You know how most of us don't read the manual? This is someone who does. Such in-depth knowledge about the Sony systems. I think this is what it truly means to be a Sony Ambassador
Having just moved into Mirrorless camera's ( Sony a7Rii and Sony a7Riv ) I found this video to be precise and very informative - thank you for taking the time to make it
really amazing in all these videos you deep dive trough options, choices depending on subject, in a clear and comprehensive way. no click bait titles but instead really clearly linked to what you're goung to explain in the video. thank you!
This is really helpful. You should modify your video title to say something about action sports or fast action configuration. It will help people find it when searching.
Hi Mark, My husband and I have both been following your channel and recommendations ever since we changed to Sony Alpha Cameras a few years back. We have learnt a lot through your channel and must convey our appreciation for your excellent videos. I set my Sonya7riii to back button focus before going on Safari in February this year and it was awesome. The speed and sharpness of focus was outstanding. BUT and it's a big but, the ergonomics of using the camera with that setting and a 100- 400mm zoom lens was too much stress for my arm. I've been suffering with a painful tennis elbow for the last few months now. Photography has come to a complete halt. :( Then I read quite a few threads on online forums with others who had the same experience from Back-button focus. Would you have any thoughts, advice for avoiding this? Thanks!
I have both my A7III and A7II set up for BBF; but can I just confirm that I cannot use the AF on button to wake my A7III up aswell as using it for BBF. I was able to do this with my Olympus EM1 mark II: and sometimes still forget that I have to press the shutter release half way to wake up my A7III prior to using BBF.
Great video again mark... with using the af-on button for focus and switching off the shutter release for this action , does it make any difference if do all your settings but leave the shutter button still able to af if needs be if need to quick move into af-s . So what I’m asking is if leave shutter button live for af but still use back button to focus either in af-c or s does this make any difference or does the press of the shutter button that is still technically live for af have an adverse effect on the back button focus method, I presume using the af-on overrides as long as keep it depressed and then shutter just becomes shutter release ... ?
You don't have a traditional back-button AF workflow if you leave focus connected to the shutter release. The idea with BBAF is that you are not focusing when you are not holding down the AF-On button. This is rendered null and void if the camera then focuses when you go to press the shutter release.
Mark great timing as I have been setting my A7iii up for back button focus. Is it best to leave the focus mode in continuous focus or if the subject is static switch to auto focus single?. I assume then once I press the back button button the and release it the focus is locked on unless the subject moves. Great video thank you - Clive
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I was a user of back-button until I read two things. AF-S uses contrast while AF-C use phases, so using back-button with AF-C is different than using plan AF-S. That's minor. The big problem is Image Stabilization. I can't just press the shutter to take the picture after focus and recompose. I have to still half-press the shutter to activate IS, that seems to defeat back-button. Is this correct?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark, after moving the point in Single-Shot, i cant seem to toggle back to my previous AF-C focus settings (Expandable Lock-On). Help me!
So I know you said that pushing the toggle puts you in single focus mode. By I have set up that toggle to be my back button focus button. So how can I get single focus back? Thanks for all the great tutorials!!
Not sure what you are asking here as your second sentence is my answer. Another alternative is to set up BBAF to a memory on the Shoot Mode dial so that you can simply dial away from the Memory to exit BBAF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark! Sorry if I didn't make sense. I mean that I set up the joystick to be my BBAF button (rather than the AF button), and in the video it says that you can push the joystick button to go back to single focus and the focus point will go back to center. Mine does not go back to center when I push it, for some reason. That was what I was wondering about. And also , when I remove my thumb from the joystick/ af button does that mean I am automatically in single focus? Thank you for your prompt response. I am going through many of your videos!
OK - you are not using the workflow I outlined in the movie so you may or may not be able to come up with a solution to this. It’s not something SONY envisaged users want to do when they added an AF-on button for BBAF Shooters. I don’t use BBAF at all in my own workflow as it doesn’t give me any advantages over the standard setup.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I didn't set up the AF button as BBAF only because for me it is too hard to reach and feels like to much of a strain, otherwise I know it would be preferred. Could you please explain how BBAF is NOT adn advantage, since you always have your subject in focus? Wouldn't it make for less chance of out of focus shots for moving subjects, even if only portraits? Thanks for all your help- I will need to join your group!
