I use what Dan Carr calls the „oh sh#@€§t dual back button focus“ on my 5DIV. AF-ON configured for single point servo AF, * set up one shot and now comes the „oh sh#@€§t part: the aperture preview button changes from single point to large field focus points.
@@WillGoodlet I find it useful for my rather amateur skill level. However, be aware that using the DoF preview button with the pinky together with the thumb is ergonomically not very comfortable, I am afraid. But it works for me and my size of hand (small to medium) most of the times.
Great in-depth tutorial, I’m a beginner wildlife photographer, I have a canon 90D and Tamron 70-200mm G2. Since I discovered back button focus I’ll never go back.
Hi Will, For some years now I am using the AF-Stop-Back-Button method you describe. And I am very happy with it for exactly the reasons you describe: Less strain in my right hand during a longer sighting. Your video is the first time I hear that somebody else uses this method :-) Best regard, Hand
Hi Hans, great to hear that - you are in the minority but there's nothing wrong with that. I am finding it an even more valuable technique with my mirrorless camera. Thanks for watching and leaving this comment - see you around :)
Never heard of AF stop but I was aware of BBF. Never tried it out until after your video. What an amazing new tool! Thank you for your easy to understand explanation.
Nice and simple explanation! I am myself use both conventional focus (CF) and back button focus (BBF) on my two different bodies. My 90D is CF and the older 70D is BBF. The main reason is because my hand is not big enough, so everytime I hit the AF-On button, I introduce a little shake to the camera. The 90D offers One Shot↔Servo on AF-On button and I use this setting. While I still need to reach this button when shooting between tracking and stationery subject, I just need to hold the button. The point is, no need to use the AF-On button too often. I shoot in Servo most of the times after all, since the subject is wildlfe. But it can't be done with 70D, so instead I use BBF. It simply because it benefits me more with this setting than if I don't, though I need to be more careful when focusing, a bit slower than usual so I don't shake the camera. BBF is amazing and I most likely will use it when I have smaller body like EOS R cameras in the future.
Thanks for watching and commenting with your setup and use. I am sure this info will be very helpful to people. I didn't know that the 90D operated like that. Good to hear about some of the differences between the older and newer bodies.
@@WillGoodlet Yes, we can assign AF-On button with One Shot ↔ Servo on newer Canon bodies like 90D. Whenever we hold down the button, it becomes One Shot or Servo, depends on what AF Operation we use at first place. It works almost as convenience as back button focus. In my case, I use Servo mostly, but everytime I need to shoot on One Shot, I just need to hold down the newly assigned AF-On button.
Thanks for another great video! I’m using dual back-button focusing for bird photography. To me that works well. I agree with you that Grant Atkinson’s YT channel is very useful. The two of you produce some of the most useful tutorials on TH-cam. In addition to the people over at Pangolin Safaris obviously. All the best from Norway.
I've used two back buttons for years. One with a single focus point for static birds etc, and the second with a group of focus points and servo AF for birds in flight. I couldn't live without back button focus!
I've been wanting to set up dual back button focus on my 5dmrkiii for a while now but simply cannot get it done. I've looked at other TH-cam videos and my menu is not as detailed as shown in the videos. If I press info for a detailed menu I only have and option to Manually select AF point or Register Af point. That's it nothing else where I can select the drive mode or focus zones
@@WillGoodlet thanks for getting back to me Will. Yes my partner's 7dmrkii has the detailed menu to customize a 2nd back focus button. But she doesn't like BBF 🙈. And I like BBF but cannot set it up for Dual BBF 😏
Been using back button for a fair while now and recently gone to dual back button with primary being servo and secondary being single shot. It works well, and is every bit as good for location portrait photography, where you might be shooting wide open and have a depth of field only a few centimetres thick and a small movement in the subject can break a shot, as it is for wildlife and domestic animals.
I have so many photos of empty branches and ripples in the water where birds have disappeared using just one button to shoot I've never understood why people seem so obsessed with bbf. I didn't know about the focus stop set-up but will definitely be looking into that as I recompose shots quite often.
I've recently switched to BBF and wouldn't go back, took a while to get used to it but it was worth the effort. I have it set on the "Smart controller" of my R3, so I can move the AF point and focus without trying to find another button.
I've been doing back button focus too long to try to learn to stop focus. Can't imagine the nightmare to trying to remember. I do like the dual button technique because I can see what's happening in my viewfinder. In night photography I get focus using the LCD screen and zoom in to a reference star and then fine tune with manual focus and turn auto-focus off.
I shoot wildlife using a Sony A1. I use AF-C all the time with focus on shutter button and limit my focusing points to AF tracking modes. I can then lock onto subject to focus and quickly recompose to shoot if desired while retaining focus on my subject. Then I have a back button that toggles from AF-C to manual focus (MF). I use that to stop my focus changing, or to fine tune manually if subject in bushes, etc. This method works for me and makes it a lot simpler than back button focus
Thanks for the insights into your technique Jonathan, this thread is a really useful resource now for different approaches on different bodies. The more recent bodies, which allow for these configurations, obviously open up a world or opportunities. It sounds like you have a version of AF-stop (if that’s a name) going
OK, I'm now going to return to back-button focusing (as I don't have the option of programming any of my camera buttons to 'stop focusing') after having gone back and forth with several cameras in frustration. Thank you so much for your many videos. They are not only very informative in meaningful ways, but also continue to inspire. The images you capture are sublime and the soundtracks such tasteful accompaniments to the video. I continue to hope for another trip of a lifetime to Africa, but the chances are getting slimmer every year. In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy the armchair travel you offer.
With regards to haveing "others"use my camera, I just switch it to full auto before handing it to someone "less-initiated". The one person I know who does know how to handle a camera, I just remind him it's on back button. Alternatively, I have a "manual+auto iso" set up together with shutter release AF in a custom mode so I can determine aperture and shutter speed before handing it off to them.
Thank you, I might give back button a try. I really like that you also show the cons as well as the pros. Not many experts do this. I think the biggest might be when handing the camera to someone else!
Thanks for watching Gary, appreciate the comment too! Yes, it can be tricky when handing the camera over. Someone suggested in the comments, having a custom mode assigned for those times that sets the camera back to normal (or do it the other way and have a custom mode for back button). Cheers!
I don't have a full-frame or APS-C DSLR or mirrorless, rather a bridge camera, which essentially is a small-sensor mirrorless camera. I have set different combinations of the BBF, focus mode, exposure mode, focus area, shutter AF off, half-shutter capture, burst/drive modes to the 3 available Custom settings. Then, for the case scenario where one wants to hand the camera over to a fellow tourist, I can move the mode dial to the Simple Auto mode or even the P mode where the focusing is set to the shutter release button by default and it works like a normal point and shoot camera. So essentially works for every type of photographer.
Will, you made some creative points on back button. It never occurred to me to make one button different focus points than another. I switched to AF-On back button about 4 years ago and have been very pleased with it. Regards
I'm a Nikon shooter have used back button focus for years and years. I mainly photograph birds and spend 90% of my time on single point. I map the joystick button to both select group mode and engage AF, to give me a bit more leeway for birds in flight. Steve Perry has a great video on this setup, worth a look
Hi Peter, thanks for the insights, really interested to hear how you map the joystick. I have never had my hands on a Nikon, but I would like to know how you shoot them too. I'll have a search for Steve's video on it. Cheers!
@@WillGoodlet Thanks Will. I've really been enjoying your channel over the last few months, great shots and locations. I can't find the exact video I was referring to (Steve has about thirty videos on the topic of Nikon AF!) but here's Tom Mason showing how to set up the same thing th-cam.com/video/tFtDyV1_swo/w-d-xo.html
Hi , I do it simply. Work for BIF with my brand new Canon d7mk2 + Canon 100-400 mm mk2. My settings in Custom Controls are on the left row above 3 set BUTTON in AF. Now I can change from shutter Finger to my Thumb, it works quick. No more tired Thumb. For me ...... the best setting Cheers.
Great explanation, however, as one of the lucky ones who just got the Canon R5 I have switched to dual back button focus. I set one to spot and the other to animal eye, which is life changing. You can spot autofocus or when using the animal eye autofocus it will start where the spot was. It’s so accurate, fast and covers the entire viewfinder. Game changer!
Bruce, I am doing the same. It's very good. Do you use teleconverters? My camera is freezing and switching off when using TCs on the 400 F2.8 ii - freeze occurs when holding AF for +/- 30seconds. The event lasts around 20 seconds and the camera blacks out and restarts. Would be grateful to know if you have any similar experiences.
Will Goodlet I haven’t tried my TCs with this camera yet. I’ll have to give it a try. I don’t have a 400mm but I can try with my 500 f4 IS. I just saw there is another firmware update. It seems they have a number of bugs to still work out. I’ll let you know.
Been using BBF for a couple of years now and have the 5Diii and 7Dii bodies as you do. Your videos cover the gap in content that I have found so I am delighted to have come across your channel. Didn’t appreciate the AF off configuration so the double BBF is one I will look at setting up tomorrow. Refreshed my enthusiasm to dig even deeper in my Canon set up. Thanks Mark
Will Goodlet Works a treat thanks. Like it a lot and a lot more familiar with it so that I can switch back to Front Button Focus when the situation needs it. Cheers
Great video, many thanks. I'm learning on a new-old-stock 80D, with a Tamron 150-600mm G2, and hopefully soon another new-old-stock 6D Mk2. I really can't use the traditional BBF method, call me clumsy, but the AF-stop, as a true beginner, is much easier to grasp. All I know is that when something appears in the sky, be it a plane or a goose, I don't have to fumble if I forget that the AF is on a *separate button! And if I hand my camera over to my wife, all she has to do is press the shutter button as normal, I know the AF will work. Keep up the great work! 🇬🇧🐸
Great to hear and congrats on the new 6D2. I like af stop too - especially when mixing in video of moving animals - no refocusing on grass stems and twigs in the clips :)
Thought provoking as usual. I have tried BBF but find it difficult to sustain as I have arthritis in my thumb joints so the AF stop alternative might be an answer. I had seen the AF off option but hadn’t appreciated how useful it might be.
