Great tips on not only back button focus, but more importantly, the ability to switch from single point to 25 point focus using the second button on the D850. Great! Thank you.
So without actually trying the joystick AF points setting - yet, when you push the joystick, does it set the AF points and it stays until you push it again? [i.e. toggle] Or do you have to push and hold it while shooting to keep that selection.
Switched when you posted for the D500. Took me a couple of days to get used to using back button focus, but wouldn't / couldn't go back now. So much easier and you certainly get a higher hit rate of sharp images. Well worth using this method. Thanks for all the tips Ken.
hello thanks for the tips, how about the video focus settings for moving objects to be all clear? without focusing I find the auto focus really having a hard time when moving
Is there a setting that I would need to change to be able to set that control setting? It doesn't give me the option to change the setting on the control analog to af75 or 25
Might be 8 years late for a reply Ken or anyone. I have done this setup thank you. But I can't get it to work with the grip joystick what am I doing wrong. I have the setting that says grip does what the camera buttons do.
Hi!thank you for your advices. On nikon d850 is it possible to set and save different Af mode in different photo shooting menu bank? despite I try do so my one do not change Af mode when I change from bank A (set for birds in flight) to bank B (set for big games).
Great video a BIG THANK YOU. One question. Do you need to hold the button in for group AF Continuous while shooting or will it stay locked on to the target after pressing once?
I struggle using that joystick as a button. Sometimes when I hit it and I end up moving my AF cursor instead/at the same time. Instead, I assigned one of the function buttons to 9/25 point AF so I can use the back button as single or 9/25 point quickly.
I'm curious about this also. I am thinking of selling the D810 to get the D850. You can download the user's manual online from the Nikon website. When I get close to the purchase, I will red up on it. Happy shooting.
Nice tip as usual Ken. I have a question though. Just received my D850 about a month ago and going through the paces learning, setting up etc. (New to Nikon since film days) i had set this up but i am really struggling with camera movement for some reason on 850. Certainly the new level of pixel detail attributes to showing poor technique more easily but I for the life of me cant get shake free shots unless at least 2-3X focal reciprocity. ( A few of lenses have VR too and it helps but some VR better than others.) Never had that issue before but i have come from internal IS in past.. Wondering if pushing BB focus button continuously with slightly moving subjects and shutter to release is causing more tension and camera shake? I have to exercise exceptional care to prevent at 1x reciprocal and even then no better than 50% success rate. Im getting frustrated with it. FYI I really like everything else about camera and returned an A7RIII for many of arguments presented in other posts. (I just didnt think UI and build ready for primetime yet.) Im no hidden fanboy of other systems with hidden agenda here. Its an honest struggle im having with it I havent had on other systems. I've done all the usual setting options, quiet release, shoot from live view to prevent mirror shake etc. They all help of course but you cant always shoot that way. (Wildlife/Sports etc) Anyone else noticing this?
EmptyMirrorMindful Yes I am dealing with this also. I can’t seem to get a really sharp image. Some I’ve heard say you have to calibrate the lenses with the camera. Have you resolved this issue yet?
Great video, but you don't show how you program the back AF-ON button to single shot. You show how to switch between the 2 buttons. When I set to AF-area mode + AF-ON [Dynamic-area 25 AF] & when I press AF-ON it doesn't show Single point, but instead the same as pressing the second button.
Thanks - I was able to do this on the D850 months ago and it's working great. However, with the vertical grip MB-D18, I can only do this with the grip's AF-on button, but can't set up the wider autofocus points (25 pt) using the grip's multi-selector joystick/button. Have you been able to do this? Should it be possible to use it that way?
I normally shoot sports with my D500 but tried my D850; i have always used back button focus but noticed my D850 didn’t focus as fast as my D500. I can’t imagine why, i use single point continuous the 70-200 f2.8. I read in the D850 group the other day the grip would help. Any suggestions would be appreciated, I photograph rodeo
Switching the joy stick to a second AF control button with a larger diameter focus seems like a good idea. I tried it. I encountered a problem. Is it my camera or is this what one has to deal with. Whenever I try the joy stick with AF turned on at 25, pushing the button directly or side to side gets me the joy stick function. I have to re-do pushing the button 3 or 4 times and then hold it for a moving object. If I don't hold it, it will go back to the joy stick function and not AF. In short, the button offers inconsistent. It is not reliable if one has to start AF quickly. Any thoughts?
Good trick re-purposing the sub selector to 25 point. Question, do you then need to hold down the sub-selector continuously when trying to keep focus on a moving object I presume?
