It’s not a finger vs thumb thing. It’s about separating focus control away from the shutter button. Both on one button is simpler, separate gives more control for instances when you don’t want to refocus every time you take a shot.
but you prettty much want to refocus every time you press the shutter release. if you move a centimeter back or forth your plane of focus changes and ends up out of focus subject. what I found quite useful for myself is to set ALE button to swish from single to continuous focus.. specially for me mostly shooting birds. once bird is siting I want to shoot as many as shots I can with lots of focus attempts so I have at least one tack sharp bird eye in focus. when the bird takes off, ill press and hold ALE to switch to contentious focus and track the bird. this works fine for me.
max factor That’s true in some circumstances but doesn’t apply in many shooting situations I am involved in. If refocusing every shot is important for how you shoot, by all means go with it. This video spent a lot of time talking about everything except why people actually use back button focusing, separation of control.
Agreed Barry. If you have properly focused on your intended subject AND have chosen the correct aperture for your desired DOF, there is no reason to refocus every time you press the shutter. If you are working with a wide open lens and your DOF is only a few centimeters, I would think that a steady hand is far more important than the focus method you use. Shutter release or back button focus will not make any difference if you are not finding a way to keep the camera/lens steady. I am not arguing for, or against, any focusing method. Personally, I have been using back button focus for so long now that I have forgotten about the other method. To each his/her own...
To each his own I suppose but I cannot imagine going back to shutter button focus. For me, BBF works a lot better. Better still is learning to focus manually. I shoot only landscapes and I rarely find autofocus gets the sharpness right where I want it. I may use AF to get close but I always zoom into 100% in live view and take control of the decision on where the true point of focus is. My opinion.
My images improved dramatically when I started focusing manually on live view zoomed in. I saw a video by Dave Morrow that enticed me to try it. AF is great for moving subjects but for landscapes, I don't think you can beat manual focus.
@@martinconrad9260 I prefer manual lenses to be honest.. My favourites are 24mm f/2.8 Ai, 35mm f/2 Ai, 50mm f/2 Ais, 35-70mm f/3.5 Ais, 105mm f/2.5 Ai, 70-200mm f/4 Ais.. Amazing lenses, I reckon, professional quality at the time and a fraction of the cost of AF-S glass..
When I was looking for my second lens in addition to the 18-55, I cheaped out and bought a Nikon 70-300 that is manual focus only on my camera...so...yeah! Manual focus is fun, especially when you are trying to shoot birds or helicopters and stuff like that! Granted, my sharp-to-completely-unusable ratio is abysmally low when shooting subjects like that, but it has surprisingly gotten better!
Hi Mike, I have tried back button focus but never really got used to it, I found it a little more awkward but it may be that I am so accustomed to half pressing my shutter that this method has become automatic for me, glad to hear that you seem to feel the same way, cheers buddy Derek.
Once I learned about back-button focusing, I tried it and never switched back. I find it incredibly convenient. I don’t even think about locked or continuous focus; a press or release of my thumb does whatever I need intuitively without thought. And I personally like how I can concentrate on my exposure without refocusing; especially useful for focus/recompose technique.
Mike, I have gone to back-button focusing to give the shutter one function only: control the shutter. For landscape photography I use the live-mode focusing almost exclusively.
Very informative video. Please also explain under control settings there is 'a3 - focus tracking with lock-on' with five options from AF1 ( short) to AF5 (long). I did not understand it properly please explain what is the connection of this setting with Back Button Focus. Thanks again.
I’ve been using back button focus for a number of years - I like keeping focus and exposure separate. I like it especially in the situation you were in where I’m isolating the subject from the background - lock the focus first, then I can recompose if necessary and not worry about accidentally refocusing on the background.
Ive been using back button for a few years now and it has become second nature. It works very well when composing a photo with the subject off centre, in other words, focusing on the subject then recomposing the shot. As a lot of you will know, not all cameras have focal points out to the edges.
Hi Mike. Thanks for your videos. Am I missing something? I've watched a few videos on BB focusing and have seen no one mention the benefit of separating your focus and exposure buttons. I'll compose, lock my focus, expose on what I wish to in the frame, return to my composition and shoot. So what am I missing? Is there a way to do this without using BB focusing? This, to me is far more benefit than being able to switch quickly between focus lock and continuous.
Back button for me and has been so for a long while now... Faster to focus on moving things, and also when you let go it stays locked on what it was last focused on forever, without tiring your fingers out holding the button half pressed... I won't change back that's for sure... Good Vid Mike, thanks...
For my photography, mainly wildlife, I do use BBF and find it really works. However, when I'm shooting landscapes or something which is static and for which I use a remote cable release I don't use it. As you say, use what works for you. PS Love the way you told us your opinion about it at the end and that you still have the capacity to surprise me! Cracking video and you surely must be one of the best teachers around. Thank you.
Is there a drawback for using back button focus? Right now my interest is mostly birds and have the AF-On button (Nikon D500) setup to use "Dynamic 25 AF" for birds in flight and the Pv button on the front to switch to Single point AF for perched birds or mid flight if I can track the subject well enough. Focus-and-recompose is also possible with AF-C mode.
Within a month of getting my first DSLR I set it up to back button focus and have been using it since on all my cameras, both video and stills. It works for ME. The real question here is, how many thousand times do you think people will have to be told that the only answer to questions like this is, what works for THEM? 🙂
It’s the Marmite of topics - you either love it or hate it! As always Mike a great video and for me well timed as I have just this week set my camera up for bbf and so far so good for me!
What a nice motorbike! (I am Sportster-rider) :) Do you have any videos of using manual-focus lenses? I have a 15-45 AF kit lens and thinking of buying a lens with larger aperture for my ASP-C Canon (probably a 35mm). The affordable pieces are all manual and having no experience with prime lenses at all I am wondering if it is worth to try them.
Thanks Gabor. I had an FXRC Harly for several years. Wish I still had it... Manual lenses should be fine so long as they fit. Just look through the viewfinder and twist the focus ring till it's sharp... MIKE :-)
I switched to bbf a few months ago and once I had gotten used to using it, found it much better, but like you say it is a personal preference. Always enjoy your vlogs and find them very informative. Thanks
Great video, as usual. I have been using back button focus for years now. It is not a perfect solution but is far less frustrating than shutter button focus.
I used this feature last night at a concert. The camera was focus hunting in the low light on subjects that didn’t move much out of the plane of focus. My choices were either have the camera redundantly and slowly focus each time, killing any chance of getting what I wanted when I wanted, or fixing it with bbaf. I can cite other useful scenarios, none of which resemble Mike’s tame example (I wouldn’t have used it there, either.)
Hi @The Next Hobby. We all have our preferred way of working. Not saying BBF doesn't work or you shouldn't use it, I'm saying everyone shoud see what works best for them and not just do it because someone else does. Personally I don't like it but that's just me. Have a question for you though. How would activating focus with back button overcome lack of contrast in the subject matter that made it hunt? ... MIKE
My apologies for the snark. And Sorry, I should have clarified that what It allowed me to do is pre-focus. The lack of contrast made it far slower, but it eventually did get there. I waited until the singer or guitarist moved back into the plane of focus. Or at least I hope so. I was forced to shoot 4-5 stops underexposed to maintain a sane shutter speed while using ƒ1.8 on my 50mm, so there likely was zero effective depth of field for anything I pre-focused on. When I get that roll developed I'll find out! The Tri-X results may be so contrast-blocky that clear focus is the least of my worries. But I learned that my next digital camera needs to see in the dark for both focusing and exposure without missing a beat (so to speak.) Until I can afford that, next time I'll backtrack to my AE-1 Program since that's easier to manual focus than my Elans are. (EOS 50 or 30 where you are) Starting with Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 would have been a better idea, also.
