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@GABRIEL_CRAFT

5 жыл бұрын

In 2019 do you still recommend back button focusing Tony?

@LinhTruong-en3kw

5 жыл бұрын

GABRIEL CRAFT do u have any better idea plz show us

took me 30 mins to understand what's happening, but it hit hard. So you want to disable focusing with the shutter button and leave focusing for the back button, and while you hold it pressed in it's focusing constantly and when you let go it acts as if it's one shot and you can recompose

@williepierce3933

5 жыл бұрын

I get it now that you explained it!

@lvonmoss

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for explaining what he couldn't!

@tomwhyte

4 жыл бұрын

So say I am using the back button AF to act as one-shot, do I just need to tap the AF button once in order to re-focus if I moved?

@kefkapalazzo1

3 жыл бұрын

doesn't work that way for me lol at least not the when you let go part. it refocuses too fast too often

@prakashrawal6328

3 жыл бұрын

@@kefkapalazzo1 if it's assigned to back button it won't refocus until you continuously press back button

I just started using back button focus (Been into the hobby a few months now) I'm missing a lot of focus because I simply forgot about it, but I can see why its so good, and I'm quite sure within a week or so I won't be messing up. Amazing channel, looking forward to picking up your video/book soon.

I watched this video 3 times before I finally understood the purpose of back button focus and how he is able to take more photos. What he doesn't clearly articulate is that using back button focus enables the camera to switch focusing modes instantaneously. Most beginner's may not realize what he us talking about until they understand what a focusing mode is

I remember when I first found out about the Back-Button focusing. I absolutely fell in love, and it's so much easier for me to focus and keep my subject sharp. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

that camera sound like AK 47

@joewilson3840

8 жыл бұрын

+Charles Sianturi A camera that can shoot like an AK 47? must be the top of the range model

@umutsezerkoc7412

8 жыл бұрын

+RocketMan153251 lol

@GamerNxUSN

8 жыл бұрын

+RocketMan153251 Neither does and AK variant. I guess compared to an AR or .22 sure.

@OscarObians

7 жыл бұрын

Why not. He's shooting pictures 😉

@katsuquiet97

7 жыл бұрын

more like an airsoft gun

The first time I saw this video, I didn't quite get it. This time I did. The reason is that when a novice like me watches and you say to press a button but don;t say when to release it, the novice doesn't know to release it. It doesn't matter in single focus but makes all the difference when you go to recompose in continuous focus.

I have heard of back button focusing, but never understood it until you explained it on another video. Changed my photography. Thanks! Of all the photo channels I subscribe to I have learned more from Tony than anyone else. Tony is knowledgeable about the technical details and explains it is terms anyone can understand and Chelsea has a passion for the art of photography . Just a joy to watch your videos. Thank You!

you have no idea how much you helped me out i was completely lost when i bought my first dslr after watching your videos and doing my own research and doing little tests to figure everything out im having people ask me how long i have been a photographer for when i tell them a little over 8 months they think im lying thank you so much for all your help and videos

I've been using back-button focus ever since I bought the book almost a month ago. I find it very convenient indeed! Although I do have to say that I've sometimes gotten blurry shots because after using single-shot focus-recompose for so long I've just forgotten to BBF sometimes :)

thank you very much for all your videos!!!

@TonyAndChelsea

8 жыл бұрын

+Tcheon K. You're welcome!

I got a 70D a few months ago, and when I got it I decided to try back button focusing so that I could learn it while I was learning my new camera. It has been an awesome change and it helps me in many different situations

set this up on both my cameras after watching this. can not believe! how much difference this made. should have done this along time ago. wont be able to use my camera for a few weeks, having operation on my shoulder. so i will be buying your book,and looking forward to learning a lot more. many thanks to you all for the best videos.

It's my fourth time watching this and I finally understand wtf bbf is useful for.

@JJtoob

7 жыл бұрын

I saw a lot of videos on the subject, because for some reason they've bombarded me on facebook and youtube, so someone NEEDS me to learn it... but this is the first video I watch that actually SHOWS in practice how it's useful.

@aberomero420

7 жыл бұрын

I started using it, because I got tired of that auto focus going into the background or just moving around before I take a photo. I loved it. Now I got to put the camera in continuous mode and I"m set.

