BACK-BUTTON FOCUS DEMYSTIFIED: Learn why back-button focus is great for photographers!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
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Back-button focus is very popular amongst advanced photographers, especially wildlife, bird, and sports photographers, and there are good reasons why. Separating the focus mechanism from the shutter allows for much more control and flexibility in many situations. Let me take you through how it works, situations where it can be helpful, and even how to set it up on my Canon 7D II, R5 and R6. I'll even show you how to set up 2 back buttons for an always-ready action setting!
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Let me know if you got this to work on your camera, and what model it was. Viewers would like to know I’m sure!
Can't cope with it for sports, tried it and gave it up as a bad job.
Assigning the 2nd button for facial AF does work. Now I can decide on the fly which one to use at any given moment, although I'm still new to my R6 and not sur how much I'll use the facial recognition AF.
Little Eos 200d here and only took up photography 4 yrs ago this coming January and within 3 months i had bbf set up and had been on a huge fast track of learning through channels like yours, and a very well known Aussie V8 supercar racing driver whose wife is a photographer and Canon ambassador was blown away that i had learnt so much so fast while discussing photography 1 night on twitter messenger which started after she messaged asking about learning nightscape photography. Best thing i found was being able to then meter where you want, instead of where you focus as happens when both are tied to the shutter button although it can have focus only for shutter and use the bb as metering but i definitely find it better the more common way.
Sorry, Canon R5. It is working great! I’ve also gone to Auto ISO and changed the top dual from ISO to exposure compensation.
Sony A1
Having watched countless hours of videos by many of the most popular photography tutorial producers on youtube, I would say yours are consistently among the most clear, well-organized, detailed and helpful.This is another gem. Thanks!
Wow, thanks!
I also am so glad I found Simon’s channel as he is great in explaining things!
Completely agree! And I love using back button focus.
@@simon_dentremontagreed there is something special about your presentation 😊 it's very calming and full of knowledge
Absolutely! This channel is amazing.
Even though I know all the things he's explaining since I've been shooting for a while it's still a joy to watch because the videos are so incredibly well made
You are simply the best presenter on photographic topics Simon. No fluff or gimmicky style.
This man single handedly improved my knowledge two-fold in two weeks and about 15 videos!
Amazing approach of practically showing how to set options and what is their purpose.
Amazing ! Keep up the good work, Simon
Great!
same! he's the best!!
Your videos are like nobody else’s on TH-cam!! I’ve watched so many back button focus videos and got so lost in technical details that I never even made it to set up. Now, after watching yours, I’ve just set back button focus on my camera and it’s going to be life changing! I’m very excited to use it from now on, thank you! Your videos are always so perfectly explained, you have the gift of teaching and encouraging as well as your photography talents.
Thanks very much!
@simon_dentremont I did set AF ON long ago after hearing about it (initially I thought what a ridiculous idea lol then did it. Then put camera down. Picked it up some years later thinking wtf isn't it focusing 😅😅😂
Then remembered the af on button. Really good info.
You know that I’ve been using back focus with my Sony cameras and never realized I could focus then release and my subject stays in focus. Just tried it and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Definitely one of the best instructors on TH-cam. Clear, concise, loads of examples, well considered reasons. Just amazing. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
I just gasped in amazement when you showed back button focus on the bird at the 3 minute mark. I had no idea this was how it works. I've leared so much from you in just a few videos. You are the Gold Standard for youtube tutorial videos!
Thanks Simon for your excellent explanation. I've watched several videos on this subject. But your the first to explain it properly. Big thanks.
Dave
This is proof that most cameras are better than most photographers. Amazing video and excellent explanations. Thanks Simon.
I know my cameras are smarter than me. Frustrating.
Had a good friend who passed away a few years ago. Excellent photographer. Right up until he died he shot with a thirty some odd year old film camera and got beautiful results. I asked him why he didn't update his camera. His answer was that, "Photographers change cameras more often than they change their underwear! They never come close to learning the capabilities of any of them! I, on the other hand, know this camera better than I know my wife!" His pictures showed that there was indeed a marvelous relationship!