Thanks Mike, I have just started playing with back button focusing after being shown it. I can see that their is a benefit for Landscapes (esp using filters) as the focus is locked regardless of what you do with the shutter button (though manual focus controls would do the same). I am yet to be convinced for other shooting - tried tracking planes and birds flying over head or nearby and using a finger and thumb on different parts of the camera is not a comfortable thing.
I am glad you always say it is up to you and what you like. Everyone is different and we have different likes and dislikes, you make the decision the most honest thing anyone can say to you or me or anyone else Thanks Mike.
I gave the BBF a shot, but found focusing was more efficient using my thumb to manipulate the focus point wheel, and the first finger to initiate the focus motor. With that written, I'll admit to using the shutter release for focus since the Nikon F4s days. Why fix what's not broken? But, in the greater scheme of things - which button one uses to operate focus is best left to those discussions over a pint or two...then forgotten :-)
I tried multiple times to use BBF and struggled, always switching back to shutter button focus. Now, I use BBF on my D500 and couldn't go back. I have it set, such that I have Single Point AF on the AF-ON button and 25 point Dynamic Area on the Sub Selector. Works very well for me. But like I said I did struggle a number of times before I finally switched.
Absolutely @firemedic75 - we each have to find the path that works best for us as individuals. I think I a lot of folks thought I was saying don't use it... MIKE 🙂
Hello Mike nice video , I have used it in the past but went back to the finger , never saw any advantage in it really. As you said Mike what ever works for you. Thank you.
I use it sometimes, mostly to separate focus from the shutter button. It seems to work best when I have enough depth of field for my subject such as a landscape. When focusing on someone’s eye for a portrait, I don’t use it.
I use a Panasonic G7. Set to Manual Focus, the Back Button is set to Auto Focus. A single press will set focus, which will then stay at that focus, even if the composition is altered. Thus - centre the main subject, press the AF Back Button, then compose and shoot. Seems to work (so far).
I use and prefer BBF. Several novices in my camera club tend to mis-use shutter button focus when doing focus and recompose by not keeping shutter depressed halfway when recomposing . They release the shutter and then depress it again - causing refocus errors. A few cameras, however, don’t have a conveniently placed button that can serve this function. Was the coffee shop in the vid the same one you had as a backdrop when did the “sausage” photo lesson vid some time ago?
Hi Drey. Thanks for your comment. Sadly not for the forseeable future. But one of my Workshop regulars lives near Hobart so might come check it out some day... MIKE
Mike, I keep seeing your videos for getting the right inputs. Being a weekend photographer….love your lessons. Today, watching this particular video for the nth time,…..felt that you pickup and flash your camera like you were Mr Bond! Hope all well at your end. Rgds.
With my mirrorless EOS M5 I really love the touch&drag focus on the Touchscreen. So back button focus would seem irrelevant in that scenario. I don't want to shift the focus point on the touchscreen, then move the thumb to a separate button and then finally hit the shutter.
For landscape photography, it's not an issue as I use manual focus and peaking to know exactly which parts of the image are sharpest. However, for everything else I certainly use the back button. The shutter release on my Fujifilm X-H1 is so touch-sensitive that if it weren't for BBF, I'd keep taking shots when I didn't intend to and would have to quickly reacquire focus. By keeping the functions separate, I don't have to worry about this and (when in continuous mode) enjoy a much higher hit rate.
Mike! Great haircut! I moved to back button and it’s good for me. I haven’t heard people say it’s the only way but I do like that it holds focus on what i want. I was losing it to often.
I have learnt so much about photography from this channel. Thank you Mike, you are a wonderful teacher. But this video didn't seem to answer the question what's different between both methods. I use a canon 700d and it does not has a dedicated BBF. I'm curious how would a BBF help me in the field while taking photos.
Thanks Arun. I expect you can setup BBF on your camera. The difference is as mentioned in the video, it separates focus control from the shutter control. How will it help you in the field is a question only you can anser by trying it in the field. You might love it or you might not. But the only way is to try it.. MIKE
Correct adcice, and knowing the camera is crucial and the extent it supports. I use it occasionally but i keep doing to gain experience as you have mentioned. Currently i am not having enough experience to give an idea.
I've been using BBF for a few months. There have been a couple instances where it was handy. My problem is with the Canon SL2/200 the back buttons are tiny. All winter I usually had gloves on, which made it difficult. I'll probably go back to normal focus and see how I like it. I've only been in the hobby for about 7 months.
Hi @ rayh53 . I think that's the best way, try it and see if you like it rather than have someone else try to tell you which is best. We're all different... MIKE
Thanks Indy. Only used a drone once and crashed it. There's a video link to it below... Love the shots you can get from a drone but I'm unlikely to get one TBH... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/drone-photography
Mike, I stumbled on one of your videos concerning composition and have ended up searching your videos first whenever I want to research anything concerning photography. For the life of me, I can’t understand why you don’t have more than a million subscribers. You have found a way to make any subject fun, concise, and simple where possible. Thank you very much. Concerning the number of subscribers, maybe a Texas drawl would help. Thanks again. Mabe Hall, Austin, TX.
Hi Jan. It depends how you have your camera set up. I have metering all the time so it doesn't lock from the shutter button. But I have the back button set as an exposure lock in case I want to lock and exposure... MIKE
Eyes will use back button focusing but what I've come across on the odd time is forgetting to back button focus when I'm trying to catch a quick shot so my point is if you do set up back button focusing you have to remember because it's not automatic so I switched around to whatever's comfortable and whatever the subject will be
Thanks for this video Mike, straightforward and informative as always, much appreciated. Wonder if that shiny red bike is as quick as my Tiger Cub was?
I'm in two minds myself but bbs works brilliantly for landscapes, because once the shot is set up, you don't have to go messing around with other settings on the lens/camera etc to retain the focus 👍
BB focus + continuous mode all the way after just a couple of weeks when I got into photography. Very quickly I started seeing difficulties with focus changes due to position and having the shutter control + AE and AF on same button. When Id benefit from recomposing for instance. Sure there's the AE lock function, but never got on with it since you have to continuously depress the button for the duration. Even using it with a 2 stage press to switch on/off AE lock, sometimes I'd forget. So I didn't find it simple and immediate. Very quickly I preferred using AF lock, or Back button focus, and adding continuous focus. Allows to set focus when I want which allows pre-setting focus, orfocus traps. And above all, its simple! The downside, its when others use your camera and must remember telling them..
The thing is BBF separate from she shutter button allows you taking few shots without refocusing ...just recompose so my thought it is additional feature. I tried and it and loved it ever since. Now cannot go back.
Most of my photography has been learned through this channel and the 7 Building Blocks of Photography, which could be why I rarely use BBF. Never found it to be of much use to me
Hi Mike - My Nikon is set up for BBF and works very well, while my Sony is left on Shutter button AF. I like the way in AF-S the BBF locks focus and I don't have to worry about accidently rattling off an unfocussed shot which could often happen when the AF is linked to the Shutter button. I found it interesting how in AF-C the video changed focus as you panned the shot - I must experiment with that.
Whenever I'm not in fully manual mode on my Sony A7II I have no use for back button focus. I use focus peaking 95% of the time. The DSLR way is somewhat antiquated.
One of the things I love about my olympus OMD EM5 MII is that I have the hard back switch set to standard auto-focus in position 1, and back-button focus in position 2 (as well as focus peeking if I touch the manual focus dial). Best of both worlds and super easy to switch without digging through menus. I use them both depending on the shot, lens choice and available light. Really hard to auto focus in the dark for long exposures, so I use a led torch to light up my subject back-button focus then take the shot without the torch.
I appreciate the time you take to create this valuable informational content to share with the world and I dig your teaching style ~ Cheers from New York Mike Browne!
Mike you're looking good with your weight loss. Congratulations. I enjoyed your honesty with your video and also that you weren't overbearing with an opinion. I tried the BBF and I didn't like it. It didn't work with me but I'm sure it works well with someone else.