Hey there Ken I’ve got a serious problem with my Nikon D850 and I need some help. Now I know your able to fix lenses and cameras as well. My Nikon D850 when looking though the viewfinder I can’t compose a photo correctly because it milky and blurry if that’s a correct term can you please please help me be explaining her w to remove this viewfinder off this camera because I see it’s got two screws that are visible but I can’t find a way to remove it and put a new one on it. Please help, and thanks for any and all help your willing to provide without pissing off Nikon 😂. Sincerely a HUGE FAN FROM NEW ORLEANS
Ken, if using a wireless remote with BBF set up the way you show...which focus scheme will the camera choose? Does the wireless always choose one specific button all the time? I am presuming you don’t have to depress either the AF/ON or the rocker button. Thx
beautiful ... so Ken .. youve been using this camera for sometime now .. how is it performing ? are U satisfied with it ? any major negatives ??... thanks ...
Why not look and see? If the settings are there, then it’s possible. Perhaps you could notify him when you’ve used the toilet and he’ll come round and wipe your arse as doubtless, that’s another thing which is simply too much effort for you to do for yourself🤣🤣🤣
No if you set back focus button and have your front button set to continuously when you press and hold the back focus button you are in continuous mode as long as you hold the button down,if you press the back focus button on your target and release it will lock on that position.
great examples to show it in action..oh no...it was just staring at your menu going on and off. lol. But have tried it and you're right, very cool tip, thank you!
thanks for this video, do you have your camera set in AF-S for single point, only switiching to AF-C with the joystick for 25 point or AF-C for both? im new to the game so forgive me if this is a stupid question Cheers J
Sorry for the delay. Your set up, and why, plus alternatives. I have tried your setting suggestions before, like, spot lock shoot, then modded for my style. Using this vids now.
Thanks for the tip brotha. Question, do you know of any 3rd party Battery grip that gives you the additional FPS and also, any cheaper brand that sells Arca Swiss ballheads? I already have an RSS but I need one for cheap tripod I have laying around. Thank you again for all of your work and info you provide to us users. -A
Wow, this seems an amazing trick, yeet I'm looking to improve the lock-on on portraits with a telephoto aand you know that creates a very narrow area that is going to be in focus, so I need a very accurate lock-on to achieve a nice pic while the subject is in movement.
Very confusing by Nikon those to name a setting as AF-ON only to turn off Autofocus on the Shutter. Surely it is more description to say Autofocus Off?
Great tip Ken! No one tells/talks about this ( and loads more content on your videos ) on other TH-cam channels! (TOP 10) I'm convinced they don't know it either! 😲 Pro togs my eyeball 🙄
Thanks Ken! I had been using back-button autofocus on the D500, but upped my game by dialing in the sub-selector as you describe. Awesome tip! P.S. I fronted you some cash on PP. Appreciate you man!
The D850 has had some criticism for slow autofocus performance.. It's a pain in the ass at times.. I thought this was going to be helpful but all it is about is the mechanics of how to use your camera..
Great tip! Just received my D850 yesterday. Had it set up for back button focus but had not thought about using the sub selector joystick to switch to AF area mode. Will be trying it out on birds and other critters in the next couple of weeks in North Carolina.
Though this video is older the concept here remains relevant I agree I love BB Focus and I think that is a great idea to have that flexibility I think that would work exceptionally well with weddings too. For landscape shooting that opens up some fast switching options too with that shot that happens dynamically that you wouldn't have time to switch to a different focus mode if you had to. Good tips!
I respectfully disagree with this. Attempting to use the joy stick as an optional focus button doesn't work very well because it moves the focus points around far too easily, even when you're trying to be careful to push it in straight. Best to set the AF-ON button to D-9 or D-25, and set the front Pv button to center point only. Add to that, assign spot metering to the Fn1 button on the front - KILLER!
0:36 "...you should try, at least try, and you'll notice the reason that the difference and the reason why most professionals are using back-button auto focus... it is much better" 2:49 "...we certainly don't want single because the continuous autofocus, which is where you would have to have this set, using back-button auto focus and, uh, continuous autofocus mode, what we're gonna do is..." OMG do you ever finish a thought?? This is completely incoherent.
I was really disappointed when my Z7 arrived and this functionality was taken away. I love shooting with the Z7 but this is one of the things that makes the D850 still superior for sports.
