Back button focusing with your DSLR
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- Back button focusing, what's it for, how to use it, and what exactly are the benefits of using it on your DSLR
www.becomeabetterphotographer.co.uk
With back-button focus, you use a button on the back of the camera to focus, and use the shutter button just to set the exposure and take the picture. The shutter button never tries to achieve focus because it is re-configured not to focus.
I made the permanent switch to focusing using the Back button a while ago, and I've become a huge advocate for this type of focusing. Alongside using the Manual exposure mode, I'd say it was one of the most revolutionary changes I ever made to how I take pictures. It seems like such a small thing, yet it's such a huge difference in the way your camera works, and should probably be the standard setting on all DSLR.
There are several advantages to this technique, and they are explained in this video, however it must be said that some people try back button focusing, and just don't get on with it, so it's not for everybody. But it is worth investigating, you could be missing out and might just find that it's something of a revelation!
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I tried BBF when I was shooting a graduation ceremony. Camera on a tripod and focus set to where the graduates would receive their diplomas. I used a remote shutter release and it worked perfectly. Thanks for posting this video, it was very clear and easy to understand.
Thank you for not having obnoxious and overpowering background music. It was a pleasure to listen to your video. In fact, I'm going to watch it again and yet a third time to be sure I totally get it.
Heh heh, Yes I hate the loud background music too. Thanks for the comments, glad you liked the video and found it useful.
Excellent information,very clear to understand even for a 73 year old who has returned to Photography as a hobby after many years.Your never to old to learn. Many thanks for posting.
+Arthur James Ayton Thanks Arthur, glad you liked it. Plenty of life left in us oldies yet!!
One of the reasons I like the back button is that I know the camera will take a picture as soon as I press the shutter button, no more missed shots because the camera is still hunting for focus on a moving subject.
I have been using back button focusing for a while now since I got my first camera this year and I struggled with the concept of focus and recompose using back button focus. Until I saw this video to the very end when you explained to "not forget to release the back button before recomposing otherwise the camera will refocus as you recompose." I know it's silly of me to not think of the obvious but I was trying to imitate the pros :-) and just do it blindly. Thank you so much Bernie, this video really helped me clarify this concept!
As a newbie hobbyist photographer, I had heard about back button focusing from my professional photog friend. This is probably the best (and most informative) video that's clear to understand! Thanks so much!
Thanks, glad you liked it.
Defo the best explained video about BB focusing Ive seen on the net so far, and I have trawled through quite a few. Well Done That Man...
Thanks Rik, appreciate the comments.
Cheers,
Bernie
I've seen 6 same videos so far, and all of them had comments that they are the best among others)
I found this clip explained more precisely than any others. Cannot wait to try it out at my son’s football practice this morning.
Thanks Andy
11:10-11:25 is why I watched 15 videos about back button AF. So simple, yet noone made me understand it until now! Thanks!
"Lose the will to live?" That's why I stopped by, to regain my will to live! Thanks for the detailed video, most other BB focusing videos fail to mention every advantage of this method. You covered them all, with enough setup.
The best explanation of back button focusing I've come across - I don't need to look for any more, this is the one, you make it so easy to understand. Thank you.
Dave N thanks Dave, nice of you to say, glad you liked it.
Best back button turorial I've seen. Love the humor, too.
Ive also watched a lot of videos about BBF since I encountered this concept in various online fora and this one easily is the clearest explanation.
thank you for the video.
Thanks for this video! I have been reading SO much about this and watching you actually take the photo was what made it click for me.
Thanks Hilary, glad you liked it.
"...and then you may lose the will to live." Haha! Great informative video, but the real treat in watching your stuff is the buried throwaway lines. You're a very funny guy. Keep it up. Thanks.
I have watched several videos on back button focus. This is by far the best. I finally understand not just how but why to use it. Thanks for the great video.
Very nice of you to say, thank you.
By far the best explanation for the use of the back button focusing on TH-cam. Thank you Bernie!
Thanks Adam, nice of you to say.
