Back Button AF With Mirrorless: AM I CRAZY?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Once upon a time, when DSLRs roamed the land, Back Button AF was the automatic go-to for many - even most - photographers. However, with mirrorless taking over at a blistering pace, things are changing. Many are questioning the wisdom of using BBAF and, indeed, many have switched back to shutter release AF.
    Should you?
    In this video, we'll discuss why BBAF is less important for mirrorless shooters than it is for DSLR fans. We'll also talk about why it still might be the best option for some shooters - myself included.
    Should you use BBAF with mirrorless? Let's find out!
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ความคิดเห็น • 288

  • @cadmus777
    @cadmus777 ปีที่แล้ว +129

    I can't imagine ever not using BBF. I don't care how good the focus system is, being able to decide when the camera focuses and when it shoots, separately, is a level of control I will never give up!

    • @Stop-All-War
      @Stop-All-War ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Good points...

    • @bikefreek
      @bikefreek ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If 90% of the time you are engaging af and shooting, youre better off slaving a function button to af lock and hitting that when you dont want to focus.

    • @truthseeker6804
      @truthseeker6804 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      you can decide when the camera focuses by half pressing and when it shoots by fully pressing

    • @cadmus777
      @cadmus777 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@truthseeker6804 'separately', not 'consecutively'

    • @hoangvu620
      @hoangvu620 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@bikefreek why sacrifice 2 fingers for 1 function, when you can do it with one finger, and just left it there when you don't want to refocus? The af lock button itself it an unnecessary function for bbaf shooters.

  • @Jviotr
    @Jviotr ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I’ve always preferred using the AF lock button to actually stop focusing while leaving the camera in AF-C. Most of the time I want the camera to be constantly focusing, and in the instances where I want it to stop, I press AF lock. That’s just how my brain works. I also found it much easier to focus while moving the focus point with DSLR if my thumb wasn’t glued to the BBF button.

  • @quicktastic
    @quicktastic ปีที่แล้ว +36

    For me, a big part of it would just be muscle memory. I have used BBF for a long time and to the point where I don't have to really think about it, my thumb just knows what to do. I still use my D850 and D810 a lot and keeping consistent methodology makes using different bodies easier.

  • @duraipalanisamy2070
    @duraipalanisamy2070 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Ever since I watched your BBF video almost 7 years I had switched to AF-ON for focus and I’m glad I made the switch. My success rate improved drastically. Even with mirror less cameras I’m continuing to use BB for AF. It works like a charm. Thank you Steve for sharing so many secrets like this that’s incredibly useful on the field. 😊

    • @rogerking7258
      @rogerking7258 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wot he said!

    • @_systemd
      @_systemd 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Risking sounding arrogant, when I purchased my first ever camera, the first day I went shooting with it, I left home with stock setup and hour later I was on BBF, manual w autoiso and exposure correction etc. Just by wondering how I can operate it better. Love Steve's insights and ability to explain but sometimes feels like people can't figure out to aim the lens at the subject unless they are told to do so in an instructional video.

  • @mikeyb9819
    @mikeyb9819 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    With you 100% Steve. You taught me BBF many years ago and, tbh, I never once considered changing when I moved away from a DSLR to mirrorless it’s just so intuitive. Manual with auto ISO was another fantastic tip you gave me - I never use anything else now. Excellent tips which have been game changers for me - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Steve.

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx ปีที่แล้ว

      To be honest, i didnt even know full manual was a thing in anything beside astrophotography…
      Auto ISO and fast accessible EV correction was in manual always common sense for me

  • @amitdutta8768
    @amitdutta8768 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I am a D500 user and I always use BBAF, so as to separate AF from shutter release. it is so useful. Thanks Steve.

    • @tlewisAK
      @tlewisAK ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love my D500! Happy Shooting.

  • @scriptosaurusrex
    @scriptosaurusrex ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I also never dropped bbaf.
    Tbh, sometimes a focus recompose is also quicker than moving about the focus point.
    And as a primarily landscape photographer, I also use the af like you highlighted at the end to get me close, then punch in and MF to perfection. No need to mess about flicking switches or going through a menu. It's just so much easier for everything imo.

  • @jerryfaircloth
    @jerryfaircloth ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Pretty much my exact findings as well Steve. Been using BBAF for years on DSLR's but when I got the Z9 I tried going back to the shutter button. It seemed to work fine but there were always those times where the camera would try to re-acquire focus when I pressed the shutter when I didn't want it to. I have gone back to BBAF and so far am happy.

