Assigning the 2nd button for facial AF does work. Now I can decide on the fly which one to use at any given moment, although I'm still new to my R6 and not sur how much I'll use the facial recognition AF.
Little Eos 200d here and only took up photography 4 yrs ago this coming January and within 3 months i had bbf set up and had been on a huge fast track of learning through channels like yours, and a very well known Aussie V8 supercar racing driver whose wife is a photographer and Canon ambassador was blown away that i had learnt so much so fast while discussing photography 1 night on twitter messenger which started after she messaged asking about learning nightscape photography. Best thing i found was being able to then meter where you want, instead of where you focus as happens when both are tied to the shutter button although it can have focus only for shutter and use the bb as metering but i definitely find it better the more common way.
Having watched countless hours of videos by many of the most popular photography tutorial producers on youtube, I would say yours are consistently among the most clear, well-organized, detailed and helpful.This is another gem. Thanks!
Absolutely! This channel is amazing. Even though I know all the things he's explaining since I've been shooting for a while it's still a joy to watch because the videos are so incredibly well made
This man single handedly improved my knowledge two-fold in two weeks and about 15 videos! Amazing approach of practically showing how to set options and what is their purpose. Amazing ! Keep up the good work, Simon
Your videos are like nobody else’s on RUclips!! I’ve watched so many back button focus videos and got so lost in technical details that I never even made it to set up. Now, after watching yours, I’ve just set back button focus on my camera and it’s going to be life changing! I’m very excited to use it from now on, thank you! Your videos are always so perfectly explained, you have the gift of teaching and encouraging as well as your photography talents.
@simon_dentremont I did set AF ON long ago after hearing about it (initially I thought what a ridiculous idea lol then did it. Then put camera down. Picked it up some years later thinking wtf isn't it focusing 😅😅😂 Then remembered the af on button. Really good info.
This is the first time someone has explained in a practical way. I have seen numerous videos on this, but they never actually show how you are supposed to use it.
I just gasped in amazement when you showed back button focus on the bird at the 3 minute mark. I had no idea this was how it works. I've leared so much from you in just a few videos. You are the Gold Standard for youtube tutorial videos!
You know that I’ve been using back focus with my Sony cameras and never realized I could focus then release and my subject stays in focus. Just tried it and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Great video! You have a natural way of giving clear explanations, and also why we would want to do it rather than just how to do it. Looking forward to the next video!
I have been using youtube for more than 10 years and I have never been so mystified by the content from a youtuber like this before! I cant put in words how glad i am to have found your channel! incredible content, really helpful and thorough, please never stop! big fan!
Another advantage of back-button focus is that you always can adjust your focus manually without switching the lens to manual focus. Great for fine tuning or adjustments without changing the composition.
How have I not had this explained to me in such a manner before?! This solves soo many situations I've been in recently where I got frustrated with extra effort it took to get some pretty simple shots of butterflies in the grass, or bluetits in birch trees, for instance. Thank you so much! This clicked immediately for me, now I just got to get used to it in practice! :)
For the first time since I started getting serious about my photography hobby, I understand the back button focus functions. I don’t know what you said differently or what I heard differently than I have in the last five years but thank you so much, it all makes sense now!
Loved this video maybe best of all the videos I’ve seen on this subject. I would REALLY APPRECIATE if you would do a separate one specifically on how you completely customized each and every button of your R5. I have both an R5 and R3, and the R3 is really challenging to understand how eye tracking integrates with all these custom button settings. Thank you!
I never understood this until now, THANK YOU Simon! This video is so helpful and soooooo easy to understand, I just tried these tricks out and THEY WORK so well. Thanks again!
Had a good friend who passed away a few years ago. Excellent photographer. Right up until he died he shot with a thirty some odd year old film camera and got beautiful results. I asked him why he didn't update his camera. His answer was that, "Photographers change cameras more often than they change their underwear! They never come close to learning the capabilities of any of them! I, on the other hand, know this camera better than I know my wife!" His pictures showed that there was indeed a marvelous relationship!
With all things there’s Good and bad points associated with them. Shutter-button focus has some limitations and disadvantages that may affect your image quality or creativity. For instance, you may lose focus when you release the shutter button halfway or when your subject moves or changes distance, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus shots. Additionally, you may refocus unintentionally when you press the shutter button again or when something comes between you and your subject, which may ruin your composition or focus on the wrong thing. Furthermore, you may have to turn off the autofocus system to use manual focus, which can slow you down or make you miss the shot. You may also have to change your camera settings to switch between continuous and single autofocus modes, making it inconvenient or confusing. Back-button focus has some drawbacks, which may take time and practice to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to shutter-button focus. You may forget to press the back button or press it when it's not necessary, resulting in out-of-focus shots. It may also be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use depending on the camera model and grip, as you may have to stretch your thumb or change your hand position to reach the back button. Furthermore, back-button focus may not work well with some camera features or modes, such as face detection, eye autofocus, or touch shutter; you may need to disable or adjust these settings for effective use. Use anything that makes photography fun and easy for you. We are all different, I have worked for nearly half a century in photography field, even before all this b.b.f.,auto focusing Era. I have seen things come and go. For me b.b.f. is not something I embrace. Much like auto shutter,aperture or programmed control. I like doing things myself. I personally know how to control most situations over an automated feature on a camera. With three clicks ot top dial or three clicks of my rear thumb dial, I can change in an instant one full stop either plus or minus. Todays metering is not always perfect. More often, they are wrong. And customisable rear buttons have many other uses I prefer over focus control.