@@hazardstorms226 did you ever figure this out? I just got an a7iii and am setting it up for BBAF. I have small hands and also find it uncomfortable reaching for the AF-on button.
When I view photos Ive taken and press the af-on, what should it do ? Zoom on to where the camera focused ? Or does it always just zoom "straight in" ? Im confused that it often doesnt zoom into where I focused. Some say it zooms straight in - others say it zooms to your focus point(s) ? Im confused.
Great tutorial as always. Just a quick question? Would you recommend using back button AF in all the situations or just limited for action photography? For example, is it a good option for wedding photography?
It has mostly found favour with action/sports wildlife photographers but some will leave the camera set up like this for most or all the subjects they capture. I am not personally 'recommending' this workflow, just offering it as an alternative workflow that some photographers prefer and showing how it is set up on these Alpha cameras. There are advantages and disadvantages to running a workflow like this so it is best just to try and work with it for a week or two and make a decision whether you will join the 'Back Button AF fan club' or find no advantages to just leaving AF as it is. I have an extremely broad range of subjects that I photograph, so I change my settings frequently. I use Manual Focus, DMF, Single-shot AF and Continuous for different reasons and it only take me a few seconds to reconfigure my camera - so personally I am not locked into Back Button AF as my only workflow..
You mentioned that some people would turn off e-Front Curtain Shutter for shooting into the sun. Just wondering what would be the advantage of doing that. Thank you to anyone that can help with this question.
I am going to make a movie - the subject needs expanding over a 15minute movie. A quick response just won’t do the subject justice. Suffice to say the world won’t stop turning if you forget to switch it off😉
Haha, agreed. In any case, thank you very much for the response and I look forward to your future video on the subject. I appreciate all the educational material that you share with the community. Mahalo!
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your videos! I saw on another video today that there is a known issue with shooting above 1/1000 of a second and having e-shutter on. Are you aware of this and will you cover it in the video you are doing? Many thanks, again!
Jon Schneider - I am covering this in my next movie. The problems some people highlight are a bit of a ‘storm in a tea cup’. I regularly shoot at 1/4000 second without a problem. I don’t want to create a click bait movie so will try to address the topic fully.
I use back button AF and AF-S mode. Several times even after the green square is displayed on the subject and I shoot holding the back button the subject is out of focus. I wonder what I am doing wrong
You could watch my Focus Masterclass and Focus Area video tutorials so you can work out any possible mistakes you are making. I also offer a consultancy service at Patreon.com/markgaler
Hi Mark, I recently bought a a7iii, I came from Canon and I use back button in 5DMiv and I used to lock the exposition. My problem with Sony and BBAF is that the Lock AE is just pressing the button and unlock when I try to focusing with the same finger. How can you fix that. Thanks
Excuse me,, my A7s3 in video mode, i like to use subject “tracking focus”, because i want to put my camera into underwater housing to shoot underwater video, and focus tracking on some marine moving subject, like moving fishes, or moving nudibranch, so, it’s impossible to touch the screen, coz, it’s in the housing, i want to trigger it on button, but where is the button? how to set up the tracking button in menu? can tell me please? thank you very much.
I was thinking about buying a Sony a7iii so I’ve been checking your video’s and they are great!! But the menu’s from Sony make me soooo dizzy compared to all my Nikon gear. I’m never gonna get used to that. That’s a bit sad because I liked the camera size and IQ.
Once you have programmed the Fn menu and the Custom buttons you rarely go into the menus. The menus are like the public transport system of a foreign city - once you have used them for a while they are completely familiar.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Honestly, I am having issues with focus for my new a7iii. I shoot lots of music, events, and even meet & greets - the focus on the Nikons was easier to setup but lacked the complexity of tracking the Sony has. I need to get to Eye focus for some stuff and have no idea what focus to use for bands with BBF. I just tried some test shots with BBF and eyeAF off and they are all OOF.