With all things there’s Good and bad points associated with them.
Shutter-button focus has some limitations and disadvantages that may affect your image quality or creativity. For instance, you may lose focus when you release the shutter button halfway or when your subject moves or changes distance, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus shots. Additionally, you may refocus unintentionally when you press the shutter button again or when something comes between you and your subject, which may ruin your composition or focus on the wrong thing. Furthermore, you may have to turn off the autofocus system to use manual focus, which can slow you down or make you miss the shot. You may also have to change your camera settings to switch between continuous and single autofocus modes, making it inconvenient or confusing.
Back-button focus has some drawbacks, which may take time and practice to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to shutter-button focus. You may forget to press the back button or press it when it's not necessary, resulting in out-of-focus shots. It may also be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use depending on the camera model and grip, as you may have to stretch your thumb or change your hand position to reach the back button. Furthermore, back-button focus may not work well with some camera features or modes, such as face detection, eye autofocus, or touch shutter; you may need to disable or adjust these settings for effective use.
Use anything that makes photography fun and easy for you. We are all different, I have worked for nearly half a century in photography field, even before all this b.b.f.,auto focusing Era. I have seen things come and go. For me b.b.f. is not something I embrace. Much like auto shutter,aperture or programmed control.
I like doing things myself. I personally know how to control most situations over an automated feature on a camera. With three clicks ot top dial or three clicks of my rear thumb dial, I can change in an instant one full stop either plus or minus. Todays metering is not always perfect. More often, they are wrong. And customisable rear buttons have many other uses I prefer over focus control.
Remember, one simple thing, your camera is not smarter than you. When you point your camera, let's say at a black subject, you know it's black. Your camera sees it as an 18%;grey,and the camera will lighten that to read as a grey subject. And a white subject the camera will darken to a grey.
Knowing this, I know my cameras faults.
I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters, short comings.
And by:
Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey.
Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey.
Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features.
It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light.
And with todays mirrorless R5, a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder, making this easier than ever.
Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon.
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase"
This is the first time someone has explained in a practical way. I have seen numerous videos on this, but they never actually show how you are supposed to use it.
Glad it helped!
Such a clear explanation of the technique
I love how CUTE your Bird-Model-Subject is at 3:15 that long chirp is pure gold for my ears and heartwarming, don't know why :)
Another advantage of back-button focus is that you always can adjust your focus manually without switching the lens to manual focus. Great for fine tuning or adjustments without changing the composition.
Finally a video that makes back-button focus make sense to me. Thank you very much!
Glad it helped!
I've always heard it's a good thing and basically mandatory to enable it, but nobody ever told me why and my skepticism won so I never enabled it, thank you for actually explaining why it's good
Wow! I mean WOW!!! Thank you Simon for this wonderful instructions. I recently moved from Pentax and its rather rudimentary AF system to the Canon R5, which serves as a FF and a 1.6 crop with a lifespan of 500,000 actuations!!! (Will be dead before I reach that number LOL). I am very used to employing the AF back button, like I did on the K-3 III, but having a second AF + Settings button is simply phenomenal, a lmost a miracle. No more missed BIF's LOL. Will take me a while to get used to the * button, but surely will get there. Awesome tutorial video. Much gratitude, and my warmest regards! 🙏🙏🙏😊
I have been using youtube for more than 10 years and I have never been so mystified by the content from a youtuber like this before! I cant put in words how glad i am to have found your channel! incredible content, really helpful and thorough, please never stop! big fan!
Wow, thank you!
You're stealing the words from my mouth, exact same impression for me!
@@pimo01 Merci Pierre!
