2 AUTOFOCUS TECHNIQUES you must master for Wildlife Photography | shutter and back button autofocus

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.พ. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 307

  • @stefannijenhuis6688
    @stefannijenhuis6688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +283

    Can we just appreciate the fact that Morten talks about the sponsor after 17 minutes of great quality content!

    • @rontz
      @rontz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

      for 1 minute? what's the problem? that he's getting a little bit of money by including a tiny bit of advertisment into his great content? fine for me, if it helps him.

  • @lupinewoof
    @lupinewoof 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Hearing that 60 to 70% of your focusing on the telephoto involved some manual focusing tweaks was one of the largest takeaways and confirms many of my personal experiences & frustrations. Thanks for a great video!

  • @picapica42
    @picapica42 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    You actually explained clearly why I should use my back button autofocus more. I somehow always forget it is a thing that exists on my camera, so I haven't put it to good use yet.

    • @johansmitphotography
      @johansmitphotography 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yesyes! Also remember about the button for AF lock... because it's a lot less of an change than changing to BBF which is a massive change to get used to... I use it as lock... I have tried BBF and I really couldn't get used to it... thing is I rarely ever need to stop the focus... so the thumb only have to use that button 10% of the time. 90% of the time it is free then I can use it for EXP comp and changing AF point etc... My lens can't manual focus when the AF is switched on. So I don't have the advantage of BBF for that manual Focus that Morten explained.

  • @jimhood1202
    @jimhood1202 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for your thoughts. I understand your reasons for using each method but what I appreciate most is that you chose difficult situations to illustrate them and let us know that even the professionals with the best gear have difficulty obtaining and holding focus. Perhaps there's hope for me yet. 😁

  • @scottpitner4298
    @scottpitner4298 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I think your videos are the most Inspiring of what I watch. After just one I’m ready to grab my stuff and head out. Even just out back of my house.

  • @alanmaassen
    @alanmaassen ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so, so very much. I've been trying since October to understand when and why to hold those buttons and you are the first person to make it clear. I'd actually given autofocus up and had started to manual focus everything. You've really helped me - thank you!

  • @abijithkrishnan1429
    @abijithkrishnan1429 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This video was very very useful for me as i had NO clue what back button autofocus was used for and everything and now i understand it all! Thank you for this video and you will always be my inspiration!!

  • @eliasneil
    @eliasneil 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I was litteraly looking for some new videos of Morten right now.. Thanks!

  • @LieslHuddleston
    @LieslHuddleston 4 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I'm stuck in the dark ages with a DSLR :) Been using back-button-focus for the past few years and love it! Good topic to discuss, Morten. Hopefully, anyone that hasn't tried it yet will give it a try, makes focusing much faster and easier.

  • @jincychacko5440
    @jincychacko5440 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I started using back button focus but never understood how to use the auto focus lock properly. Its been set up wrong in my camera forever. Now this explains it so much better with example. I have answer to my frustration when trying to do micro photography. Your voice did put me to sleep though twice. It have a very calming and soothing quality.

  • @a_for7002
    @a_for7002 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is very informative thank you very much this is very inspirational to us beginners.

  • @kalyandeepray
    @kalyandeepray 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Hello Morten, I used the focus and lock technique for years, but have now changed. This had mainly to do with my subjects, 90% of which is birds, and I kept needing different kinds of AF for stationary and birds in flight. I now use back button exclusively, where I have the AF-L button set up for single point AF and the joystick for group AF. I also have my Fn1 for D25. My kind of setup might be very specific to birders though. Thank you for the insight into your shooting techniques.

  • @benedux
    @benedux 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've recently tried the back-button focus and it felt like it could be good to use sometimes but haven't thought about it long. Thanks for these superb examples and explanations, it really helps a lot.

  • @Shhhchris
    @Shhhchris 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m not a wildlife photographer per se (I’d like to do it more) but these principles are still useful throughout all the photography genres. Thanks, Morten

  • @matteorocca7078
    @matteorocca7078 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The best explanation on this subject I have seen so far 👍 I switched to back button AF and I find it really good, but it's really interesting to hear from your live experience and get to know that both ways have their own plus also from the point of view of a professional. Thank you for the insight!