Love BBF. With Olympus, I set one of the top buttons to peaking, so that when on tripod with a remote, can see what is in focus as the area is highlighted.
Been using the back button focus for years for bird photography, with amazing results. Like your channel! Keep sharing your tips and methods they are very helpful!!
My favorite photography, dogs playing in the local dog parks, is similar to wildlife. I was planning to try back button focus the next time I get an opportunity to go out and shoot; but you've given a lot to think about. Overall, the advantages of back button focus seem to outweigh the disadvantages for me. However, I'm really liking the idea of single point focus on one button and wide focus on the other. I didn't see an opportunity of choosing which button to assign when I switched my Canon Rebel T3i to back button focus; but I'll take a further look.
I'm not sure if every camera has the option, Particularly, the slightly older ones. You may have to dig around in the menus and see what can be accomplished. You are right, dogs are very similar except way more energetic and usually come a bit closer too. They are probably harder for the focus system than most wildlife subjects (except flying birds) - so you and your camera have your work cut out!
Hi Will. I have a couple of DSLR's and have used BBF for years. I like the theory of setting up a 'Zone Area' for BIF using a second back button but thought a low flying bird (no clear sky behind the bird) would cause the focus point to be confused and perhaps focus on a distant object. Recently bought an R5 and have the usual 'AF-On' button set for a single focus point, used to aquire the bird then the ' * ' button is set for Animal Eye detection.
I started using back button focus long before I got into wildlife photography and now find it indispensable for wildlife. AF-stop I think would be rather confusing and I can't see me using that but I've never even thought about dual back button and that sounds interesting. I'll get the camera out and practice on the local cats (sadly only the domestic kind!). Great explanation of the various options by the way.
Thanks Les, I'm glad to hear that the video has sparked some ideas and I'm sure your cats will enjoy it too! Please let me know how you get on with it, it would be great to hear your thoughts. :)
Thanks - I hate long intros too, I'd drop them entirely if possible. It's a tricky thing though, you have to make videos for two types of viewers. The ones that haven't seen any videos and the ones that have. So, if you make a video like this one, that will end up being viewed mainly as a search result, you have to somehow get across what the channel is about. With the documentary style videos, which don't get searched and naturally die off, you don't need an intro.
Thank you again, I'm new to this even though I've had a camera in my hand most of my life, never had the time to get serious. I had no idea about back button focussing, I have a 7D MKii which I love, so I have a new thing to try now. Thank you so much.
I use dual BBF all the time with afc on my Nikon gear. Group autofocus on the AF-ON button and single-point autofocus on the f1 button. It takes time to get used to work like this, but it has now become 2nd nature for me and I love it. Love your videos Will and am a great fan of South Africa as a nature photography destination.
Hey Patrick, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment, so glad you enjoy them! Really interesting to hear you are using dual BBF and that it's a group/single arrangement. I'm also interested to think how this will play out on mirrorless cameras because there may be more to do with our thumbs moving focus points on the lcd. I can't wait to get out there and take some pictures again!
I only use BBF in special cases so I have BBF in C3 (custom mode) and AF on the shutter as default. I think BBF locks my thumb too much as I need it for changing focus point, adjust exposure etc. I use AF stop on the * button instead. Especially on my R5 I find this configuration very useful: Eye/Animal detect on the AF-ON button, normal AF on the shutter, AF stop on the "*". This way I can easy use the normal focus modes to select my subject and then press AF-ON to track the eye of the subject.
Hi Bjarne, your explanation makes a lot of sense to me. Yes, I've also found that the R5 with shutter button AF is a nice way to go with AF stop. I haven't yet decided on what I like best. I really like that I can program different focus functionality for video too.
As an enthusiast I tend to only get about and hour or two worth of BBF in when capturing my son’s basketball here in Perth Will, so haven’t tired of it yet; but thank for the tip. I envy your hours in the bush there in your short wheelbase and would be delighted to experience a sore thumb from BBF in the bush all those hours, lekker problem wat jy daar het! I had two defenders before leaving JHB for Perth. Hope the borders open soon so I can come and test for myself the AF Stop alternative! Thanks for the informative videos I think it’s pitched at just the right level.
Thanks Alan, great to get your insights and sorry there are no sore thumbs for you! Also glad to hear that two defenders is a normal number ;) Hope all is good over there. Stay safe and hope you come back soon.
Brand new to my 5DM4 and set up the dual back button system. I think I’m going to like it because it helps me find the birds in flight and then get them into focus.
Looks like BBF is good for all genres of photography. It's nice to see the way you handle it and some alternative methods. I learned how to do it when I did portrait photography because I sometimes worked with young kids and I could focus and recompose quickly while they were running around. It helps me get a high rate of keeper shots for macros and close-ups too, I still focus and recompose out of the habit a lot of the time, so often focus with a single point in the middle and then just adjust the composition quickly. I rarely use manual focus even for macro subjects, perhaps I'm lazy (or I don't know what I'm doing ha!). I've been meaning to make a video about it too since I get a lot of questions about focusing for close-ups, but I'm not good with all the technical terms since I taught myself my crazy ways, we'll see!
Oh I was going to say too, these new camera's like the R5 & R6 are going to be such a game-changer, when I get my hands on one in a few years when/if I can afford one LOL Seeing how easily people can focus with them now... and in 10 years when we tell people how hard it used to be to focus LOL
Hi Liesl, yes it's a pretty handy technique. The dual setup might be interesting for you when you have your 100-400 on, maybe where you could be switching from close-up to birds? I haven't fully explored the options but you can change quite a lot for each button - maybe even the focus case (which might be the biggest thing). I'd certainly like to hear about your focusing techniques, also any other tricks, lighting, diffusers, focus rails, clamps etc... that you might be using - although from your videos you seem to manage without any of that stuff!? I struggle to hold still for macro, I sway back and forth slightly and can hear the AF working hard on my little 100 f2.8. Would be great to know how you work to overcome these issues.
Yes they are going to be game changers. I was going to wait before ordering one, but I got wind of a 12% price hike they were going to apply here, so I bit the bullet and ordered the R5. I'm not sure I made the right choice over the R6 - the only thing that persuaded me on the R5 was the higher MP count because I shoot a short telephoto (unlike most of my contemporaries) and I have been waiting YEARS for canon to release a camera with a high MP count capable of fast frame rates. Hopefully the pain in the wallet will wear off at some point!
Yeah, very few tricks and no extra stuff, (not very professional, ha!) I have flash equipment and I keep thinking I should play with flash more, and I have a focusing rail still in the box, but I do enjoy the freedom of just 'me & my camera.’I think you made the right decision based on the work you do, and it seems the outcry about the camera overheating is from a group of people that don’t like Canon. How many people are actually going to use the R5 for 8K film for more than several minutes? One would need quite a powerful computer to edit an 8K film of 20 minutes, etc. If someone did that kind of work, they would likely have a bigger budget with a cinema camera and a computer set up to handle it all. Anyway, it is the 45MP as you say that is the allure. That is going to open up a world of possibilities. I feel the same for close-up work, can you imagine a true macro image at 45MP!Right now I’m about to replace my MacBook and that will cost almost as much as a new camera, so it’ll be a while for me.I’m happy for you and excited to see how you get on with the R5!
learned a couple of things I didn't know or think about and I have been using BBF for several years. The biggie for me was the ability to have different focus points on the * & AF On button. Not only that, but there were a couple of other options in the detail set menu like to go between One Shot and AF Servo. I haven't looked, but is there a way to restore on custom functions to a out of the box default. My reason is that I want to set them up again on one of the C1 - C3 - I do give the camera to others so focus under the shutter button would work better for them. Awesome video / right on task and to the point.
Great to hear it was helpful James! I just had a look at my camera and see there is an option to reset all custom functions and also to go to default button settings.
In fact for me, they are both great depending on the case and if my camera allowed it I would have two sets of programs, with BBF and SBF pre-set. But generally speaking, after a long time using BBF and a quick rollback at SBF, BBF seem to be better overall. It's nice to have some idea of your focusing accuracy before firing a shot rather than trusting the camera will do fine. When I went back to focus w/shutter, I just couldn't get my brain around the stop focus button even after some months of use. So now I'm back to two BBF as you said, the main one for continuous AF with expand single spot, and the other one for single shot with single AF point.
I use BBF but keep the half press focus switched on. TBH it was mainly while I got myself in the habit of BBF so I should probably switch it off now. Not heard of the stop focus but I’m not shooting for hours so maybe I just don’t need it yet. Good to know about though so thank you.
Thanks Tim, great to hear you got something from it. I've come to really enjoy BBF, but I don't use it all the time. I am happy to switch depending on what I'm doing. Thanks for coming here to say Hi :)
BBF for me always, never thought about focus stop as an option, but for me I think BBF is great. I have focus options set as custom key 2 on my Sony Alpha cameras so very quick to change from zone or wide from spot, similar to dual focus in some ways. Though the tracking function is amazing now so think I'll be stuck there mostly.
Will Goodlet I walk around a lot with the camera, so it is only when I am sat waiting for a kingfisher to land on a perch that I’ve been tempted to use bbf. I will give it a go and let you know. Wonderful feature of Olympus high end cameras is pro capture. You half depress the shutter button and it starts writing shots to the buffer, but only writes to the card when the button is fully depressed - at that point saving 16 frames before the button is pressed. Great for capturing a moment and not missing it because of one’s reaction time.