    • @francisschweitzer8431
      @francisschweitzer8431 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same here … Now I have a Z9 but I used to have a D780 AND a Sony Alpha …. I Set the Sony up for shutter button focus….and I ran up against the exact same thing

    • @lupidorXVI
      @lupidorXVI ปีที่แล้ว

      On the Z9 it can be hard to change focus modes/areas then in my opinion, because of the lack of buttons. How do you change between 3D/AF-Area large etc. when using BBAF? Thanks

    • @jerryfaircloth
      @jerryfaircloth ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lupidorXVI The same way I did on the DSLR's. I use the front function buttons for an extra two different modes. Only one is available though in either orientation. I also set up the video record button to switch between 20FPS and single release mode. There are many ways to set it up those are just how I have mine now.

    • @lupidorXVI
      @lupidorXVI ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jerryfaircloth thanks for the reply! I don't love the front function buttons since they are kinda hard to reach imo. But i guess that's the most obvious way, maybe i'll try again. Thanks

  • @WilliamParkerIII
    @WilliamParkerIII หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been back in the game for just over a year now and I can't believe I haven't stumbled across your channel yet. Really like the way you present information. Keep up the good work. I have so much of your stuff to check out now! 🙌

  • @tomjones7493
    @tomjones7493 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yet another useful video from Steve Perry. I began switch to mirrorless about 6 months ago with a Z6II then followed up with a Z9 a few months later. Never contemplated dropping the BBF technique I used for the past 7 years. I shoot scapes and that combined with my comfort level with BBF will keep me using the technique.

  • @rogerthompson6851
    @rogerthompson6851 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the overall quality of your videos. The sound, the presentation, and the lack of visual distractions are great!

  • @tlewisAK
    @tlewisAK ปีที่แล้ว

    Im still a DSLR shooter (Nikon D500), but I can't imagine why BBF wouldn't work on a mirrorless system. I started BBF about 5 years ago, and I couldn't imagine going back. I shoot primerily Wildlife (Moose / Caribou / Arctic birds) and sports (Football / Martial Arts / Hockey). When I eventually migrate over to mirrorless, I will stay with BBF unless there is a reason to switch to something different. Thank you again for everything Steve! I learn something new every time I watch a video, read a blog post, or study the books I'v purchased from you. Keep up the great work, and thank you for all you do.

  • @keithmacdonald4805
    @keithmacdonald4805 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have been using BBAF since I started watching your videos, I just upgraded to a Z9 and I will continue to stay with BBAF. Your video is great and just confirms my thoughts. Thanks for everything you do, your videos have brought more enjoyment to my wildlife photography.

  • @haileygifford6761
    @haileygifford6761 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow! once again an awesome video steve!!!!

  • @longrider9551
    @longrider9551 ปีที่แล้ว

    The only channel I give a like during the intro, because I know it's going to be good 👍

  • @richardhaire5001
    @richardhaire5001 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great explanation I’m switching!

  • @robertgiguere875
    @robertgiguere875 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! I always use back button focus.

  • @OwenEDell
    @OwenEDell ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, Steve. I have never warmed up to back button focus, but you raise some excellent points. I think I'll give it another chance.

  • @mellymckenzie
    @mellymckenzie ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I am used to BBF after years of using it. It’s a massive advantage in many situations, not all. But I use it for all my work just because I dont have to think about it any more.

  • @v0ldy54
    @v0ldy54 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think I started using BBAF years ago because of your videos!

  • @kappakumplete
    @kappakumplete ปีที่แล้ว

    Your original video on back button focus changed my photography life forever. I could never go back.

  • @ericsmith9777
    @ericsmith9777 ปีที่แล้ว

    Used BBAF on my D500, D850, and now the Z9. For me, it's the way to go. Thanks for another great video Steve, and for the mentoring. I've come along way in the past few years !! Cheers.

  • @johnredrup1036
    @johnredrup1036 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent Steve, definitely will help!

  • @nespressoman
    @nespressoman 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, thanks.