Remember, one simple thing, your camera is not smarter than you. When you point your camera, let's say at a black subject, you know it's black. Your camera sees it as an 18%;grey,and the camera will lighten that to read as a grey subject. And a white subject the camera will darken to a grey. Knowing this, I know my cameras faults. I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters, short comings. And by: Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey. Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey. Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features. It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light. And with todays mirrorless R5, a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder, making this easier than ever. Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon. "Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase"
This video is a game changer for me. I was always frustrated that I only had centre focus when I have an extender on my 400mm lens. Thank you so much for all these great videos. I love your photography work.
I set it up on my Canon R7. When I press and release the BBC button on a target, it refuses to stay focused on the target plane. It atomticallay refocuses on other parts of the frame. Thus, I cannot repostion my BBF subject to anywhere in the view frame.
There’s a separate setting called “continuous focus” on Canons (they should change the name) which makes the camera always hunt for subjects. Turn that off.
Amazing, this is the first video (of many!) that I’ve watched which actually shows you back button focus scenarios in action - rather trying to explain it in words. At long last, I get it!
Just watched this almost year old video. You're definitely more engaging in the newer videos. Keep up the great work! This beats reading about those buttons in my manual.
Even tho I practice as hobbyist photographer for quite some years... in these 2 weeks since I discovered your channel I learned and comprehended concepts that I struggled before to put in practice. Your tutorials are so well explained and in a manner that the information is easy to assimilate. I feel like I am starting a new journey with better perspectives in photography. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The Most intimidating thing about back button focus for a lot of users is, how the hell do you turn it on? Where is the back button AF setting? Well, it’s not really a mode you turn on- rather, if your camera has a rear AF button it’s usually already on, you actually ***turn the shutter AF off*** to achieve “back button focus mode.” This is explained well in the video, but for people hunting in the comments for the TLDR version, that’s it ;-).
This explanation of the usage of back-button focus was amazing. For some reason I never understood why you would do this, but it's so practical. Awesome explanation and examples!
Brilliant ... this has been driving me crazy as a new photographer when even the simplest and smallest movement was shifting focus ... infuriating. Thank you for such an easy to follow explanation Simon .. Mike
This channel is one of my favorites, it’s quality content👌Recently bought my first camera and have learned and continue to learn much from you. 🙂 Btw this hack is a game changer! Thank you.
Hi Simon, thank you for the knowledge of how to properly use the af back button. I have been having difficulties with using this button in the past. You really save my day.
Thanks for the info Simon. I've got an old Canon 450D and usually use AV for still life images. For the longest time I wondered why auto focus didn't work in AV mode. Now I know that I can press the BBF button to focus. Although weirdly the BBF doesn't actually focus, but now allows the shutter release to focus as per normal. Cheers.
I recently found your chanel and the way you explain things seems to make sense to me. I've subscribed and now going over each of your video with an intent to go back and review them again. I just wanted to thank you for putting all of the efforts to create and produce these videos, they are very helpful to someone like myself who is starting to learn photography. Thnak you
I watch all your videos for fun even if they don’t apply to me but I’m revisiting this to setup back button focus on my new canon 70d!!! Waiting on my 55-250mm is stm lens and I’m happy to jump back into DSLRs after awhile with a bridge camera! Hoping to move to mirrorless this fall!
This is quick to set up on my Nikon by re-assigning the AF/AE lock button. Breaking a years long habit and getting used to the new setup will take a little longer. This also helps with lenses that are a little slow to autofocus or are likely to "hunt" through their entire focus range like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro.
I use an Sony A6000 with back button focus on. When the subject is off center. I still use the center AF point. I just focus (subject in center) then pan a little left or right. I have no problem with the focus changing. I don't think I'm taking my finger off the back button focus. I think my just says "Beep! Got a lock, keeping this focal distance".