@ddcork82

6 жыл бұрын

@ rumvodkaf1 - Thank you...I thought it was just me. Wasn't until I started using BBAF that I had that "Ah ha" moment.

I think the confusion people are having here and what is not mentioned in the video is you must disable auto focus on the shutter button as well other wise you are not able to recompose the shot with the same focus point as you will effectively re focus when you press the shutter button. Basically you are removing the focus function from the shutter button all together and solely using the back button to focus.

@TonyAndChelsea

9 жыл бұрын

Johnny641 Right!

@jehanmartinez868

6 жыл бұрын

And how do you do that?

@PewPewDave

5 жыл бұрын

Tony & Chelsea Northrup so what happens if I disable focus on the normal shutter button and then just take pictures without pushing the new focus button?

@yankee167

5 жыл бұрын

Isnt back button focusing essentially doing that? Its separating the focus from the shutter. You just hold down BBF while in continuous and snap away

@nightcoder5k

5 жыл бұрын

@Pew Pew Dave, you will get blurry photos if you don't press the new focus button. It takes some practice before you get used to it. I read that some people try it, don't like it, so they switch back to the default functionality.

Since almost 4 weeks I'm working with Back-Button Focus. And I'm excited - it works fantastic! The first few days I had to change my thinking a bit, but now .. Also I'm much faster and more flexible. Thanks for the tip Tony.

Thank you both for providing so much free information and tips. I ordered your book last night and can't wait till it arrives this Sunday. Best regards!

I can't want to start using my camera to it's full potential. Such a helpful video, thank you.

@TonyAndChelsea

8 жыл бұрын

+Paula Chaplin glad to help!

@buddhavarapu2001

8 жыл бұрын

+Tony Northrup planning to buy ur tutorials online from amazon

I prefer doing this 'inverted' - using the back button for AF-OFF so the shutter button still works as normal, and I can lock focus when I need it by holding the back button after focusing.

@garyrowe58

2 жыл бұрын

The best of both worlds!

@NickWeissMusic

12 күн бұрын

You know, I’ve just read about this a few days now, and been back button focusing for a decade at least. Really not a bad idea, plus you don’t have to turn shutter AF back onto to use the self timer with AF. It also wouldn’t blow peoples’ freaking mind when I hand them my camera lol. I am an aging dog, but not too old to try a new trick. Anything to be lazier lol, with BBF you don’t need to change focus modes- With BB cancel-Focus, I still won’t, and might never have to open a menu again! 😂

@TheTeknikFrik

12 күн бұрын

@@NickWeissMusic Wow, this was a blast from the past :D Glad you liked it.

I use it all the time, as you said it's great for candid shots as you can lock your focus and wait for exactly the right moment. Plus if you're taking several shots of a group it's so much easier. I like your trick with the focus mode too. I must give that a try!

I have loved every single one of your videos that I have watched. You are both a great photographer, you are also a great teacher and you do a great job of producing your videos. Thank you for your hard work!

I have used back-button focusing since forever on my 20D. Almost 12 years and counting.

@agoniavr

8 жыл бұрын

+corisco tupi I have that camera too and I'm about to change it, it's still a capable body :)

@coriscotupi

8 жыл бұрын

AndreCorner Yes, I just vcan't justify changing it while it works perfectly. Eventually its time will come, though. Cheers.

@agoniavr

8 жыл бұрын

corisco tupi well for me it kinda is the time, I'm often shooting under conditions which the 20D struggles with A LOT, plus mine has some focus problem which is too pricey to repair right now compared to how old it is...and that's why I'm waiting for a bargain for the Nikon D750

@coriscotupi

8 жыл бұрын

AndreCorner Envy, envy! :-) I could use a 100% viewfinder (on a full-frame sensor at that, making it that much larger). I miss the old SLR large, very bright viewfinders. But I have not as yet made my mind if my next camera will be a full-frame, this would call for changing all my lenses except the 50mm. If I do go for it and changing all lenses is on the table, then I'd have no problem exploring, as you, other brands such as Nikon. It would actually be a good opportunity to reassess the market and get whatever camera seems best, has best reviews, etc, for a given price range.

