little sometimes afterwards.
get video! As a beginner, BBF can cause problems. In a rush to focus I was pushing the wrong back button and missed my shot. I'll try this method. Thank you
Bingo!
You brought me a good solution. Recomposing is less common to me.
Thanks a lot, Paul!
Greetings from Southern Brazil.
Not often I would disagree with you Paul, but on this one occasion I'm afraid I have to! Maybe the button on a Nikon D850 is slightly better positioned? Maybe its because I'm new to this type of photography and started using BBF from the start and have got so used to it. But, rest assured, I am still subscribed!
No worries. It doesn't work for me but I have no problem with anyone using it. And bottom line - if it ain't broke.. don't fix it!
Thanks for the video. Small hands, comfort, speed. Experience of losing photos with back button focus. l am feel more stable system when using one button for shut and focus. Still trying BBF :)
All the videos on BBF changing one's life is so weird. Been using the AE lock button to switch between one shot/servo for years then tried the BBF for a week and it didn't live up to the hype probably because my pointer finger naturally associates with focusing. The biggest issue I have with the videos is they're teaching the method of AF lock then recompose with telephoto lenses that naturally have a *shallower DOF. The slight shift from your focus plane creates an out of focus shot that's doing no justice to what could have been an amazing photo if the user just selected the correct focus point. There's a lot of amazing technology out there that makes our life easier, but with that technology creates a more competitive field. Learning the basics seem to be lost on us the more convenient camera's become. Rant over. Now let me go batch process my field trip photos with my ultra high pass filter action I just created.
Very good point there. I have found off centre focus points can be unreliable (on DSLR) and sometimes recompose with the centre one. But I have absolutely asked the same question - does this method affect the accuracy of focus? I'm really not sure but it's worth discussing.
Hi Paul, you're definitely right in saying try these methods and then find one that works for you. I tied back button focus for a while but found it uncomfortable. I now use my Fn button on the front of my Nikon for focusing as I found my finger naturally sat there anyway. Great talking point.
Thanks very much.Your method is a perfect example of how you can set the camera up for yourself - great stuff.
Re your first objection to BBF: why not just program BBF to the AE Lock button? At least in the 5DM4, the AF-Lock and AE Lock buttons have the same available functions; I presume the 1DX2 does as well. Not trying to convert you, just asking. Thanks.
Hi. That's a good question. It's possible, but I still, on rare occasions like to have the AE button capability. Thanks for your input.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography In that case, just program AE Lock to the AF On button. Again, I presume you can, since I can with my 5DM4. I find it easier to track moving objects like BIF with BBF in AI Servo and burst modes. I get focus then keep the button down with my thumb as I pan to follow the animal or bird.
I use BBF and the way I have it set up gives me three options, one is manual focus (don't press the button) handy for when the bird or beastie is among foliage that is giving the AF problems. Second is single point AF on the AF on button which I use when the bird is flying against a busy background. Third is group or zone focus programmed to the AE lock button which I use when the bird is flying against the sky so there is nothing to confuse the auto focus. This means that I can quickly change focus modes as the background changes, it's just a matter of moving my thumb.
That’s great that you have set up your camera for those different situations. Thanks for sharing.
Re. your "comfort" argument, you just have a poorly designed camera from an ergonomic viewpoint. Example of camera manufacturer providing box ticking functions without taking into account how features are actually used.
Maybe. I do actually get a bit tired in terms of holding it after a while. Back button just makes that worse!
Been using this for many years but somehow I realize during a shoot, my thumb is really stressed me and not comfortable for long use. Thats why I like this method
I like your view on BBF. As a reporter by a newspaper I have to be quick and in the same time i need a good composition. So... your video was/is a great help for me!
Cheers Martin. Glad that helped.
From my earliest days of photography, I always used manual focus and assigned auto focus to a back button. Never found a reason to do things differently. Now I use one back button to do a quick autofocus and another to do continuous autofocus. I don't take the same types of photos you do, so your way doesn't make sense for me. But it does make sense for the photos you take. One thing we should all agree on is, silent mode should be 1) on all cameras and 2) truly silent. I hate the sound. Eats up battery juice and it's lacking in discretion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You seem to have a system that works for you definitely agree about silent mode!
why do you focus while lens cap is put on your camera
Plus it turns your camera into manual focus.
I agree 100% with your video. I feel the same way. There are different advantages to shooting back button but I just cannot get past having to press two buttons to take my shot!
Totally agree! Thanks.
