This video covers everything I wanted to know about back button focus including when to keep holding it down and when to release it. Thanks for the video!
Great video. I’m a late convert to digital and until a couple of years - only shot manually with film. When I first started shooting digital I hated the shutter/focus combination. But with BBF, it’s just like the process I used with manual focusing film cameras. BBF is all I use - thank you for your video.
Yes I use dual BBF for birds and sports . If the birds are small or on a cluttered background then a small centre point focus can be used when the eye/ animal tracking fails to lock on. At football with a few players in the viewfinder often the closest face is locked onto, I use the other button to focus on the player I want. It took me a few weeks to get used to but you are right Rob , it's the way to go.
Hi Rob I always use BBF, I used to shoot Basketball using the shutter button, then I started using BBF and I now use it for everything, sports, portraits. For me I find it works really well and you say it’s not for everyone. Thanks for sharing, Mark from Australia👍👍👍😃😃😃
Thx for the video. I have 2 back button focus options. One single point and one eye focus. I need both. I was shooting a softball game Friday and I used eye focus for the most part and it worked fine. I was shooting the batter. Once in a while the batter would turn away and my eye focus went right to a fan just left behind the batter. Once the batter turned back, the eye stayed on the fan. I then switch to single point on the batter and now eye is back. In the field, I used single point to be sure I was getting focus, since eye was not dependable when a fielder is running and turning etc... Take care.
I used to use back button autofocus this way, but I was was on it so much it left a dent in my thumb, lol. Now I use a registered autofocus function linked to the AF-ON button which puts it in single-point autofocus mode, and have the star button turn autofocus off entirely while I'm pressing it. That makes it easier for me to select a specific target when auto-subject tracking needs help and I can quickly switch to fully manual focus when I need it. When I want to stay locked on with autofocus, I just hold the shutter semi-pressed. I don't wait until something happens, and the shutter button has a larger surface area that makes it easier to hold semi-pressed. The added benefit is that it takes less movement to capture that exposure. It's absolutely personal preference and based on the capabilities of the camera though. This was another great video, thanks!
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
I See your point. I don't use BBF for two reasons: 1. I simply couldn't make the switch. Maybe I stopped trying too early 🙂 2. I use a back button to turn on eye AF (as long as I press it) on my R6s. This way I could use it to focus on players, when there aren't too many other people standing or running around them. I love eye AF (players, people around the pitch, managers etc.) and even use this method for other jobs. I want to keep single point AF (without eye AF) as my football default, 'cause this my only way to keep track in busy situations on the field.
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
BB has so much utility I could never go back. It’s like heal-toe shifting when driving manual-it’s just “the way” ..IMO. Even the best AF will struggle at times. I use it to prefocus, or when I finally grab focus in a tough situation and know that I cant risk trying the AF again when I pull the shutter. Im team Rob on this one
Back button focus is almost mandatory. Think about someone taking a corner or free kick in football… focus on the keeper and then let the button go… other players will run in front of the keeper but as the keeper dives out to save the shot you braaap! Job done.
Sorry, but a complete newbie question, When using your back button for focusing, do you still hold in the BBF button whilst you use your shutter? Many thanks.
Hi! as a hobby photographer not so experienced in sports photography I never thought about using BBF in conjunction with continuous focusing. I´ll practice it a bit and can't wait to try it in the field, as a friend just asked me if I would like to photograph him and his volleyball team during their next match.
It simply feels right for me using BBF on DSLR and dual BBF on mirrorless. When upgrading firmware I ran into problems with jumping focus points. Now on the latest fw it seems better on R6.
When shooting in low light conditions, BBF should come in handy. To help camera focus, shine a light on the subject, lock your focus using BBF, and then shoot.
Great video!! Question: You mentioned facial recognition software is better for taking a single person‘s photo - what about using facial recognition for a family portrait session?
I focus using the shutter and recompose all the time. When you say it is easier with the back button do you mean you can keep the focus after you take the photo? Rather than focus and recomposing again?