@agoniavr

8 жыл бұрын

corisco tupi I understand that, the fact I have no problems not only switching lenses but even system is the fact that I have the 70-300mm only which wasn't even bought by me and the other two are some lenses my friends borrowed so I don't have anything to change basically :)

I just need something clarified. Watched the video like 10 times and I'm slowly grasping it. When the camera is in continuous focus mode and you're using BBF. While the girl is running towards you, do you have the AF on button held down? Or do you just hold it while she is on the mound to focus and then after that you just press the shutter button to take the photos? Thank you

@TonyAndChelsea

7 жыл бұрын

Yeah, hold down the AF-On button when tracking a moving subject.

@SANCHO3751

7 жыл бұрын

Tony & Chelsea Northrup

@home3511

7 жыл бұрын

Do you need to be in AI-Servo mode? Or will holding down AF-On button only is sufficient?

@Sean_Coyne

7 жыл бұрын

When using separate focus button you should ideally select continuous focus mode (AI-Servo on Canon) so that the camera keeps adjusting the focus on the subject so long as that button is held down. For static subjects, you can let go when you have focus lock; you are then free to recompose your shot if needed.

@brajmohangoyal9821

7 жыл бұрын

Troy Bailey ,स;०;

I was unaware of this technique until now. Thanks for sharing this tip. I do a lot of action photography (sports, dance, kids) so I know this will improve my photos and number of sale-able images.

Tony this was a fantastic demonstration of back button focus and why you should use it. I'm kind of new to this and this was so helpful!!

Do you really need to take the focus off the shutter button? On my 70D, I just turn on AI Servo...select my AF mode, and then point the camera and press the AF On button...and hold it...then just use the shutter when I want the shot. I find this works even for stationary subjects...just pay attention to whether the image is in focus...but I still like having focus tied to the shutter button...I guess I'm trying to understand what I gain by not correcting focusing to the shutter button if I have an AF On back button...

@LDam-pf6lx

10 жыл бұрын

The main advantage for me, is that it completely bypasses any focus hunting in situations where you're sure you have the right focus. With AF-ON I can just press my shutter on not worry. You can say that I could just put my lens in manual mode, but this way I have control of everything at my fingertips. It has really helped me a lot, especially with sports photography.

I have a question and I hope I can explain it right. I understand why you would use back button focus on sports, but why would you need it for say, portraits? When I can lock my auto focus on the subjects eyes in regular auto focus mode by holding down the shutter button and recompose the the shot.

@domtomazo

9 жыл бұрын

With portrait lenses, say a 85/1.4 you can get VERY shallow DoF. You want perfect focus on the eye, and for that you need to adjust your focus point to the eye, instead of recomposing (since this will move your focus a few cm probably) and the same goes for you or your subject that might move a just ever so slightly in that time between focusing and recomposing (or just holding for the shot). With continous AF and selecting the proper AF spot you will increase your keeper rate very much. I do a lot of portraits with the 77mm F1.8 and this has helped me improve my keeper rate.

@vtorialyn

9 жыл бұрын

Ok, thank you for explaining :)

@NicolasRao

9 жыл бұрын

Thomas Ohlsson Yes! That makes it quite clear. On my macro's too the eye is very important in most of my shots. Like to keep them in focus. This is when shooting 1:2 If I go beyond into 1:1 or 2:1 that is a different ball game altogether.

Thanks Tony and family. I have just started and you both help alot with us newbies.

Thank you! You two are inspiring me - and helping me - to be a better photographer!

i really don't get why cant you do it with the half press shutter button too? i mean like,like the back button, just keep it on continuous focusing, and when you need it to be focused like one shot and recompose you can do it like u did at the beginning with the back button,and just follow her if you want continuous .... i would like a respond :) thanks

@webbimato

9 жыл бұрын

Amit H It's impossible to recompose with single focuspoint(or small group) and af-c on. If I focus on subject by half pressing shutter, recompose and press shutter again it throws focus to where ever focus point happens to be. When camera is focusing only by pressing af-on button you can focus on your subject, release af-on, recompose and press shutter button to take a correctly focused shot. If subject starts moving you just get focus point to your subject and hit af-on, keep it down and start taking photos while camera is constantly focusing. But (at least older) Nikons do not activate VR with af-on button. So you need to activate it by half pressing shutter button.