So with me shooting landscapes and using back button auto focus and my 5DSr camera set up for FlexiZone, 1- Point AF and One Shot, if I assign spot AF, AI Servo,etc to the star button, will it return to my normal and most used (landscape) settings as soon as I push my back button? TY
Thanks for your great videos! Being a beginner birder, I have just recently switched to back-button focus on my Sony Alpha 1. Unfortunately This is giving me so many more out-of-focus images than I previously had. Any idea what could I possibly be doing wrong, and how to fix that? Would this topic even be worth a follow-up video? I am using AF-C, wide AF field, shutter speed 1/1600s or less, auto ISO (up to 25600), and bursts up to 30 fps. I am also now a gimbal user (Benro GH-2) on a Rollei Lion Rock M.
That's a great explanation Simon, and congrats for applying the concept to multiple brands at once ! While I was still using my 70D, I tried BBF but never liked it. Last fall I switched to the R6, and now I just love the dual BBF. Compared to you, I have swapped both buttons, and on the button right of the *, I programmed the toggle between AF zones which can adapt the zone on which the *-AF is applied. One of my concerns on the new R7 is that Canon placed the extra below the * instead on the right. And I strongly fear it might be tricky to train the dumb to distinguish between both buttons .. Like you I'm using the 100-400Lii, but I'll need to train hard to ever come close to your truly awesome action shots !!
The used 70D I bought (shutter count < 4000) had back-button focus enabled. Never heard of it and it took a while to get it disabled. Now, I'll probably go look for the setting again - to set it.
I use a Canon 60D ... and I'm not sure where there benefits for the Back-Button over the "half push" of the shutter button are I use the "get focus and fiddle around" with the frame just as easy with the shutter button maybe I'm missing something? edit: ooooor .... I just had to try around and get it :D the ability to just release the button and the focus is not changing at all is great tip!
That was awesome. I've used back button focusing before but didn't realise just how useful it is. I've set up the 2nd one as well and will give it a try. Thank you for an informative and detailed tutorial
My wildlife and bird photography with the D850 became more fluid when I switched to BBF years ago after watching Steve Perry's videos. It's great for moving kids and also for recomposing as you suggested. Whenever someone hands me their camera to take a shot of them it feels restrictive when I realize it's focusing with the shutter button. Great information Simon!
Unfortunately my Canon M3 do not have a back button😢 I have only one button I can program and it is in the front near the shutter, so it is used for turning display off😅
Hello Simon... just found your site and am thoroughly impressed with your art and the knowledge you share. I subscribed right away. Thank you so very much. Best to you and your circle of influence in 2023. Stay healthy everyone.
When a friend gets a new camera, this is the #1 trick I teach them right away! When you are in control of your focus, you master the camera to another level and the work improves right away!
I appreciate your descriptions of how things work. Many thanks! This video was very helpful. I had heard of backbutton focus. Even seen other information on how to set it. What I was missing was a clear explanation on how to use it. I am looking forwards to giving it a try. 🙂
Are you reading from some script prompt as you make these, or are you actually this well-spoken, clear, concise and well-planned? So much information, presented with minimal dead space or wasted filler - amazing!
Late to the party, but just to add some counter-balance to this: I for one have never liked BBF because it seems counterintuitive to me to release a button (decreasing camera grip in the process) to keep the focus I want. I don't believe BBF is required with modern mirrorless cameras anymore and I much rather assign a different function to the AF-ON button.
I had mine set to bbf while on vacation. I handed my camera to another guy to take a family photo. Obviously he had no idea and just took the photo. He was embarrassed and confused when he saw the lcd screen with a completely blurred photo.
Me watching this video 8 minutes in taking mental notes, listening with intent, then remembering I cant afford autofocus lenses and use vintage telephotos for wildlife anyways…
A good explanation. I'd just add that, with modern AF tracking, this becomes irrelevant. You can just lock on and recompose and the AF system will keep tracking your subject until you release the shutter button. The BBF focus and recompose method made sense in the DSLR days, but with most modern mirrorless cameras with AF tracking, there's no real advantage other than familiarity.
Simon I'm confused about my results when trying the back button auto focus. I have the r5 and rf100-500mm. The back button works well to instantly focus on a subject when the subject is fully out of focus. But when the subject is moving and is surrounded by the white focus guide, its seems to be in focus and if I press the back button, I lose focus on my already in focus subject. So now I have adapted and I am not pressing the back button. The white bracket seems to follow the subject fine in focus so I just take the picture. Seem to be having much better results this way, but I don't understand why.
You nay have continuous focus (not to be confused with servo AI) on, and thats why it tracks all the time. when you use AI Servo and back button focus, you keep the back button pressed down to keep tracking.
Great explanation Simon, I have seen other videos on this subject but none close to your clarity - I appreciated especially the illustration of the benefit of back button focusing at 2 min 50 sec of the video - thank you! I'll try it in the field as soon as possible.
Watched again. I set up 3 back buttons. One small zone, one eye tracking and one wide zone. Seems to work well as long as I use the right button. Thanks again!