I use back button AF but now want to start lock on tracking. Do I have to be “quick on the thumb” to switch this up or should I go back to the shutter release focus and have the thumb ready to move the focus spot. I’m confused now
If you have a lock-on AF area selected the subject has to be in the AF Area when you press the AF-On button. If you miss - release and re-engage. If the subject is moving rapidly and you are having trouble keeping the subject in a Spot AF area switch to Lock-on AF Zone. Watch my AF area movie for more clarification.
Hi Mark thanks for another really helpful video. Can you please comment on the new crop sensor A6400. There is no AFon button defined on the body. If you turn off auto focus with shutter it does not auto focus unless you assign AFOn to a custom button such as C1. Is that correct?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills One big problem if you use this method. It works flawless in M-mode , but when you are in S- mode or A- mode using AF-C, AEL does not lock anymore. Now you have to set another customkey for AEL-hold. So now you have to focus on your subject, press another customkey to lock AEL , recompose and then press the shutter button. Or am I missing something? 1 uur geleden
I set my a6000 with BBF to AEL, center wheel to Standard. However, IR remote control no longer works. Is my only option with BBF is to set timer 2 secs for long exposures?
Why ISO AUTO Min. SS doesn't work at night? E.g. I set up it 1/250, and at night it always decreases to something like 6, 20, 30 and doesn't stick 1/250 set up.
It prioritises correct exposure - if the ISO has reached the maximum value that you have set and the aperture is wide open, then the shutter speed is the only thing left that the camera can adjust to achieve an appropriate exposure.
To fix this, you can increase your minimum ISO or just leave ISO completely on auto if you are OK with more noise which you can remove in post but then your image will be sharper than if your low SS caused it to be blurry.
Phase Detect AF has limitations. The user manual will provide you with the smallest aperture that can be used when the drive mode is set to Hi or Med. It is f/8 on the A7RIII but later models including the A7III you can use f/11. On the A9 cameras it is f/16 and on the A1 it is f/22
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Wow! Very interesting. I didn't notice this detail on the user manual. Thank you very much for your - as always - kind and useful sharing of informations
I outline this function in a different video and in my free eBooks (available from www.markgaler.com). Priority Set in AF-C: If you want maximum frames per second choose 'Release' and if you want fewer slightly blurred shots choose AF. I work on the basis that I can always delete blurred shots later. Choosing AF or Balanced Emphasis runs the risk of not getting the decisive moment or the first shot in the sequence - not good if you are shooting the start of a race.
You know how most of us don't read the manual? This is someone who does. Such in-depth knowledge about the Sony systems. I think this is what it truly means to be a Sony Ambassador
I have learned so much from this channel. It's not like other click-bait RUclips videos with a lot of drama. everything is spot-on with Mark.
👌👏
Easily the best explained and diagrammed videos available for the Sony series. These are of great help. Thanks, Mark.
Mark, can't stress enough how useful all your videos are. Thanks for taking the time to upload this.
Thanks for the very positive feedback.
Excellent video! Just got my a7 iii today and a friend said there’s only channel you need, he was right!
Having just moved into Mirrorless camera's ( Sony a7Rii and Sony a7Riv ) I found this video to be precise and very informative - thank you for taking the time to make it
Wow Mark, this was really the greatest overview of Sony AF options on the internet. Thank you so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Yep, agreed, straight up the most comprehensive tutorial videos on intrawebs!
Invaluable advise as always @Mark Galer🙏--I highly recommend Marks e books and tutorials, so much information and totally enjoyable, and educational
Thanks for your positive feedback Steve
@@AlphaCreativeSkills pleasure it has been invaluable to me and Always recommend them both to Sony users!
Great video again, Mark. Didn't know about hitting the toggle button to get to single shot mode and center focus! Thanks so much!
really amazing in all these videos you deep dive trough options, choices depending on subject, in a clear and comprehensive way. no click bait titles but instead really clearly linked to what you're goung to explain in the video. thank you!
Glad you like them!
Excellent videos. No wasted time.
This is really helpful. You should modify your video title to say something about action sports or fast action configuration. It will help people find it when searching.
Great information as per usual Mark so many settings especially with the new generation cameras.
Thank you for this Mark, I went to Wimbledon after watching you’re very helpful tutorial above. I must say that it was amazing to use it this way!