@leonidslauto9960

8 жыл бұрын

+Timo Iivonen it's possible. Just rapidly press the shutter fully, it won't refocus. Atleast me with my d300 is capable of doing so.

@thekoman4

8 жыл бұрын

+Timo Iivonen half press shutter button > focused > do not release button > recompose > push shutter button to the end. Done.

@webbimato

8 жыл бұрын

+Александр Лютый Doesn't work with continuous autofocus enabled. When you move your selected focus point half pressed camera refocuses.. so no go.

@webbimato

8 жыл бұрын

+Leonid Slauto Yeah... just yank the shutter. Gentle.

Hi Tony, Back button focus or the old hand cramp as its known. Moose Peterson and several other (old) pros don't use it. Try instead to set the rear( AF on) button to( Focus lock).. This way you will only be pushing two buttons for much less time, Give it a try , Much faster, no hand cramp, Something unexpected happens, only have to press the shutter button, not two buttons at the same time.. All the Best

@TonyAndChelsea

10 жыл бұрын

redauwg911 Not a bad suggestion for this particular scenario. It would fail in macro and night photography scenarios, where you might only briefly AF and not want the AF system to kick in later. Whatever works!

@boxhawk5070

9 жыл бұрын

That is a great suggestion for sports photography.

@mathiaskraut7806

9 жыл бұрын

thats why i love the af hold button on most sony prime lenses so much! i used to keep shooting as usual and can easily hold the focus for few moments

@bosephusthebruce

6 жыл бұрын

Yes I’ve been doing this for years while being told I should back button focus. I don’t see how it’s any different than just holding af lock which is more intuitive to me. Sony eye af is the future anyways and this will essentially be a non issue in many situations.

So glad followed your advise to use BB Focus, except I enabled it and forgot, couple days later I picked up my camera and thought it was broken because it wouldn't focus, obviously I'm new at this, but thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy your book SDP!! Best money ever spent on photography lessons!

Pretty clever for this scenario. I love the satisfying beep and the red lighting of the focus point I'm using when in "one shot", I wish "ai servo" did the same thing. If that was the case I'd probably never use "one shot".

I like to back button focus because it sounds naughty.

I use back-button-focus - never going back...! : )

@ZinaSofer

10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this great tip

Thanks for explaining this so well Tony.

Wow. I've been shooting purely amateur family photos for about 10 years and have gotten (to my eye anyway) some amazing shots. But, focus on my Nikon D90 has always been too slow and, when shooting a sporting event with my grandchildren, staying in focus has always been a challenge. I caught your video by accident (KZread suggested it for me) and just set up my D90 for back button. It's amazing and will be my focusing method from now on. Thanks very much for your great video - I just became a subscriber.

the white jamie foxx lol

@TonyAndChelsea

10 жыл бұрын

gavriloprinc Cesar Milan, Billy Bob Thornton... sure. But "White Jamie Foxx" is a first! :D

@MichaelSchultzPersonal

9 жыл бұрын

Tony Northrup Tony Northrup is....THE CAMERA WHISPERER

This video definitely helped me with some questions I had for this topic! Thank you!

Hi, #1 - thanks for taking the time to explain that kind of stuff. #2 - regarding fast switching to continuous focussing mode: Canon cameras usually have user modes (on my 7D modes C1-C3). Use C1 for single shot, C2 for AF-C. Changing focus modes that way is very easy and super fast plus you get the bonus setting other camera parameters on top. If the change from AF-S to AF-C and back happens VERY frequently you might have the edge with back button focussing, but otherwise it comes down to personal preference I'd say. #3 - most dSLR cameras have a button layout, that works well if you are right-handed and you aim with your right eye. My aiming eye is the left one and I wear glasses. Try it: wear glasses and aim with your left eye. You'll absolutely start to HATE back button focussing because you have to clean your glasses a thousand times a day. Just my two cents, Th.