Thanks
About time someone explains back button focusing
i have learned a lot from your video regarding photography.. THank you Sir from Manila Philippines
How have I not had this explained to me in such a manner before?! This solves soo many situations I've been in recently where I got frustrated with extra effort it took to get some pretty simple shots of butterflies in the grass, or bluetits in birch trees, for instance. Thank you so much! This clicked immediately for me, now I just got to get used to it in practice! :)
So happy to hear it helped you. Go get ‘em!
Great video! You have a natural way of giving clear explanations, and also why we would want to do it rather than just how to do it. Looking forward to the next video!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks Arthur!
Thanks for the info Simon. I've got an old Canon 450D and usually use AV for still life images. For the longest time I wondered why auto focus didn't work in AV mode. Now I know that I can press the BBF button to focus. Although weirdly the BBF doesn't actually focus, but now allows the shutter release to focus as per normal. Cheers.
I appreciate your descriptions of how things work. Many thanks!
This video was very helpful. I had heard of backbutton focus. Even seen other information on how to set it. What I was missing was a clear explanation on how to use it. I am looking forwards to giving it a try. 🙂
Amazing, this is the first video (of many!) that I’ve watched which actually shows you back button focus scenarios in action - rather trying to explain it in words. At long last, I get it!
Excellent!
Just watched this almost year old video. You're definitely more engaging in the newer videos. Keep up the great work! This beats reading about those buttons in my manual.
I watch all your videos for fun even if they don’t apply to me but I’m revisiting this to setup back button focus on my new canon 70d!!! Waiting on my 55-250mm is stm lens and I’m happy to jump back into DSLRs after awhile with a bridge camera! Hoping to move to mirrorless this fall!
Man, i laughed out loud when, having melted my tiny brain, you cracked a smile and said 'At first, this won't be intuitive'. True that. Back i go to my Pentax and Olympus manuals to try and work this mumbo-jumbo out. Cheers for furthering my education, yet again.
Probably the clearest summary of back button focus I have heard….thank you!!
You are welcome!
For the first time since I started getting serious about my photography hobby, I understand the back button focus functions. I don’t know what you said differently or what I heard differently than I have in the last five years but thank you so much, it all makes sense now!
Glad it was helpful!
any body can set it up but you are the only one I know of that explained it and I was able to use it properly thanks a million
The back button is extremely useful and I have been using it for almost 3 years now. I have a Sony 7RV.
I never understood this until now, THANK YOU Simon! This video is so helpful and soooooo easy to understand, I just tried these tricks out and THEY WORK so well. Thanks again!
Happy to help! Excellent!
This was very helpful! You’re a good teacher.
I'm so glad!
Watched again. I set up 3 back buttons. One small zone, one eye tracking and one wide zone. Seems to work well as long as I use the right button. Thanks again!
You are a GOD SEND SIR!!
Glad to help
This explanation of the usage of back-button focus was amazing. For some reason I never understood why you would do this, but it's so practical. Awesome explanation and examples!
I switched to back button focus within the last 10 months. Best thing I ever did in regards to the simple things of photography.
Excellent!
Same. No regrets. 👍😁
Excellent video explaining the why behind the back button focus using practical examples. Having watched multiple videos prior to this was still confused and this video cleared it all. Great job explaining this.
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you! Been struggling with AF and missing focus so many times....even with BBF ..your videos have helped me get an alternative..
Happy to help!
Hi Simon, thank you for the knowledge of how to properly use the af back button. I have been having difficulties with using this button in the past. You really save my day.
Instructional clarity. To the point. Well paced. Yours are among the very best how-to photo videos I've come across on TH-cam. Well done.
Wow, thanks!
Simon can make better canon cameras than canon itself ...great knowledge .
This was awesome! I have worked way too hard not using that button. I have finally gotten things going very well but it was really tough because birds would stay behind a branch! I took alot of pics and found several that focused on the entire bird. I figured there has got to be a better way! This is totally it! I have been angle shooting and all kinds of things to get focused birds. My best birds lately have been Ravens! They sat still for me and I took very clear pics of them. When one flew unexpectedly, I managed to get a clear shot of with fully outstretched wings in such a perfect angle and it was crystal clear which I realize was on the same plane as my last shot! Using my hand holding only so far. I will start using that back button with my Nikon D5300 on a tripod tomorrow. I will come back and comment again.