I lean something every time I watch your videos! I was unaware of the "register/recall shooting func." Its always be a problem to switch everything fast enough to a higher speed setting. On my Canon R5 I've registered the AF-On button to eye/face tracking, the * button to zone and the AF Point button to this Register/recall shooting func. It gives me three options! So how do I change my AF zones? I've changed the Depth of Field button to cycle through my selected zones. I'm loving it! Thanks so much for all of your information! I’ve also set the camera on Auto ISO and changed the top dial to exposure compensation. It’s all working great !
Great video as always! One problem I had that may confuse others is if, in Canon R5 menu at least, you have ‘Continuous AF’ enabled in AF menu 1. This defeats the point you talk about at 2:30 in the video. I couldn’t figure out why my focus kept hunting after releasing the back button as you had instructed. Maybe that’s how Canon distinguishes AF Servo from Continuous AF.
Simon, please assist: I've my Canon 1100D/T-3 in Manual mode with a lens set to autofocus, and the "*" set as my back button focus. Shooting through the viewfinder, the "*" acts properly to autofocus. Shooting LIVE VIEW, the "*" only acts like a shutter release!!! Please advise what the problem is and how to resolve it. Merci beaucoup, mon ami!
I've been shooting like this for some time now on my α6700 and works great for me. I woulnd't even have know about this without this video. Metering works well with the shutter button and I use another button for the preview because I also do macro and there the camera uses other settings for auto focusing. When taking pictures of insects I also don't want the focus to change. The "AI" AF is good to quickly get the focus on the subject. Then I can move the camera to get a good composition and it won't focus on some grass or anything else that might get into frame.
Let me know if you got this to work on your camera, and what model it was. Viewers would like to know I’m sure!
Can't cope with it for sports, tried it and gave it up as a bad job.
Assigning the 2nd button for facial AF does work. Now I can decide on the fly which one to use at any given moment, although I'm still new to my R6 and not sur how much I'll use the facial recognition AF.
Little Eos 200d here and only took up photography 4 yrs ago this coming January and within 3 months i had bbf set up and had been on a huge fast track of learning through channels like yours, and a very well known Aussie V8 supercar racing driver whose wife is a photographer and Canon ambassador was blown away that i had learnt so much so fast while discussing photography 1 night on twitter messenger which started after she messaged asking about learning nightscape photography. Best thing i found was being able to then meter where you want, instead of where you focus as happens when both are tied to the shutter button although it can have focus only for shutter and use the bb as metering but i definitely find it better the more common way.
Sorry, Canon R5. It is working great! I’ve also gone to Auto ISO and changed the top dual from ISO to exposure compensation.
Sony A1
Having watched countless hours of videos by many of the most popular photography tutorial producers on youtube, I would say yours are consistently among the most clear, well-organized, detailed and helpful.This is another gem. Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
I also am so glad I found Simon’s channel as he is great in explaining things!
Completely agree! And I love using back button focus.
@@simon_dentremontagreed there is something special about your presentation 😊 it's very calming and full of knowledge
Absolutely! This channel is amazing.
Even though I know all the things he's explaining since I've been shooting for a while it's still a joy to watch because the videos are so incredibly well made
This man single handedly improved my knowledge two-fold in two weeks and about 15 videos!
Amazing approach of practically showing how to set options and what is their purpose.
Amazing ! Keep up the good work, Simon
Great!
same! he's the best!!
0x2=0 😂 JK . He is great
You are simply the best presenter on photographic topics Simon. No fluff or gimmicky style.
Your videos are like nobody else’s on RUclips!! I’ve watched so many back button focus videos and got so lost in technical details that I never even made it to set up. Now, after watching yours, I’ve just set back button focus on my camera and it’s going to be life changing! I’m very excited to use it from now on, thank you! Your videos are always so perfectly explained, you have the gift of teaching and encouraging as well as your photography talents.
Thanks very much!
@simon_dentremont I did set AF ON long ago after hearing about it (initially I thought what a ridiculous idea lol then did it. Then put camera down. Picked it up some years later thinking wtf isn't it focusing 😅😅😂
Then remembered the af on button. Really good info.
This is the first time someone has explained in a practical way. I have seen numerous videos on this, but they never actually show how you are supposed to use it.
Glad it helped!
I just gasped in amazement when you showed back button focus on the bird at the 3 minute mark. I had no idea this was how it works. I've leared so much from you in just a few videos. You are the Gold Standard for youtube tutorial videos!
You know that I’ve been using back focus with my Sony cameras and never realized I could focus then release and my subject stays in focus. Just tried it and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Great video! You have a natural way of giving clear explanations, and also why we would want to do it rather than just how to do it. Looking forward to the next video!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Arthur!