I tried this and on my Nikon and it is worse than using the shutter button to focus. Doing it the usual way, I press the shutter button half way to focus. I can re-compose while holding the button. Pressing all the way takes the photo That is done using the same button. Doing it the back button focus way however, I press the AE-L/AF-L button and focus I have to hold this down to keep focus and have to press the shutter button to take the picture so I am now having to use two buttons when I used to only need one. Where's the sense in that? I have tried pressing the back button and taking my finger off but focus is lost. It would only make sense if the AE-L/AF-L button could be pressed once without having to hold it down. That may be possible on the Canon but it isn't on the Nikon. I don't see why I should use it just because everyone else is. I have a horrible feeling that I'm missing something here but I can't see it.

9 жыл бұрын

The sense of that is that you can focus independently of taking pictures. You can keep auto-focus working (as long as you keep af-on button pressed), and press shutter to take photos immediately. When using half-shutter focus, camera will stop to AF after shot, it needs to focus again before you'll be able to take sharp photo. It's useful mostly for moving subjects, with static ones and recomposing that's only matter of different buttons used (at least for me). And the second reason, that was given in this video is that you don't need to switch between continuous and still AF modes. It took me a few weeks to get used to it in my case (and I'm shooting on Canon 550d, 30d and Nikon D90) but after that period of time I can't just use camera without this setting.

@jazzman1626

9 жыл бұрын

***** I have, since my first post, got a D3200 for Christmas and bought a 35mm lens for it. I have started using the rangefinder shooting mode which I find very accurate every time. Now I somehow find the back button focusing better. It confused me before but now I sort of get it.

@jazzman1626

9 жыл бұрын

***** Have you tried the rangefinder shooting mode? I couldn't get a sharp hand held picture at first when I got my 35mm and thought it was needing calibrated but when I tried the rangefinder mode, I could see the pores in the portrait of my wife. I won't be taking action shots so this suits me well.

@jazzman1626

9 жыл бұрын

***** My lens is fine. I think it was shaking hands that was the problem. The rangefinder mode on my camera has, in the viewfinder, a scale that shows which way to turn the lens.The correct focus shows as one mark each side instead of more to the left if it's back focused or more to the right if it's front focussed. For example, I I for correct, IIIIII I for back and I IIIIII for front focus. if it can't find focus, it shows marks at both sides IIIIII IIIIII Hope this makes sense.

@paldo771

9 жыл бұрын

JAZZ MAN so how will you recompose if the subject is moving? The point of the back button focus is your camera is in continous focussing mode..

Does that also works for manual focusing cameras ?

@TonyAndChelsea

8 жыл бұрын

+Alex Abadi The camera needs an autofocus system.

@alexabadi7458

8 жыл бұрын

+Tony Northrup It was a bad joke, sorry.I never use that AF-ON button on my D800 cameras, I tried to use it, but I as I mainly use single AF mode, it is not very useful for me.

@AhmedThaking

7 жыл бұрын

+Alex Abadi I Wonder about your comment. Back button focus got manual focus?? Huh?

@SONOFAZOMBIE2025

7 жыл бұрын

yes, works like a charm on my Kodak Brownie

@laszu7137

6 жыл бұрын

Some very old nikon rangefinders have back button manual focus. But it is useless.

This is the best description of back button focusing I've seen yet. I have had my camera set to bbf because I was told it was the best way to focus but I really didn't understand why. Thanks for the simple explanation. I'm Subscribing today!:)

Your videos are so awesome, you have taught me so much.

At the risk of sounding like a total smart ass I have to ask...if back button focusing is so amazing (and judging by the amount of videos/blog posts out there, it is) why does it not come as the default option by camera makers like Nikon/Canon? That's to say, why do you have to seek out and manually re-assign buttons to enable this functionality? I would assume they (the camera makers) would want everyone to be able to take the "best" photos possible and if this option enables the shooter to do so - why make it a hidden option?

@tw9535

8 жыл бұрын

Because when people set this up they DISABLE auto focus on the shutter button. Auto focus is then exclusively handled by the back button. If you ever learn to use back button focus you will understand that this (disabled auto focus on the shutter button) is the desired behavior. If camera makers sold cameras with auto focus on the shutter button already disabled they would get about 3,000,000 technical support calls complaining about their "broken" cameras.