I fully agree with you. I have done the same on my 7D Mark-ll
I much prefer the regular half shutter to focus, but BBF allows me to have manual control of focus without putting the lens to MF. I can keep the lens' switch on AF and still have manual control when BBF is enabled, so no fumbling for that focus switch in a critical moment that AF isn't locking on a target. Regular shutter is more comfortable for me tho, but I can deal with that.
i do the same as you in a way i use the normal shutter button (M50) the hit the af/mf rocker to disable autofocus, the other option i use when i have the m kit lens like the 55-200 if you turn the focus ring while in af it switches to manual focus while holding the shutter button (also has a preset of normal x5 or x10 on that operation) great if a bird lands in a group of branches and the af hits them.
BBAF Positives, 1)Lens AF motors get rest as they are not activated unless you hit one of the AF-On buttons, 2)Focus Trapping is easy as you can pre-focus on a distance and wait for the perfect moment to trigger the shutter, other than these 2 benefits one can argue about not having to switch between continuous/servo AF and static/one shot AF but these days with eye tracking and other AF aids the static AF is hardly needed...
Great information in both your comments.
I’m willing to give it a try. aThanks Paul.
Great video, thank you.
I'm learning both techniques with my 80D.
I must say I'd rather leave the AF on the normal way, just in case I grab the camera in a hurry and can't find the back button because... it's so small !!!... 🤣
I'm now trying the back button set to AF-off as you do.
So far, I like it very much.
I only use it when I have time and not rushing to catch a plane or bird in flight at the last second !!!... 👍🏻
Thank you, keep up the great work.
Great alternativ! I always struggled using BBF in combination with my glasses... So this method makes sense to me. I will use it from now on!
Great. Glad this helps.
Thanks for getting to the point right away -- not the usual case.
You’re welcome!
As someone who simply loves BBF, I am amazed by your view.
Pure logical stuff! wow.
No issues with back button focus with my Nikon, I I have set up the AF-ON button for single point focus and the joystick button which sits right next to the AF-ON button for group focus for BIF shots. With back button focus you can lock focus on the subject, while not having to worry about the releasing the shutter button, you actuate the shutter button when you know the subject is locked in to your focus point/points.
Glad this works for you. Everyone is different. As long as you are comfortable!
I think BBF sucks
Whatever works for you is great, but it’s basically the same thing... might try it to see tho, because there are times I want to just use the shutter button alone.
i do shutter (halfway) focus... and still have blurry photos. i understand shutter speed, iso and f-stop. I still get blurry photos. i understand the shutter speed should be higher for moving objects, still get blurry photos. i understand shutter speed should be doubled the length of the lens attached, still blurry photos. Any suggestions on clear, crisp, sharper photos???
It's hard to say Sherri. Maybe look at your hand-holding technique. What shuter speeds are you using? Do you use a filter on the end?
used bbf for a while but found half press recompose was just better if it was not centred
I used to use your technique for the longest time since my Rebel didn't have a bbf dedicated button. I've since moved on to the M6 Mark.ii which does have a bbf, but I've also customized a button very close to my bbf button which can change from (1-Shot) / (AI Servo) on the fly which gives me the option to do either technique at any given time without changing it in the menu.
Hey! I’m glad I found this video, I thought I was just me who used this “backward” method, I tried BBF and I just couldn’t get on with it, but this way really feels second nature to me, and I used it for wildlife, wedding, landscape and portrait photography, once you’ve got that focus of what you want just press the AF-ON, lock your focus and recompose to your hearts desire, all of a sudden the bird takes off, let go of the button and AF-C will do the rest, makes sense.
Glad it works for you. We are in a minority!
Yes...I agree
Interesting point of view. Will try it out!
Love your Videos the Tipps are always great
Thank you for the kind comment.
Hi. I loved your video. I also don't like BBF usually. You can end up missing the shot. I am not really sure what disengaging the auto focus means. How do you focus in that situation when the auto focus is disengaged? Dose that mean manual focus? And what is the advantage of doing that when the bird lands? why not just keep focusing the same as before?
Hi. If I wanted to recompose the bird to one side for example (with continuous AF), I focus on the bird then deliberately stop focusing, recompose, and take the shot. Hope that makes sense.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography it does make sence. Thank you for your response. Is it posible to set that in 7DM1 as well? And can you set it for either button at the back?
Great video, and love that you use the 1DX MkI (I do too!). There are a lot of customisation options, and I find your way quite interesting. However, I am a big BBF guy, and it has become second nature to me. As you say, whatever works!