@@WillGoodlet It is a wonderful thing. Not quite as magical as Topaz DeNoise, but up there on the list of inexplicable marvels of our age. Completely different subject - how is lockdown over there? To be specific, my flight from London to J'berg in first week of November just got cancelled - I have onward connection to Kasane I am not going to make... is there any information in your local press on when flight restrictions are likely to be lifted, before I just give in for this year!
Giles Elliott there will be an easing on the 15th august, just what that means I am unsure. I believe Namibia is largely open internally - perhaps a connection from Windhoek may be possible? Alternatively, we have some camps opening in Rwanda (magashi) and in the Masai Mara (governors) - I can put you in touch?
I have tried BBF, gotten rid of it, and tried it again, and then gave up. I can't get past the awkward movement necessary. It takes my mind of the shot. Whereas, the traditional method is automatic. HOWEVER, I love you AF-Stop idea!
Great to hear Trevor. Hope it's working out. I all takes a bit of getting used to. I use BBF for photos and AF-Stop for video, so there's some gymnastics going on for me too :)
Thanks I needed this information. I use a Nikon 810 and the Focus options are like yours any function at numerous buttons. I just started using af-c on snail kites and watched your video on bird photography on the wing. Great info Thanks
Thanks for that useful vid, Will. I have used BBF on my Nikons for a few years now and have found it invaluable for shooting wildlife. I also have the joystick button set up for the dynamic multi point focus and another button set up for single point. For me, speed is nearly always of the essence. So far I haven't had the repetitive strain type injury that you appear to have, but do suffer a little with gripping the camera. I'm sure camera makers are men as my small hands do struggle and my fingers have to stretch further to reach the different buttons. For anyone who has never tried BBF...I recommend giving it a try.
Hi Christine, thanks for taking a look! I must check out this Joystick setup on Nikons. I wonder if Canon can do it or not. Will have to watch some videos and learn about it. Yes, I've often wondered about camera sizing and right hand only too - at least with some of the old medium formats you could put the handle on your preferred side - I see some of the 3D printed grips allow for this now. I suppose that will be one of the great advances at some point, the ability to size them but keep function. I imagine, that at some point (perhaps now) it will be fairly easy to focus and expose the image and the testament to great photos will become less technical but more artistic and more about the captured story or experience. I think photo editing decisions will also become even more important.
@@WillGoodlet Well, to be fair, Will, I suppose the joystick is only marginally quicker, and therefore a little more useful, than using the scrolling thingy, so don't get too jealous 😁🤓
Haha ok. But I love cameras, there's something to like in most of them. If I hadn't been invested in Canon lenses, I would have snapped up a D810-D850 long ago. I would love to try the sony's and having started with minolta and pentax, I still like them too :)
Loved the video. I have 'liked' and subscribed. I have a 7D-2 also, so I am drawn to your videos. I have been using BBF for maybe a year and really like it. I like your style and find it easy to understand and follow. I also like to see your photo examples. I live in Los Angeles, so not much wildlife here.
Hi Jonathan, thanks so much for watching, commenting, and subscribing! Great to have you on board and hope to see you around :) I'll try to include more photo examples in the videos. I think, living in LA you will need to find birds and small animals? They can make really fascinating stories if photographed creatively. I like a lot of the pics I see of urban wildlife and how they survive in cities. Check out Simon de Glanville's pigeons - www.google.com/search?sa=X&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=simon+de+glanville+pigeons&hl=en-GB&ved=2ahUKEwi704bn9dTuAhXyURUIHR7nABwQjJkEegQIAxAB&biw=1639&bih=788 and this gallery - www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/sep/12/urban-wildlife-in-pictures
Well done explanation, Will I have been using BBF for many years and the only problem is when I give my camera to someone who does not know this method. He is a little confused AF stop button sounds interesting to me, but I would rather try the two-button method. Let's see, maybe during the next trip.
Thanks Mieczyslaw, appreciate you taking the time to let me know! Always scary, doing this type of subject as it will certainly show up any holes in ones delivery or thinking. But I thought it was worth talking about the other methods. If you try them, let me know how it turns out! :)
I use BBF on my 7D. but! I get a bit confused about when to take your thumb off when tracking a bird or animal before using the shutter button. There are a lot of conflicting videos out there. some say keep your thumb on while pressing the shutter button, or they don't mention it at all. I think i a going to try the AF/sto p method . you suggested.
Hi Avishek, sorry for the late reply! Thanks for watching it.. You probably have found the Information you wanted already? I just use one button setup with single point focus and the second button setup with zone focus. This way, I can switch between then very easily when the situation changes. On the Canon R5 I make use of a kind of triple back button focus. Because that camera can have different button assignments between video and stills, I use one button to STOP focus in video mode. this is really useful to stop the camera refocusing on plants the animal is walking behind when panning with the animal in video mode.
Great video Will, I love the way you explain and have no booming music in the background . Impatient for the next video. I keep trying back button focus and sometimes I find it works well and sometimes I find I miss some shots. So at this time I'm not convinced but I am going to try AF stop method and see how I get on with that. Both on the R and the 7D mark 2.
Thanks so much Andrew! Just a few booming Hadeda's to contend with :) Let me know how you get on with AF-stop, I'd be interested to hear your experiences. Hopefully they will be good. I have heard some people say it is worth 'pumping' focus on the canons. So dabbing the button to reacquire. I find that the focus stickiness has a lot to do with things so it can be worth changing those settings per the conditions. I keep these on a custom menu
Hi Terry, interesting to hear that, I don't know that many people who use it personally. Great to know that you find it works well! Thanks for watching :)
Another very interesting video packed with detail and ideas. The video has certainly made me think about all the possibilities which, I have to admit, I wasn't aware of. For me it's back to school ... :-)) Many thanks again.
Will - great video, thx. I have been using Dual back button focus for years and find it to be an absolute requirement for any Camera Body I use. In fact, there is a triple back button focus method that is in my opinion cumbersome and not for me. The two buttons on my 7D2 is to alternate between single point zone (stationary bird) and multi-point zone (BIF). I then use my custom settings to have different AF zones. I haven't heard of using AF off as one of the buttons. I'll have to experiment, but not sure how that would work on dual BBF BTW - my experience is that not all Canon bodies can do Dual BBF, like the 90D. I'm hoping the R5 and R6 can
Thanks for taking a look Ken and especially for dropping me a line to let me know how you work - great info! Haven't heard of triple back button! Nice move to put the zones on the custom settings (the dials/mode or the menu?). You are right, not all the bodies can do it. My 5D 3 can't although I updated the firmware to double check and noticed a few additional focus options I could apply - just the point selection though.
@@WillGoodlet I have configured a slightly different triple back button on my 5D4 and 7D2. I have the AF-ON set to single center focus point, the * set to center cluster focus points and I set the DOF button (in conjunction with either of the previous two buttons) to be all focus points. This is usefull when the subject is in front of a featureless background such as the open sky. Also, like you, I have a thumb injury from extended back button use. The AF-OFF feature look intriguing.
Great stuff buddy. I’m a back button focus kind of guy... hmmmmm dual back button focus 🤔 I like the sound of that! Gonna give this a whirl 😜 .... another superb vlog and well presented as always 😉🤙.... JP
Morning Will, I have been using back button autofocus exclusively since 2007 with my Canon 1D3. I swear by it and if I ever give another photographer any advice when starting their photographic journey, it's always the benefits of back button autofocus :-)
Hi Dean, yep it's a really useful technique. When I used to sit in bird hides (in a time long long ago it seems!) with other photographers I was always interested to hear that beep-beep focus acquisition sound coming from their cameras. It seems amazing that many haven't yet discovered servo mode let alone BBF despite the investment in gear. Are you still shooting with the 1D3? I LOVED my 1D Mark iiN which had some similarities. Feels so good in hand and such an incredible AF system, I swear it could tap into my thoughts :)
@@WillGoodlet Ahh, my beloved 1D3 - which I had for 5 years. No, unfortunately I don't have that camera anymore. You're right about the Canon 1D series, they are phenomenal cameras and I for one have always loved the big pro cameras with the integral vertical grip - especially when attached to a big tele prime. However, I now shoot with the Nikon D5 and D500 since 2016 and have zero intention replacing them anytime soon. With these two camera bodies and my 600mm f4 and 70-200 f2.8 lens, I'm totally covered for all my wildlife photography needs :-)
Well, I bet the D5 feels pretty much the same. 600F4 and a D5 is a good combo :) I had to think long and hard about whether to go for a 600f4 or my 400f2.8. I wish I had both, but that would be a little too profligate with the cash :) I think the wider lens has worked well with our large game here. I'm looking forward to trying it with more megapixels though for the small stuff.
@@WillGoodlet The D5 with both lenses is excellent and I only use the D500 in situations where I would have reached for a teleconverter. Over the last few years I have been very tempted to reply the D500 with the high megapixel D850 which if needed would give me the same 'reach' as the D500 plus I'd be able to mount my 70 to 200 to the D850 (for which there are numerous pros) and have the 600 permanently attached to the D5. The ONLY reason I have not done that is because I love the D5 so much that I fear having the D850 would seriously threaten me always using the D5. The 400mm f2.8 lens that you have is phenomenal and like you said, perfect for larger mammals. It also offer excellent versatility when used on a crop or high megapixel sensor as well as great options with both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. If money wasn't a consideration, I still don't think one needs a 400 f2.8 and a 600 f4
Thanks for these tips. I will experiment with these things because they look so useful. Are you finding that any of these back-button approaches are different now you are using the Canon R5?