I have my D500 set up very similarly. Shutter release half press = Grp; AF back button = single point (what I call "sniper mode"); joy stick depress = D25. I find myself using the single point most of the time. Tip of the hat to Mark Smith who walked me through this setup a while back th-cam.com/video/MCI1tL-aHcE/w-d-xo.html
Great tips on not only back button focus, but more importantly, the ability to switch from single point to 25 point focus using the second button on the D850. Great! Thank you.
So without actually trying the joystick AF points setting - yet, when you push the joystick, does it set the AF points and it stays until you push it again? [i.e. toggle] Or do you have to push and hold it while shooting to keep that selection.
DUDDE - I think you just changed my life with this tip on moving from single point to multi point. I can't wait to test this!
Switched when you posted for the D500. Took me a couple of days to get used to using back button focus, but wouldn't / couldn't go back now.
So much easier and you certainly get a higher hit rate of sharp images.
Well worth using this method.
Thanks for all the tips Ken.
hello thanks for the tips, how about the video focus settings for moving objects to be all clear? without focusing I find the auto focus really having a hard time when moving
Is there a setting that I would need to change to be able to set that control setting? It doesn't give me the option to change the setting on the control analog to af75 or 25
Does this tip work for taking videos??
Thank you so much for these excellent tips since I purchased the D850 last month.
Might be 8 years late for a reply Ken or anyone. I have done this setup thank you. But I can't get it to work with the grip joystick what am I doing wrong. I have the setting that says grip does what the camera buttons do.
Hi!thank you for your advices. On nikon d850 is it possible to set and save different Af mode in different photo shooting menu bank? despite I try do so my one do not change Af mode when I change from bank A (set for birds in flight) to bank B (set for big games).
Great video a BIG THANK YOU. One question. Do you need to hold the button in for group AF Continuous while shooting or will it stay locked on to the target after pressing once?
Does the Nikon D850 have a better face detection?
I set the button up. It works with the viewfinder but not with liveview. Is it suppose to be that way?
I struggle using that joystick as a button. Sometimes when I hit it and I end up moving my AF cursor instead/at the same time. Instead, I assigned one of the function buttons to 9/25 point AF so I can use the back button as single or 9/25 point quickly.
When using the subselector for action or moving object, does the subselector also do the focusing?
I'm curious about this also. I am thinking of selling the D810 to get the D850. You can download the user's manual online from the Nikon website. When I get close to the purchase, I will red up on it. Happy shooting.
You use sub selector for AF ON. Where do you put your AE-L?
This is great! Thanks for the tips!
I a d500 and I use the shutter release for single point, the af on for group focus and the joy stick for 72 point
Dude, you rule. I love this tip. I had no idea.
Best tip i seen out there.
I just bought d850 for wildlife and this is the best tip. Thanks
Nice tip as usual Ken. I have a question though. Just received my D850 about a month ago and going through the paces learning, setting up etc. (New to Nikon since film days) i had set this up but i am really struggling with camera movement for some reason on 850. Certainly the new level of pixel detail attributes to showing poor technique more easily but I for the life of me cant get shake free shots unless at least 2-3X focal reciprocity. ( A few of lenses have VR too and it helps but some VR better than others.) Never had that issue before but i have come from internal IS in past.. Wondering if pushing BB focus button continuously with slightly moving subjects and shutter to release is causing more tension and camera shake? I have to exercise exceptional care to prevent at 1x reciprocal and even then no better than 50% success rate. Im getting frustrated with it.
FYI I really like everything else about camera and returned an A7RIII for many of arguments presented in other posts. (I just didnt think UI and build ready for primetime yet.) Im no hidden fanboy of other systems with hidden agenda here. Its an honest struggle im having with it I havent had on other systems. I've done all the usual setting options, quiet release, shoot from live view to prevent mirror shake etc. They all help of course but you cant always shoot that way. (Wildlife/Sports etc)
Anyone else noticing this?
EmptyMirrorMindful Yes I am dealing with this also. I can’t seem to get a really sharp image. Some I’ve heard say you have to calibrate the lenses with the camera. Have you resolved this issue yet?
Hi,
For moving/fast train what points should be recommended 25 or more? Any suggestions?
Great video, but you don't show how you program the back AF-ON button to single shot. You show how to switch between the 2 buttons. When I set to AF-area mode + AF-ON [Dynamic-area 25 AF] & when I press AF-ON it doesn't show Single point, but instead the same as pressing the second button.