  • @dougcoxon5596
    @dougcoxon5596 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video Steve. I watched your BBAF video years ago and tried it on my Nikon DSLRs. I thought it worked great and I haven’t looked back. I now shoot with a Z9 but still use BBAF. I did try shutter release for several weeks but went right back to BBAF. Part of it is I still use a DSLR as a backup body and so try to keep some things as similar as I can. Plus it’s just works for me.

  • @marc5279
    @marc5279 ปีที่แล้ว

    uuh yes, i noticed this already with the nikon z6 while shooting people. Seemed wierd to me not to see anyone jumping out of the back button hype. Great as always steve!

  • @johnhjic2
    @johnhjic2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Steve, your so right. I love back button focus and am using it on both my Nikons and Hesselbeds. Yes it did take some time to get truly comfortable with it. But use it both on Mirrorless and DSLR's. thanks for all your tips some I use and other may be not but worth knowing about. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy life.

  • @hussainpanchbhaya3400
    @hussainpanchbhaya3400 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks Steve, great video, I will be trying out BBF in Brazil

  • @patrickdirlam2882
    @patrickdirlam2882 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a question I recently asked on the forum. I wasn't sure if I should go back to shutter af. Yesterday, I struggled with locking focus on a Harris's Hawk flying by me with a baby bird in its talons. From that struggling point on, I decided that BBF is here to stay! Thanks for reassuring my observations Steve!

  • @jasoneldridgephotography
    @jasoneldridgephotography ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video! The BBAF is still used for me on the Z9 for all the reasons you say.
    I had contemplated changing it but after a day of shooting and switching between different AF modes…. The BBAF is still king!

  • @aamassy
    @aamassy ปีที่แล้ว

    Your post processing game is next level!

  • @robinbregman7540
    @robinbregman7540 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am going to switch to BBAF for the first time. I shoot wildlife photography and would like to see if this strategy helps me capture more magic moments. We are going to Africa this summer so I am devouring all the knowledge I can before we go to up my game! 😊
    I’ve been taking pictures for many years but still learn something new every time I watch a professional like you. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and knowledge!

  • @Sparisland
    @Sparisland ปีที่แล้ว

    A very balanced view. Thanks for not being a BBF zealot! lol. As a Naturalist, I often shoot with folks who use half-press focus but who find themselves in situations where they need to shoot through obstructions, etc., and can't just switch to BBF, since they are on a dream vacation and don't have time to climb the learning curve. The solution I offer them is to program the AF-ON button to AF-OFF and press it when they don't want to risk AF refocusing and screwing-up the shot. For example, on a whale watch, when there is bubble feeding, they can half-press to focus in the center of the ring, then press AF-OFF so the descending flock of seagulls doesn't steal AF. Same with perched bird in the dunes where grass almost always triggers a poorly-timed refocus. On the other hand, if there is an Osprey hovering overhead, the half-press allows easy tracking with eye-af especially for those wearing heavy gloves, with joint issues or when seas are rough. I'm from the dark-side (a Canon shooter) so I program C1 mode for half-press and C2 for BBF and also program a back button for single point and another for tracking/eyeAF and find that gives me maximum flexibility. Thanks for revisiting this with an updated video.

  • @VABrowneMDPhD
    @VABrowneMDPhD ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent discussion! With the vast improvement in auto focus technology, especially AF tracking, and eye detect auto focus, the buttons on the back of the camera can be used to activate specific focusing modes/cases in addition to turning auto focus on and off.

  • @csc-photo
    @csc-photo ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent overview and examples! I watched this twice to make sure I didn't miss any key points.
    I've gone back & forth with BBAF since switching to mirrorless, currently my Z6II setup is basically a "reverse BBAF": Shutter Release AF activation, with AF-ON set to AF Lock. I'm looking at my "most of the time" scenario - I'm keeping AF engaged more often than not, using just one finger. For the fewer times I want AF disengaged - that's when two fingers are needed. I also have my left my hand frequently occupied (holding a light or diffuser), and it's tricky using BBAF with one hand.
    I think if I shot wildlife / long lenses more frequently, I'd be in BBAF full time. And/or if I had the Z9 which offers more flexibility in button assignments (AND the mind-easing green focus confirmation in AF-C) 🙂

  • @bensaunders616
    @bensaunders616 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Terrific video! Being in coastal South Carolina, I shoot a lot of birds and animals in marsh grass environments. As you say in the video, BBAF allows me to lock focus on the bird or animal at a certain distance even though grass is waving in front of them. Same with small birds buried deep in live oak trees. Also, I had forgotten the turn the camera 45 degrees trick. Thanks for the reminder!