Yes! I haven't decided what I like best yet - but I find that I don't mind having focus on the front shutter button on the R5 and use the Stop focus technique. I also find that stills and video on the R5 require different assignments - because video I normally want to stop focus and stills I normally want to continuous focus.
Another great video mate! Thank you! Question for you: do you have any videos on how to meter correctly to photographing the "typical" bid red sunset in Africa with let's say... the silhouette of a big mammal? (elephant... giraffe... rhino...etc...) I know that a long tele helps to make the sun bigger and get the "mammal" the same size as the sun... but I would like to know what is your system of "metering" correctly... to get the right exposure & colors... thank you!!!!
With focus on the shutter button? Sounds reasonable on the R5/6 - I don’t have mine setup like that as I rarely use one shot. But it’s great to have all these options
I use back button focus all the time now basically for almost every occasion. But it took a few years on and off to get used to it, muscle memory problems I guess. I decided to persevere because I could see the advantages, and eventually it stuck. Would never go back now. I mainly shoot birds but also aircraft with a Canon 5dsr
Hi Andrew, thanks for watching and great to get your experiences with it too. I also find it invaluable, but don't mind switching around. I think a lot depends on what you are shooting and for birds and aircraft It's a great technique as you know!
Yes I think he's OK, he's active on Facebook quite a lot. I think he just got too busy to make videos also, I think he had been making them with a production team and that is probably very expensive. All of us in the Safari business are in survival mode at the moment. It's looking like July 2021 before we even get back to some kind of revenue let alone recovery.
Will Goodlet Yes I sympathise and hope you make it through this challenging time. My wife and I may be interested in a safari within next year or two as I am due to retire 2021. To us it’s the holiday of a lifetime. I will check your website
Thanks I appreciate it. My website is just for my own thoughts & photography - no commercial intent. I got to know Grant while he was guiding at Wilderness Safaris and although I am not directly involved, I can put you in contact.
Hi Will, great video. I use back button focus. Unfortunately I can't do dual back button on my 6D mark II. Would love to have tried that. I will try the tip for using the back button only for focus stop. So the shutter button works as normal and my wife understands the camera too :-) Thnx!
Thanks Jeppe! I mix it up depending on what I am shooting and what body. I find the mirrorless requires different settings to dslr. But mainly dual back button with one set to point and the other to area. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Great video, Will. I'm new to photography and have started using back button focus recently and am beginning to find it very natural. I may and try the dual back button focus but not sure I can do that with the T2i, maybe when I get a 7D MKII it will be worth it because I am starting to attempt more 'birds in flight' shots. One thing I find irritating which is probably a user error somewhere, is that when I try to grab a shot and the camera has to wake up it automatically tries to refocus and I have missed shots because of it. I am now consciously waking the camera up regularly to prevent this happening. Is this normal or have I missed something in my settings?
Hi Christine, it depends on what camera you are using. With regard to Canon, it is the same procedure just on an alternative button. I use exposure lock and AF ON as my buttons.
Hi Will, I found your video on 13 secrets to get sharper pictures very useful. You made several points I had not considered before but the biggest is that coming from film about 16 years ago with a 10D I have generally shot the 1/focal length rule. Some things are very sharp and some I wonder if I had palsy that day. I will definitely raise my shutter speed. By the way I totally agree with all the points you made on the Canon 100-400 L USM II. I followed your R5 in the field review and will look for your favorite settings when I get mine in a few months. Regards Peter
Hi Peter, glad it was useful! I think your story about varied results chimes with a lot of people. I had the same thing moving away from film to early DSLR (getting great shots) then progressing to high MP bodies and finding them looking worse. I think it's also important that with the High Res images we are able to 'magnify' the view much more and if you think about that, what it means is that, although our shake and subject movement is the same, we can zoom into it so much that it looks worse than it did on older lower res cameras. A higher shutter speed compensates for that, but so does simply not zooming in. Or scaling the image to a similar resolution to the older cameras. If you take the 45mp R5 and have what appears to be a soft shot at 100% if you scale it to 8mp (same as let's say a 2006 1D Mark iiN) it will probably look incredible. The R5 is a brilliant camera - I hope I came off balanced and not negative in the review - I'm keeping mine! You will enjoy yours!!
Thanks for the suggestion Andrew. OK, I'll have a think about it. I do change things depending on what's happening so I wouldn't want to give the impression that my camera is always set up one way or another. I don't mind moving things around if it helps get a shot - particularly focus cases.
A Canon USA lecture keynote speaker was talking about bif, and advocated using AF stop. Then I saw a another birder I respected also claiming AF stop was better for him, so.... for 5years now I have been using AF stop, and I never bothered with BBF. Shooting landscapes or astro ? Flick the switch on your lens to manual focus - too easy - you should have done that already anyhow.
It's a great way to work Ken. I like to try different things to see if I can, sometimes I chop and change depending on what I am trying to photograph. But generally, it's a version of Back Button for me too.
@@WillGoodlet Thanks from Canada. I recently purchased an R5- so I have three back button focuses the two we discussed plus another on the star button for eye AF
When you set up the back button to AF/Stop - do you have to hold the button down to prevent the shutter button from starting autofocus when half pressed?
@@WillGoodlet I think I will stick with back button focus - actually dual back button - and take auto focus off the shutter button. I have been happy with that system. It works well for moving and stationary subjects.
Why can't the button be a "latching" switch. A latching switch doesn't have to be held continuously, it stays on until it's turned off by clicking it again, like the button for switching to chimping - viewing your in-camera images, and the magnification button and the Q button, none of which are allowed to be customized on my R5. As another thumb-damaged old photog, I would find a latching button usable for back button focusing, but, only if it's one I didn't have to hold continuously with my sore thumb. Click, on, use it until conditions change and then click off. One click would start focus tracking, another would stop it for recomposition. (Of course with eye focus tracking, the need for reframing is minimized.) Seems like there would also be no need to use two buttons, focus on and focus off, too, freeing a button for some other critical use. This seems eminently possible, given that the buttons themselves don't need or have mechanical latching, it's in the software/firmware that determines how they work.
Use the 7D Mk2 mainly for BIF, have found the best option is to have the shutter button set to Servo and one shot set to a back button. On my back up body 80D this is not possible so I use standard back button set up. Back button set ups are essential for wildlife photography and easy to adjust to when first using. Have not found the need for dual back button but will set up and experiment. Ianwaldrennaturephotography.com
I use what Dan Carr calls the „oh sh#@€§t dual back button focus“ on my 5DIV. AF-ON configured for single point servo AF, * set up one shot and now comes the „oh sh#@€§t part: the aperture preview button changes from single point to large field focus points.
Hi Urs, interesting setup. I must check to see what else the Dof preview button can be used for on my bodies (older than yours). Cheers!
@@WillGoodlet I find it useful for my rather amateur skill level. However, be aware that using the DoF preview button with the pinky together with the thumb is ergonomically not very comfortable, I am afraid. But it works for me and my size of hand (small to medium) most of the times.
Great in-depth tutorial, I’m a beginner wildlife photographer, I have a canon 90D and Tamron 70-200mm G2. Since I discovered back button focus I’ll never go back.
Hi Will,
For some years now I am using the AF-Stop-Back-Button method you describe. And I am very happy with it for exactly the reasons you describe: Less strain in my right hand during a longer sighting.
Your video is the first time I hear that somebody else uses this method :-)
Best regard, Hand
Hi Hans, great to hear that - you are in the minority but there's nothing wrong with that. I am finding it an even more valuable technique with my mirrorless camera.
Thanks for watching and leaving this comment - see you around :)
Never heard of AF stop but I was aware of BBF. Never tried it out until after your video. What an amazing new tool! Thank you for your easy to understand explanation.
I was a fan of back button focus and missed a lot of pics due to the birds in flight. AF-Stop method is what I have switched to.
Thanks for the AF-stop button tip, I think I will really enjoy it! I belive to be way better than back button focus that I'm been using for some time.
Glad it came in useful!
Nice and simple explanation! I am myself use both conventional focus (CF) and back button focus (BBF) on my two different bodies. My 90D is CF and the older 70D is BBF. The main reason is because my hand is not big enough, so everytime I hit the AF-On button, I introduce a little shake to the camera. The 90D offers One Shot↔Servo on AF-On button and I use this setting. While I still need to reach this button when shooting between tracking and stationery subject, I just need to hold the button. The point is, no need to use the AF-On button too often. I shoot in Servo most of the times after all, since the subject is wildlfe. But it can't be done with 70D, so instead I use BBF. It simply because it benefits me more with this setting than if I don't, though I need to be more careful when focusing, a bit slower than usual so I don't shake the camera. BBF is amazing and I most likely will use it when I have smaller body like EOS R cameras in the future.
Thanks for watching and commenting with your setup and use. I am sure this info will be very helpful to people.
I didn't know that the 90D operated like that. Good to hear about some of the differences between the older and newer bodies.
@@WillGoodlet Yes, we can assign AF-On button with One Shot ↔ Servo on newer Canon bodies like 90D. Whenever we hold down the button, it becomes One Shot or Servo, depends on what AF Operation we use at first place. It works almost as convenience as back button focus. In my case, I use Servo mostly, but everytime I need to shoot on One Shot, I just need to hold down the newly assigned AF-On button.
Thanks for another great video!
I’m using dual back-button focusing for bird photography. To me that works well. I agree with you that Grant Atkinson’s YT channel is very useful. The two of you produce some of the most useful tutorials on TH-cam. In addition to the people over at Pangolin Safaris obviously.
All the best from Norway.