Thanks - I was able to do this on the D850 months ago and it's working great. However, with the vertical grip MB-D18, I can only do this with the grip's AF-on button, but can't set up the wider autofocus points (25 pt) using the grip's multi-selector joystick/button. Have you been able to do this? Should it be possible to use it that way?
I normally shoot sports with my D500 but tried my D850; i have always used back button focus but noticed my D850 didn’t focus as fast as my D500. I can’t imagine why, i use single point continuous the 70-200 f2.8. I read in the D850 group the other day the grip would help. Any suggestions would be appreciated, I photograph rodeo
How can I connect flash light Wireless to the D850 ???
Switching the joy stick to a second AF control button with a larger diameter focus seems like a good idea. I tried it. I encountered a problem. Is it my camera or is this what one has to deal with. Whenever I try the joy stick with AF turned on at 25, pushing the button directly or side to side gets me the joy stick function. I have to re-do pushing the button 3 or 4 times and then hold it for a moving object. If I don't hold it, it will go back to the joy stick function and not AF. In short, the button offers inconsistent. It is not reliable if one has to start AF quickly. Any thoughts?
Good trick re-purposing the sub selector to 25 point. Question, do you then need to hold down the sub-selector continuously when trying to keep focus on a moving object I presume?
I just bought a Tamron 150-600 G2 to go with my D850......Thanks to your video I’ll have more keepers. Thanks 😎👍🏻
Hey there Ken I’ve got a serious problem with my Nikon D850 and I need some help. Now I know your able to fix lenses and cameras as well. My Nikon D850 when looking though the viewfinder I can’t compose a photo correctly because it milky and blurry if that’s a correct term can you please please help me be explaining her w to remove this viewfinder off this camera because I see it’s got two screws that are visible but I can’t find a way to remove it and put a new one on it. Please help, and thanks for any and all help your willing to provide without pissing off Nikon 😂. Sincerely a HUGE FAN FROM NEW ORLEANS
This is an extremely useful tip for my D500 and very appropriate for back-button focus with bird photography, which I like. Thank you for the tip Ken!
Just got my D850 yesterday. First thing I did was set up the back button autofocus.
Just got my D850 yesterday..
5 years after you 😂
@@Stop-All-War Great time to buy a D850. You must have saved a lot.
Great job mate
I just bought this camera and you just gave a huge great method of autofocus choices here thank you very much.
Great tip. D850 is an awesome camera and my forbidden wish.
Ken, if using a wireless remote with BBF set up the way you show...which focus scheme will the camera choose? Does the wireless always choose one specific button all the time? I am presuming you don’t have to depress either the AF/ON or the rocker button. Thx
Should I use 25 point or group AF-C for sports?
Auto focus mode…. Can you have one on 9 and the bottom on 25
beautiful ...
so Ken .. youve been using this camera for sometime now .. how is it performing ? are U satisfied with it ? any major negatives ??... thanks ...
Mazen Nabulsi - It’s a digital camera - it doesn’t produce negatives :-)
You’re awesome! Thanks! 👍🏼
I use single on the shutterbutton, dynamic 9 point on af on back button. and group focus on the front button next to the lens.
Always so helpful..thanks! Love your video's!!
Can this be set up on the D810?
yes
Why not look and see? If the settings are there, then it’s possible.
Perhaps you could notify him when you’ve used the toilet and he’ll come round and wipe your arse as doubtless, that’s another thing which is simply too much effort for you to do for yourself🤣🤣🤣
You mentioned you don’t like point focus. I use it for portraits. Why don’t you like it?
I thought he said he didn't like to use single point with Continuous auto focus.
Do you think a firware update is coming for the video autofocus? It hunts. A LOT!
No if you set back focus button and have your front button set to continuously when you press and hold the back focus button you are in continuous mode as long as you hold the button down,if you press the back focus button on your target and release it will lock on that position.
I use the front button for single point. I usually shoot birds in group and single point
Nice! Thanks will try for tomorrow
great examples to show it in action..oh no...it was just staring at your menu going on and off. lol. But have tried it and you're right, very cool tip, thank you!
thanks for this video, do you have your camera set in AF-S for single point, only switiching to AF-C with the joystick for 25 point or AF-C for both?
im new to the game so forgive me if this is a stupid question
Cheers
J
I also would like to know the answer of your question…, but I see no one answered so far
Group is what i been liking best
not sure how this differs from using the top lcd and selecting af-c 9 point?
Is that any different than what you suggested a year or so ago for the D500?
no diff :)
great tip Ken!! finally got my d850 3 day's ago....can't wait to play with it.....