I take a lot of images at races (cross country and road races) and had just set up BBF on C1 with default options on C2. (Canon 90D). I use parkruns to check out equipment and settings, they don't allow watermarks etc. On the video you mention go try this.. parkruns are ideal to test your gear. My objective was 'how many pictures can I get where I can get some runners in focus in every frame' so I deliberately took a lot of pictures near the start. Used Servo AI, single spot focus, I fixed aperture at F10 as there was plenty of light and put camera on to 10fps. Of a total of 900 images I binned 4 because of blurred images / nothing in focus. I've got a few questions. Taking pictures in a massive group like this would you use servo AI or single shot? Reason for question is it felt like I was 'focussing on a location' and grabbing pictures when people became sharp. (Make sure your dioptre is absolutley right for you). In the start group I pressed the bf button maybe 20 times only. I found that swapping between C1 and C2 and back that the BF or default setting change didn't seem consistent. Perhaps user error :) Inthe video you mention something about setting up one of the other buttons. Can you explain? Here's my link to the galleries I've made at the parkrun, so you can see the improvement I've achieved with BBF. It's worth pointing out that on the earlier runs I was ditching between 10% and 30% ofimages for lost focus etc. also, I have deliberately not editted the images from April 8th. This really is a game changer. galleries.mikemcsharry.co.uk/p/62602mht/C385296026/victoria-park-run (I must take a look at my youtube profile name - I have no idea why it has called me that catchy little number)
so if I wanna shoot a moving motorcycle on the road, with BB and Servo, I need to hold pressed BB and just shoot shoot shoot? can I turn on Burst mode and hold it pressed too? thanks!
I use DBBF. For me I use AF 95% of the time. If I need to do something 95% of the time I'd prefer to press the button 5% of the time, so my BB is set up to cancel AF.
Back Button always... Bullshit There are two popular reasons for using back-button focus and the first is the belief that one button should have only one function. With the camera’s default programming, the shutter button has two primary tasks: autofocusing and releasing the shutter to take a picture. To some, this multi-tasking doesn’t sit well with how their brain is wired. Having two functions on a single button is viewed as overly complicating things, especially when the back of the camera is ripe with more buttons to be used in tandem. The result? The shutter button solely releases the shutter, and the AF-On button on the back of the camera solely activates autofocus. Why use two fingers to accomplish what can be done with one finger on the shutter release button. Panning and following a bird in flight is much harder using the bbf bullshit method. Used to be cameras didn't have enough coverage of focus points. So back button focus made more sense. Chances are today your subject will be covered by a focusing point. Todays modern cameras focusing system has so many points to rely on bbf isn't necessary. The second popular reason for using back-button focus is the ability to focus and recompose shots once without having to refocus again after the shutter is released. The side benefit is that the camera can act as if it’s in both AF-S or AF-C mode without changing settings. Holding down the AF-On button keeps the AF-C autofocus running, however by letting go and being able to recompose with no further focus movement when the shutter button is pressed, it’s as if the camera is in AF-S mode. The same results can be performed by simply programming the af/ on (back)button to momentarily stop focusing,and starting when released. Say a subject stops momentarily press af/on , hold , shoot . Then release when subject starts moving again easy peasy. Back buttons have so many more viable options that back button focusing primarily is a useless option. Turning on /off tracking, Turnings on/off eye detection, Turning on/off eye control on my Canon R3. And a host of other useful options. Why waste your time using bbf.
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
Is this recommended for taking video of sports too? I’m going to try recording lacrosse games with my R6 MII, but I also enjoy bird photography. I don’t want to have to keep switching settings?
This video covers everything I wanted to know about back button focus including when to keep holding it down and when to release it. Thanks for the video!
Great video. I’m a late convert to digital and until a couple of years - only shot manually with film. When I first started shooting digital I hated the shutter/focus combination. But with BBF, it’s just like the process I used with manual focusing film cameras. BBF is all I use - thank you for your video.
Yes I use dual BBF for birds and sports . If the birds are small or on a cluttered background then a small centre point focus can be used when the eye/ animal tracking fails to lock on. At football with a few players in the viewfinder often the closest face is locked onto, I use the other button to focus on the player I want. It took me a few weeks to get used to but you are right Rob , it's the way to go.
Hi Rob I always use BBF, I used to shoot Basketball using the shutter button, then I started using BBF and I now use it for everything, sports, portraits. For me I find it works really well and you say it’s not for everyone. Thanks for sharing, Mark from Australia👍👍👍😃😃😃
Nice one Mark
Thx for the video. I have 2 back button focus options. One single point and one eye focus. I need both. I was shooting a softball game Friday and I used eye focus for the most part and it worked fine. I was shooting the batter. Once in a while the batter would turn away and my eye focus went right to a fan just left behind the batter. Once the batter turned back, the eye stayed on the fan. I then switch to single point on the batter and now eye is back. In the field, I used single point to be sure I was getting focus, since eye was not dependable when a fielder is running and turning etc... Take care.