Thanks Jens great to hear we like the same channels :)
I've used two back buttons for years. One with a single focus point for static birds etc, and the second with a group of focus points and servo AF for birds in flight. I couldn't live without back button focus!
I only discovered it a bit later, really liking the idea :)
I've been wanting to set up dual back button focus on my 5dmrkiii for a while now but simply cannot get it done. I've looked at other TH-cam videos and my menu is not as detailed as shown in the videos. If I press info for a detailed menu I only have and option to Manually select AF point or Register Af point. That's it nothing else where I can select the drive mode or focus zones
Hi Jackie I’ve sold my 5D3 since this but I think it’s single BBF only, it’s just a little bit of an older camera vs the 7D2 which does support it.
@@WillGoodlet thanks for getting back to me Will. Yes my partner's 7dmrkii has the detailed menu to customize a 2nd back focus button. But she doesn't like BBF 🙈. And I like BBF but cannot set it up for Dual BBF 😏
@@jackieboshoff2013 it’s a bummer sorry - but the 5D3 takes beautiful shots at least!
Been using back button for a fair while now and recently gone to dual back button with primary being servo and secondary being single shot. It works well, and is every bit as good for location portrait photography, where you might be shooting wide open and have a depth of field only a few centimetres thick and a small movement in the subject can break a shot, as it is for wildlife and domestic animals.
Great and interesting video again Will - Thank you !
I’m not using back button focussing at this time but I Will certainly gave a try sometime.
BBF for a long time. I mostly shoot BIF. This is very well done. Complete without being “teachy.”
Thank you for watching and the feedback, greatly appreciated :)
I have so many photos of empty branches and ripples in the water where birds have disappeared using just one button to shoot I've never understood why people seem so obsessed with bbf. I didn't know about the focus stop set-up but will definitely be looking into that as I recompose shots quite often.
Hi Christopher, I think we all have those shots no matter what method we choose! Best is whatever is comfortable for you :)
I've recently switched to BBF and wouldn't go back, took a while to get used to it but it was worth the effort. I have it set on the "Smart controller" of my R3, so I can move the AF point and focus without trying to find another button.
I haven’t tried it on the smart controller yet. A nice variation on BBF. I think that could work better for me too.
I love back button focus. I will try double back button. I like the idea. I watched this video for the second time.
I've been doing back button focus too long to try to learn to stop focus. Can't imagine the nightmare to trying to remember. I do like the dual button technique because I can see what's happening in my viewfinder. In night photography I get focus using the LCD screen and zoom in to a reference star and then fine tune with manual focus and turn auto-focus off.
I shoot wildlife using a Sony A1. I use AF-C all the time with focus on shutter button and limit my focusing points to AF tracking modes. I can then lock onto subject to focus and quickly recompose to shoot if desired while retaining focus on my subject. Then I have a back button that toggles from AF-C to manual focus (MF). I use that to stop my focus changing, or to fine tune manually if subject in bushes, etc. This method works for me and makes it a lot simpler than back button focus
Thanks for the insights into your technique Jonathan, this thread is a really useful resource now for different approaches on different bodies. The more recent bodies, which allow for these configurations, obviously open up a world or opportunities. It sounds like you have a version of AF-stop (if that’s a name) going
OK, I'm now going to return to back-button focusing (as I don't have the option of programming any of my camera buttons to 'stop focusing') after having gone back and forth with several cameras in frustration. Thank you so much for your many videos. They are not only very informative in meaningful ways, but also continue to inspire. The images you capture are sublime and the soundtracks such tasteful accompaniments to the video. I continue to hope for another trip of a lifetime to Africa, but the chances are getting slimmer every year. In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy the armchair travel you offer.
Thanks for another great tutorial 👍
I tend to use Grant's method most often. But use back button when focusing on a perch, eg for kingfishers.
With regards to haveing "others"use my camera, I just switch it to full auto before handing it to someone "less-initiated". The one person I know who does know how to handle a camera, I just remind him it's on back button. Alternatively, I have a "manual+auto iso" set up together with shutter release AF in a custom mode so I can determine aperture and shutter speed before handing it off to them.
Thanks for the helpful tips. Great to hear you have this so well sorted out.
Thank you, I might give back button a try. I really like that you also show the cons as well as the pros. Not many experts do this. I think the biggest might be when handing the camera to someone else!
Thanks for watching Gary, appreciate the comment too!
Yes, it can be tricky when handing the camera over. Someone suggested in the comments, having a custom mode assigned for those times that sets the camera back to normal (or do it the other way and have a custom mode for back button).
Cheers!
I don't have a full-frame or APS-C DSLR or mirrorless, rather a bridge camera, which essentially is a small-sensor mirrorless camera. I have set different combinations of the BBF, focus mode, exposure mode, focus area, shutter AF off, half-shutter capture, burst/drive modes to the 3 available Custom settings. Then, for the case scenario where one wants to hand the camera over to a fellow tourist, I can move the mode dial to the Simple Auto mode or even the P mode where the focusing is set to the shutter release button by default and it works like a normal point and shoot camera. So essentially works for every type of photographer.
I’ve never heard of AF Stop and I’ve just changed it :). I can’t get on with back button so this idea is really exciting!
Awesome! Glad you found an alternative:)
Will, you made some creative points on back button. It never occurred to me to make one button different focus points than another. I switched to AF-On back button about 4 years ago and have been very pleased with it. Regards
Hi Peter, thanks a lot for watching and for the kind comment. I'm glad you got something useful out of it. BBF is a great way to shoot!
I'm a Nikon shooter have used back button focus for years and years. I mainly photograph birds and spend 90% of my time on single point. I map the joystick button to both select group mode and engage AF, to give me a bit more leeway for birds in flight. Steve Perry has a great video on this setup, worth a look
Hi Peter, thanks for the insights, really interested to hear how you map the joystick. I have never had my hands on a Nikon, but I would like to know how you shoot them too. I'll have a search for Steve's video on it. Cheers!
@@WillGoodlet Thanks Will. I've really been enjoying your channel over the last few months, great shots and locations.
I can't find the exact video I was referring to (Steve has about thirty videos on the topic of Nikon AF!) but here's Tom Mason showing how to set up the same thing
th-cam.com/video/tFtDyV1_swo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for coming back to leave the link, I will watch it with interest when I am more awake in the morning! :)
Steve Perry is a font of knowledge for Nikon shooters and well worth a look
Hi , I do it simply.
Work for BIF with my brand new Canon d7mk2 + Canon 100-400 mm mk2.
My settings in Custom Controls are on the left row above 3 set BUTTON in AF.
Now I can change from shutter Finger to my Thumb, it works quick. No more tired Thumb.
For me ...... the best setting
Cheers.
Great explanation, however, as one of the lucky ones who just got the Canon R5 I have switched to dual back button focus. I set one to spot and the other to animal eye, which is life changing. You can spot autofocus or when using the animal eye autofocus it will start where the spot was. It’s so accurate, fast and covers the entire viewfinder. Game changer!
Bruce, I am doing the same. It's very good. Do you use teleconverters? My camera is freezing and switching off when using TCs on the 400 F2.8 ii - freeze occurs when holding AF for +/- 30seconds. The event lasts around 20 seconds and the camera blacks out and restarts. Would be grateful to know if you have any similar experiences.
Will Goodlet I haven’t tried my TCs with this camera yet. I’ll have to give it a try. I don’t have a 400mm but I can try with my 500 f4 IS. I just saw there is another firmware update. It seems they have a number of bugs to still work out. I’ll let you know.
Been using BBF for a couple of years now and have the 5Diii and 7Dii bodies as you do.
Your videos cover the gap in content that I have found so I am delighted to have come across your channel.
Didn’t appreciate the AF off configuration so the double BBF is one I will look at setting up tomorrow.
Refreshed my enthusiasm to dig even deeper in my Canon set up.
Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark, so glad to hear that! Thank you :) How did the double BBF setup pan out?
Will Goodlet
Works a treat thanks. Like it a lot and a lot more familiar with it so that I can switch back to Front Button Focus when the situation needs it.
Cheers
Great video, many thanks.
I'm learning on a new-old-stock 80D, with a Tamron 150-600mm G2, and hopefully soon another new-old-stock 6D Mk2.
I really can't use the traditional BBF method, call me clumsy, but the AF-stop, as a true beginner, is much easier to grasp.
All I know is that when something appears in the sky, be it a plane or a goose, I don't have to fumble if I forget that the AF is on a *separate button!
And if I hand my camera over to my wife, all she has to do is press the shutter button as normal, I know the AF will work.
Keep up the great work!
🇬🇧🐸
Great to hear and congrats on the new 6D2. I like af stop too - especially when mixing in video of moving animals - no refocusing on grass stems and twigs in the clips :)
Thought provoking as usual. I have tried BBF but find it difficult to sustain as I have arthritis in my thumb joints so the AF stop alternative might be an answer. I had seen the AF off option but hadn’t appreciated how useful it might be.
Love BBF. With Olympus, I set one of the top buttons to peaking, so that when on tripod with a remote, can see what is in focus as the area is highlighted.
That's a nice idea. On the R5 I have made the 'set' button peaking but it only seems to show up in manual mode.
Been using the back button focus for years for bird photography, with amazing results. Like your channel! Keep sharing your tips and methods they are very helpful!!
Awesome! Thank you!
A very clear and thorough explanation of back button AF. Thank you, Will!
I currently use 'regular' BBF, but might have to try the dual setup
Thanks Neels, yes the dual setup is pretty interesting :) Let me know how it works out for you!