  • @blythewarland6688
    @blythewarland6688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Morten I love your dedication to the craft and your willingness to share your knowledge
    I find back button focus easier to use and a shoot less out of focus shots this way but I agree both have their good points

  • @MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE
    @MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent Video Morten ! I simply just do not use back button enough. I do not know why. Used it in the past and it works. Just you know kind of forget about it ! IT is very important when doing changing focuses frequently.

  • @johnlavin-ford8372
    @johnlavin-ford8372 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are totally correct with the use of those focus buttons.
    You restore my faith in genuinely brilliant techniques that should be handed down to new photographers.
    Great upload as always.👍

  • @pilates4golfers
    @pilates4golfers ปีที่แล้ว

    I am new to photography. I have absolutely no idea what you said but I have a much better understanding.

  • @toejamr1
    @toejamr1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I’m going to have to watch this a couple times. My back focus brain can’t comprehend trigger finger focus Andy more 😂

  • @Bb4r
    @Bb4r 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have pretty much abandoned index finger focusing in favor of back button focusing. As you explain it, I now see the merit in being able to use the both focusing modes. Again Morten, I appreciate your videos. Thank you much.

  • @giuseppeaguero9368
    @giuseppeaguero9368 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    finally a wonderful video of morten with subtitles :)
    I enjoyed it a lot

  • @mikipixi
    @mikipixi 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Morten. Fantastic explanation. Thank's for sharing with the community. Congratulations from Extremadura in Spain for your great photographic works and your channel. You are a great inspiration.

  • @KerriMarr
    @KerriMarr ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Morten! I just recently found your channel and this is the best explanation I’ve heard for the best times to use back button AF & shutter release AF

  • @mindseyeproductions8798
    @mindseyeproductions8798 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    seems legit to have a master of the focus, providing information about focusing.

  • @AlexDubois
    @AlexDubois 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've learned so much in this video. It is perfectly logical once explained. Thank you so much. On top of the pros/cons for the 2 options, I didn't know about the view finder zoom for manual adjustment...

  • @stefannijenhuis6688
    @stefannijenhuis6688 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the way you pronounce the word 'focus' Morten! Great video.

  • @robertcrofts2108
    @robertcrofts2108 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    That is going to change the way I take photos of wild life, thank you so much for that info
    When I take photos of birds or other wildlife I lose focus because it focuses on a bit of grass ect, but using back button is a game changer

  • @RichardBirchett
    @RichardBirchett 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sweet Work Morten, Back button all the way my friend... although, I do switch back in certain situations! For me a game changer and very intuitive way to work. Great work, all the best R 👍

  • @actiaint
    @actiaint 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    After using back button continuous focus for years I have recently changed to back button single focus and found a big improvement due to less focus hunting and more accurate focus setting - it is simple as you just release thumb as soon as you have focus set and if subject moves you press again to reset it - continuous focus is not required other than bifs or faster action.

  • @frazhassan
    @frazhassan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I liked the video first and then started watching.
    Morten is just awesome.

  • @jimbob7218
    @jimbob7218 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    2:39 Oh yeah, I have coffee on my desk too, It's still warm! Cheers!!

  • @masterstonesettermagnussva7636
    @masterstonesettermagnussva7636 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great informativ video as always. After years of back button af I now use trigger af and has set the af on button to manual focus. I think it’s a twist that gives me fast control with maximum of flexibility.

  • @naturebites5974
    @naturebites5974 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful video. I am working on this back button focus method today, trying to improve my keeper statistics. So many of my shots are just not in good focus. Thank you.

  • @petedraper5185
    @petedraper5185 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use BBF on my EM1X for birds in flight and general wildlife, except when I am wearing gloves. I then use shutter release for focus. I use shutter release for focus on my EM1.3, as it is dedicated to macro photography. Works for me.

  • @JeganSriragavan28
    @JeganSriragavan28 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wakeup at 5am and watching Morten video with a coffee, really will make my day wonderful..

  • @aidancampos5706
    @aidancampos5706 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video, Morten. Clear, concise, and informative.

  • @SadanandaUTube
    @SadanandaUTube 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for good idea

  • @Keyloggs1
    @Keyloggs1 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks for the video! just changed my AF ON button to switch between the last AF (AF-C) and MF. Love it!