I use back button focus on my d700 because it has a dedicated button for it and got used to it enough to appreciate having it, but my DX body if I set it up for that I would have to use the AE-L AF-L button thus losing a control (for now it is set to focus ) so I can understand why a person may not want to use bbf other than the retraining of the control..it took me a bit to use the thumb instead. I agree though..more a personal preference but in my case, I am glad I switched
hi Mike im not a photographer how i can take a reasonable photo i use a cnon 1300d and a canon1200d camera i would love to master the bbf back button focus i just cant seem to get the hang of it have you any suggestions?please
Hi Hugh. It doesn't matter what camera you have or how many features are on it. Taking great photos depends on understanding the technical and creative relationships between shutter, aperture, ISO, focal length, light and composition. Back button focus is liked by some and hated by others. It won't make your photos any better, it's just one way of operating the focus on a camera. If you truly want to take better photos my Masterclass In PHotography 4 week online course has many 5 * reviews on Trustpilot and elsewhere. It's 100% guaranteed too so please take a look at the link below where you'll find out more and can even try a free sample. Hope this helps... ... MIKE 🙏😊 www.photographycourses.biz/masterclass
I use BBF on my Nikon, But using a new XT2 in London for the past week, It seems to be less obvious. Maybe it’s ergonomics and I feel it’s a bit inconvenient to use the AF-L/AE-L buttons on the XT versus the Nikon, or maybe it’s the fact that I went back to basics: Relaxation in shooting, going around in shooting, focusing and recomposing and nor going crazy shooting everything with continuous high speed and continuous focus and “burst! Burst!” Panic mode as you defined it once...
bbf has been very helpful for years. it takes a little practice, but will give you more control in the end. back in the days, i switched to bbf since i disliked the annoying automatic refocussing (AAR!) before each shot.
I hold my Canon DSLR with my right hand and focus by twisting the focusing ring on the lens with my left hand. I meter an Incident reading with a handheld meter, (I very, very occasionally use the in-camera Spotmetering; never the 'Matrix' metering). I only ever use Full Manual mode.
Several years ago after learning about back button focusing, I tried it and stayed with it. I was using a camera with three focusing points, so it helped in locking focus and recomposing. Also when I was in the yard and focusing on a stationary subject and one of our cats or dogs came into view I did not need to go into the menu to witch to CAF. Just press and hold the AEL/AFL button and shoot.
When I first started using back button focusing I found it awkward and then as I got use to using it I found it very useful. It is great for locking focus, especially on someones eye and then recomposing the image and then when you push the shutter button to taking the picture the camera dosn't refocus. I will never go back to focusing with the shutter button, but that's just me, each to there own 📷 Oh, almost forgot to mention, nice bike Mike 🏍
phynx2006 if u focus on someone’s eye with shutter button and when recomposing keep holding the shutter button partial down until your done recomposing then press shutter button all way down to take photo, camera will not re-focus.
On a Sony A6300 my thumb hits the back button perfect. For me it’s uncomfortable to have my finger up there all that time , then you have your camera crooked at times then you think. I believe you have firmer grip when using back button. Mike love you man keep them rolling in.
I recently started to learn the bb focus. The problem that it solves to me is seperation between focus and metering. When working with focus-recompose method, the metering is done for the frame before the recompose. Bb focus allows me to to have 3 stages. Focusing, metering, taking the shot. Btw, i dont know how it works for other manufacturers, but in fuji there is an option to keep the camera with shutter focusing, but when moving to manual focus, to use on of the back buttons for focusing. Some sort of half manual focus
Wow. Can't believe it. Few years ago and Mike showed me so much and I'll be forever grateful. But first difference of opinion. A little while ago I don't think I'd have had it in me to disagree with the "Master". But BBF works for me and can't imagine going back. But, right with you on hyperfocal distance calculations!!! You're the man!
Thanks paul. I didn't make the point of this vid clear enough. It's not saying BBF is bad or wrong, or that FBF is better. it's saying don't take anyone else's opinion either option is better. Try it and make your own opinion. My opinion is I don't like it - but that doesn't mean I'm right any more than someone else's opinion that BBF is great is right... MIKE
No - you did make the point very clearly - what works for me might not work for you and it's just an opinion. But usually, (I think you have me hypnotised) I listen to your opinions and up until now, haven't found any good reason to have a different one! I was just mentioning it because it was a first for me! All the best, Paul
Love BBF. I use it all the time for sports and wildlife photography and would never go back to focussing on the shutter button. I found that when I changed to BBF, I had a much higher hit rate of in focus shots. For stationary subjects I suppose there is little or no advantage!
I haven't used it very long but find it handy when working on a tripod especially if stacking images but annoying in run and gun especially in portrait orientation (I don't have a vertical grip). My wildlife lens is full manual and my camera's continuous focus is annoyingly bad so I'm always flirting with switching it back.
Hi Mike, I enjoy your videos, explains what we need to know without so much waffle as in other channels. I use BBAF to separate focusing from metering. I will focus using the back button and then meter using the front button before taking a shot. It is also useful when using a tripod on a partly cloudy day, because I can lock the focus with the back button and then use my remote to meter and take the shot, without having to worry about the light changing and blowing my highlights or having to wait for a focus lock. I also use it when focusing on an object that will be off centre (so I can focus on the focal-point with the more sensitive crosspoint), then re-position, meter and shoot. I am by no means an expert, just a part time enthusiast, but this is how I tend to use it. Perhaps you could do part 2 at some point that takes these methods into account? Thanks Jim
Back button focus in continuous mode, reframe and press the normal top shutter button only (take your finger of the back button) and you will not have to refocus or lose focus. It's a fast way of reframing. ( You need to disable the top shutter button from focusing, it's just there to take the photograph. It's great. Also I can use one of my front buttons (front button focus) to have a different focus mode to the back, e.g group focus for the back and spot focus for the front. Again much faster way to change your focus mode. Love it. Love photography.
A quick update, as this video popped up again in my inbox. Like others I can't imagine not using BBF. Especially now I'm using a mirrorless camera. with sports and wildlife photography BBF is essential. Maybe not so much if taking landscapes ?
Wow ,I just came across your page... Wonderfull content. ive been shooting for about 12 years and I believe you can never stop learning. I noticed you transitioned from Nikon to Fuji, Ive been debating for about a year now on making the same change I shoot with a D500 and A D850 ... Video has been asked allot of me lately and I take it on and it comes out great. Now Im a firm believer that Mirrorless will not wipe out DSLRs like DSLRs did to film. But the Fuji has really intrigued my well for about 4 years really., But I have all this Nikon glass and I love that I can find Glass from 1980 that I can Buy and still use on Amy of my Nikon Bodies. I just also noticed you have a Nikon on your Bike seat as well...lol I guess my question is,Is say I spend $3800 on the Fuji I am looking at and Buy an Adapter will I loose anything? I also have a Canon Imageprograph-Pro4000 printer so I make and sell allot of prints. Im kinda scared My first DSLR was the D200 Nikon fits so nice in my hand..... But I held the Fuji I was able to shoot with it for a few days and to be honest The quality wasn't really different.... I know the Video system is better in Juji yea I started typing then got lost into all this confusion in my brain ...... But this Video was 2018 for all I know you dont shoot Nikon at all a year later.... any advise or suggestions would be well received.... Oh I loved you Video,VIDEO you did with the D300 I LOL when you said LOOK AT THE LILLIES. Great content great Videos hop to run into you in the field one day ..and again great content you break things down really well
Ha ha thanks Fat-Guy Reviews. I still shoot Nikon D600 on some comissions when I need wide apertures. I don't have fast lenses for the Fuji because I want to keep it small and light for travel photography. Fuji is great for RUclips vids because I can easily show folks what's happening in the viewfinder, which is too fiddly on the Nikon. There's not much difference between the image files, both cameras are great. It's about having the right tool for the job and nothing more. If the camera(s) you have deliver what you want, why change? Cameras don't take exciting, evocative images - you're responsible for that, by knowing light, composition, where to stand and when to click the decisive moment when everything comes together perfectly... MIKE :-)
Quite a lot of years shooting fast (wildlife, ...) my setup is using focus stop with the back button. The thumb is just needed when taking over in manual focus control while shooting continuous AF, the "free time" to be used i.e. to adjust focus points with the joystick. Exposure always aperture priority quite often with some +/- or in special cases full manual. Recent auto functions (focus, exposure) are great when fast response counts. Doing slow shooting (landscape, ...) my preference is BBF or full manual focus. Not like most proposals but this works for me.