@peasantrobot

7 жыл бұрын

Is there for you when you are ready for the next level :wink: . For a newbie, having less buttons to manage is the best. They are already overwhelmed by the fact that they keep in hands an advanced DSLR or mirrorless camera.

@laszu7137

6 жыл бұрын

Lol. Some people can't even see image is totally blurred, while they look through the camera. Having back button focus as default would not be possible.

@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823

6 жыл бұрын

laszu yeah, look at all the garbage photos online...blurry AH.

@RockwoodJoe

6 жыл бұрын

I only have one back button, and I prefer to use it for exposure lock (spot metering). I tried the back button focus thing for a year, but went back to shutter focus as auto metering wasn't cutting it for my application. Another button (for me) would be more useful.

Hi Tony I photograph professional and semi professional Basketball here in Australia, since I have been using the BBF it has made my shooting basketball a lot more easier, more so as I am shooting in low situations, I use BBF for all my photography and it is the best thing since sliced bread, I would recommend using BBF and I agree with what you are saying here in this video.

Hi Tony, this I first viewed in 2017 and started using it. I've never switched back. Thank you very much!!

This is my new favorite channel. Thank you so much for all the tips and details!

About a year and a half ago, I first read about back button focus and didn't quite understand why I would want it. Then figured I would at least try it and if I didn't like it I could just switch back. Since switching to back button focus, I've never wanted to return to the old way of doing it. Love having my focusing separate from my shutter and metering.

Tony, I set up my nikon d7000 to back focus and it works like a charm. . Thanks again. Victor.

I've been using back button af for more than a year, but never thought of keeping the camera on continuous focus at all times, so thanks, that would be helpful.

awesome and very helpful video! i'm gonna try using the back focusing button now!

Awesome vid and tips as usual guys. Top job. Thanks.

Tony & Chelsea, I love your vids. I hadn't had time to catch up on this one before today and I just want to say that last year a Nikon owner in our camera club gave this tip to us but it was good to see it from the Canon perspective this time. A couple of the club members said that they don't use the AF button. I started with that one, choosing the * instead. When I found that my thumb was always drifting towards the bigger, * button next to it, I, too, changed over to that one. I'm another one of the converted...

Probably the best tip I have gotten in a long long time. Thank you. It has changed my photography for the better!

thanks ,tried this in the past but wasn't sure but after your great explanation i'm sold !

wow thank you so much! I take photos of cars and just got my first DSLR, and its so useful when they are moving

Thanks for the info! I have SO much to learn about photography...

I just bought my 80D the other day and have finally gotten to use it today. I switched to AI Servo as well as Back Button Focus and i have to say, it's opened up a new world. Throughout the day i still had held down the shutter button halfway out of habit but as soon as i realize it's not focusing my mind switches to the back button. I'll get it at some point! Now that the focusing system is out of the way, i've got to focus a bit more on my metering modes.

This was exactly what i needed to know. I wasn't sure about using back button focus and AI Servo for photographing people on a trapeze. Great useful video.

What a great video for even today's newest cameras! Thank you!

Tony & Chels, thank you for your all instru..Its really helpful.

I like all your works

Very nice video and useful information Tony. Will use this on my Nikon D750

Love you Tony ! You are really soft and sweet spoken. So is Chelsea...

I had no idea that this feature existed, I now have back-button focusing setup on my camera (had to search the web to find the setting for it), this will make a large difference to the way I handle my camera, thanks.

Been doing this for years and love it.

Excellent information and tips for all beginners in photography. Thank you.

Took me a second to set it on my 7D but once I did it it worked wonders capturing snow at 1/1000th fly off the sleigh. A great way to spend the east coast blizzard today shooting with back button

Very good short video!!!! TKS Tony!!!!!!

I've been immensely benefited going through your videos...

I have seen so many videos on this but I finally understand now. THANK YOU!!!

cool. i am going to give it a go. thanks for the explanation. I always like your way of explaining things. I think you are a great teacher.

Tony & Chelsea, Love you guys ♥️ Your vids are helpful and inspiring. Live Long and Prosper.