My favorite photography, dogs playing in the local dog parks, is similar to wildlife. I was planning to try back button focus the next time I get an opportunity to go out and shoot; but you've given a lot to think about. Overall, the advantages of back button focus seem to outweigh the disadvantages for me. However, I'm really liking the idea of single point focus on one button and wide focus on the other. I didn't see an opportunity of choosing which button to assign when I switched my Canon Rebel T3i to back button focus; but I'll take a further look.
I'm not sure if every camera has the option, Particularly, the slightly older ones. You may have to dig around in the menus and see what can be accomplished.
You are right, dogs are very similar except way more energetic and usually come a bit closer too. They are probably harder for the focus system than most wildlife subjects (except flying birds) - so you and your camera have your work cut out!
Hi Will. I have a couple of DSLR's and have used BBF for years. I like the theory of setting up a 'Zone Area' for BIF using a second back button but thought a low flying bird (no clear sky behind the bird) would cause the focus point to be confused and perhaps focus on a distant object. Recently bought an R5 and have the usual 'AF-On' button set for a single focus point, used to aquire the bird then the ' * ' button is set for Animal Eye detection.
I started using back button focus long before I got into wildlife photography and now find it indispensable for wildlife. AF-stop I think would be rather confusing and I can't see me using that but I've never even thought about dual back button and that sounds interesting. I'll get the camera out and practice on the local cats (sadly only the domestic kind!). Great explanation of the various options by the way.
Thanks Les, I'm glad to hear that the video has sparked some ideas and I'm sure your cats will enjoy it too! Please let me know how you get on with it, it would be great to hear your thoughts. :)
By the way, as someone else has said: great intro to the vid: short and very sweet! Can't stand waiting 5 minutes before getting to the nitty gritty!
Thanks - I hate long intros too, I'd drop them entirely if possible. It's a tricky thing though, you have to make videos for two types of viewers. The ones that haven't seen any videos and the ones that have. So, if you make a video like this one, that will end up being viewed mainly as a search result, you have to somehow get across what the channel is about. With the documentary style videos, which don't get searched and naturally die off, you don't need an intro.
@@WillGoodlet Yes, and you do want it to look professional and to be a bit like "your signature" ......just not too long!
Thank you again, I'm new to this even though I've had a camera in my hand most of my life, never had the time to get serious. I had no idea about back button focussing, I have a 7D MKii which I love, so I have a new thing to try now. Thank you so much.
You're very welcome!
I use dual BBF all the time with afc on my Nikon gear. Group autofocus on the AF-ON button and single-point autofocus on the f1 button. It takes time to get used to work like this, but it has now become 2nd nature for me and I love it. Love your videos Will and am a great fan of South Africa as a nature photography destination.
Hey Patrick, thanks for watching and thanks for the comment, so glad you enjoy them! Really interesting to hear you are using dual BBF and that it's a group/single arrangement. I'm also interested to think how this will play out on mirrorless cameras because there may be more to do with our thumbs moving focus points on the lcd. I can't wait to get out there and take some pictures again!
I only use BBF in special cases so I have BBF in C3 (custom mode) and AF on the shutter as default. I think BBF locks my thumb too much as I need it for changing focus point, adjust exposure etc. I use AF stop on the * button instead. Especially on my R5 I find this configuration very useful: Eye/Animal detect on the AF-ON button, normal AF on the shutter, AF stop on the "*". This way I can easy use the normal focus modes to select my subject and then press AF-ON to track the eye of the subject.
Hi Bjarne, your explanation makes a lot of sense to me. Yes, I've also found that the R5 with shutter button AF is a nice way to go with AF stop. I haven't yet decided on what I like best. I really like that I can program different focus functionality for video too.
As an enthusiast I tend to only get about and hour or two worth of BBF in when capturing my son’s basketball here in Perth Will, so haven’t tired of it yet; but thank for the tip. I envy your hours in the bush there in your short wheelbase and would be delighted to experience a sore thumb from BBF in the bush all those hours, lekker problem wat jy daar het! I had two defenders before leaving JHB for Perth. Hope the borders open soon so I can come and test for myself the AF Stop alternative! Thanks for the informative videos I think it’s pitched at just the right level.
Thanks Alan, great to get your insights and sorry there are no sore thumbs for you! Also glad to hear that two defenders is a normal number ;)
Hope all is good over there. Stay safe and hope you come back soon.
Brand new to my 5DM4 and set up the dual back button system. I think I’m going to like it because it helps me find the birds in flight and then get them into focus.
Sounds great Jim! Hope to hear of your success with it!
Looks like BBF is good for all genres of photography. It's nice to see the way you handle it and some alternative methods. I learned how to do it when I did portrait photography because I sometimes worked with young kids and I could focus and recompose quickly while they were running around. It helps me get a high rate of keeper shots for macros and close-ups too, I still focus and recompose out of the habit a lot of the time, so often focus with a single point in the middle and then just adjust the composition quickly. I rarely use manual focus even for macro subjects, perhaps I'm lazy (or I don't know what I'm doing ha!). I've been meaning to make a video about it too since I get a lot of questions about focusing for close-ups, but I'm not good with all the technical terms since I taught myself my crazy ways, we'll see!
Oh I was going to say too, these new camera's like the R5 & R6 are going to be such a game-changer, when I get my hands on one in a few years when/if I can afford one LOL Seeing how easily people can focus with them now... and in 10 years when we tell people how hard it used to be to focus LOL
Hi Liesl, yes it's a pretty handy technique. The dual setup might be interesting for you when you have your 100-400 on, maybe where you could be switching from close-up to birds? I haven't fully explored the options but you can change quite a lot for each button - maybe even the focus case (which might be the biggest thing). I'd certainly like to hear about your focusing techniques, also any other tricks, lighting, diffusers, focus rails, clamps etc... that you might be using - although from your videos you seem to manage without any of that stuff!? I struggle to hold still for macro, I sway back and forth slightly and can hear the AF working hard on my little 100 f2.8. Would be great to know how you work to overcome these issues.
Yes they are going to be game changers. I was going to wait before ordering one, but I got wind of a 12% price hike they were going to apply here, so I bit the bullet and ordered the R5. I'm not sure I made the right choice over the R6 - the only thing that persuaded me on the R5 was the higher MP count because I shoot a short telephoto (unlike most of my contemporaries) and I have been waiting YEARS for canon to release a camera with a high MP count capable of fast frame rates. Hopefully the pain in the wallet will wear off at some point!
Yeah, very few tricks and no extra stuff, (not very professional, ha!) I have flash equipment and I keep thinking I should play with flash more, and I have a focusing rail still in the box, but I do enjoy the freedom of just 'me & my camera.’I think you made the right decision based on the work you do, and it seems the outcry about the camera overheating is from a group of people that don’t like Canon. How many people are actually going to use the R5 for 8K film for more than several minutes? One would need quite a powerful computer to edit an 8K film of 20 minutes, etc. If someone did that kind of work, they would likely have a bigger budget with a cinema camera and a computer set up to handle it all. Anyway, it is the 45MP as you say that is the allure. That is going to open up a world of possibilities. I feel the same for close-up work, can you imagine a true macro image at 45MP!Right now I’m about to replace my MacBook and that will cost almost as much as a new camera, so it’ll be a while for me.I’m happy for you and excited to see how you get on with the R5!
learned a couple of things I didn't know or think about and I have been using BBF for several years. The biggie for me was the ability to have different focus points on the * & AF On button. Not only that, but there were a couple of other options in the detail set menu like to go between One Shot and AF Servo.
I haven't looked, but is there a way to restore on custom functions to a out of the box default. My reason is that I want to set them up again on one of the C1 - C3 - I do give the camera to others so focus under the shutter button would work better for them.
Awesome video / right on task and to the point.
Great to hear it was helpful James!
I just had a look at my camera and see there is an option to reset all custom functions and also to go to default button settings.
In fact for me, they are both great depending on the case and if my camera allowed it I would have two sets of programs, with BBF and SBF pre-set. But generally speaking, after a long time using BBF and a quick rollback at SBF, BBF seem to be better overall. It's nice to have some idea of your focusing accuracy before firing a shot rather than trusting the camera will do fine.
When I went back to focus w/shutter, I just couldn't get my brain around the stop focus button even after some months of use. So now I'm back to two BBF as you said, the main one for continuous AF with expand single spot, and the other one for single shot with single AF point.
I use BBF but keep the half press focus switched on. TBH it was mainly while I got myself in the habit of BBF so I should probably switch it off now. Not heard of the stop focus but I’m not shooting for hours so maybe I just don’t need it yet. Good to know about though so thank you.
Thanks Tim, great to hear you got something from it. I've come to really enjoy BBF, but I don't use it all the time. I am happy to switch depending on what I'm doing. Thanks for coming here to say Hi :)
BBF for me always, never thought about focus stop as an option, but for me I think BBF is great. I have focus options set as custom key 2 on my Sony Alpha cameras so very quick to change from zone or wide from spot, similar to dual focus in some ways. Though the tracking function is amazing now so think I'll be stuck there mostly.
If it ain't broke... Sounds like you have your setup dialled in!
Clearest explanation of back button focus I have ever found. I will take this as a nudge to experiment
Thanks Giles, I'm surprised you haven't already!? Don't you shoot the Olympus? It's got so many options to play with!
Will Goodlet I walk around a lot with the camera, so it is only when I am sat waiting for a kingfisher to land on a perch that I’ve been tempted to use bbf. I will give it a go and let you know. Wonderful feature of Olympus high end cameras is pro capture. You half depress the shutter button and it starts writing shots to the buffer, but only writes to the card when the button is fully depressed - at that point saving 16 frames before the button is pressed. Great for capturing a moment and not missing it because of one’s reaction time.
Yes I am very jealous of pro-capture having tried it out briefly when reviewing the EM-1 Mark ii. I'd love to use it more.