Great Job -Many thanks. Cheers
So helpful! thank you very much!!!
Thank you. It helps a lot.
Thank you for this video !
Hi Mark,
My husband and I have both been following your channel and recommendations ever since we changed to Sony Alpha Cameras a few years back. We have learnt a lot through your channel and must convey our appreciation for your excellent videos.
I set my Sonya7riii to back button focus before going on Safari in February this year and it was awesome. The speed and sharpness of focus was outstanding. BUT and it's a big but, the ergonomics of using the camera with that setting and a 100- 400mm zoom lens was too much stress for my arm. I've been suffering with a painful tennis elbow for the last few months now. Photography has come to a complete halt. :(
Then I read quite a few threads on online forums with others who had the same experience from Back-button focus.
Would you have any thoughts, advice for avoiding this?
Thanks!
I have a second video tutorial on Back Button AF that I released this week. This should provide you with the answer you are looking for.
Thanks Mark, switching back to simple shutter release focus :)
I have both my A7III and A7II set up for BBF; but can I just confirm that I cannot use the AF on button to wake my A7III up aswell as using it for BBF. I was able to do this with my Olympus EM1 mark II: and sometimes still forget that I have to press the shutter release half way to wake up my A7III prior to using BBF.
Great video again mark... with using the af-on button for focus and switching off the shutter release for this action , does it make any difference if do all your settings but leave the shutter button still able to af if needs be if need to quick move into af-s . So what I’m asking is if leave shutter button live for af but still use back button to focus either in af-c or s does this make any difference or does the press of the shutter button that is still technically live for af have an adverse effect on the back button focus method, I presume using the af-on overrides as long as keep it depressed and then shutter just becomes shutter release ... ?
You don't have a traditional back-button AF workflow if you leave focus connected to the shutter release. The idea with BBAF is that you are not focusing when you are not holding down the AF-On button. This is rendered null and void if the camera then focuses when you go to press the shutter release.
As of 2022, is the "Silent Shooting" still a bad choice with the A7R3 (fw 3.0.1) ? The shutter noise scares some birds :D
Silent Shooting is a bad choice for any camera that is not using a stacked sensor and where subject is moving quickly.
Mark great timing as I have been setting my A7iii up for back button focus. Is it best to leave the focus mode in continuous focus or if the subject is static switch to auto focus single?. I assume then once I press the back button button the and release it the focus is locked on unless the subject moves. Great video thank you - Clive
clive downing - leave it in Continuous AF and press the multi-selector or joystick in to access the Single-shot AF
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I was a user of back-button until I read two things. AF-S uses contrast while AF-C use phases, so using back-button with AF-C is different than using plan AF-S. That's minor. The big problem is Image Stabilization. I can't just press the shutter to take the picture after focus and recompose. I have to still half-press the shutter to activate IS, that seems to defeat back-button. Is this correct?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark, after moving the point in Single-Shot, i cant seem to toggle back to my previous AF-C focus settings (Expandable Lock-On). Help me!
So I know you said that pushing the toggle puts you in single focus mode. By I have set up that toggle to be my back button focus button. So how can I get single focus back? Thanks for all the great tutorials!!
Not sure what you are asking here as your second sentence is my answer. Another alternative is to set up BBAF to a memory on the Shoot Mode dial so that you can simply dial away from the Memory to exit BBAF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark! Sorry if I didn't make sense. I mean that I set up the joystick to be my BBAF button (rather than the AF button), and in the video it says that you can push the joystick button to go back to single focus and the focus point will go back to center. Mine does not go back to center when I push it, for some reason. That was what I was wondering about. And also , when I remove my thumb from the joystick/ af button does that mean I am automatically in single focus? Thank you for your prompt response. I am going through many of your videos!
OK - you are not using the workflow I outlined in the movie so you may or may not be able to come up with a solution to this. It’s not something SONY envisaged users want to do when they added an AF-on button for BBAF Shooters. I don’t use BBAF at all in my own workflow as it doesn’t give me any advantages over the standard setup.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I didn't set up the AF button as BBAF only because for me it is too hard to reach and feels like to much of a strain, otherwise I know it would be preferred. Could you please explain how BBAF is NOT adn advantage, since you always have your subject in focus? Wouldn't it make for less chance of out of focus shots for moving subjects, even if only portraits? Thanks for all your help- I will need to join your group!