  • @heinihefti8969
    @heinihefti8969 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very well explained. Not learned from a book, but practiced in nature. Thanks for that - Heini

  • @abl1699
    @abl1699 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Morten. I will be trying out the Auto Focus Back Button technique.

  • @borocotochacha
    @borocotochacha 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's about that Morten, adapt the camera to your style. I use same settings on Z6 and Z50 for everything, even street photography. EVF makes a big difference as you can set how much zoom you want to apply. At 200% zoom AF it´s also very fast and precise.
    Perfect video!

  • @jakub.slovacek
    @jakub.slovacek 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Morten, your videos are awesome as well as you. I always enjoy every minute of your vids. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @krishmotography9727
    @krishmotography9727 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Superb video. This is all about practicall use of back button auto focus. Its amazing.

  • @eskwadrat
    @eskwadrat 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent tips. Back focus button method really improved my control over difficult targets. Thank you.

  • @MacBookSong
    @MacBookSong 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I don't use back button focusing. My solution for the problem you describe: I configured the AF-ON button to switch between One Shot AF and Servo AF. So with one short press of the button the focusing method changes. That works very well.

  • @Dreyno
    @Dreyno 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve used back button continuous AF for years. I love it. I use it for everything. Second nature. I use shutter button AF on my compact camera. Perfect for that.

  • @mdashiqmridha
    @mdashiqmridha 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I m a big fan of u cz u give me so many suggestions abut wildlife photography.
    I really love it It also helps me to know about my camera very well.. Thanks for the tutorial. ♥♥♥

    • @mdashiqmridha
      @mdashiqmridha 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      How many shutter life in canon 700D? I m using this.

  • @JH-qv3xv
    @JH-qv3xv 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of those subtle techniques you use to get your great images. Thank you for sharing. I came to learn and of course look at some great pictures. Accomplished both.

  • @p7272
    @p7272 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Seeing you out in the field in full gear reminds me why I like photography(military vet). Just like a Sniper... letting nothing get in the way of getting the shoot! ;-))

  • @Tebanisomura
    @Tebanisomura 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    What good learning is obtained from your teachings thanks for sharing

  • @thomasmarais9277
    @thomasmarais9277 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video morten!👍👍 awesome topic

  • @johnhitchon8043
    @johnhitchon8043 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    As always Morten, a great explanation. I much prefer back button focussing I really like how one can recompose the shot.....it’s a time-saver for me.

  • @fuglbird
    @fuglbird 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Morten for the this very instructive lesson. Your idea of assigning AF-L (autofocus lock) to the AF-ON button is brilliant on the Nikon Z6, which does not have the AF-L. I have used my 500 mm manual focus tele and Nikon D300 for years, and have now learned, that a Nikon Z6 with the zoom function may improve my focusing. Great job!

  • @CGYPP
    @CGYPP 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is SOOO helpful! I really appreciate the way you explain it and demonstrate the differences in real usage. I am myself Back-Button AF shooter - using it both for landscape and weddings, and recently I was wondering if I am missing anything by not using index finger focusing at all ...now I know there might be some situations where switching might be useful. BTW as Z6/Z7 user I realized only now that I never really use the 100% preview and that's the first thing I am going to change. Thank you so much!

  • @CESAR-vh1vx
    @CESAR-vh1vx 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you Morten for this clarification, it has been very worthy.

  • @tudora5498
    @tudora5498 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the video, you explain it wery well and it is great that you also give proper examples so that whoever is watching can really understand the isues. I think that at least for me there is only one risk in alternating the two different ways of focusing: I naturally tend to prefer one over the other so when switching between them I would sometimes push the wrong button at the wrong time out of instinct/lack of attention, not realizing that I am using the other mode at the moment so that it might cause me to lose the shot. However, this might only be an issue for myself and my momentary lack of attention.
    I really appreciate the video, thank you for creating and sharing it!

  • @Anonymousgiraffe33
    @Anonymousgiraffe33 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    great video Morten, i always struggle when trying to capture fast moving animals... especially the smaller size creature like swallows and dragonflies, i hoped that one day you will make a video to teach beginners like me to track the small animals.

  • @TheBadvmc
    @TheBadvmc 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    A new Morten video.... today is a good day.