Thank you so much Tony for your video's. I've been taking my share of average pictures sense the 1970's Kodak 110 to a Minolta X370, Nikon D80, D90, D7200 and have learned more from you in the past 2 months than I have on my own in the past 20 years. Oh yea, don't mind the KZread trolls, I get them on my channel too. It's required. LOL

Very usefull like all your instructions videos. Thanks. Vlado

There is a lot to learn about AF and AE. The Northrups so a great job in tutorials.

Thank You for the tip just got your book I love it.

Tony, thanks. This, and all of your other excellent information is sincerely appreciated. Keep up the good work!

Very interesting tip! makes a lot of sense! Can't wait to try it properly!

I switched to using back button some time ago. I found that, for me, it took a bit of getting used to and I did miss a few shots to start with, but once I got the hang of it I never looked back. Great for wildlife.

I've just turned back button focus on. And i'm trying it out and it seems nice and convenient so far.

Changed to this method last week. The best advice I've had in years! It was easy to adjust to it and more importantly the results are way better than I expected. I do just about 100% wildlife shots and using this method so far has given me a far better success rate for BIF shots. Can't see any reason why I'd change back.

For those unclear on the main advantage: you can ALWAYS be in continuous focus mode with BBF (back button focus), but get the full advantages of both single and continuous focus modes, without needing to change modes. Another confusing thing is, you don’t generally have to “turn BBF mode on”… if your camera has a back focusing button, it is probably already on by default. Rather, you usually have to turn the shutter autofocus mode off. The problem with shutter focus is, if you focus and recompose in single focus mode, you have to literally change your focus mode to then use continuous focus. Conversely, If you want to use continuous focus, you can’t focus, re-compose (by taking your finger off the shutter button), and then shoot, as the camera will re-focus when you hit the shutter, which does actually cost a small amount of time, and may lead to the originally focused subject now being out of focus. The solution: 1)TURN OFF SHUTTER BUTTON AUTOFOCUS (the back focus button is usually defaulted to on if your camera has one, so you likely don’t have to adjust the back button setting). 2) SET YOUR CAMERA TO CONTINUOUS FOCUS. Now, If you acquire focus with the back button, even in continuous focus mode, and then let go of the button, and re compose, it will NOT re focus when you hit the shutter button, therefore giving the same freedom to focus and re-compose as single focus mode. This also gives more instantaneous response. Then, If you want to shoot with continuous focus, well, just hold the back button down and use the shutter button whenever you want, because you’re already in continuous focus mode! There may be some specialized situations in which shutter focus might be best, but I can’t think of any lol. However, here’s the only caveat: you usually do have to switch back to shutter focus for self timer shooting with autofocus. I put the AF with shutter button setting near the top of my custom menu, so I can easily turn it off when I need to use self timer with AF, it comes up several times a year for family photos when they want me in the picture for some reason ;) . If you use manual focus, this isn’t an issue, but I find letting the camera focus usually works well on self timer shots. I don’t shoot a lot of video, but that autofocus might be tied to the shutter button too. But for 99.9% of stills, BBF is the way to go.

Great suggestion. I've known about that button, but never thought about how I'd actually use it. On my way to make some changes now.

Thanks Tony. Your daughter is very good too and hits the ball very well for her age.

Really the best advice!

Wonderful tip!!!

Thx! Very advanced technique!

Thank you! That was really an eye-opener to me!

You’ve solved my issues with continuously moving my focus box too got the proper composition. No I just back button focus on subject then get composition. Clever 🎉

Useful info. thanks for sharing

Thank you: I watched this video about 6 months ago and it changed my photography forever!

@TonyAndChelsea

8 жыл бұрын

+Matt Butchers Glad to help!

very helpful tip. thanks

Excellent video to refresh my memory! Glad you have posted this and I thank you very much! Like your cap! Truly, Zabrina

Nice tip. Thank you.

To get the benefit of focus on shutter with single shot focusing and still being able to ai-servo focus occasionally set the DOF preview button to switch the camera to AI-Servo while you hold down the button. I know the feature exists on the 5D mark 3 but I'm not sure what other bodies have it.

Well explained, thanks.

thank you! this makes so much more sense than any other way I've had it explained to me

Thanks Tony ...useful and clear