Great tips
An amazingly clear explanation of the uses of the back-button focus. Thank you!
Thanks Simon! This is the best practical use of back button focus that I have ever seen! Wonderful Explanation!
Thank you, great tips 👌Greetings from Western Australia
By far, the best explanation of back button focus I've ever seen.
I recently found your chanel and the way you explain things seems to make sense to me. I've subscribed and now going over each of your video with an intent to go back and review them again. I just wanted to thank you for putting all of the efforts to create and produce these videos, they are very helpful to someone like myself who is starting to learn photography. Thnak you
Welcome aboard!
This video is a game changer for me. I was always frustrated that I only had centre focus when I have an extender on my 400mm lens. Thank you so much for all these great videos. I love your photography work.
Glad it was helpful!
Oh Simon! My photography brain grew three sizes today, thank you!
Thank you for the video, remapping the buttons really helped me. Now the camera and I don’t fight as much!!!😂
Brilliant ... this has been driving me crazy as a new photographer when even the simplest and smallest movement was shifting focus ... infuriating. Thank you for such an easy to follow explanation Simon .. Mike
whenever I need to take a picture of this kind what I do is, I focus the object I want, then I put the focus in manual and it's solved.
Even tho I practice as hobbyist photographer for quite some years... in these 2 weeks since I discovered your channel I learned and comprehended concepts that I struggled before to put in practice. Your tutorials are so well explained and in a manner that the information is easy to assimilate. I feel like I am starting a new journey with better perspectives in photography.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Truly a world class pro-tip; this channel is amazing.
I spent 2 years in college and no one ever taught me. This! Thank you, thank you. Thank you are definitely getting a new subscriber today.❤
Welcome aboard!
Loved this video maybe best of all the videos I’ve seen on this subject. I would REALLY APPRECIATE if you would do a separate one specifically on how you completely customized each and every button of your R5. I have both an R5 and R3, and the R3 is really challenging to understand how eye tracking integrates with all these custom button settings. Thank you!
When a friend gets a new camera, this is the #1 trick I teach them right away! When you are in control of your focus, you master the camera to another level and the work improves right away!
Right!
Thanks Maestro, the 'emergency' button option is a real winner. 10/10.
Glad you like it!
Thank you for explaining about taking your thumb off the focus button! I have always kept my thumb on it and have had issues!
Yet another extremely useful and informative video with great examples. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I've now watched several of his videos and I'm very impressed. He's very clear and helpful. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! I decided to set my AF on button to eye focus, and my * button to area focus. When I see a distant raptor in a tall pine, I can quickly hit the star to grab onto the tree, and then AF on hones in on the eye of my subject. It’s been a game changer for me. Really appreciate your input. Consistently ups my game.
Thank you for this video. I have watched many videos instructing about back button focusing, finally I get it, understand it from this video. Thank you 🙏
My camera is D7200 with lenses:
sigma 18-35 f1.8
Tamron 16 -300 f3.5 - f6.3
Sigma 10-20 f3.5
Nikkor 50 f1.8g
Do you have the very basic video regarding all these numbers on the lense?
This was an outstanding informative video. I learned so much more about how to set my R6 back buttons than on other clips!
Glad it helped!
Thanks so much for your clear description. Despite not using Canon, I now feel that I better understand what this is all about.😊
Glad it was helpful!
Genius. No need to fiddle with the flexible spot in this case. Wonderful.
I have a Canon EOS 5d Markiii.
Turns out I have a back button auto focus button on this damn thing. I photograph a lot of concerts so this is going to be a game changer.
Thanks, Simon!
Hello Simon... just found your site and am thoroughly impressed with your art and the knowledge you share. I subscribed right away. Thank you so very much. Best to you and your circle of influence in 2023. Stay healthy everyone.