  • @larselkjr9194
    @larselkjr9194 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video and it’s very usefull especially when you use the mirrorless cameras.
    But if you have Mirrorless or DSLR it’s important to know how your AF works, i have spend hours to learn the AF system on my Nikon Z6
    and i still learn new features.
    So keep on making these wonderfull videos, we all learn of it 👍
    Thank you

  • @hikingff77
    @hikingff77 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very informative video, I never knew what that lock button did and never thought about using it! Thank you!

  • @northernbirder7351
    @northernbirder7351 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very helpful video. Many thanks. I will use this information on bird photography.

  • @patrickmolloy6994
    @patrickmolloy6994 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great Video Morten. You answered my questions without me asking! awesome.

  • @ThomasWeiskirch
    @ThomasWeiskirch 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Once more a very informative and high interesting video with helpful tips, Mortern ! Kind regards, Thomas

  • @charlierivera5725
    @charlierivera5725 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you again wow. THANK YOU… Interested to know the macro lens. Would you share which one it is please? I love macro photography so I am curious. Thank you sir

  • @davet3530
    @davet3530 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Informative as always Morten. I can see the benefits of both methods and agree that it’s worth mastering both. You make a very good point in the Back Button Focus method that you can use it when wearing mittens in cold weather. Top tip ! Thanks.

  • @Afro408
    @Afro408 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information Morten. Much appreciated. ‘Trigger finger’ is ok and appropriate, because we ‘Shoot’ the subject, don’t we? 😉👏👏👏👍🥃🥃

  • @stuartschaffner9744
    @stuartschaffner9744 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was one of the best videos on focussing that I have ever seen. Frankly, I am still unconvinced that shutter-button autofocus is that useful any more. Yes, your brain can learn different modes, but for certain important actions it is best not to introduce a possible source of confusion. In this video, the back button means start focussing in one mode and stop focussing in the other. In a car, that would be equivalent to having the brake pedal mean slow down in one mode and stop slowing down in the other. Still, I will keep considering it out of respect for your great skills.
    I think that as you get more accustomed to mirrorless cameras you will use manual focus more. I know that you have too much tied up in high-quality Nikon glass to consider a switch. However, sometime you should try a camera like the Sony A9 that has no shutter blackout at all. In a year or two Nikon will have it as well.
    Sony comes more from a cinematography background, where cinematographers have refined manual focus to a fine art. The buzzard and magpies(?) in a field with tufts of grass is a prime example. There you mostly want to align your focal plane with a slice of field. I am far from being a highly-skilled manual "focus puller", but I am working on it. You should try focus peaking, which is used a lot in cinematography. Often I find it an annoyance, but other times it helps me better track my focus plane.
    Anyway, great teaching job here! I have always learned a lot from you.

  • @erforschenhimalayas6570
    @erforschenhimalayas6570 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sir I love your videos and the photographs you capture and the way they are narrated in the videos .
    I also want to do something crazy like you ✌️

  • @Kirkhamfamily
    @Kirkhamfamily 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video (again). Confusing topic but very well explained.

  • @jamesss1953
    @jamesss1953 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    “Really good stuff here”. I use B:B focus for a few years now but recently tying hand held bird pics. I should have used continuous autofocus as you describe here - many thanks 🙏

  • @amdenis
    @amdenis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great, very useful video. I love my D850, and have used Nikon’s since my first SLR back in the mid-70’s- a Nikkormat FT-2. However, every time I go out with my SONY A9II I feel like I am cheating in comparison. The good thing though is that I have been able to finally focus almost completely on composition, rather than focus. I do use back-button on occasion, but usually along with focus lock, for creative purposes. I can’t even imagine where these technologies will be in 5 years.

  • @PatrickSmeaton
    @PatrickSmeaton 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been strictly using back button since I bought my brand new Canon EOS 1V back in the day. I can't imagine switching back and forth. It would short circuit my brain. You do have a valid reason for using shutter-release button af though. Never considered that before.

  • @jfphotography69
    @jfphotography69 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been using back button autofocus since forever with my D850 and D500 for my macro, bird and furry animals.

  • @randyschwager84
    @randyschwager84 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome content...as always! Thanks, Morten

  • @briansquibb999
    @briansquibb999 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very, very helpful advice. Thank you, Morten!!

  • @olgunfernandes3473
    @olgunfernandes3473 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video..! Please can you tell us how did you customize zoom in viewfinder while capturing photos...? Thanks in advance. I'm using a Nikon D7100.