You didn't even mention the major advantage for back button focus, which is kinda imperative when you challenge its use: it decouples the focus lock and the exposure lock, saving you from having to refocus every time you take a shot. The fact that you can leave the camera in continuous focus is great too, though. I certainly won't have it any other way anymore, after missing a cool action shot, because I had to fiddle with the focus mode. Now I just tap the button for single focus, and hold it for continuous. No need to fiddle with the camera to cater for static or mobile subjects individually. Saves a lot of time and saves a lot of shots.
Hi Jigsaw407 I did say it decouples the focus lock and the exposure lock in a banner because I fogot to say it in words. BTW, I'm not challenging it, only suggeting we each of us need to discover if we like it or not. If you watched to the end you'll have heard what I suggested... MIKE :-)
Hi Andrew. That depends on how you have your camera's custom features set up. Personally i never use BB focus. Just not my preferred way of working... MIKE
@@MikeBrowne I have not tried back button focus yet. I am doubful of its advantages, unless you are on a tripod to do landscape or still life, because if you move your camera you'll want to re focus so why faff about with a separate button, and then you cant use that button for something else. You might as well focus manually if you are fixed. Thanks for you replies and advice.
I use both at the same time on the d500. I do a lot of bird photography, so ,I use single, group and dynamic area focus points in continuous AF and just switch to single AF if shooting stationary subjects
Love your videos Mike... I use it briefly and switch right back because I'm too impatient to persevere with it so it would become the default in my head. Might be my stubborn old age. :)
Thanks, Mike. You have been 'my tutor' ever since I got my first DSLR (Nikon D3100) way back in 2012. Wonderful tutor. However, on this occasion I can't help feeling a newbie would still be a little confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF after watching your video. Not long ago I treated myself to a second hand Nikon D300 (very old camera/technology) but to my delight, I found out that it has a menu option to quickly change from one set of pre-defined shooting presets to another. The first preset I configured it for BBF and called it 'Sport' (with continuous focus) - to be used with ‘burst mode (continuous shooting). The second preset I configured was without BBF and I called it 'Portrait' (single focus). Obviously I am not going to tell you the reasons why I configured my shooting options the way I did and the names I accordingly gave them - that would be like telling you how to suck eggs :-) But explaining it this way I think would help a newbie to understand what BBF can do to help them but only if they get to like it AND it fits in with their photographic genre which they like to capture. All the very best, Mike, and keep up the great content.
Thanks Darren. I'm confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF because to be it's all demerrit! I know a lot of people love it and that's perfect because it works for them and they get the results they want. There are many ways to reach Rome as they say. ... MIKE
Love BBF. Can't see ever going back to FBF. I just have to remember it is setup if I hand off my camera to someone. Canon allows you to set it in the 'Pro' modes but it resorts back to front button in the 'auto' modes.
I use it and a benefit I find after setting focus is you can now use the normal shutter button 1/2 press to lock exposure to how you like without having to use exposure compensation dial (using a Fuji mirrorless) Just point it around the scene until the exposure is how you want it, then lock it in with a 1/2 press
Mike I must say that you are so right on saying there's not one configuration for everybody we are all individuals everybody has their own unique Style and you learn as you go like you said to what's comfortable to you
I like back button because I like the meter to be independent of focus. If you try to focus then recompose you cant re meter the scene without refocusing. Unless you use exposure lock, but that's an extra step. Did you lose a ton of weight recently?
Nice, I lost about 10 kilos during the last month! Feels nice to wear my old pants again and I just feel better overall :) Does it make shooting easier for you as well? Because it does for me!
A few year ago I would agree with you But tried it for month at first very frustrating .On landscapes no different But on wildlife and anything moving WOW love it so good ie for panning and flying birds . So in the end its not camera or way you use it but want you see through the lens and happy want you are getting and enjoy using it P.S. That's a nice bike !!!
Thanks dust1415. Yep I love these Triumph triples. I have another I bought new in '99. Done over 105,000 miles on it and it's still my favourite. .. MIKE :-)
"On landscapes no different But on wildlife and anything moving WOW love it so good ie for panning and flying birds ." Yes, wildlife and sports are areas where back-button focus is a real-world advantage. And that with continuous focus, I presume?
Thanks Mike, loved the video. Tried BB focus it and didnt get on with it, although i can see the advantages, not right for my type of shooting...yet :-)
BBF was useful in the old days when cross type af points were only located around the center of the frame. Today BBF messes up with using the joystick with the thumb to select the right af point. I used BBF for a long time but now I need my thumb for switching af points so I went back to shutter release button af.
I’m with you. Using a joystick to select your focus point and then just pushing the shutter is just as fast and in my opinion the focus is more accurate than focus and decomposing.
Way to go Mike B.😎 Love the clean low-clean haircut! A TRIUMPH to boot! 😎Where is all this coming from? Nonetheless, it’s complete! Btw-Great video! Since you have already convinced me in your previous videos to use the Back Button Focus....Three CHEERS 😊
I have a button that toggles manual focus on my a6500. I can just press that one whenever i want to separate focus and shutter. In my opinion its better, because its a choice you can change on the fly
It’s not a finger vs thumb thing. It’s about separating focus control away from the shutter button. Both on one button is simpler, separate gives more control for instances when you don’t want to refocus every time you take a shot.
but you prettty much want to refocus every time you press the shutter release. if you move a centimeter back or forth your plane of focus changes and ends up out of focus subject.
what I found quite useful for myself is to set ALE button to swish from single to continuous focus.. specially for me mostly shooting birds. once bird is siting I want to shoot as many as shots I can with lots of focus attempts so I have at least one tack sharp bird eye in focus. when the bird takes off, ill press and hold ALE to switch to contentious focus and track the bird. this works fine for me.
max factor That’s true in some circumstances but doesn’t apply in many shooting situations I am involved in. If refocusing every shot is important for how you shoot, by all means go with it. This video spent a lot of time talking about everything except why people actually use back button focusing, separation of control.
And I do love your videos Mike. You’ve taught me a lot about composition and I really like your teaching style.
Agreed Barry. If you have properly focused on your intended subject AND have chosen the correct aperture for your desired DOF, there is no reason to refocus every time you press the shutter. If you are working with a wide open lens and your DOF is only a few centimeters, I would think that a steady hand is far more important than the focus method you use. Shutter release or back button focus will not make any difference if you are not finding a way to keep the camera/lens steady. I am not arguing for, or against, any focusing method. Personally, I have been using back button focus for so long now that I have forgotten about the other method. To each his/her own...
Keeping your finger on the back button focus in continuous mode will allow refocus, take it off then you have single focus.
To each his own I suppose but I cannot imagine going back to shutter button focus. For me, BBF works a lot better. Better still is learning to focus manually. I shoot only landscapes and I rarely find autofocus gets the sharpness right where I want it. I may use AF to get close but I always zoom into 100% in live view and take control of the decision on where the true point of focus is. My opinion.
I'm quickly falling in love with manual focusing, too-after spending rather a bit of $ on AF lenses.... :|
My images improved dramatically when I started focusing manually on live view zoomed in. I saw a video by Dave Morrow that enticed me to try it. AF is great for moving subjects but for landscapes, I don't think you can beat manual focus.
It suited me right from the beginning to use the back button to focus.. I like to separate focus and exposure lock.. It made sense to me..