  • @PaulBawby
    @PaulBawby ปีที่แล้ว

    I totally agree with you when you say that the important thing is to find what works for you and go with it.
    Cheers

  • @edseal5250
    @edseal5250 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another awesome video. I just got my Z9 and of course I ran to your Z set up to get up and running. Thanks Steve!

  • @llStixxll
    @llStixxll ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I use both, kinda. I use the AF-ON button and focus and recompose when I feel like that’s the best option. Pressing the shutter while holding AF-ON doesn’t interrupt the job the AF-ON button is doing. I also use AF-C the whole time. So I can focus and recompose with the back button or take a photo the default way with the shutter button AF. Tracking is good enough to hold on the subject while I recompose. Best of both worlds. Especially useful when handing my camera off to someone to take a photo of my family while traveling.

  • @cryptographerchris4856
    @cryptographerchris4856 ปีที่แล้ว

    BBAF only for me. Great updated video. Thanks.

  • @annerichard788
    @annerichard788 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love BBF, never stopped using it since I discovered it.

  • @johnsamuelmcelroy
    @johnsamuelmcelroy ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's bbaf exclusively on my D500. With the the X-T5 it's a combination of both where I use a dedicated button to switch as needed to change menu functions. As always , great content Steve!

  • @madst7521
    @madst7521 ปีที่แล้ว

    I never even thought of not using BBAF when switching to mirrorless.

  • @59jll
    @59jll ปีที่แล้ว

    HI Steve,
    Thanks for the video.
    I still use the BBF but have also programmed some Function buttons on the front of the camera (Z9) in order to be able to switch the AF mode "on the go", as we now have so many different modes.

  • @Bringisen
    @Bringisen ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice video again. For me AF-ON (BBF), I always have.

  • @0123nikon
    @0123nikon ปีที่แล้ว

    Been using BBF ever since your vidéo and would not chang it !!!! thank you Steve

  • @Mike-126
    @Mike-126 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great video. I use bbf.

  • @stevehassall6862
    @stevehassall6862 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Steve from another Steve across the pond here in the UK, I'm a relatively newbie in using bbaf but it's becoming second nature, I find it invaluable when I'm shooting kingfishers from a hide in Cardigan nature centre when I'm down in Wales. Using bbaf locking on the kingfishers when they are on a tree perch "fishing" then reconfigure the photo to capture when they dive for a fish is perfect. I'm a nikon z50 user with a sigma 150-600mm lens and have been pleased with the results, maybe one day when I win the lottery I can indulge myself and buy a nikon z7ii or z9 or even the z8.
    Thanks for your vlogs I find them extremely helpful.
    Keep up the great work Steve

  • @amitm1975
    @amitm1975 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great tip , thank you

  • @k5dvm
    @k5dvm ปีที่แล้ว

    😃I have used BBAF for years and still use it on the Z9, I have read that it takes some getting used to, and some people don't like it, but it was a no-brainer for me! Nice video, Steve.

  • @randyschwager2515
    @randyschwager2515 ปีที่แล้ว

    You hooked me on BB Focus years ago and I can’t imagine living without it! I’m still saving $$$ for the right mirrorless camera…and while people give a lot of lip service to their focusing capabilities…I seem to hear just as much complaining! Right now my hit rate on my D500 is pretty amazing…and learning a new system at age 73 is scary. I’m sure the time will come, and when it does I’ll be thankful for all they help you provide!!

  • @patrickmolloy6994
    @patrickmolloy6994 ปีที่แล้ว

    I went BBF with my DSLR and have stayed with it on my Z 6. I read a lot of folk went back to shutter release, so I tried for a few months. Nope. I’m firmly in the BBF zone, now and forever . Thanks Steve!

  • @michaelaudette
    @michaelaudette ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe it was one of your videos that got me started with BFF. I have never looked back and use it exclusively. It's like using my seatbelt -- done without thought. Find it works well for wildlife and especially Birds (BIF). Thanks for update.