I have been using youtube for more than 10 years and I have never been so mystified by the content from a youtuber like this before! I cant put in words how glad i am to have found your channel! incredible content, really helpful and thorough, please never stop! big fan!
Wow, thank you!
You're stealing the words from my mouth, exact same impression for me!
@@pimo01 Merci Pierre!
Another advantage of back-button focus is that you always can adjust your focus manually without switching the lens to manual focus. Great for fine tuning or adjustments without changing the composition.
How have I not had this explained to me in such a manner before?! This solves soo many situations I've been in recently where I got frustrated with extra effort it took to get some pretty simple shots of butterflies in the grass, or bluetits in birch trees, for instance. Thank you so much! This clicked immediately for me, now I just got to get used to it in practice! :)
So happy to hear it helped you. Go get ‘em!
thanks man I think its cause I shoot on single mode and thats why the whole picture is not in focus..
Definitely one of the best instructors on RUclips. Clear, concise, loads of examples, well considered reasons. Just amazing. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
For the first time since I started getting serious about my photography hobby, I understand the back button focus functions. I don’t know what you said differently or what I heard differently than I have in the last five years but thank you so much, it all makes sense now!
Glad it was helpful!
Loved this video maybe best of all the videos I’ve seen on this subject. I would REALLY APPRECIATE if you would do a separate one specifically on how you completely customized each and every button of your R5. I have both an R5 and R3, and the R3 is really challenging to understand how eye tracking integrates with all these custom button settings. Thank you!
I never understood this until now, THANK YOU Simon! This video is so helpful and soooooo easy to understand, I just tried these tricks out and THEY WORK so well. Thanks again!
Happy to help! Excellent!
This is proof that most cameras are better than most photographers. Amazing video and excellent explanations. Thanks Simon.
I know my cameras are smarter than me. Frustrating.
Had a good friend who passed away a few years ago. Excellent photographer. Right up until he died he shot with a thirty some odd year old film camera and got beautiful results. I asked him why he didn't update his camera. His answer was that, "Photographers change cameras more often than they change their underwear! They never come close to learning the capabilities of any of them! I, on the other hand, know this camera better than I know my wife!" His pictures showed that there was indeed a marvelous relationship!
With all things there’s Good and bad points associated with them.
Shutter-button focus has some limitations and disadvantages that may affect your image quality or creativity. For instance, you may lose focus when you release the shutter button halfway or when your subject moves or changes distance, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus shots. Additionally, you may refocus unintentionally when you press the shutter button again or when something comes between you and your subject, which may ruin your composition or focus on the wrong thing. Furthermore, you may have to turn off the autofocus system to use manual focus, which can slow you down or make you miss the shot. You may also have to change your camera settings to switch between continuous and single autofocus modes, making it inconvenient or confusing.
Back-button focus has some drawbacks, which may take time and practice to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to shutter-button focus. You may forget to press the back button or press it when it's not necessary, resulting in out-of-focus shots. It may also be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use depending on the camera model and grip, as you may have to stretch your thumb or change your hand position to reach the back button. Furthermore, back-button focus may not work well with some camera features or modes, such as face detection, eye autofocus, or touch shutter; you may need to disable or adjust these settings for effective use.
Use anything that makes photography fun and easy for you. We are all different, I have worked for nearly half a century in photography field, even before all this b.b.f.,auto focusing Era. I have seen things come and go. For me b.b.f. is not something I embrace. Much like auto shutter,aperture or programmed control.
I like doing things myself. I personally know how to control most situations over an automated feature on a camera. With three clicks ot top dial or three clicks of my rear thumb dial, I can change in an instant one full stop either plus or minus. Todays metering is not always perfect. More often, they are wrong. And customisable rear buttons have many other uses I prefer over focus control.
Remember, one simple thing, your camera is not smarter than you. When you point your camera, let's say at a black subject, you know it's black. Your camera sees it as an 18%;grey,and the camera will lighten that to read as a grey subject. And a white subject the camera will darken to a grey.
Knowing this, I know my cameras faults.
I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters, short comings.
And by:
Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey.
Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey.
Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features.
It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light.
And with todays mirrorless R5, a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder, making this easier than ever.
Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon.
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase"
Hmm, I seriously think I'm gonna go back to (Back-Button Focus) as I used to!
I used bbf for a year or so and never got used to it. Half press and recompose seems simpler , maybe because I shoot mostly static subjects.
Very helpful thank you. But who drew those angry eyebrows on you? 😜
Haha who knows?
This video is a game changer for me. I was always frustrated that I only had centre focus when I have an extender on my 400mm lens. Thank you so much for all these great videos. I love your photography work.
Glad it was helpful!
I set it up on my Canon R7. When I press and release the BBC button on a target, it refuses to stay focused on the target plane. It atomticallay refocuses on other parts of the frame. Thus, I cannot repostion my BBF subject to anywhere in the view frame.
