Why I use Back Button Focus | Tips for IMPROVING your Landscape Photography

[@paulgooch1524]

The number of times when I would setup a shot, autofocus put the screw on 10 stop filter and forget to switch to manual focus was unbelievable! I found an article on BBF and decided to give it a go, it became second nature very quickly and I've never looked back.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Paul, that’s a good point I forget to mention directly, when your using Grad filter you have to pre-focus otherwise it’s too dark, cheers mate!

[@Twa-Dags]

Definitely improves the whole photography experience. And very quickly becomes second nature, even when shooting handheld.

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Mikey, yeah making second nature is the key, thanks for your comment!

[@daviddowling9830]

Ahhh,early Father’s Day gift from Andrew.Once you go back you never go back.
I at first had my doubts about bbf,however once you use it you will question why it took so long to add it to your arsenal,particularly when shooting a sporting event.
Thanks Andrew,happy Father’s Day mate.

[@Andrew_marr]

Haha, very early…it Father’s Day here until September. I like your David saying, “Once you go back you never go back’, it works! I question why I didn’t start using it earlier. I love the fact that it makes it easy to also switch between different photography styles, landscapes, sports, wildlife.

[@QuarkCharmed]

Good one, thank you.
Back button focus doesn't work for me at all in live shooting (portraits/performances). In many scenarios you want to focus immediately before the shutter release.
But I never thought about it in terms of landscapes which I shoot a lot, too. Now after watching you video, I've just assigned it to my C2 (custom settings) which I use for landscapes, so that it doesn't affect my normal non-landscape workflow. Will try it next time I'm out for landscapes (I've Canon 5D MkIV).
The advantage is, as you said, that it allows to have full control on the focus. Previously I was doing it by just switching the AF off after focusing and that's not very convenient and error-prone. With back button, it should be easier to focus for panoramas, multiple exposures and focus stacking.
A disadvantage is that now the camera doesn't autofocus in Live View and I mostly shoot landscapes in Live View. Now I have to tap, then press AF-ON to focus on the selected point.
I believe the benefits of back button focusing outweigh, so will see next time I'm out.

[@Trblmkr07]

I started with a D5100, moved to 7100 and how have a D750. Every one of them my first priority was to set up back button focusing. Other tips... I use the zoom in feature on our camera to double check that the Nikon's focusing system is 100% spot on.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Dan, sounds like you’ve got your focusing process down to a fine art. Thanks for sharing!

[@aaz148a]

On day one when I got my D800 someone suggested it to me two things: set quality to RAW, use BBF and never touch it again. I am the most grateful person on earth for this advice, it took me a a day or two to adjust no longer. Great tip Andrew, you cannot repeat it enough :-)

[@michaeltam7284]

Thanks for the clear instruction on BBF technique on the Nikon D850. In order to combine the needs for AF-S and AF-C for focal point selections, I discovered this set up worked well. For AF-S set at Auto, Pv at Single Point, AF-On as AF activation and multi-selector centre as AF activation as well. But in order to access the various d-9 and d-25 for moving subjects, this set up seems to work well. For AF-C set at d-9, Pv at Single Point, AF-On as AF activation and multi-selector centre at d-25. The joy stick can move the focal point over the subject before activating AF during AF-C mode that well. Finally, FN-1 button is set as Spot Meter mode in order to change from matrix to spot readily. I learned these from watching various tutorials in combination. Please comment if this is a good set up with thanks.

[@marinakyriacou6525]

I love back button focus, started using it a few months ago and haven't looked back.

[@Andrew_marr]

It a great method and you’d think by now cameras would come out with the feature enabled by default.

[@cathyann1601]

I've been using BBF for a couple of years, and will never go back. I agree with everything you said!!!

[@Andrew_marr]

Hi Cathy, glad you agree and are having a good experience with BBF!

[@Rakesh11503]

I just realized how to use the back button focusing in manual focus mode. It is so quick for my fuji camera. Great video. Thank you.