  • @tandkplus4
    @tandkplus4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm glad I watched this. With my film and DSLRs I used BBF, but migrated to shutter only with mirrorless. After watching this (and realizing how often shutter button focus is irksome), I'm devoting just one or two of my custom settings to BBF; I will retain one shutter button focus setting for clean action without foreseeable difficulties, as sometimes I wish to keep my thumb on the joystick to keep the AF point moving--and I remember reading of at least one pro years ago who did the same on his D5. (I shoot Nikon Z 6 2 and Z 5.) On my Z fc, I will probably keep just the bbf, as that camera does not allow custom setting banks. Thank you for the excellent video Steve!

  • @merkin22
    @merkin22 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been reminded why I'm a BBF shooter as I've been shooting with the D6 over the past couple of months as the Z9 is in the repair shop. But even at that, I find BBF -- mirrorless or DSLR in hand -- and its one button one action functionality better; not to mention BBF is now so profoundly baked into my muscle memory switching back would be a disaster for process :) As always, great video, Steve. Thanks!

  • @jakesdewet3567
    @jakesdewet3567 ปีที่แล้ว

    For me the reason I struggle to change systems is the fact that I understand the Nikon ergonomics and over the many years have become so familiar with the BBF and general ergonomics, that I never have to "think" about the controls. BBF is ingrained as part of the process and I agree stil holds many benefits. Thanks great video again.

  • @SilverLarry
    @SilverLarry ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I use both focusing methods and enjoy the ability to go between the two on the fly. I prefer BBF most of the time but find many situations photographing events where shutter release is preferable, which is why I have one of my User dial configured to include shutter focus so I can quickly go back and forth between the two focus methods.

  • @kilik92
    @kilik92 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Steve I would like to see a video on the topic 600f4 vs 400 2.8 there is so much debate going on. Discuss things like if you crop a 400 to a 600 (signal to noise ratio)
    A 400 with TC vs a 600 without one.
    And also is the depth of field thinner on the 600 f4 vs 400 2.8

  • @micahharman1493
    @micahharman1493 ปีที่แล้ว

    When i got my mirrorless camera over if the first settings that i changed was seeing up back button focus. Once I started using back button focus i haven't gone back and don't plan to. I even have dual button to change from traditional focus to eye af and back again. Great video discussion about this topic.

  • @tysonator5433
    @tysonator5433 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, I have my canon R7 set up that my eye detection is via AF on button, and single point AF is engaged via the shutter release !

  • @hoangvu620
    @hoangvu620 ปีที่แล้ว

    A small point here: af-on button provide a place to grip the camera constantly with your thumb. more stable, less blurry.

  • @JeffandLeslie
    @JeffandLeslie ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve, I tried BBAF with my DSLR for a little over a year and could never fully get used to it. After a year, I figured I would never fully embrace it and went back to shutter button AF. I just went to mirrorless (sold my main DSLR body) and haven't tried BBAF yet. I do have those back buttons set for different things now. I agree with you, a person should use what works for them and fits their personal workflow. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to BBAF vs. Shutter AF. Just what works. Another fine video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @thomaschamberlin2485
    @thomaschamberlin2485 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    After twenty years of BBAF I switched back to shutter button focus on my Z9 to allow a wide area large (shutter) to 3D autofocus (back button) hand-off for flying birds. It took a good six months to stop instinctively hammering the back button in a panic situation. Now I am rarely using the 3D so you may have convinced me to go back to BBAF with wide area large only. I have tried assigning single point autofocus to a function button for those crane's eyes that Nikon refuses to focus on. So far, no luck. I heard a rumor today that the Z8 will have improved autofocus on distant birds. That might make me buy one if true.

  • @juliettemansour
    @juliettemansour ปีที่แล้ว

    I have not used shutter release AF in years. Back button focus remains a constant for all my cameras and this is largely due to some of my event and street photography work. Nevertheless, I love hearing you elaborate on this, Steve. Knowing the details of the advantages is helpful.

  • @ppicans
    @ppicans ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Steve for your work. In my nikon i have a combination of BBAF and a digital zoom in viewfinder on the front buttons (near lens) , so usefull to focus small birds in the middle of thousand of leafs ands branches. "Old" techniques works fantastic in mirrorless too!!

  • @GregCarrick
    @GregCarrick ปีที่แล้ว

    I've not met anyone who thought BBAF was crazy.... However, I have found an alternative on most Fujifilm cameras - Front Button Auto Focus, using the body's front Fn button. This leaves your thumb free to do all the other things it needs to do, like turn a wheel, hold the camera etc

  • @KyleClements
    @KyleClements 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ever since I had the shutter-half press AF cause a focus rack during a "you may now kiss the bride" moment, I've set every camera to back button focus from day one.
    It should honestly be the manufacturer's default.