There’s a separate setting called “continuous focus” on Canons (they should change the name) which makes the camera always hunt for subjects. Turn that off.
Amazing, this is the first video (of many!) that I’ve watched which actually shows you back button focus scenarios in action - rather trying to explain it in words. At long last, I get it!
Excellent!
Just watched this almost year old video. You're definitely more engaging in the newer videos. Keep up the great work! This beats reading about those buttons in my manual.
Even tho I practice as hobbyist photographer for quite some years... in these 2 weeks since I discovered your channel I learned and comprehended concepts that I struggled before to put in practice. Your tutorials are so well explained and in a manner that the information is easy to assimilate. I feel like I am starting a new journey with better perspectives in photography.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The Most intimidating thing about back button focus for a lot of users is, how the hell do you turn it on? Where is the back button AF setting? Well, it’s not really a mode you turn on- rather, if your camera has a rear AF button it’s usually already on, you actually ***turn the shutter AF off*** to achieve “back button focus mode.”
This is explained well in the video, but for people hunting in the comments for the TLDR version, that’s it ;-).
An amazingly clear explanation of the uses of the back-button focus. Thank you!
Simon, can you pls do an updated video of this. I like your new videos with the catchy intro song 😂
This explanation of the usage of back-button focus was amazing. For some reason I never understood why you would do this, but it's so practical. Awesome explanation and examples!
Awesome! Learnt. Trick or 2. I might add Astro to my C3 setting
Brilliant ... this has been driving me crazy as a new photographer when even the simplest and smallest movement was shifting focus ... infuriating. Thank you for such an easy to follow explanation Simon .. Mike
whenever I need to take a picture of this kind what I do is, I focus the object I want, then I put the focus in manual and it's solved.
This channel is one of my favorites, it’s quality content👌Recently bought my first camera and have learned and continue to learn much from you. 🙂 Btw this hack is a game changer! Thank you.
any body can set it up but you are the only one I know of that explained it and I was able to use it properly thanks a million
Ive only gone and do it! I watched this many times. Ive set a back button. My old 80D cant do the quick (emergency) button method.
Hi Simon, thank you for the knowledge of how to properly use the af back button. I have been having difficulties with using this button in the past. You really save my day.
Thanks for the info Simon. I've got an old Canon 450D and usually use AV for still life images. For the longest time I wondered why auto focus didn't work in AV mode. Now I know that I can press the BBF button to focus. Although weirdly the BBF doesn't actually focus, but now allows the shutter release to focus as per normal. Cheers.
I recently found your chanel and the way you explain things seems to make sense to me. I've subscribed and now going over each of your video with an intent to go back and review them again. I just wanted to thank you for putting all of the efforts to create and produce these videos, they are very helpful to someone like myself who is starting to learn photography. Thnak you
Welcome aboard!
I watch all your videos for fun even if they don’t apply to me but I’m revisiting this to setup back button focus on my new canon 70d!!! Waiting on my 55-250mm is stm lens and I’m happy to jump back into DSLRs after awhile with a bridge camera! Hoping to move to mirrorless this fall!
This is quick to set up on my Nikon by re-assigning the AF/AE lock button. Breaking a years long habit and getting used to the new setup will take a little longer. This also helps with lenses that are a little slow to autofocus or are likely to "hunt" through their entire focus range like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro.
Awesome video very well explained,but I can't find the register recall function in Canon EOS 80d 😢. But thank you so much 🙏😊
Thanks Simon! This is the best practical use of back button focus that I have ever seen! Wonderful Explanation!
Fantastic. What I'm wondering now is which is the best button to set up for my emergency button on my 70D that I WON'T accidentally hit. 😆
Yet another extremely useful and informative video with great examples. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I use an Sony A6000 with back button focus on. When the subject is off center. I still use the center AF point. I just focus (subject in center) then pan a little left or right. I have no problem with the focus changing. I don't think I'm taking my finger off the back button focus. I think my just says "Beep! Got a lock, keeping this focal distance".
So with me shooting landscapes and using back button auto focus and my 5DSr camera set up for FlexiZone,
1- Point AF and One Shot, if I assign spot AF, AI Servo,etc to the star button, will it return to my normal and most used (landscape) settings as soon as I push my back button? TY
Thanks
About time someone explains back button focusing
Thanks for your great videos! Being a beginner birder, I have just recently switched to back-button focus on my Sony Alpha 1. Unfortunately This is giving me so many more out-of-focus images than I previously had. Any idea what could I possibly be doing wrong, and how to fix that? Would this topic even be worth a follow-up video? I am using AF-C, wide AF field, shutter speed 1/1600s or less, auto ISO (up to 25600), and bursts up to 30 fps. I am also now a gimbal user (Benro GH-2) on a Rollei Lion Rock M.