@@martinconrad9260 I prefer manual lenses to be honest.. My favourites are 24mm f/2.8 Ai, 35mm f/2 Ai, 50mm f/2 Ais, 35-70mm f/3.5 Ais, 105mm f/2.5 Ai, 70-200mm f/4 Ais.. Amazing lenses, I reckon, professional quality at the time and a fraction of the cost of AF-S glass..
When I was looking for my second lens in addition to the 18-55, I cheaped out and bought a Nikon 70-300 that is manual focus only on my camera...so...yeah! Manual focus is fun, especially when you are trying to shoot birds or helicopters and stuff like that! Granted, my sharp-to-completely-unusable ratio is abysmally low when shooting subjects like that, but it has surprisingly gotten better!
Hi Mike, I have tried back button focus but never really got used to it, I found it a little more awkward but it may be that I am so accustomed to half pressing my shutter that this method has become automatic for me, glad to hear that you seem to feel the same way, cheers buddy Derek.
Once I learned about back-button focusing, I tried it and never switched back. I find it incredibly convenient. I don’t even think about locked or continuous focus; a press or release of my thumb does whatever I need intuitively without thought. And I personally like how I can concentrate on my exposure without refocusing; especially useful for focus/recompose technique.
Kudos for the ending, going against the grain. A true pro.
Mike, I have gone to back-button focusing to give the shutter one function only: control the shutter. For landscape photography I use the live-mode focusing almost exclusively.
Very informative video. Please also explain under control settings there is 'a3 - focus tracking with lock-on' with five options from AF1 ( short) to AF5 (long). I did not understand it properly please explain what is the connection of this setting with Back Button Focus. Thanks again.
I’ve been using back button focus for a number of years - I like keeping focus and exposure separate. I like it especially in the situation you were in where I’m isolating the subject from the background - lock the focus first, then I can recompose if necessary and not worry about accidentally refocusing on the background.
Ive been using back button for a few years now and it has become second nature. It works very well when composing a photo with the subject off centre, in other words, focusing on the subject then recomposing the shot. As a lot of you will know, not all cameras have focal points out to the edges.
Hi Mike. Thanks for your videos. Am I missing something? I've watched a few videos on BB focusing and have seen no one mention the benefit of separating your focus and exposure buttons. I'll compose, lock my focus, expose on what I wish to in the frame, return to my composition and shoot. So what am I missing? Is there a way to do this without using BB focusing? This, to me is far more benefit than being able to switch quickly between focus lock and continuous.
Back button for me and has been so for a long while now... Faster to focus on moving things, and also when you let go it stays locked on what it was last focused on forever, without tiring your fingers out holding the button half pressed... I won't change back that's for sure... Good Vid Mike, thanks...
Started using back button focus a few months back and use it almost exclusively when not using manual focus.
For my photography, mainly wildlife, I do use BBF and find it really works. However, when I'm shooting landscapes or something which is static and for which I use a remote cable release I don't use it. As you say, use what works for you. PS Love the way you told us your opinion about it at the end and that you still have the capacity to surprise me! Cracking video and you surely must be one of the best teachers around. Thank you.
Thanks Tom Glad tyou stayed to the end for the fun stuff... MIKE ;-)
Is there a drawback for using back button focus? Right now my interest is mostly birds and have the AF-On button (Nikon D500) setup to use "Dynamic 25 AF" for birds in flight and the Pv button on the front to switch to Single point AF for perched birds or mid flight if I can track the subject well enough. Focus-and-recompose is also possible with AF-C mode.
there's actually no draw back on using bbf, really depends on what makes your life easier :) - Melissa pp Mike
Great stuff as always Mike! Please keep posting the great tips and discussions....
thank you Vince - Melissa pp Mike
Within a month of getting my first DSLR I set it up to back button focus and have been using it since on all my cameras, both video and stills. It works for ME. The real question here is, how many thousand times do you think people will have to be told that the only answer to questions like this is, what works for THEM? 🙂
It’s the Marmite of topics - you either love it or hate it! As always Mike a great video and for me well timed as I have just this week set my camera up for bbf and so far so good for me!
Hi Scott. "Marmite of topics" - love that... MIKE :-)
What a nice motorbike! (I am Sportster-rider) :)
Do you have any videos of using manual-focus lenses? I have a 15-45 AF kit lens and thinking of buying a lens with larger aperture for my ASP-C Canon (probably a 35mm). The affordable pieces are all manual and having no experience with prime lenses at all I am wondering if it is worth to try them.
Thanks Gabor. I had an FXRC Harly for several years. Wish I still had it... Manual lenses should be fine so long as they fit. Just look through the viewfinder and twist the focus ring till it's sharp... MIKE :-)
I switched to bbf a few months ago and once I had gotten used to using it, found it much better, but like you say it is a personal preference. Always enjoy your vlogs and find them very informative. Thanks
Great video, as usual. I have been using back button focus for years now. It is not a perfect solution but is far less frustrating than shutter button focus.
I used this feature last night at a concert. The camera was focus hunting in the low light on subjects that didn’t move much out of the plane of focus.
My choices were either have the camera redundantly and slowly focus each time, killing any chance of getting what I wanted when I wanted, or fixing it with bbaf.
I can cite other useful scenarios, none of which resemble Mike’s tame example (I wouldn’t have used it there, either.)
Hi @The Next Hobby. We all have our preferred way of working. Not saying BBF doesn't work or you shouldn't use it, I'm saying everyone shoud see what works best for them and not just do it because someone else does. Personally I don't like it but that's just me. Have a question for you though. How would activating focus with back button overcome lack of contrast in the subject matter that made it hunt? ... MIKE
My apologies for the snark. And Sorry, I should have clarified that what It allowed me to do is pre-focus. The lack of contrast made it far slower, but it eventually did get there. I waited until the singer or guitarist moved back into the plane of focus.
Or at least I hope so. I was forced to shoot 4-5 stops underexposed to maintain a sane shutter speed while using ƒ1.8 on my 50mm, so there likely was zero effective depth of field for anything I pre-focused on. When I get that roll developed I'll find out! The Tri-X results may be so contrast-blocky that clear focus is the least of my worries.
But I learned that my next digital camera needs to see in the dark for both focusing and exposure without missing a beat (so to speak.) Until I can afford that, next time I'll backtrack to my AE-1 Program since that's easier to manual focus than my Elans are. (EOS 50 or 30 where you are) Starting with Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 would have been a better idea, also.
Thanks Mike, I have just started playing with back button focusing after being shown it. I can see that their is a benefit for Landscapes (esp using filters) as the focus is locked regardless of what you do with the shutter button (though manual focus controls would do the same). I am yet to be convinced for other shooting - tried tracking planes and birds flying over head or nearby and using a finger and thumb on different parts of the camera is not a comfortable thing.
I am glad you always say it is up to you and what you like. Everyone is different and we have different likes and dislikes, you make the decision the most honest thing anyone can say to you or me or anyone else Thanks Mike.
As I always say, it's apples and pears!
I gave the BBF a shot, but found focusing was more efficient using my thumb to manipulate the focus point wheel, and the first finger to initiate the focus motor. With that written, I'll admit to using the shutter release for focus since the Nikon F4s days. Why fix what's not broken? But, in the greater scheme of things - which button one uses to operate focus is best left to those discussions over a pint or two...then forgotten :-)
You are very honest about your opinons a reason why I respect them so much... Love your channel...
Thanks Ken... MIKE
I tried multiple times to use BBF and struggled, always switching back to shutter button focus.
Now, I use BBF on my D500 and couldn't go back.
I have it set, such that I have Single Point AF on the AF-ON button and 25 point Dynamic Area on the Sub Selector.
Works very well for me. But like I said I did struggle a number of times before I finally switched.
I agree Dave. I do mostly wildlife photography, and use the BB for single point focus .. I know many do the same. I wouldn't be without it.