  • @lukes5533
    @lukes5533 ปีที่แล้ว

    Back button focus everytime , mind you I mainly shot DSLR cameras . Thanks Steve. 👍

  • @slippyu1
    @slippyu1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ive been using BBAF since watching you post years ago. Since going to the Nikon Z7ii i still use BBAF. It just suits the way I shoot.
    Thank you for helping me through my photography journey over the many years of following you 🙏

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The thing is…. BBAF ALWAYS suits better as soon you are above beginner or casual level.
      I would even say a beginner just slightly more interested in most types of photography should learn/try BBAF if he/she/it doesnt. I bet with a chance of 90%+ they also will never „go back“

  • @JRodPhotoArt
    @JRodPhotoArt ปีที่แล้ว

    I switched to back button focus and have kept it there ! Works great for me.

  • @Shepard4711
    @Shepard4711 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was made aware of BBF by your video back then and have been happily using it ever since, even when I switched to mirrorless. I like having the fine-grained control and adjusting focus separately from the shutter button.
    The only times it's been a problem is when I hand my camera to someone else who doesn't know about BBF. 😄

  • @sureshmatt4485
    @sureshmatt4485 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been using BBF for a long time and now it is a reflex action. I also use D850, besides Z9. I will stick to BBF to avoid unlearning BBF only for Z9.
    Your perspective on why we should use BBF on mirror less is extremely useful 👍

  • @cliffko081953
    @cliffko081953 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have used BBAF since I first learned of it years ago and can't imagine going back. I suffer from Chemo induced peripheral neuropathy and half pressing the shutter button is hard to gauge since I have decreased sensitivity in my finger tips. But the examples you gave are very good for when to switch back.

  • @redauwg911
    @redauwg911 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have always used Back button to lock AF, For fast action, You pick up the camera the shutter button focuses and takes a photo fast, Used 90% of the time and just one button to press... If i need to recompose then i press back button to lock focus and shoot.

  • @danielng5903
    @danielng5903 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing . 💯💯💯💯💯💪💪💪💪💪 .

  • @craigpiferphotography
    @craigpiferphotography ปีที่แล้ว

    Once I switched to BBAF I never considered switching back. When I first read about it in the manual for my Canon Elan 7, I couldn't figure out what the advantage was and why anyone would use that feature. When I got my first DSLR I decided to try it, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm shooting mirrorless now, but it was one of the first things I set up when I got the camera. I can't work without it. Over 17 years with BBAF and still loving it.

  • @brucekraft744
    @brucekraft744 ปีที่แล้ว

    I too continue to use BB AF with my Z7II, mostly out of habit. Your points are utterly valid, though. OTOH, I find myself using manual focus with peaking a lot as a continual sort of depth of field indication.

  • @christopherloffredo9126
    @christopherloffredo9126 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have programed the AF On button" to be "AF-Off" in the rare cases I need to turn off AF-C in a difficult focus situation. This allows me to use my thumb for many of the other functions I have programmed to buttons.

  • @MeniscusBiskits
    @MeniscusBiskits ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BBAF was always a challenge for me since I am left-eye dominant. Thanks to Steve’s tip of assigning the fn button on the front of the camera to accomplish this, I am totally sold on “front BBAF”!

    • @tlewisAK
      @tlewisAK ปีที่แล้ว

      Great way to adapt. Happy Shooting.

    • @MrsAnnieTK
      @MrsAnnieTK ปีที่แล้ว

      I am also left-eye dominant but use the AF-ON button for BBAF. I guess there is enough room between my face and the AF-ON button on my OM-1.

  • @stripes_in_raw
    @stripes_in_raw ปีที่แล้ว

    Eagerly waiting for a Z9/Z8 autofocus settings guide please 🙏🏽

  • @OldGirlPhotography
    @OldGirlPhotography ปีที่แล้ว +3

    As mentioned, shooting different genres (wildlife, sports, landscapes) benefits from different autofocus setups. On my Canon, I have 3 back buttons - one for single shot, point focus, one for animals, continuous, and one for people, continuous. Overkill, I know, but works for me.