Check out my latest video on focus.
That's a great explanation Simon, and congrats for applying the concept to multiple brands at once !
While I was still using my 70D, I tried BBF but never liked it. Last fall I switched to the R6, and now I just love the dual BBF. Compared to you, I have swapped both buttons, and on the button right of the *, I programmed the toggle between AF zones which can adapt the zone on which the *-AF is applied.
One of my concerns on the new R7 is that Canon placed the extra below the * instead on the right. And I strongly fear it might be tricky to train the dumb to distinguish between both buttons ..
Like you I'm using the 100-400Lii, but I'll need to train hard to ever come close to your truly awesome action shots !!
That’s great feedback. Thanks!
2:10 Lumix also have AF-C - for continuous focus
This was an outstanding informative video. I learned so much more about how to set my R6 back buttons than on other clips!
Glad it helped!
I like half shutter button focusing but on your advice I switched to BBF. Please switch to Sony cameras!!!!:)
I switched to back button focus within the last 10 months. Best thing I ever did in regards to the simple things of photography.
Excellent!
Same. No regrets. 👍😁
The used 70D I bought (shutter count < 4000) had back-button focus enabled. Never heard of it and it took a while to get it disabled. Now, I'll probably go look for the setting again - to set it.
This was very helpful! You’re a good teacher.
I'm so glad!
Batmans father for sure,.
Thanks so much for your clear description. Despite not using Canon, I now feel that I better understand what this is all about.😊
Glad it was helpful!
I use a Canon 60D ... and I'm not sure where there benefits for the Back-Button over the "half push" of the shutter button are
I use the "get focus and fiddle around" with the frame just as easy with the shutter button
maybe I'm missing something?
edit:
ooooor .... I just had to try around and get it :D
the ability to just release the button and the focus is not changing at all is great tip!
Probably the clearest summary of back button focus I have heard….thank you!!
You are welcome!
Thank you, works on 80d and I like it, photos come out well. but I can't seem to move the focus point around.
I've now watched several of his videos and I'm very impressed. He's very clear and helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
it works great. iam a sports photographer in the equestrian world. and it is fantastic for me. also i love your vidoes.
That was awesome. I've used back button focusing before but didn't realise just how useful it is. I've set up the 2nd one as well and will give it a try. Thank you for an informative and detailed tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
Many thanks, explained simply and sensibly 👍
My wildlife and bird photography with the D850 became more fluid when I switched to BBF years ago after watching Steve Perry's videos. It's great for moving kids and also for recomposing as you suggested. Whenever someone hands me their camera to take a shot of them it feels restrictive when I realize it's focusing with the shutter button. Great information Simon!
Thanks Jim!
Video so very helpful, used canon R5 and is great. I have been using back button focus but now set up * button
Instructional clarity. To the point. Well paced. Yours are among the very best how-to photo videos I've come across on RUclips. Well done.
Wow, thanks!
Unfortunately my Canon M3 do not have a back button😢 I have only one button I can program and it is in the front near the shutter, so it is used for turning display off😅
Hello Simon... just found your site and am thoroughly impressed with your art and the knowledge you share. I subscribed right away. Thank you so very much. Best to you and your circle of influence in 2023. Stay healthy everyone.
Thanks very much!
that secondary back button setup seems cool.. but i'd hate to lose my AEL button to do it.
When a friend gets a new camera, this is the #1 trick I teach them right away! When you are in control of your focus, you master the camera to another level and the work improves right away!
Right!
Finally a video that makes back-button focus make sense to me. Thank you very much!
Glad it helped!
I appreciate your descriptions of how things work. Many thanks!
This video was very helpful. I had heard of backbutton focus. Even seen other information on how to set it. What I was missing was a clear explanation on how to use it. I am looking forwards to giving it a try. 🙂
I know it sounds a little silly, but you not smiling at all makes you come across a bit intimidating.
I liked it more professional approach:)
I have this set up on my Nikon D7500.
Are you reading from some script prompt as you make these, or are you actually this well-spoken, clear, concise and well-planned? So much information, presented with minimal dead space or wasted filler - amazing!
I use a teleprompter now, but back when I made this one, I had bullets points written and memorized and winged it!
What a breath of fresh air!
Thank you for the video, remapping the buttons really helped me. Now the camera and I don’t fight as much!!!😂
Thank you. It’s one thing explaining what back button focusing does but using specific examples make the process useful.
OLDERCANON CAMERA LIKE DSLRBAHAHAH 90d is not exactly an antique .
It’s certainly not, and it’s a great camera, and newer than my 7D II.
Does BB Focus work on a subject that is already in motion ?....ex. a moving car?...a bird already in flight?
for sure, yes.