I use BBF and i love it. It works for me and thats what matters. Another good video mike. 👍👍👍
Absolutely @firemedic75 - we each have to find the path that works best for us as individuals. I think I a lot of folks thought I was saying don't use it... MIKE 🙂
Looking good Mike! As always a great, informative video.
Hello Mike nice video , I have used it in the past but went back to the finger , never saw any advantage in it really. As you said Mike what ever works for you.
Thank you.
I use it sometimes, mostly to separate focus from the shutter button. It seems to work best when I have enough depth of field for my subject such as a landscape. When focusing on someone’s eye for a portrait, I don’t use it.
You must be one of the minority that use autofocus for landscape.
I use a Panasonic G7. Set to Manual Focus, the Back Button is set to Auto Focus. A single press will set focus, which will then stay at that focus, even if the composition is altered. Thus - centre the main subject, press the AF Back Button, then compose and shoot. Seems to work (so far).
Great video as always Mike. Thanks for your input.
I use and prefer BBF. Several novices in my camera club tend to mis-use shutter button focus when doing focus and recompose by not keeping shutter depressed halfway when recomposing . They release the shutter and then depress it again - causing refocus errors. A few cameras, however, don’t have a conveniently placed button that can serve this function. Was the coffee shop in the vid the same one you had as a backdrop when did the “sausage” photo lesson vid some time ago?
Ha ha - it is indeed the 'Sausage' location Paul. ... MIKE
Thanks Sensei!!! Would you be visiting for a workshop to Tasmania, Australia in the coming future?
Hi Drey. Thanks for your comment. Sadly not for the forseeable future. But one of my Workshop regulars lives near Hobart so might come check it out some day... MIKE
Mike, I keep seeing your videos for getting the right inputs. Being a weekend photographer….love your lessons. Today, watching this particular video for the nth time,…..felt that you pickup and flash your camera like you were Mr Bond! Hope all well at your end. Rgds.
Glad to be of service, even if it's just at the weekends 😎
With my mirrorless EOS M5 I really love the touch&drag focus on the Touchscreen. So back button focus would seem irrelevant in that scenario. I don't want to shift the focus point on the touchscreen, then move the thumb to a separate button and then finally hit the shutter.
For landscape photography, it's not an issue as I use manual focus and peaking to know exactly which parts of the image are sharpest. However, for everything else I certainly use the back button. The shutter release on my Fujifilm X-H1 is so touch-sensitive that if it weren't for BBF, I'd keep taking shots when I didn't intend to and would have to quickly reacquire focus. By keeping the functions separate, I don't have to worry about this and (when in continuous mode) enjoy a much higher hit rate.
Love your style and invaluable tutorials! Thanks Mike as always. cheers!
Mike! Great haircut! I moved to back button and it’s good for me. I haven’t heard people say it’s the only way but I do like that it holds focus on what i want. I was losing it to often.
awww bless you, and thank for the kind comment - Melissa pp Mike
I have learnt so much about photography from this channel. Thank you Mike, you are a wonderful teacher.
But this video didn't seem to answer the question what's different between both methods. I use a canon 700d and it does not has a dedicated BBF. I'm curious how would a BBF help me in the field while taking photos.
Thanks Arun. I expect you can setup BBF on your camera. The difference is as mentioned in the video, it separates focus control from the shutter control. How will it help you in the field is a question only you can anser by trying it in the field. You might love it or you might not. But the only way is to try it.. MIKE
Correct adcice, and knowing the camera is crucial and the extent it supports.
I use it occasionally but i keep doing to gain experience as you have mentioned.
Currently i am not having enough experience to give an idea.
I've been using BBF for a few months. There have been a couple instances where it was handy. My problem is with the Canon SL2/200 the back buttons are tiny. All winter I usually had gloves on, which made it difficult. I'll probably go back to normal focus and see how I like it. I've only been in the hobby for about 7 months.
Hi @ rayh53 . I think that's the best way, try it and see if you like it rather than have someone else try to tell you which is best. We're all different... MIKE
Very interesting! Thanks for all the great content.
Would you consider using drones for filming and taking pictures for your work/RUclips channel?
Thanks Indy. Only used a drone once and crashed it. There's a video link to it below... Love the shots you can get from a drone but I'm unlikely to get one TBH... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/drone-photography
Mike, I stumbled on one of your videos concerning composition and have ended up searching your videos first whenever I want to research anything concerning photography. For the life of me, I can’t understand why you don’t have more than a million subscribers. You have found a way to make any subject fun, concise, and simple where possible. Thank you very much. Concerning the number of subscribers, maybe a Texas drawl would help. Thanks again. Mabe Hall, Austin, TX.
Ahh thanks Mabe. Please help me get more by sharing the vids around wherever appropriate. Best wishes... MIKE
It's one of the many things on my camera that I have never used!.. but thanks for the advice on how to use it....
One vital point missed when using it the shutter button then does metering so you have 2 separate functions which you dont normally have
Hi Jan. It depends how you have your camera set up. I have metering all the time so it doesn't lock from the shutter button. But I have the back button set as an exposure lock in case I want to lock and exposure... MIKE
Eyes will use back button focusing but what I've come across on the odd time is forgetting to back button focus when I'm trying to catch a quick shot so my point is if you do set up back button focusing you have to remember because it's not automatic so I switched around to whatever's comfortable and whatever the subject will be
Thanks for this video Mike, straightforward and informative as always, much appreciated. Wonder if that shiny red bike is as quick as my Tiger Cub was?
Ha ha ha thanks Oliver. I rode a friend's Tiger cub once. Tiny tiny little bike but loads of character and fun... MIKE
I'm in two minds myself but bbs works brilliantly for landscapes, because once the shot is set up, you don't have to go messing around with other settings on the lens/camera etc to retain the focus 👍
For landscape you just may as well use manual. The reason is that you can also get other aspects of photography focus that way, too.
I’ve been using back button focusing for years and I find it a lot easier than shutter focusing. Thank you for the video. Interesting as always.
BB focus + continuous mode all the way after just a couple of weeks when I got into photography.
Very quickly I started seeing difficulties with focus changes due to position and having the shutter control + AE and AF on same button. When Id benefit from recomposing for instance. Sure there's the AE lock function, but never got on with it since you have to continuously depress the button for the duration. Even using it with a 2 stage press to switch on/off AE lock, sometimes I'd forget. So I didn't find it simple and immediate.
Very quickly I preferred using AF lock, or Back button focus, and adding continuous focus. Allows to set focus when I want which allows pre-setting focus, orfocus traps. And above all, its simple!
The downside, its when others use your camera and must remember telling them..
The thing is BBF separate from she shutter button allows you taking few shots without refocusing ...just recompose so my thought it is additional feature. I tried and it and loved it ever since. Now cannot go back.
Most of my photography has been learned through this channel and the 7 Building Blocks of Photography, which could be why I rarely use BBF. Never found it to be of much use to me
Thanks Graeme. Great to see a '7 Blocker' here... Stay well buddy... MIKE :-)
Hi Mike - My Nikon is set up for BBF and works very well, while my Sony is left on Shutter button AF. I like the way in AF-S the BBF locks focus and I don't have to worry about accidently rattling off an unfocussed shot which could often happen when the AF is linked to the Shutter button. I found it interesting how in AF-C the video changed focus as you panned the shot - I must experiment with that.
nice one browne always good hints and tips
Whenever I'm not in fully manual mode on my Sony A7II I have no use for back button focus. I use focus peaking 95% of the time. The DSLR way is somewhat antiquated.
One of the things I love about my olympus OMD EM5 MII is that I have the hard back switch set to standard auto-focus in position 1, and back-button focus in position 2 (as well as focus peeking if I touch the manual focus dial). Best of both worlds and super easy to switch without digging through menus. I use them both depending on the shot, lens choice and available light. Really hard to auto focus in the dark for long exposures, so I use a led torch to light up my subject back-button focus then take the shot without the torch.