  • @MrTmiket0007
    @MrTmiket0007 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, Steve can you make a tutorial on backlight bird photography? keep up with the awesome content

  • @DixonLu
    @DixonLu ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. BBAF gets ergonomically awkward for low angle macros ("bees in flight"). Sometimes even have to use my thumb to press the shutter.

  • @63phillip
    @63phillip ปีที่แล้ว

    Always used BBAF on my Nikon D3100 and it was great so now I am trying it out on my Nikon Z6 so far so good.

  • @kellerfoto
    @kellerfoto ปีที่แล้ว

    Good point! I stick to BBAF just because I have the normal AF and the animal eye AF in separate buttons so they don’t mess with each other when active simultaneously.

  • @polmestra
    @polmestra ปีที่แล้ว

    I found your e-book great and it translates well to the A7 IV. I like BBAF too :)

  • @Gammu
    @Gammu 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    BBF For me. Something I mentioned elsewhere is in most focus modes on the Z9, you can press the (+) button and zoom in and press your focus button and it will focus on it like a sniper scope. Good for shooting through gaps in brush, etc. Or you can just use as a spotting scope in very dim light.

  • @brucegraner5901
    @brucegraner5901 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is probably the best video I've ever seen advocating for back button focus. I tried it once but gave up on it, using AF/AE lock instead but, after seeing this video, I may go back and give it another try. Do you find some cameras you've tried are easier than others when using BBAF?

  • @mikedavis1110
    @mikedavis1110 ปีที่แล้ว

    BBF for sure and it has become a normal muscle function, after switching several years ago. Shutter Button in my view has the possibility of changing the focus point slightly when you press the button.

  • @danielschmaderer
    @danielschmaderer ปีที่แล้ว

    For my Fuji X-T5, I have my shutter release AF decoupled with AF-C and coupled with AF-S for my own wife when she wants to use my camera. This has been very handy for me since I prefer Back Button AF and I don’t have to fidget around in the menus for a camera hand off scenario. 1 switch in the front of the camera with no fuss.

  • @lesbassnett
    @lesbassnett ปีที่แล้ว

    I tried BBF when I first heard about it, I tried it for a short while, then decided to use it all of the time.

  • @pbm77
    @pbm77 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have recently changed my bbaf button to switch between auto and manual focus. Essentially given me bbaf and manual focus with one button.

  • @frankburch5104
    @frankburch5104 ปีที่แล้ว

    I recently ordered my first mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z8, and I can't imagine not using BBF.

  • @martinhfarrell
    @martinhfarrell ปีที่แล้ว

    Exactly why I still use it.

  • @lesrbecker5135
    @lesrbecker5135 ปีที่แล้ว

    BBAF for all the reasons you have mentioned!

  • @derekmidgley
    @derekmidgley ปีที่แล้ว

    I switched back to shutter release after developing a blood-clot in my thumb from over-use of the BB. Yeah, I know, it doesn't happen to everyone. But it did to me. We do what we have to. Now the back button is only for occasional "force ONE point" to show it what I'm trying to persuade it to look at. After that it's back to shutter only.

  • @franktherabbit42
    @franktherabbit42 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So I have taken the punt and just set my camera up to do BBF for wildlife photography. I'm Looking forward to seeing how it goes.

  • @NiladriRoy-il7xm
    @NiladriRoy-il7xm ปีที่แล้ว

    Your old video converted me to using BBAF some six years ago, and I have never looked back. I have now switched completely from DSLR to mirrorless (except for some sentimental bodies I have kept over time... the D850 should have been one of them, but alas, I had to sacrifice it to partially fund the Z9). I am sticking with BBAF for exactly the same reasons you mention in this video. In fact, I do not consider the original limited focus-point availability to have been the main reason I switched to BBAF in the first place; it was the other, more durable ones.

  • @tc6912
    @tc6912 ปีที่แล้ว

    BBF. Learned the technique from your original video. I am still a cross-over shooter. D500 and Z6ii. Not ready to rely on the AF tracking yet. Not to mention, old habits die hard. I usually do a focus and recompose shot first just to make sure I get a shot. Then I try to compose and get the focus point where I want it. Not always easy, especially if the critter is changing directions.

  • @annstupple4087
    @annstupple4087 ปีที่แล้ว

    I only watched your last BBAF video a week ago, and although mirrorless I am a convert, I just prefer having the focus and the shutter separate