That's the best explanation I've heard so far of how back button focus works. Thank you Bernie!
Thanks Evtim.
Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I could never remember if I hold the button down or release when focusing, but now I understand. I am definitely going to use this method of focusing from now on.
Thank you Bernie for sharing this, and it was indeed the best video on the subject, especially the part where you explain the exact relation between the "auto-focus button" and the "auto-focus mode". One of the reasons I could get my head around this is that you just sat there calmly and talked through the complete topic. I live in Sydney(Australia) but if I ever get to meet you and have a couple of beers, I"ll talk about how these "youtubers" today jump around with their recording camera and just touch the surface of everything they want to make a video about. Cheers!
Hi Zahreela, thanks for the nice words. Yes, I’m not keen myself on all of the various histrionics and long intros from other TH-camrs, so I know what you mean. Glad you enjoyed the video and I’ll hold you to those beers should we ever meet (admittedly not very likely!!)
I was fortunate enough to begin with BBF and now traditional focusing is odd for me. Glad I leaned it backwards the way all beginners should. You'll save a lot of time not relearning something you should have learned the 1st time... hope that makes enough sense. lol
Wow. Looking at this a few years later from when I initially saw it, this is STILL the absolute best video on Backbutton Focusing!
Thank goodness, a bbf tutorial I finally fully understand without additional follow-up questions. Thank you!
Bernie, thank you. Everyone else on you tube tried to get me to change to bbf, but i never really got it till now. Now,it's all clear as the proverbial bell.
I 've been trying to understand all this issues for a while, because they are a bit complex. But this video turns out to be the most educational 8at least for me). Thanks a lot!
I don't personally use to comment on videos but this one is excellent and beside very useful subject, all is explained remarkably well and with allot of good humor.
Just came across this video and it really helped a lot. I've been using BBF for the past year based on a recommendation from a friend who has been giving me lessons. Since I leaned this technique early on, I feel completely comfortable using it but had a lot of questions. This answered all my questions, especially concerning how it works with One Shot and AI Servo. Thanks!
Extremely informative, explained in an very easy way with a touch of tasteful humour. You, sir, are amazing!
Mayank Kumar Gupta thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it and found it useful
all this time i was confused about back button focusing, but after watching your video my doubt have cleared. thanks
Of the videos I've viewed about "back button focusing", this is one of the most helpful explanations. In particular, the "beep" doesn't sound. I had been trying to figure why I had no "beep". Also, the messages displayed on-screen reinforced the point/s made.
I subscribed!
Peter C Thompson Thanks Peter, glad you liked it, yes shame about the missing 'beep'!!
This video was most useful on the topic of back button focusing.
abhishek deepak Thank you, glad you liked it.
While searching on youtube about the BB focusing I realized that I can't do it on my D3100( I can do it only by holding the BB button pressed).The way you explained it made all my questions clear...especially the thing about keeping the focus mode on AF-C and holding or keeping the button depending on the subject...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! I believe it will be perfect on my (hopefully) new D610...:-)
This could be the best video on this topic. Thanks so much
Thanks SImon, nice of you to say.
Best explanation of Back Button Focusing I've ever seen. I do many researches about BBF and I still have question left in my mind. "What focusing mode will I use in BBF?" and the last part of your video explained that very clearly. Thank you so much for this video. Cheers! 😊
Excellent video. Like others who have commented, this video finally clearly conveyed the intriguing "back button focus" method I had studied thoroughly & wished to implement, but was still uncertain & unclear on the steps & settings.
Thanks, glad you found it useful
Bernie
After years of struggling with feature I now finally understand how to use it! Great video!
Thanks, glad you liked it.
I've been searching around for a good explanation of the BB focusing. This is by far the best one. Thank you for clearly explaining that you need to keep it on AF-C. Makes sense now!
That's the clearest explanation I've heard. Thanks a lot.
Thank you
Simple and precise explanation BB Focusing..........Well done Mr Bernie........!
Thank you Mr Bob Lee
BEST explanation of all the You Tube tutorials on this subject.