@@WillGoodlet It is a wonderful thing. Not quite as magical as Topaz DeNoise, but up there on the list of inexplicable marvels of our age. Completely different subject - how is lockdown over there? To be specific, my flight from London to J'berg in first week of November just got cancelled - I have onward connection to Kasane I am not going to make... is there any information in your local press on when flight restrictions are likely to be lifted, before I just give in for this year!
Giles Elliott there will be an easing on the 15th august, just what that means I am unsure. I believe Namibia is largely open internally - perhaps a connection from Windhoek may be possible? Alternatively, we have some camps opening in Rwanda (magashi) and in the Masai Mara (governors) - I can put you in touch?
I have tried BBF, gotten rid of it, and tried it again, and then gave up. I can't get past the awkward movement necessary. It takes my mind of the shot. Whereas, the traditional method is automatic. HOWEVER, I love you AF-Stop idea!
Great to hear Trevor. Hope it's working out. I all takes a bit of getting used to. I use BBF for photos and AF-Stop for video, so there's some gymnastics going on for me too :)
Thanks I needed this information. I use a Nikon 810 and the Focus options are like yours any function at numerous buttons. I just started using af-c on snail kites and watched your video on bird photography on the wing. Great info Thanks
Happy it was useful Cassidy. Wish I could have tried out a D810 myself!
Thanks for that useful vid, Will. I have used BBF on my Nikons for a few years now and have found it invaluable for shooting wildlife. I also have the joystick button set up for the dynamic multi point focus and another button set up for single point. For me, speed is nearly always of the essence. So far I haven't had the repetitive strain type injury that you appear to have, but do suffer a little with gripping the camera. I'm sure camera makers are men as my small hands do struggle and my fingers have to stretch further to reach the different buttons. For anyone who has never tried BBF...I recommend giving it a try.
Hi Christine, thanks for taking a look! I must check out this Joystick setup on Nikons. I wonder if Canon can do it or not. Will have to watch some videos and learn about it. Yes, I've often wondered about camera sizing and right hand only too - at least with some of the old medium formats you could put the handle on your preferred side - I see some of the 3D printed grips allow for this now. I suppose that will be one of the great advances at some point, the ability to size them but keep function. I imagine, that at some point (perhaps now) it will be fairly easy to focus and expose the image and the testament to great photos will become less technical but more artistic and more about the captured story or experience. I think photo editing decisions will also become even more important.
@@WillGoodlet Well, to be fair, Will, I suppose the joystick is only marginally quicker, and therefore a little more useful, than using the scrolling thingy, so don't get too jealous 😁🤓
Haha ok. But I love cameras, there's something to like in most of them. If I hadn't been invested in Canon lenses, I would have snapped up a D810-D850 long ago. I would love to try the sony's and having started with minolta and pentax, I still like them too :)
Loved the video. I have 'liked' and subscribed. I have a 7D-2 also, so I am drawn to your videos. I have been using BBF for maybe a year and really like it. I like your style and find it easy to understand and follow. I also like to see your photo examples. I live in Los Angeles, so not much wildlife here.
Hi Jonathan, thanks so much for watching, commenting, and subscribing! Great to have you on board and hope to see you around :)
I'll try to include more photo examples in the videos. I think, living in LA you will need to find birds and small animals? They can make really fascinating stories if photographed creatively. I like a lot of the pics I see of urban wildlife and how they survive in cities. Check out Simon de Glanville's pigeons - www.google.com/search?sa=X&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=simon+de+glanville+pigeons&hl=en-GB&ved=2ahUKEwi704bn9dTuAhXyURUIHR7nABwQjJkEegQIAxAB&biw=1639&bih=788
and this gallery - www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/sep/12/urban-wildlife-in-pictures
Well done explanation, Will
I have been using BBF for many years and the only problem is when I give my camera to someone who does not know this method. He is a little confused
AF stop button sounds interesting to me, but I would rather try the two-button method. Let's see, maybe during the next trip.
Thanks Mieczyslaw, appreciate you taking the time to let me know! Always scary, doing this type of subject as it will certainly show up any holes in ones delivery or thinking. But I thought it was worth talking about the other methods. If you try them, let me know how it turns out! :)
It's easily reprogrammable. Or, set up a custom mode with novice friendly settings ready to go.
I use BBF on my 7D. but! I get a bit confused about when to take your thumb off when tracking a bird or animal before using the shutter button. There are a lot of conflicting videos out there. some say keep your thumb on while pressing the shutter button, or they don't mention it at all. I think i a going to try the AF/sto p method . you suggested.
A nice video to learn focusing. Can you please more details on Double back button focusing and Canon custom function.
Hi Avishek, sorry for the late reply! Thanks for watching it.. You probably have found the Information you wanted already?
I just use one button setup with single point focus and the second button setup with zone focus. This way, I can switch between then very easily when the situation changes.
On the Canon R5 I make use of a kind of triple back button focus. Because that camera can have different button assignments between video and stills, I use one button to STOP focus in video mode. this is really useful to stop the camera refocusing on plants the animal is walking behind when panning with the animal in video mode.
Excellent! Thanks. Will try dual BBF!
Thanks Johann! Let me know how it goes :) Happy shooting!
Great video Will, I love the way you explain and have no booming music in the background . Impatient for the next video. I keep trying back button focus and sometimes I find it works well and sometimes I find I miss some shots. So at this time I'm not convinced but I am going to try AF stop method and see how I get on with that. Both on the R and the 7D mark 2.
Thanks so much Andrew! Just a few booming Hadeda's to contend with :) Let me know how you get on with AF-stop, I'd be interested to hear your experiences. Hopefully they will be good. I have heard some people say it is worth 'pumping' focus on the canons. So dabbing the button to reacquire. I find that the focus stickiness has a lot to do with things so it can be worth changing those settings per the conditions. I keep these on a custom menu
Another good video. It is great to hear problems I was aware of and how to fix, but hadn’t heard of stop AF focus. Thanks for that.
Thanks for watching Duncan. Yeah AF stop is quite a nice little technique.
Hello Will. I also use dual back button focusing on my Canon. It’s very useful for all wildlife photography.🙂
Hi Terry, interesting to hear that, I don't know that many people who use it personally. Great to know that you find it works well! Thanks for watching :)
thanks for the video Will, never thought or head of the AF-Stop, gonna try next time!
Cool, thanks for watching Stefan!
IIve used AF stop for over 10 years now and you are the first person I've seen on youtube to talk about it - i find it to be the best of both worlds!
Great tips ,must try that stop focus method on my Nikon ,sounds the way to go
Kevin Webb yes it’s actually pretty easy to get used to! Thanks for watching :)
@@WillGoodlet can't wait to get back to the bush,and give it a try,all of your videos have been very helpful and inspiring
Kevin Webb that’s really kind, thanks. Yep will be great to get back out there. I’ll savour every moment when we finally do it :)
The intro is incredible
I try stop on each photo to look at it😅
Haha good luck with that Tyron :)
Another very interesting video packed with detail and ideas. The video has certainly made me think about all the possibilities which, I have to admit, I wasn't aware of. For me it's back to school ... :-)) Many thanks again.
Thanks for watching it Daniel, glad you found it interesting! But at the end of the day, whatever works for you is best I'm sure!
Will - great video, thx. I have been using Dual back button focus for years and find it to be an absolute requirement for any Camera Body I use. In fact, there is a triple back button focus method that is in my opinion cumbersome and not for me. The two buttons on my 7D2 is to alternate between single point zone (stationary bird) and multi-point zone (BIF). I then use my custom settings to have different AF zones. I haven't heard of using AF off as one of the buttons. I'll have to experiment, but not sure how that would work on dual BBF
BTW - my experience is that not all Canon bodies can do Dual BBF, like the 90D. I'm hoping the R5 and R6 can
Thanks for taking a look Ken and especially for dropping me a line to let me know how you work - great info! Haven't heard of triple back button! Nice move to put the zones on the custom settings (the dials/mode or the menu?). You are right, not all the bodies can do it. My 5D 3 can't although I updated the firmware to double check and noticed a few additional focus options I could apply - just the point selection though.
@@WillGoodlet I have configured a slightly different triple back button on my 5D4 and 7D2. I have the AF-ON set to single center focus point, the * set to center cluster focus points and I set the DOF button (in conjunction with either of the previous two buttons) to be all focus points. This is usefull when the subject is in front of a featureless background such as the open sky. Also, like you, I have a thumb injury from extended back button use. The AF-OFF feature look intriguing.
I use back button focus. I am comfortable using back button focus
Great to hear that Subit! Thanks for watching and commenting :)
Great stuff buddy. I’m a back button focus kind of guy... hmmmmm dual back button focus 🤔 I like the sound of that! Gonna give this a whirl 😜 .... another superb vlog and well presented as always 😉🤙.... JP
Have fun! Dual BB is pretty cool. Been using it on the R5, it's actually vital on that.
Will Goodlet I’ll give it a go! Need my R5 to hurry up! 😂
Morning Will, I have been using back button autofocus exclusively since 2007 with my Canon 1D3. I swear by it and if I ever give another photographer any advice when starting their photographic journey, it's always the benefits of back button autofocus :-)
Hi Dean, yep it's a really useful technique. When I used to sit in bird hides (in a time long long ago it seems!) with other photographers I was always interested to hear that beep-beep focus acquisition sound coming from their cameras. It seems amazing that many haven't yet discovered servo mode let alone BBF despite the investment in gear. Are you still shooting with the 1D3? I LOVED my 1D Mark iiN which had some similarities. Feels so good in hand and such an incredible AF system, I swear it could tap into my thoughts :)
@@WillGoodlet Ahh, my beloved 1D3 - which I had for 5 years. No, unfortunately I don't have that camera anymore. You're right about the Canon 1D series, they are phenomenal cameras and I for one have always loved the big pro cameras with the integral vertical grip - especially when attached to a big tele prime. However, I now shoot with the Nikon D5 and D500 since 2016 and have zero intention replacing them anytime soon. With these two camera bodies and my 600mm f4 and 70-200 f2.8 lens, I'm totally covered for all my wildlife photography needs :-)
Well, I bet the D5 feels pretty much the same. 600F4 and a D5 is a good combo :) I had to think long and hard about whether to go for a 600f4 or my 400f2.8. I wish I had both, but that would be a little too profligate with the cash :) I think the wider lens has worked well with our large game here. I'm looking forward to trying it with more megapixels though for the small stuff.