Thanks very much!
That was awesome. I've used back button focusing before but didn't realise just how useful it is. I've set up the 2nd one as well and will give it a try. Thank you for an informative and detailed tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
You have explained this so simple!!!! I appreciate your videos. Truly the best.
Glad it was helpful!
i love this video, exactly where i was on my journey and it just popped up, explaining it all
My wildlife and bird photography with the D850 became more fluid when I switched to BBF years ago after watching Steve Perry's videos. It's great for moving kids and also for recomposing as you suggested. Whenever someone hands me their camera to take a shot of them it feels restrictive when I realize it's focusing with the shutter button. Great information Simon!
Thanks Jim!
This is quick to set up on my Nikon by re-assigning the AF/AE lock button. Breaking a years long habit and getting used to the new setup will take a little longer. This also helps with lenses that are a little slow to autofocus or are likely to "hunt" through their entire focus range like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro.
Great, as usual!!
Excellent video, thank you
That's a great explanation Simon, and congrats for applying the concept to multiple brands at once !
While I was still using my 70D, I tried BBF but never liked it. Last fall I switched to the R6, and now I just love the dual BBF. Compared to you, I have swapped both buttons, and on the button right of the *, I programmed the toggle between AF zones which can adapt the zone on which the *-AF is applied.
One of my concerns on the new R7 is that Canon placed the extra below the * instead on the right. And I strongly fear it might be tricky to train the dumb to distinguish between both buttons ..
Like you I'm using the 100-400Lii, but I'll need to train hard to ever come close to your truly awesome action shots !!
That’s great feedback. Thanks!
I used bbf for a year or so and never got used to it. Half press and recompose seems simpler , maybe because I shoot mostly static subjects.
Best video on TH-cam
Very kind!
Mind blown! Thank you Simon!
Are you reading from some script prompt as you make these, or are you actually this well-spoken, clear, concise and well-planned? So much information, presented with minimal dead space or wasted filler - amazing!
I use a teleprompter now, but back when I made this one, I had bullets points written and memorized and winged it!
What a breath of fresh air!
Love your content Simon - thanks for helping us learn and improve!
Exactly the info I need! Thank you!
thanks man I think its cause I shoot on single mode and thats why the whole picture is not in focus..
I know it sounds a little silly, but you not smiling at all makes you come across a bit intimidating.
I liked it more professional approach:)
The best explanation! Thank you!!!!🙏
Finally clear explanations!! thank you!!!
You're an awesome instructor. I have watched quite a few of your videos over the past 2 weeks and really appreciate them. What I like most is that you physically/visually demonstrate every key point you make. I also love that you don't assume everyone watching your videos is a professional photographer or someone that can read your mind. I'm staying subscribed forever.
Welcome to the group!
Really glad that your channel appeared in my feed. Your videos are amazing, they're clear and concise, informative, with good examples... I hope you will continue.
For a french speaking person like me, you’re the best for clear explanation.
de rien! Merci!
Game changer. Thank you
Thank U So Much. Its Helpful To Me
Watched this for many times, really helpful. Thank you!
Whoa - totally new data! Will try this weekend. I had never heard of this - but sure could have used it!
Have fun!
Thank you!
Video so very helpful, used canon R5 and is great. I have been using back button focus but now set up * button
I really enjoy your videos! My photos are getting better thanks to you!
Excellent explanation. Cleared up a lot of questions. Thanks.
For the longest I stayed away from back button focusing. That's when I had my D7200. When I upgraded to my D850, I kept messing up shots with the shutter button because I would hold it down at the wrong time. And I was getting in the picture more often, so whenever someone would use my camera, they'd mess up too because they'd just press the button. After I got my D850, I got tired of missing shots and/or explaining "You just press this button halfway down...". Now, I can stay focused on a moving object without having to worry about pressing too hard on the shutter, and it's easy to tell people "Point the camera at us, hold THIS button down and then click." I still use my D7200, so I switched it to back button focusing also. :)