Steven Kamradt me too 😁
I appreciate the time you take to create this valuable informational content to share with the world and I dig your teaching style ~ Cheers from New York Mike Browne!
Hello, Mike. I watch your videos here in Cleveland, Ohio, and I always enjoy them. Thank you for posting them, and keep up the great work!
Mike you're looking good with your weight loss. Congratulations. I enjoyed your honesty with your video and also that you weren't overbearing with an opinion. I tried the BBF and I didn't like it. It didn't work with me but I'm sure it works well with someone else.
Thanks cii1072... MIKE
I've been shooting professionally for quite awhile. Yet still learn something new from your videos. Every single time! Your knowledge is brilliant!
Thank you MrCochise71.. MIKE
I use back button focus on my d700 because it has a dedicated button for it and got used to it enough to appreciate having it, but my DX body if I set it up for that I would have to use the AE-L AF-L button thus losing a control (for now it is set to focus ) so I can understand why a person may not want to use bbf other than the retraining of the control..it took me a bit to use the thumb instead. I agree though..more a personal preference but in my case, I am glad I switched
hi Mike im not a photographer how i can take a reasonable photo i use a cnon 1300d and a canon1200d camera i would love to master the bbf back button focus i just cant seem to get the hang of it have you any suggestions?please
Hi Hugh. It doesn't matter what camera you have or how many features are on it. Taking great photos depends on understanding the technical and creative relationships between shutter, aperture, ISO, focal length, light and composition. Back button focus is liked by some and hated by others. It won't make your photos any better, it's just one way of operating the focus on a camera. If you truly want to take better photos my Masterclass In PHotography 4 week online course has many 5 * reviews on Trustpilot and elsewhere. It's 100% guaranteed too so please take a look at the link below where you'll find out more and can even try a free sample. Hope this helps... ... MIKE 🙏😊
www.photographycourses.biz/masterclass
I use BBF on my Nikon, But using a new XT2 in London for the past week, It seems to be less obvious. Maybe it’s ergonomics and I feel it’s a bit inconvenient to use the AF-L/AE-L buttons on the XT versus the Nikon, or maybe it’s the fact that I went back to basics: Relaxation in shooting, going around in shooting, focusing and recomposing and nor going crazy shooting everything with continuous high speed and continuous focus and “burst! Burst!” Panic mode as you defined it once...
bbf has been very helpful for years. it takes a little practice, but will give you more control in the end.
back in the days, i switched to bbf since i disliked the annoying automatic refocussing (AAR!) before each shot.
I hold my Canon DSLR with my right hand and focus by twisting the focusing ring on the lens with my left hand.
I meter an Incident reading with a handheld meter, (I very, very occasionally use the in-camera Spotmetering; never the 'Matrix' metering).
I only ever use Full Manual mode.
Several years ago after learning about back button focusing, I tried it and stayed with it. I was using a camera with three focusing points, so it helped in locking focus and recomposing. Also when I was in the yard and focusing on a stationary subject and one of our cats or dogs came into view I did not need to go into the menu to witch to CAF. Just press and hold the AEL/AFL button and shoot.
Perfect. We all find our own way to reach the destination.
When I first started using back button focusing I found it awkward and then as I got use to using it I found it very useful. It is great for locking focus, especially on someones eye and then recomposing the image and then when you push the shutter button to taking the picture the camera dosn't refocus. I will never go back to focusing with the shutter button, but that's just me, each to there own 📷 Oh, almost forgot to mention, nice bike Mike 🏍
phynx2006 if u focus on someone’s eye with shutter button and when recomposing keep holding the shutter button partial down until your done recomposing then press shutter button all way down to take photo, camera will not re-focus.
On a Sony A6300 my thumb hits the back button perfect. For me it’s uncomfortable to have my finger up there all that time , then you have your camera crooked at times then you think. I believe you have firmer grip when using back button.
Mike love you man keep them rolling in.
Thanks Kenny... MIKE
I recently started to learn the bb focus. The problem that it solves to me is seperation between focus and metering.
When working with focus-recompose method, the metering is done for the frame before the recompose. Bb focus allows me to to have 3 stages. Focusing, metering, taking the shot.
Btw, i dont know how it works for other manufacturers, but in fuji there is an option to keep the camera with shutter focusing, but when moving to manual focus, to use on of the back buttons for focusing. Some sort of half manual focus
Wow. Can't believe it. Few years ago and Mike showed me so much and I'll be forever grateful. But first difference of opinion. A little while ago I don't think I'd have had it in me to disagree with the "Master". But BBF works for me and can't imagine going back. But, right with you on hyperfocal distance calculations!!! You're the man!
Thanks paul. I didn't make the point of this vid clear enough. It's not saying BBF is bad or wrong, or that FBF is better. it's saying don't take anyone else's opinion either option is better. Try it and make your own opinion. My opinion is I don't like it - but that doesn't mean I'm right any more than someone else's opinion that BBF is great is right... MIKE
No - you did make the point very clearly - what works for me might not work for you and it's just an opinion. But usually, (I think you have me hypnotised) I listen to your opinions and up until now, haven't found any good reason to have a different one! I was just mentioning it because it was a first for me! All the best, Paul
Love BBF. I use it all the time for sports and wildlife photography and would never go back to focussing on the shutter button. I found that when I changed to BBF, I had a much higher hit rate of in focus shots. For stationary subjects I suppose there is little or no advantage!
I haven't used it very long but find it handy when working on a tripod especially if stacking images but annoying in run and gun especially in portrait orientation (I don't have a vertical grip). My wildlife lens is full manual and my camera's continuous focus is annoyingly bad so I'm always flirting with switching it back.
Hi Mike,
I enjoy your videos, explains what we need to know without so much waffle as in other channels.
I use BBAF to separate focusing from metering. I will focus using the back button and then meter using the front button before taking a shot.
It is also useful when using a tripod on a partly cloudy day, because I can lock the focus with the back button and then use my remote to meter and take the shot, without having to worry about the light changing and blowing my highlights or having to wait for a focus lock.
I also use it when focusing on an object that will be off centre (so I can focus on the focal-point with the more sensitive crosspoint), then re-position, meter and shoot.
I am by no means an expert, just a part time enthusiast, but this is how I tend to use it.
Perhaps you could do part 2 at some point that takes these methods into account?
Thanks
Jim
Back button focus in continuous mode, reframe and press the normal top shutter button only (take your finger of the back button) and you will not have to refocus or lose focus. It's a fast way of reframing. ( You need to disable the top shutter button from focusing, it's just there to take the photograph. It's great. Also I can use one of my front buttons (front button focus) to have a different focus mode to the back, e.g group focus for the back and spot focus for the front. Again much faster way to change your focus mode. Love it. Love photography.
A quick update, as this video popped up again in my inbox.
Like others I can't imagine not using BBF. Especially now I'm using a mirrorless camera.
with sports and wildlife photography BBF is essential. Maybe not so much if taking
landscapes ?
Very sorry we never got around to commenting at the time!