@@hazardstorms226 did you ever figure this out? I just got an a7iii and am setting it up for BBAF. I have small hands and also find it uncomfortable reaching for the AF-on button.
U r best
When I view photos Ive taken and press the af-on, what should it do ? Zoom on to where the camera focused ? Or does it always just zoom "straight in" ?
Im confused that it often doesnt zoom into where I focused. Some say it zooms straight in - others say it zooms to your focus point(s) ?
Im confused.
Depends on the Alpha model you own and the menu setting.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Im gonna test it as soon as I get home from work. Really hope its me who´s doing something wrong here. Thanks so much (:
Great tutorial as always. Just a quick question? Would you recommend using back button AF in all the situations or just limited for action photography? For example, is it a good option for wedding photography?
It has mostly found favour with action/sports wildlife photographers but some will leave the camera set up like this for most or all the subjects they capture. I am not personally 'recommending' this workflow, just offering it as an alternative workflow that some photographers prefer and showing how it is set up on these Alpha cameras. There are advantages and disadvantages to running a workflow like this so it is best just to try and work with it for a week or two and make a decision whether you will join the 'Back Button AF fan club' or find no advantages to just leaving AF as it is. I have an extremely broad range of subjects that I photograph, so I change my settings frequently. I use Manual Focus, DMF, Single-shot AF and Continuous for different reasons and it only take me a few seconds to reconfigure my camera - so personally I am not locked into Back Button AF as my only workflow..
You mentioned that some people would turn off e-Front Curtain Shutter for shooting into the sun. Just wondering what would be the advantage of doing that. Thank you to anyone that can help with this question.
I am going to make a movie - the subject needs expanding over a 15minute movie. A quick response just won’t do the subject justice. Suffice to say the world won’t stop turning if you forget to switch it off😉
Haha, agreed. In any case, thank you very much for the response and I look forward to your future video on the subject. I appreciate all the educational material that you share with the community. Mahalo!
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your videos! I saw on another video today that there is a known issue with shooting above 1/1000 of a second and having e-shutter on. Are you aware of this and will you cover it in the video you are doing? Many thanks, again!
ruclips.net/video/LQTarMu_y6Y/видео.html
Jon Schneider - I am covering this in my next movie. The problems some people highlight are a bit of a ‘storm in a tea cup’. I regularly shoot at 1/4000 second without a problem. I don’t want to create a click bait movie so will try to address the topic fully.
I use back button AF and AF-S mode. Several times even after the green square is displayed on the subject and I shoot holding the back button the subject is out of focus. I wonder what I am doing wrong
You could watch my Focus Masterclass and Focus Area video tutorials so you can work out any possible mistakes you are making. I also offer a consultancy service at Patreon.com/markgaler
Hi Mark, I recently bought a a7iii, I came from Canon and I use back button in 5DMiv and I used to lock the exposition. My problem with Sony and BBAF is that the Lock AE is just pressing the button and unlock when I try to focusing with the same finger. How can you fix that. Thanks
Use Lock On AF or stop using Back Button AF as there is no advantage to this workflow when using a Sony Camera.
Excuse me,, my A7s3 in video mode, i like to use subject “tracking focus”, because i want to put my camera into underwater housing to shoot underwater video, and focus tracking on some marine moving subject, like moving fishes, or moving nudibranch, so, it’s impossible to touch the screen, coz, it’s in the housing, i want to trigger it on button, but where is the button? how to set up the tracking button in menu? can tell me please? thank you very much.
Sorry but Sony have not supplied me with an A7S review camera to review.
ruclips.net/video/XtafpxgIKOc/видео.html&ab_channel=leodv999
thank you anyway, this is my problem, i shot a video to tell.
I was thinking about buying a Sony a7iii so I’ve been checking your video’s and they are great!! But the menu’s from Sony make me soooo dizzy compared to all my Nikon gear. I’m never gonna get used to that. That’s a bit sad because I liked the camera size and IQ.