I have a very similar setup using the face detection focus on the * button
I used to use back button autofocus this way, but I was was on it so much it left a dent in my thumb, lol. Now I use a registered autofocus function linked to the AF-ON button which puts it in single-point autofocus mode, and have the star button turn autofocus off entirely while I'm pressing it. That makes it easier for me to select a specific target when auto-subject tracking needs help and I can quickly switch to fully manual focus when I need it. When I want to stay locked on with autofocus, I just hold the shutter semi-pressed. I don't wait until something happens, and the shutter button has a larger surface area that makes it easier to hold semi-pressed. The added benefit is that it takes less movement to capture that exposure. It's absolutely personal preference and based on the capabilities of the camera though. This was another great video, thanks!
Thanks for sharing your approach 👍
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
I See your point. I don't use BBF for two reasons:
1. I simply couldn't make the switch. Maybe I stopped trying too early 🙂
2. I use a back button to turn on eye AF (as long as I press it) on my R6s. This way I could use it to focus on players, when there aren't too many other people standing or running around them. I love eye AF (players, people around the pitch, managers etc.) and even use this method for other jobs. I want to keep single point AF (without eye AF) as my football default, 'cause this my only way to keep track in busy situations on the field.
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
So much of this is also how you shoot. I use Dual BBF that way between the two buttons you have all of the focus modes available for the camera.
Yeah very similar to what I do
Well explained !
BB has so much utility I could never go back. It’s like heal-toe shifting when driving manual-it’s just “the way” ..IMO. Even the best AF will struggle at times. I use it to prefocus, or when I finally grab focus in a tough situation and know that I cant risk trying the AF again when I pull the shutter. Im team Rob on this one
Using BBF since the 90‘s when shooting with my EOS-1N RS. Never went back.
Back button focus is almost mandatory. Think about someone taking a corner or free kick in football… focus on the keeper and then let the button go… other players will run in front of the keeper but as the keeper dives out to save the shot you braaap! Job done.
Sorry, but a complete newbie question, When using your back button for focusing, do you still hold in the BBF button whilst you use your shutter? Many thanks.
Hi! as a hobby photographer not so experienced in sports photography I never thought about using BBF in conjunction with continuous focusing. I´ll practice it a bit and can't wait to try it in the field, as a friend just asked me if I would like to photograph him and his volleyball team during their next match.
Been using back button focus on all my cameras since I bought a 550d brand new. Now using an R6 and R5 use dual back button focus on both.
It simply feels right for me using BBF on DSLR and dual BBF on mirrorless. When upgrading firmware I ran into problems with jumping focus points.
Now on the latest fw it seems better on R6.
When shooting in low light conditions, BBF should come in handy. To help camera focus, shine a light on the subject, lock your focus using BBF, and then shoot.
Good point absolutely
Thanks Rob, great video. I shoot aviation and my keeper rate went up significantly when I switched to back button focus. I highly recommend it.
Cheers Ray
Great Video. Would you be able to do a video on BBF for a R6 , mark2 or R5 .
On how to set it up on the camera.
Thanks again.
Great video!! Question: You mentioned facial recognition software is better for taking a single person‘s photo - what about using facial recognition for a family portrait session?
I focus using the shutter and recompose all the time. When you say it is easier with the back button do you mean you can keep the focus after you take the photo? Rather than focus and recomposing again?
There are so many AF options … which one is best for sports
I take a lot of images at races (cross country and road races) and had just set up BBF on C1 with default options on C2. (Canon 90D).
I use parkruns to check out equipment and settings, they don't allow watermarks etc.
On the video you mention go try this.. parkruns are ideal to test your gear.
My objective was 'how many pictures can I get where I can get some runners in focus in every frame' so I deliberately took a lot of pictures near the start. Used Servo AI, single spot focus, I fixed aperture at F10 as there was plenty of light and put camera on to 10fps.
Of a total of 900 images I binned 4 because of blurred images / nothing in focus.