Thank U So Much. Its Helpful To Me
Late to the party, but just to add some counter-balance to this: I for one have never liked BBF because it seems counterintuitive to me to release a button (decreasing camera grip in the process) to keep the focus I want. I don't believe BBF is required with modern mirrorless cameras anymore and I much rather assign a different function to the AF-ON button.
I had mine set to bbf while on vacation. I handed my camera to another guy to take a family photo. Obviously he had no idea and just took the photo. He was embarrassed and confused when he saw the lcd screen with a completely blurred photo.
Unfortunately, my camera is too old to do this.
Bugger second af on not available on D4 😅 I'll need to hunt it out on D850
Does sony A6700 have back button?'
I expect so.
Me watching this video 8 minutes in taking mental notes, listening with intent, then remembering I cant afford autofocus lenses and use vintage telephotos for wildlife anyways…
You and me both... we're in a different game, but it's all cool.
Oh dear.
@@simon_dentremont Consider it all as testimony to your pulling power - joking aside, you really do do a fine job. A+.
Thank you for explaining about taking your thumb off the focus button! I have always kept my thumb on it and have had issues!
A good explanation. I'd just add that, with modern AF tracking, this becomes irrelevant. You can just lock on and recompose and the AF system will keep tracking your subject until you release the shutter button. The BBF focus and recompose method made sense in the DSLR days, but with most modern mirrorless cameras with AF tracking, there's no real advantage other than familiarity.
not quite, as there are still times where you want to take oics without active focussing.
Simon I'm confused about my results when trying the back button auto focus. I have the r5 and rf100-500mm. The back button works well to instantly focus on a subject when the subject is fully out of focus. But when the subject is moving and is surrounded by the white focus guide, its seems to be in focus and if I press the back button, I lose focus on my already in focus subject. So now I have adapted and I am not pressing the back button. The white bracket seems to follow the subject fine in focus so I just take the picture. Seem to be having much better results this way, but I don't understand why.
You nay have continuous focus (not to be confused with servo AI) on, and thats why it tracks all the time. when you use AI Servo and back button focus, you keep the back button pressed down to keep tracking.
Great explanation Simon, I have seen other videos on this subject but none close to your clarity - I appreciated especially the illustration of the benefit of back button focusing at 2 min 50 sec of the video - thank you! I'll try it in the field as soon as possible.
The back button is extremely useful and I have been using it for almost 3 years now. I have a Sony 7RV.
Watched again. I set up 3 back buttons. One small zone, one eye tracking and one wide zone. Seems to work well as long as I use the right button. Thanks again!
Hugely-helpful tips. Can't wait to change my settings.
Glad it was helpful!
I lean something every time I watch your videos! I was unaware of the "register/recall shooting func." Its always be a problem to switch everything fast enough to a higher speed setting. On my Canon R5 I've registered the AF-On button to eye/face tracking, the * button to zone and the AF Point button to this Register/recall shooting func. It gives me three options! So how do I change my AF zones? I've changed the Depth of Field button to cycle through my selected zones. I'm loving it! Thanks so much for all of your information!
I’ve also set the camera on Auto ISO and changed the top dial to exposure compensation. It’s all working great !
Awesome setup!
On my R5, I have the "asterisk" button with ONE- SHOT AF and SERVO AF for faster switching.
Cool!
On the eos 90D there is not the possibility of programing the 2nd button like you explained?
I’m not sure
Thank you! Been struggling with AF and missing focus so many times....even with BBF ..your videos have helped me get an alternative..
Happy to help!
Great video as always! One problem I had that may confuse others is if, in Canon R5 menu at least, you have ‘Continuous AF’ enabled in AF menu 1. This defeats the point you talk about at 2:30 in the video. I couldn’t figure out why my focus kept hunting after releasing the back button as you had instructed. Maybe that’s how Canon distinguishes AF Servo from Continuous AF.
Simon, please assist:
I've my Canon 1100D/T-3 in Manual mode with a lens set to autofocus, and the "*" set as my back button focus.
Shooting through the viewfinder, the "*" acts properly to autofocus.
Shooting LIVE VIEW, the "*" only acts like a shutter release!!!
Please advise what the problem is and how to resolve it.
Merci beaucoup, mon ami!
You need to go into button settings and change it
I've been shooting like this for some time now on my α6700 and works great for me. I woulnd't even have know about this without this video. Metering works well with the shutter button and I use another button for the preview because I also do macro and there the camera uses other settings for auto focusing. When taking pictures of insects I also don't want the focus to change. The "AI" AF is good to quickly get the focus on the subject. Then I can move the camera to get a good composition and it won't focus on some grass or anything else that might get into frame.
I love how CUTE your Bird-Model-Subject is at 3:15 that long chirp is pure gold for my ears and heartwarming, don't know why :)