@@WillGoodlet The D5 with both lenses is excellent and I only use the D500 in situations where I would have reached for a teleconverter. Over the last few years I have been very tempted to reply the D500 with the high megapixel D850 which if needed would give me the same 'reach' as the D500 plus I'd be able to mount my 70 to 200 to the D850 (for which there are numerous pros) and have the 600 permanently attached to the D5. The ONLY reason I have not done that is because I love the D5 so much that I fear having the D850 would seriously threaten me always using the D5. The 400mm f2.8 lens that you have is phenomenal and like you said, perfect for larger mammals. It also offer excellent versatility when used on a crop or high megapixel sensor as well as great options with both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. If money wasn't a consideration, I still don't think one needs a 400 f2.8 and a 600 f4
Thanks Will for the great 13 tips video!! I’m convinced now to try the BBF. Appreciate your teaching style!
I'm sure it will work out well, good luck Rick!
Thanks for these tips. I will experiment with these things because they look so useful. Are you finding that any of these back-button approaches are different now you are using the Canon R5?
Yes! I haven't decided what I like best yet - but I find that I don't mind having focus on the front shutter button on the R5 and use the Stop focus technique.
I also find that stills and video on the R5 require different assignments - because video I normally want to stop focus and stills I normally want to continuous focus.
Another great video mate! Thank you! Question for you: do you have any videos on how to meter correctly to photographing the "typical" bid red sunset in Africa with let's say... the silhouette of a big mammal? (elephant... giraffe... rhino...etc...) I know that a long tele helps to make the sun bigger and get the "mammal" the same size as the sun... but I would like to know what is your system of "metering" correctly... to get the right exposure & colors... thank you!!!!
What about assigning the AF button to toggle between servo/one shot and the "star" button to do eye tracking ??
With focus on the shutter button? Sounds reasonable on the R5/6 - I don’t have mine setup like that as I rarely use one shot. But it’s great to have all these options
Great video, great info again !!
Thanks again!
Best feature I set up on all my cameras is “ back button focus “ !
I use back button focus all the time now basically for almost every occasion. But it took a few years on and off to get used to it, muscle memory problems I guess. I decided to persevere because I could see the advantages, and eventually it stuck. Would never go back now. I mainly shoot birds but also aircraft with a Canon 5dsr
Hi Andrew, thanks for watching and great to get your experiences with it too. I also find it invaluable, but don't mind switching around. I think a lot depends on what you are shooting and for birds and aircraft It's a great technique as you know!
Will Goodlet You mentioned Grant Atkinson in the video, I used to follow his you tube channel but don’t think he does it anymore. Is he ok?
Yes I think he's OK, he's active on Facebook quite a lot. I think he just got too busy to make videos also, I think he had been making them with a production team and that is probably very expensive. All of us in the Safari business are in survival mode at the moment. It's looking like July 2021 before we even get back to some kind of revenue let alone recovery.
Will Goodlet Yes I sympathise and hope you make it through this challenging time. My wife and I may be interested in a safari within next year or two as I am due to retire 2021. To us it’s the holiday of a lifetime. I will check your website
Thanks I appreciate it. My website is just for my own thoughts & photography - no commercial intent. I got to know Grant while he was guiding at Wilderness Safaris and although I am not directly involved, I can put you in contact.
Very good vlog but how much is that needed with mirrorless cameras?
It still seems important to me, I'm certainly using these techniques on mine.
Hi Will, great video. I use back button focus. Unfortunately I can't do dual back button on my 6D mark II. Would love to have tried that. I will try the tip for using the back button only for focus stop. So the shutter button works as normal and my wife understands the camera too :-) Thnx!
Hi Jeroen, thanks for watching and commenting with what you do. Yeah, the cameras are all a little bit different.
LOVE your videos!
What is your setup? Do you go for dual bbf? Im reaæly consodering it after watching your video
Thanks Jeppe! I mix it up depending on what I am shooting and what body. I find the mirrorless requires different settings to dslr. But mainly dual back button with one set to point and the other to area. Thanks for watching and commenting!!
Great video, Will. I'm new to photography and have started using back button focus recently and am beginning to find it very natural. I may and try the dual back button focus but not sure I can do that with the T2i, maybe when I get a 7D MKII it will be worth it because I am starting to attempt more 'birds in flight' shots. One thing I find irritating which is probably a user error somewhere, is that when I try to grab a shot and the camera has to wake up it automatically tries to refocus and I have missed shots because of it. I am now consciously waking the camera up regularly to prevent this happening. Is this normal or have I missed something in my settings?
How do you set up dual back button focus
Hi Christine, it depends on what camera you are using. With regard to Canon, it is the same procedure just on an alternative button. I use exposure lock and AF ON as my buttons.
Hi Will, I found your video on 13 secrets to get sharper pictures very useful. You made several points I had not considered before but the biggest is that coming from film about 16 years ago with a 10D I have generally shot the 1/focal length rule. Some things are very sharp and some I wonder if I had palsy that day. I will definitely raise my shutter speed. By the way I totally agree with all the points you made on the Canon 100-400 L USM II. I followed your R5 in the field review and will look for your favorite settings when I get mine in a few months. Regards
Peter
Hi Peter, glad it was useful! I think your story about varied results chimes with a lot of people. I had the same thing moving away from film to early DSLR (getting great shots) then progressing to high MP bodies and finding them looking worse. I think it's also important that with the High Res images we are able to 'magnify' the view much more and if you think about that, what it means is that, although our shake and subject movement is the same, we can zoom into it so much that it looks worse than it did on older lower res cameras. A higher shutter speed compensates for that, but so does simply not zooming in. Or scaling the image to a similar resolution to the older cameras. If you take the 45mp R5 and have what appears to be a soft shot at 100% if you scale it to 8mp (same as let's say a 2006 1D Mark iiN) it will probably look incredible.
The R5 is a brilliant camera - I hope I came off balanced and not negative in the review - I'm keeping mine! You will enjoy yours!!
How about a video on how you set up your 7D Mark 2 for wildlife on safari and if its different for bird photography. Please !
Thanks for the suggestion Andrew. OK, I'll have a think about it. I do change things depending on what's happening so I wouldn't want to give the impression that my camera is always set up one way or another. I don't mind moving things around if it helps get a shot - particularly focus cases.
A Canon USA lecture keynote speaker was talking about bif, and advocated using AF stop. Then I saw a another birder I respected also claiming AF stop was better for him, so.... for 5years now I have been using AF stop, and I never bothered with BBF.
Shooting landscapes or astro ? Flick the switch on your lens to manual focus - too easy - you should have done that already anyhow.
Once I got used to bbf I never looked back and find it strange using shutter button now
It's a great way to work Ken. I like to try different things to see if I can, sometimes I chop and change depending on what I am trying to photograph. But generally, it's a version of Back Button for me too.
Another refinement is to dial a choice in on one of the Custom functions
ivan whitehall yes I believe so - miine are all taken up with video settings so I forgot
@@WillGoodlet Thanks from Canada. I recently purchased an R5- so I have three back button focuses the two we discussed plus another on the star button for eye AF
ivan whitehall congratulations on the new cam! Hope you are enjoying it.
@@WillGoodlet Yes. Very similar to 5D Mkiv but superior every way. I enjoyed your video- will follow! and look forward to new ones.
When you set up the back button to AF/Stop - do you have to hold the button down to prevent the shutter button from starting autofocus when half pressed?
Hi Robert, yes the button stops all focusing while you hold it in.
@@WillGoodlet I think I will stick with back button focus - actually dual back button - and take auto focus off the shutter button. I have been happy with that system. It works well for moving and stationary subjects.
Why can't the button be a "latching" switch. A latching switch doesn't have to be held continuously, it stays on until it's turned off by clicking it again, like the button for switching to chimping - viewing your in-camera images, and the magnification button and the Q button, none of which are allowed to be customized on my R5.
As another thumb-damaged old photog, I would find a latching button usable for back button focusing, but, only if it's one I didn't have to hold continuously with my sore thumb. Click, on, use it until conditions change and then click off. One click would start focus tracking, another would stop it for recomposition. (Of course with eye focus tracking, the need for reframing is minimized.)
Seems like there would also be no need to use two buttons, focus on and focus off, too, freeing a button for some other critical use.
This seems eminently possible, given that the buttons themselves don't need or have mechanical latching, it's in the software/firmware that determines how they work.
Good points Frank
Use the 7D Mk2 mainly for BIF, have found the best option is to have the shutter button set to Servo and one shot set to a back button. On my back up body 80D this is not possible so I use standard back button set up. Back button set ups are essential for wildlife photography and easy to adjust to when first using. Have not found the need for dual back button but will set up and experiment. Ianwaldrennaturephotography.com
Thanks for watching and the insights into how you use BBF on your 7D2 and 80D. Much appreciated!
Please look into the lens when talking to us.
Will do my best. Thanks.
Once you back,you never go back.
Absolutely!