I've got a few questions.
Taking pictures in a massive group like this would you use servo AI or single shot? Reason for question is it felt like I was 'focussing on a location' and grabbing pictures when people became sharp. (Make sure your dioptre is absolutley right for you). In the start group I pressed the bf button maybe 20 times only.
I found that swapping between C1 and C2 and back that the BF or default setting change didn't seem consistent. Perhaps user error :)
Inthe video you mention something about setting up one of the other buttons. Can you explain?
Here's my link to the galleries I've made at the parkrun, so you can see the improvement I've achieved with BBF.
It's worth pointing out that on the earlier runs I was ditching between 10% and 30% ofimages for lost focus etc. also, I have deliberately not editted the images from April 8th.
This really is a game changer.
galleries.mikemcsharry.co.uk/p/62602mht/C385296026/victoria-park-run
(I must take a look at my youtube profile name - I have no idea why it has called me that catchy little number)
so if I wanna shoot a moving motorcycle on the road, with BB and Servo, I need to hold pressed BB and just shoot shoot shoot? can I turn on Burst mode and hold it pressed too? thanks!
I use DBBF. For me I use AF 95% of the time. If I need to do something 95% of the time I'd prefer to press the button 5% of the time, so my BB is set up to cancel AF.
I'll definitely give it a try.
See what you think
Back Button always... Bullshit
There are two popular reasons for using back-button focus and the first is the belief that one button should have only one function. With the camera’s default programming, the shutter button has two primary tasks: autofocusing and releasing the shutter to take a picture. To some, this multi-tasking doesn’t sit well with how their brain is wired. Having two functions on a single button is viewed as overly complicating things, especially when the back of the camera is ripe with more buttons to be used in tandem. The result? The shutter button solely releases the shutter, and the AF-On button on the back of the camera solely activates autofocus.
Why use two fingers to accomplish what can be done with one finger on the shutter release button.
Panning and following a bird in flight is much harder using the bbf bullshit method.
Used to be cameras didn't have enough coverage of focus points. So back button focus made more sense. Chances are today your subject will be covered by a focusing point.
Todays modern cameras focusing system has so many points to rely on bbf isn't necessary.
The second popular reason for using back-button focus is the ability to focus and recompose shots once without having to refocus again after the shutter is released. The side benefit is that the camera can act as if it’s in both AF-S or AF-C mode without changing settings. Holding down the AF-On button keeps the AF-C autofocus running, however by letting go and being able to recompose with no further focus movement when the shutter button is pressed, it’s as if the camera is in AF-S mode.
The same results can be performed by simply programming the af/ on (back)button to momentarily stop focusing,and starting when released. Say a subject stops momentarily press af/on , hold , shoot .
Then release when subject starts moving again easy peasy.
Back buttons have so many more viable options that back button focusing primarily is a useless option.
Turning on /off tracking, Turnings on/off eye detection, Turning on/off eye control on my Canon R3. And a host of other useful options.
Why waste your time using bbf.
I agree totally. Especially with so many increased AF points and modes to lock on and follow your subject. Why use 2 buttons to do what one button can without shuffling around, recomposing and pressing the AF on or off using BBF? And the crazy thing is, for the most part, you're still holding a focus button it's now the back one instead of the shutter. With my AF Continuous Motion Lock On, I'm locked onto the subject no matter where it moves or what else comes into the frame or across it instead of waiting for the out of focus second object to clear. And to me, the simplicity of using one button always beats having to use two.
How is it possible to use the focus and recompose technique with AF-C (AI servo)?.. 🤔
I shoot beach volley and dont like BFF, but i dont use the viewfinder to shoot
Is this recommended for taking video of sports too? I’m going to try recording lacrosse games with my R6 MII, but I also enjoy bird photography. I don’t want to have to keep switching settings?
I still use back button focus for my videos yes
I didn’t use BBF until about 2 months ago. And it’s what I was missing. I’ll never go back
Hey Rob have you got your r7 yet ?
nice
What is the gentleman's name you mentioned? Mark something
Some dodgy guy called @markkerton 😉
@@RobSambles Thank you!
I didn't realize that I should be holding the button in the whole time. I shoot sports and always looking for the perfect shot.
You only hold it when you want to track focus
@@RobSambles , thanks as I tried holding it today at a few games and realized that’s not what you meant.