First time I understud how I use the bbf. Best explained video about BBF I habe seen on the net so far. Thanks :)
Another advantage is that you can use manual focus too if you like, and don't need to switch modes! Awesome video!
This is the first time someone has made sense as to why should use bbf. I think I'm going to change my settings and try it out now! Thanks!
Thanks, yes I tried to break down and to kind of categorise the benefits of Back Button Focusing, so really pleased that you appreciated that. Cheers, Bernie
Thanks a lot, Bernie! I've watched a couple of videos and read a few articles on this subject, but your video was the only one that gave me the light bulb.
+Bush Dao-aroonkiet Thanks, really appreciate the comment.
The best version that explains the back button focus.
Thanks very much
Thanks for the explanation! Might not be the most "fancy" video... But for sure the most clearly explained I've seen so far!
The most useful video for back button focus use !!!!
Multitudes of gratitudes sir. Well done.
Liked and subbed.
Thanks Jay
That is one of the best explanations of the back button focus button I have come across. I have a Canon 50D and the instruction booklet that came with it was hard to understand, you cleared it up. Thank you.
Thanks
Thank you from Canada! Good explanation indeed, as I've been using this method for 3 years now, and it's easily now second nature!
As usual, there is not a day that goes by that I do not learn something. This was an excellent video and after finding out about back focusing, it just feels natural to me and is going to make shooting all that much more a Joy. Thank you very much!
Thanks David, glad you liked it.
Cheers, Bernie
After watching 3-4 videos i finally found yours and got my head around BBF ☺. Awesome.... thanks Bernie :D
Hi Casper, no problem, glad you liked the video, thanks for the comments
I watched a lot of banc button focusing, this is the best. Moved to it.
Thank you Bernie! You are the only one who answered my question about not being able to hear the Beep while in AF-C mode. I was about to send my camera in for repair. Doesn't look like it's necessary now.
Rachel Garafola Heh heh! I once sent in my D7100 camera because there was no beep. It came back 'Normal operation', it was then I discovered I needed hearing aids!!
thankyou so much Bernie. i had some doubts regarding back button focusing, but the way you explained each and every point, it cleared all my doubts. Not even a single point is missed in this presentation. i really liked the way you did that.
love from INDIA
Hi Amit, thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed the tips. Bernie
wow! I had seen several videos about back button focusing. Never undertos clearly. I just watched your video and it IS GREAT! I will definitly change to this mode. THANK YOU Bernie for you explanation! Appreciate it! Greeteing from MExico
Reyes Mm Thanks Reyes, glad you liked it.
Best bbf video ive watched so far. Definitely have a much better understanding of it after watching this video!
Thanks a lot mr Raffe, your explanation is clearly the best I could find on the subject!
Thanks Barry, nice of you to say.
watching very much videos but after yours, i now understand the advantages of bb focusing. thank you very much.
Thank you BR! This is the most comprehensive and understandable explanation of BBAF I have found! Cheers from the Eastern US!
Thanks Wayne
i have been using back button for focusing but had problems when subjects was in motion, will try again after this great explanation
Thanks Ruben, just put the camera into continuous focusing mode (AF-C for Nikon, AI-Servo Canon), and keep finger on the back button. Good luck!
OK. Finally I understand the difference! Great explanation. Thank You Bernie.
nice one. very detailed discussion about back button focusing not just for Nikon but also for Canon users like me.
Thanks, glad you liked it. It's definitely worthwhile making the effort to try it out, and it doesn't take too long before it becomes second nature.
Thank you for the info, I will force my self to get used to this method of focusing since I can now see all the great benefits.
Thank you very much B.R.!
Now, I have a much better understanding of the AE-L/AF-L Back-Button...
My Macro shots and my Portrait shots should improve greatly from blurs by knowing how to apply the Back-Button method. I have re-configured both my NIKON cameras in your honor... And you are right. It's going to take a little getting used to that.
Cheers!
FANTASTIC! early days for me right now Bernie, this was extremely helpful indeed. Thank you
You're welcome!