Wow ,I just came across your page... Wonderfull content. ive been shooting for about 12 years and I believe you can never stop learning. I noticed you transitioned from Nikon to Fuji, Ive been debating for about a year now on making the same change I shoot with a D500 and A D850 ... Video has been asked allot of me lately and I take it on and it comes out great. Now Im a firm believer that Mirrorless will not wipe out DSLRs like DSLRs did to film. But the Fuji has really intrigued my well for about 4 years really., But I have all this Nikon glass and I love that I can find Glass from 1980 that I can Buy and still use on Amy of my Nikon Bodies. I just also noticed you have a Nikon on your Bike seat as well...lol I guess my question is,Is say I spend $3800 on the Fuji I am looking at and Buy an Adapter will I loose anything? I also have a Canon Imageprograph-Pro4000 printer so I make and sell allot of prints. Im kinda scared My first DSLR was the D200 Nikon fits so nice in my hand..... But I held the Fuji I was able to shoot with it for a few days and to be honest The quality wasn't really different.... I know the Video system is better in Juji yea I started typing then got lost into all this confusion in my brain ...... But this Video was 2018 for all I know you dont shoot Nikon at all a year later.... any advise or suggestions would be well received.... Oh I loved you Video,VIDEO you did with the D300 I LOL when you said LOOK AT THE LILLIES. Great content great Videos hop to run into you in the field one day ..and again great content you break things down really well
Ha ha thanks Fat-Guy Reviews. I still shoot Nikon D600 on some comissions when I need wide apertures. I don't have fast lenses for the Fuji because I want to keep it small and light for travel photography. Fuji is great for RUclips vids because I can easily show folks what's happening in the viewfinder, which is too fiddly on the Nikon. There's not much difference between the image files, both cameras are great. It's about having the right tool for the job and nothing more. If the camera(s) you have deliver what you want, why change? Cameras don't take exciting, evocative images - you're responsible for that, by knowing light, composition, where to stand and when to click the decisive moment when everything comes together perfectly... MIKE :-)
Quite a lot of years shooting fast (wildlife, ...) my setup is using focus stop with the back button. The thumb is just needed when taking over in manual focus control while shooting continuous AF, the "free time" to be used i.e. to adjust focus points with the joystick. Exposure always aperture priority quite often with some +/- or in special cases full manual. Recent auto functions (focus, exposure) are great when fast response counts. Doing slow shooting (landscape, ...) my preference is BBF or full manual focus. Not like most proposals but this works for me.
Its back button for me on my nikon but my hands are to big to get a comfortable grip on my fuji xt 20
You didn't even mention the major advantage for back button focus, which is kinda imperative when you challenge its use: it decouples the focus lock and the exposure lock, saving you from having to refocus every time you take a shot. The fact that you can leave the camera in continuous focus is great too, though. I certainly won't have it any other way anymore, after missing a cool action shot, because I had to fiddle with the focus mode. Now I just tap the button for single focus, and hold it for continuous. No need to fiddle with the camera to cater for static or mobile subjects individually. Saves a lot of time and saves a lot of shots.
Hi Jigsaw407 I did say it decouples the focus lock and the exposure lock in a banner because I fogot to say it in words. BTW, I'm not challenging it, only suggeting we each of us need to discover if we like it or not. If you watched to the end you'll have heard what I suggested... MIKE :-)
If you are using back button focus does that mean you are locking the exposure when you use the shutter button at the front ?
Hi Andrew. That depends on how you have your camera's custom features set up. Personally i never use BB focus. Just not my preferred way of working... MIKE
@@MikeBrowne I have not tried back button focus yet. I am doubful of its advantages, unless you are on a tripod to do landscape or still life, because if you move your camera you'll want to re focus so why faff about with a separate button, and then you cant use that button for something else. You might as well focus manually if you are fixed. Thanks for you replies and advice.
I use both at the same time on the d500. I do a lot of bird photography, so ,I use single, group and dynamic area focus points in continuous AF and just switch to single AF if shooting stationary subjects
Love your videos Mike... I use it briefly and switch right back because I'm too impatient to persevere with it so it would become the default in my head. Might be my stubborn old age. :)
What Fuji you using now is it the xt3
hi darren, Mike now uses xt2, - Melissa pp Mike
As usual Mike, spot on. Thank you for continuing to provide fresh unique content!
Thanks, Mike. You have been 'my tutor' ever since I got my first DSLR (Nikon D3100) way back in 2012. Wonderful tutor. However, on this occasion I can't help feeling a newbie would still be a little confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF after watching your video.
Not long ago I treated myself to a second hand Nikon D300 (very old camera/technology) but to my delight, I found out that it has a menu option to quickly change from one set of pre-defined shooting presets to another. The first preset I configured it for BBF and called it 'Sport' (with continuous focus) - to be used with ‘burst mode (continuous shooting). The second preset I configured was without BBF and I called it 'Portrait' (single focus). Obviously I am not going to tell you the reasons why I configured my shooting options the way I did and the names I accordingly gave them - that would be like telling you how to suck eggs :-) But explaining it this way I think would help a newbie to understand what BBF can do to help them but only if they get to like it AND it fits in with their photographic genre which they like to capture.
All the very best, Mike, and keep up the great content.
Thanks Darren. I'm confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF because to be it's all demerrit! I know a lot of people love it and that's perfect because it works for them and they get the results they want. There are many ways to reach Rome as they say. ... MIKE
Love BBF. Can't see ever going back to FBF. I just have to remember it is setup if I hand off my camera to someone. Canon allows you to set it in the 'Pro' modes but it resorts back to front button in the 'auto' modes.
I use it and a benefit I find after setting focus is you can now use the normal shutter button 1/2 press to lock exposure to how you like without having to use exposure compensation dial (using a Fuji mirrorless) Just point it around the scene until the exposure is how you want it, then lock it in with a 1/2 press
Although if you’re taking photos of people they may wonder why you are pointing the camera here and there haha
Every time you send a video, I learn something new. I never knew about "back button focusing". Well done for your videos
actually never tried that button yet! this was super helpful
thanks for sharing this great content with us, really enjoyed watching this
Practical photography at its best. Thanks for sharing Mike.
Your enthusiasm is contagious.
thank you! - Melissa pp Mike
Mike I must say that you are so right on saying there's not one configuration for everybody we are all individuals everybody has their own unique Style and you learn as you go like you said to what's comfortable to you
thank you for the kind comments - Melissa pp Mike
I like back button because I like the meter to be independent of focus. If you try to focus then recompose you cant re meter the scene without refocusing. Unless you use exposure lock, but that's an extra step. Did you lose a ton of weight recently?
Yep I lost about 2.5 stone this year Matt. On most cameras you can spearate metering and focus but it's burried pretty deep sometimes... MIKE :-)
Nice, I lost about 10 kilos during the last month! Feels nice to wear my old pants again and I just feel better overall :)
Does it make shooting easier for you as well? Because it does for me!
Congratulations Mathias. It makes everything easier. And know what you mean about the old pants... MIKE :-)
A few year ago I would agree with you But tried it for month at first very frustrating .On landscapes no different But on wildlife and anything moving WOW love it so good ie for panning and flying birds . So in the end its not camera or way you use it but want you see through the lens and happy want you are getting and enjoy using it
P.S. That's a nice bike !!!
Thanks dust1415. Yep I love these Triumph triples. I have another I bought new in '99. Done over 105,000 miles on it and it's still my favourite. .. MIKE :-)
"On landscapes no different But on wildlife and anything moving WOW love it so good ie for panning and flying birds ."
Yes, wildlife and sports are areas where back-button focus is a real-world advantage. And that with continuous focus, I presume?
I just started to use BBF and found some extremely sharp focus on the same subject in the same situation.
That's cool Amit. If it works for you go with it.... MIKE 🙂
Thanks Mike, loved the video. Tried BB focus it and didnt get on with it, although i can see the advantages, not right for my type of shooting...yet :-)
BBF was useful in the old days when cross type af points were only located around the center of the frame. Today BBF messes up with using the joystick with the thumb to select the right af point. I used BBF for a long time but now I need my thumb for switching af points so I went back to shutter release button af.
I’m with you. Using a joystick to select your focus point and then just pushing the shutter is just as fast and in my opinion the focus is more accurate than focus and decomposing.
Way to go Mike B.😎
Love the clean low-clean haircut! A TRIUMPH to boot! 😎Where is all this coming from? Nonetheless, it’s complete!
Btw-Great video! Since you have already convinced me in your previous videos to use the Back Button Focus....Three CHEERS 😊
thanks for the kind words MrTanker10a
I have a button that toggles manual focus on my a6500. I can just press that one whenever i want to separate focus and shutter. In my opinion its better, because its a choice you can change on the fly