  • @zayismatGiri
    @zayismatGiri 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yeah i also using continuous focus mood...
    And manual focus when needed...

  • @barrymackichan7074
    @barrymackichan7074 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You describe two different configurations, but is there a quick way to switch from one to the other? I think you can use two menu banks and switch between them with ‘My menu’ items. Is there a better way? I think of menu banks as scarce resources, and I’d be happier if there is another way.

  • @fbimagesphoto
    @fbimagesphoto 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    13:01 enters the 1DX III, where you can change the focus point whilst using Back Button AF!

  • @princip6656
    @princip6656 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks, great explanation.

  • @ramonarias1234
    @ramonarias1234 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a fkn master class.. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I dont do wildlife photography but I am sure your tips will help me with my photography.

  • @BryceJ82
    @BryceJ82 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Morten for the great tips on auto focus. I currently use back button focus most of the time as I am primarily a wildlife photographer, but I might just have to try the lock technique (index finger) as well. Really enjoy the content. Keep up the great work!

  • @pradeeppradu9040
    @pradeeppradu9040 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your videos and photography ❤️❤️❤️

  • @KGsPhotography
    @KGsPhotography 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great explanation Morten. Since using back button focus I don't think I could change again. Although in my videos I do struggle to say "Back Button Focus" sometime!!

  • @stevestrickland446
    @stevestrickland446 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video and explanation.

  • @ASTROMAN-18
    @ASTROMAN-18 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your video inspired me to take awesome photos ❤️❤️

  • @WaechterDerNacht
    @WaechterDerNacht 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you so much for this video, i definitely need to set up more custom settings on my camera and try out more different settings. I usually just used standard settings in manual mode so far, but really struggled with AF sometimes.
    Keep up the great work!
    Greetings from Switzerland!
    P.S. An order for a print of the jay is gonna come in as soon as i finished moving into the new apartment.

  • @joyoffilming9500
    @joyoffilming9500 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Morten, great video. One of the first things I did on my Nikon D810 after i got it was to configure back-button continous autofocus. It took me about 2 days to get used to it, but in the mean my thumb goes automatically on the button to acquire focus and realeas it to keep the focus. I even configured it to my smaller Sony a6000. It does not only work great in the wild but also for sports and street photography. I wished I had these fast autofocus capabilities for filming with the Panasonic S1H - instead I need to go manual.

  • @Robert-vj3ec
    @Robert-vj3ec 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    So can you zoom in inside the eye finder, manual focus, and zoom out again? What camera does this? Because my eyes are not what they used to be.. Please and thanks for your time..

  • @messylaura
    @messylaura 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    i like to leave the af and trigger as one, if i am on half shutter (af) then i can twist the maual focus ring on the lens and it automatically goes into x5 or x10 manual magnification, that is really useful for hard to get af spots like a bird in between foreand background branches or low contrast point.
    also having a free thumb is good for me because i can use the quick menu in liveview while shooting, i never use the rear lcd in the field.
    if i need to disable af either for full manual or because i want to recompose i can hit the af/mf toggle without thinking about it.

  • @alecmcgrathofcanada9175
    @alecmcgrathofcanada9175 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was super useful. Had no idea my camera had this. I will be practicing this during my moose photo trip.

  • @chuckgmanleyphotos7197
    @chuckgmanleyphotos7197 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great examples of both tools.

  • @gastsoum2515
    @gastsoum2515 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    The technique with the button pressed in order to keep the autofocus locked, is possible also in the apsc cameras?

  • @joaoesteves684
    @joaoesteves684 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    hello good morning from Portugal thanks for your teachings, I have a question, does the 7D have this button to lock the autofocus? when we follow the subject in allservo and the lock is made to compose the image, thanks for your videos

  • @OkaMotret
    @OkaMotret 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    disini saya dapat pelajaran yang sangat berharga... terima kasih boss

  • @RafaWu
    @RafaWu 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm curious. What ball head did you use in 2:28 min?

  • @NildoScoop
    @NildoScoop 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    👍You've explained it well Morten.

  • @MichalOlender
    @MichalOlender 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One day I'll master these!

  • @taw6992
    @taw6992 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    great tips, thanks ! You did not mention the focus memory button on big lenses... this is damn useful as well