I'm with you Paul, I tried BBF and my camera/lens was actually "missing" focus on what I "know" I was focused on, which were the eyes. I had a hard time using it, although I love the concept. It is also not a good way to shoot rodeo photography. I am going to try your way, as I also get frustrated when I am trying to re compose and I can't with the front focus. I still need to have everything fine tuned and synced, but I love this idea thanks so much.
It's such a divisive thing - people literally have arguments over it (for some reason..) Thanks for sharing your view - it just goes to show that it doesn't work for everyone. You'll find your own way and the one that works for you. It's working well for me, although I still just use my 'one shot' focus sometimes.Dictionary thing
BBF works for me most of the time, and it’s my default setting. Thank you for sharing an alternative.
It's what works for you. Keep doing it.
I have been searching for an alternative for many years, and now you have given me the solution! Thank you so much, man
So glad!
Great and interesting video. Just a question. I'm a beginner and I'd like to take street pictures. How would you set the back button in this case ?
i don't see much difference in technique, but I've not really done any serious street photography.
Good video, but I like bbf. For me, it’s simply a matter of control. This way, I decide when to focus, not the camera. When I had it on the shutter button, too many times, the camera started start autofocusing when I wanted to take a shot and I missed the moment. I much prefer to be the one controlling it.
Don’t worry though, no death threats or eggs from me. I enjoy your videos too much for that. 👍😀
I'm glad it works for you Leo - stick with it! Thanks for your kind words and it's nice to know how much you enjoy my videos.
Good talk, makes sense why you don't like it. I'm so used to using BBF that I can't imagine switching back, but then I'm using a 5Diii
Thanks Liesl. I'm glad it works well for you. thank you for the comment.
Great video. Practical and logical. Thank you!
Please use a dead cat on your mic - thanks
Call me a fogey or unenlightened, but I never use BBF; it just seems very unintuitive to me. I don't feel I'm missing anything, in fact I miss more trying to make my fingers stretch to the back button, etc. Also, I never mistakenly press the trigger; I know my cameras well enough to not make that mistake. Your alternative method makes sense.
I find BBF is great when trying handheld night photos.... the last thing I want is to be holding the BBF button while trying to hold my camera still with 1/6s shutter... otherwise it is a little clunky
Thanks. I think your method is more natural. Furthermore, when I ask some to take my picture when travelling or during gathering, I don't have to reset the focusing method.
Thank you!
Hi Paul. I'm really comfortable using the back button focus on my Nikon but you've given me food for thought here. Planning on going to Slimbridge next week so might give this a try. Many thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming please.
If you're happy with BBF I'd probably stick with it. Having said that it's always worth trying something new... just don't blame me if you miss the shot of a life time at Slimbridge Tim..!
Everyone has their own system that works. Worth giving it a shot for a few weeks, seeing if you like it and sticking with the one best for you.
For sure.
With shutter RF you have to focus each time you take exposure. When the ShutterRB in continuous mode is fully pressed it does not focus which means that the camera must haunt for focus each time you half press after exposure thus refocusing. It is slower and not precise.
I’ve been using bbf for 4-5 years. I instantly fell in love with it. It felt natural after a couple of hours and I couldn’t go back. Even for portraits and landscape. I was sceptical when I researched it but when I tried it I knew it was for me.
But having said that, you’re a far better wildlife photographer than me and to each their own 👍
Thanks for sharing David. I have no problems with anyone using BBF and indeed when I work with clients, if it works for them I tell them to stick with it!
I didn’t realise the AF ON button could be set to disengage servo. Thanks for the tip. The problem is I only just spent the last year learning BBF after 20yrs of the only the shutter button for AF. LOL 😂
Oh. My. God.
Yes, you spoke directly to me on this topic. Back button focus presented problems for my style of photography. I like to shoot live concerts and this is EXACTLY the behavior I need! Thank you!! Use the AF-on in reverse as AF-OFF. BRIALLIANT!
I like it. Great tip Paul. Thanks.
I have been using the 'focus lock' button method for 3yrs now. Works fine. I also program a button next to it to center focus if the ai eye detect isnt playing the game and locking on bif. And programeed the 3rd mutton at the back to change focus strategies. Works great.
Avoiding bbf is also great if my gf picks the camera up for a shot.
You can choose what button to use
I just found out about BBF and then I found your video. Your logic makes much more sense. Only thing is I don't have a fancy camera so I don't know if I can setup my buttons that way.