What luck. Was just working with my Nikon and had a question about how to perform continuous focusing (I've been using BBF for years). Duh, HOLD the button down! Thanks, Bernie. Well done as always.
Hello ! I have a little difficulty understanding English. But I understood most of it. I'll start practicing these tips, thank you !!!
Greetings from Brazil !
Thanks Bernie ... I'd never thought about this technique before and will now give it a try on my D7000
Superb video explanation! Finally understood the function of that button :)
Great instructive video. Thank you very much. Now the mystery of back button focus is solved!!!
Thanks Bernie. your explanation of the benefits was really clear so I am going to give this a go today.
Best explanation EVER! Love your sense of humor too! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to start using back button focus! 😊
Hi Karina, thanks, nice of you to say, glad you liked it.
Excellent presentation of the subject. Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to record this, best tutorial Ive seen.
Best Video on that Topic so far.
Thanks, nice of you to say.
Best explanation I have seen on this muddy subject, Thanks!.
Oscar Bretana Thank you Oscar.
Excellent explanation...concise, but thorough.
Excelent explanation! When I get home im gonna set this option and start using it! Thank you so much!
Cheers Bernie , great video and explained very well , i use this all the time now and its made life so much easier in my opinion
Brilliant video, well explained! Before watching, I couldn't grasp why you would have your camera in AI Servo (I use a Canon) all the time when using bbf, but your video lifted the veil and I saw the light, especially when you said there was no assuring 'beep' of focus on the Nikon because the Canon doesn't have it either!
I've been using the bbf now for about a week and I couldn't go back to the half shutter press method!
Thanks again for a great video and in depth explanation!
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for the kind words, glad the video was of a help to you.
Regards, Bernie
Thanks Bernie,...thoroughly enjoyed this. I want to move to back button focus as a couple of friends use it...I did try it but could not come to terms with it.
I now realise I ned to persevere and this video has helped me understand that...much appreciated...
Ray Guselli
Thanks Ray, yes it can take a while to get used to, but do persevere, it will pay off.
Cheers,
Bernie
Best explanation so far, well done, Sir !!
Hey Bernie - Great video. You answered all of the questions I had concerning the functionality of the Back Button Focus and especially using it while in AF-C. Awesome! Thank you for clearing that up for me! ~ Cheers!
Randy Lubischer My pleasure Randy, glad you liked it.
Very clearly explained. And a great sense of humour as well.
Thanks Mubashir
Thank you for an amazingly easy to follow and entertaining video.
Thank you very much, I have tried this once but you have convinced me to try again. I will spend a day trying to get used to this as it seems to have so many benefits. Your video was great mad me smile at the end. Thanks again
Hi Collette, glad you liked the video, persevere with Back Button focusing, after a while it becomes second nature, but it does take a little getting used to, worth it in the end though
i will Bernie, thanks again
Finally understood it !! Thanks. Best explanation.
Very good explanation of back button focusing! Thank you!
Thank you so much. You explained everything I was looking for and I cannot wait to begin trying the BBF on my Tennis shots next week. Keep up the good work :)
No problem, thanks for your comments
This was the BEST video I have seen on the topic! Thanks!
Madison Dresser Thanks Madison, nice of you to say!
The best explanation for Back button focusing. Thx a lot.
Adelbert Rappange Thanks, nice of you to say.
This is exactly what I am looking for our Tennis Team
Thanks so much. One of the best vids i've seen on explaining BBF
An additional advantage of back button focusing is that you increase the number of pictures taken per second since the shutter release button doesn't need to confirm focus before each single shot.
Awesome video. Please upload more of these!
Thanks, I have a complete 'course' of over 70 videos here:- www.becomeabetterphotographer.co.uk
Very well done video. Explained concisely 👍 Thanks.
Thanks Rossco.
Very clear and precise explanation.
Thank you very much. This video was very informative and clarified all my doubts.
Many thanks ! Very good and informative explanation ! Very clear and pedagogic ! 😀
Finally ... I get it. Thumbs up. Thank you.