A full D850 setup video would be appreciated.
but setup for who?
Sorry for the delay. Your set up, and why, plus alternatives. I have tried your setting suggestions before, like, spot lock shoot, then modded for my style. Using this vids now.
Thanks for the tip brotha. Question, do you know of any 3rd party Battery grip that gives you the additional FPS and also, any cheaper brand that sells Arca Swiss ballheads? I already have an RSS but I need one for cheap tripod I have laying around.
Thank you again for all of your work and info you provide to us users.
-A
Wow, this seems an amazing trick, yeet I'm looking to improve the lock-on on portraits with a telephoto aand you know that creates a very narrow area that is going to be in focus, so I need a very accurate lock-on to achieve a nice pic while the subject is in movement.
Very confusing by Nikon those to name a setting as AF-ON only to turn off Autofocus on the Shutter. Surely it is more description to say Autofocus Off?
I am using dx lens on my D850. I followed this procedure but still I cant auto focus. Is it something to do with my lens? I have 35mm F1.8G DX
You need to be using fx lenses that'll be your problem
Nice tip to work with two focusing modes at the same time
Great tip Ken! No one tells/talks about this ( and loads more content on your videos ) on other TH-cam channels! (TOP 10) I'm convinced they don't know it either! 😲
Pro togs my eyeball 🙄
Steve Perry talked about it a lot...
Thanks Ken! I had been using back-button autofocus on the D500, but upped my game by dialing in the sub-selector as you describe. Awesome tip! P.S. I fronted you some cash on PP. Appreciate you man!
How much of an advantage for static shots does single point give over 25 point? I mostly just use 25 point for everything.
Eyes with very shallow depth of field.
The D850 has had some criticism for slow autofocus performance.. It's a pain in the ass at times.. I thought this was going to be helpful but all it is about is the mechanics of how to use your camera..
Great tip! Just received my D850 yesterday. Had it set up for back button focus but had not thought about using the sub selector joystick to switch to AF area mode. Will be trying it out on birds and other critters in the next couple of weeks in North Carolina.
Though this video is older the concept here remains relevant I agree I love BB Focus and I think that is a great idea to have that flexibility I think that would work exceptionally well with weddings too. For landscape shooting that opens up some fast switching options too with that shot that happens dynamically that you wouldn't have time to switch to a different focus mode if you had to. Good tips!
I respectfully disagree with this. Attempting to use the joy stick as an optional focus button doesn't work very well because it moves the focus points around far too easily, even when you're trying to be careful to push it in straight. Best to set the AF-ON button to D-9 or D-25, and set the front Pv button to center point only. Add to that, assign spot metering to the Fn1 button on the front - KILLER!
I'm with you, i do fid the 850 a little hit and miss with birds
@@kb8729 I don't remember saying that. The D850 is fantastic for birds; I've switched from Canon because of it. Sooo much better.
Don't you ever use Pv to stop down and see what the DOF is like? Am I just old-school? :/
Brother this is an amazing short cut. thank you so much!
Excellent! Thank you Ken.
uhh ohhh
th-cam.com/video/xoo0phgkr2g/w-d-xo.html
ROFL
0:36 "...you should try, at least try, and you'll notice the reason that the difference and the reason why most professionals are using back-button auto focus... it is much better"
2:49 "...we certainly don't want single because the continuous autofocus, which is where you would have to have this set, using back-button auto focus and, uh, continuous autofocus mode, what we're gonna do is..."
OMG do you ever finish a thought?? This is completely incoherent.
I was really disappointed when my Z7 arrived and this functionality was taken away. I love shooting with the Z7 but this is one of the things that makes the D850 still superior for sports.
THANKYOU...
This is a great tip, thank you for sharing!
Great tip! Thank you.
Thank you! Very helpful!
D700 in 2017?
still valid
It’s a camera - not a fashion accessory!
I have my D500 set up very similarly. Shutter release half press = Grp; AF back button = single point (what I call "sniper mode"); joy stick depress = D25. I find myself using the single point most of the time. Tip of the hat to Mark Smith who walked me through this setup a while back th-cam.com/video/MCI1tL-aHcE/w-d-xo.html
great tip thank you
Thank you so much!
Good look
Thank a lot
Thank You!
Thanks for detailed explanation~
Make more trick please
First view! And I don’t even know what the f*^% he’s talking about! Jk
Great tip! Thank you.
Useful tip. Thanks!
Awesome tip. Thank you. 🙂