Once you have programmed the Fn menu and the Custom buttons you rarely go into the menus. The menus are like the public transport system of a foreign city - once you have used them for a while they are completely familiar.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Honestly, I am having issues with focus for my new a7iii. I shoot lots of music, events, and even meet & greets - the focus on the Nikons was easier to setup but lacked the complexity of tracking the Sony has.
I need to get to Eye focus for some stuff and have no idea what focus to use for bands with BBF. I just tried some test shots with BBF and eyeAF off and they are all OOF.
hello do i have to press af on button continuosly until i got the shot?tnx
Yes
I use back button AF but now want to start lock on tracking. Do I have to be “quick on the thumb” to switch this up or should I go back to the shutter release focus and have the thumb ready to move the focus spot. I’m confused now
If you have a lock-on AF area selected the subject has to be in the AF Area when you press the AF-On button. If you miss - release and re-engage. If the subject is moving rapidly and you are having trouble keeping the subject in a Spot AF area switch to Lock-on AF Zone. Watch my AF area movie for more clarification.
Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills thank you.
Thanks
Hi Mark thanks for another really helpful video. Can you please comment on the new crop sensor A6400. There is no AFon button defined on the body. If you turn off auto focus with shutter it does not auto focus unless you assign AFOn to a custom button such as C1. Is that correct?
That is correct - I would personally, however, assign it to a button such as the AF-MF Button.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills One big problem if you use this method. It works flawless in M-mode , but when you are in S- mode or A- mode using AF-C, AEL does not lock anymore. Now you have to set another customkey for AEL-hold. So now you have to focus on your subject, press another customkey to lock AEL , recompose and then press the shutter button. Or am I missing something?
1 uur geleden
Do you have any thing on the a6500 , I go to MotoGP races and f1 and love taking pictures
All of this info is applicable to the A6500 - you just need to assign AF-On to your AF/MF button in the Custom Keys menu.
Thank you
I set my a6000 with BBF to AEL, center wheel to Standard. However, IR remote control no longer works. Is my only option with BBF is to set timer 2 secs for long exposures?
or use your mobile phone with the Remote Control App
Why ISO AUTO Min. SS doesn't work at night? E.g. I set up it 1/250, and at night it always decreases to something like 6, 20, 30 and doesn't stick 1/250 set up.
It prioritises correct exposure - if the ISO has reached the maximum value that you have set and the aperture is wide open, then the shutter speed is the only thing left that the camera can adjust to achieve an appropriate exposure.
To fix this, you can increase your minimum ISO or just leave ISO completely on auto if you are OK with more noise which you can remove in post but then your image will be sharper than if your low SS caused it to be blurry.
So is there is any reason not to just set it to Release for everything?
Not really so long as you are happy to remove a few more images in post production.
Top
"Don't go beyond F8 or the autofocus will lock on the position of the first frame....."
What is this?
Phase Detect AF has limitations. The user manual will provide you with the smallest aperture that can be used when the drive mode is set to Hi or Med. It is f/8 on the A7RIII but later models including the A7III you can use f/11. On the A9 cameras it is f/16 and on the A1 it is f/22
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Wow! Very interesting. I didn't notice this detail on the user manual. Thank you very much for your - as always - kind and useful sharing of informations
Priority set in AF-S/C is still unclear to me
I outline this function in a different video and in my free eBooks (available from www.markgaler.com). Priority Set in AF-C: If you want maximum frames per second choose 'Release' and if you want fewer slightly blurred shots choose AF. I work on the basis that I can always delete blurred shots later. Choosing AF or Balanced Emphasis runs the risk of not getting the decisive moment or the first shot in the sequence - not good if you are shooting the start of a race.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Release = Hi+?
How do we use AF-On button for a still image? Just press, release, then press shutter button? Thanks,
Back button is mostly used when AF is set to AF-C so you keep holding if your subject is moving or press and release if the subject is static.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you!
Ambassador is a litle extra
That's literally what his position with Sony is called. Sony has quite a few ambassadors so your comment makes no sense.
Thanks
Thanks for your support for my RUclips channel :-)