[@billonthehill9984]

Well explained Andrew... Many months ago I posed the BB question to you & you did reply yes, you use it... The first thing I did with all my cameras right out of the box is "remove" the auto focus function from the shutter button & use the AF button only for auto focus. The other two items is to enter the current time & date & copyright info, done... I appreciate that you dedicated an entire post on this subject... This is something that beginners & pros alike can utilize & once you get used it, you never look back!
Cheers,
Bill Farr... :-)

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Bill, I like getting my ideas from the people who watch the videos. It’s the best way to provide value. It’s because of comments like your’s that I was inspired to create some content about this topic. I appreciate your ongoing support of my journey and the channel Bill, cheers! :)

[@tonyturner7676]

Agree with everything you say, Andrew. I changed initially to BBF when I became interested in wildlife photography but still use it for all my landscape shooting. Wouldn’t go back to linking the focussing to the shutter button again. Incidentally, the Nikon procedure seems far more complicated for setting up BBF than the procedure on my Canon but that’s probably because of familiarity! Love your channel.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Tony, appreciate your support mate! BBF is very handy when it comes to wildlife and I love the fact that BBF helps to switch between to two with ease. The setup is fairly straightforward, remembering it’s really just the first step. I included the other steps to check that they hadn’t been changed from the default. If I hadn’t included them I was afraid of having to field support enquiring :) Take care!

[@joep0rter]

Great explanation Andrew, I switched years ago and the first thing I do when I buy a new body is setup BBF. It's now part of my right thumb's muscle memory and I find myself pressing the AF-ON button even when using my manual lenses. It's much more reliable when focusing and recomposing, no accidental refocusing.

[@robertdumon2202]

I've used back button focusing for the last several years on both my Nikon's (D7100 and D810). Love it. Would never focus any other way. Excellent video explaining why it's so great, thanks.

[@scottbailey2610]

Out today taking pictures of our record breaking snowfall in AZ, fumbling around with auto and manual. Never again! Thanks for making this video, have watched several others and yours is the only one with that “ ah-ha” moment! Thanks!

[@andreweganphotography8156]

Totally agree Andrew I remember when switched first it took a little while to get used to it but now would never go back.Very well explained both the pros and cons of the change. Good job well done.

[@user6667azxc]

Once you get used to it you will never go back! Great with all styles of shooting. Awesome for sport and wildlife too! Started using with my D200 ..and it was the first thing I changed on my D500 ..brilliant!

[@NadeemZurbaArts]

AND the best part is: if you switch the focus mode from single focus to continuous focus; as long as you hold AF-ON button down you shall keep your subject in focus wether camera/subject moves your subject will always be tracked in focus. i really like your content and the way you document/represent your photography trip/tricks...keep it up and definitely a channel worth the sub.
Peace,

[@alexandreblanchet8856]

I think you explained very well why back button focusing is simply better for shooting landscapes. I think a lot of us would also add that using back button focusing also allows to permanently set the camera in "continuous focusing" mode. Hence, if you have to quickly track a subject, you can simply keep pressing the focusing button, and if you don't need to track anything, you can simply press it once to focus and stop thinking about it. While it is true that back button focusing will not improve your images in most landscape situations, the ability to quickly use focus tracking without having to switch focusing mode will allow you to capture images that you would have missed otherwise.
Finally, this also allows to set the half press of the shutter button to lock the exposure, which can be useful sometimes although this requires a bit a getting used to.

[@onebadboy2]

Love this feature. Great job covering all the advantages of this divide. Strong work!

[@Andrew_marr]

This is something I've set up with each camera I've owned. Thanks for your feedback mate! 👍

[@timwolakphotography9239]

Back button changed my experience completely and will never go back,

[@Andrew_marr]

Great to hear you've had such a great experience with BBF, I don't think I could go back to the older way!

[@jameshind6644]

I use bbf all the time for landscapes. One tip you didn’t mention was using live view and bbf. I focus using live view then zoom in using the zoom button and refocus using bbf. The result is pin sharp pictures every time. It also helps if you have done auto focus manual adjustment on your lenses as most lenses when new either front or back focus although for landscapes it is less of an issue than macro images.

[@Andrew_marr]

Good point, using the live screen just makes focus easy and accurate. I might share my broader focus process in another video when I'm on location, thanks for the suggestion James! :)

[@acsolares2]

Couldn't agree more, did it this way (BB focusing) since the beginning . Your points are spot on and funnily never mentioned by many proponents of BB focusing. Only way to fly.

[@gregsnell]

Great tips on why it's beneficial to have the back button focus. The timing one especially I didn't think of before. Another great vid Andy!!

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Andrew. You've captured the benefits of back button focus perfectly here. I use manual focus on my Nikon for landscapes but activate bbf when focus stacking (occasionally with landscapes but mainly for macro shots) and it never lets me down. In my experience it's perfect with wildlife shots but there's no doubt that it's a great tool whatever use it's put to. Really enjoyed the video Andrew. many thanks for sharing.

[@robertstephens1868]

Thanks, Andrew, for the very clear explanation of bbt. I’m still getting used to digital photography, & today I was able to change my D750 to bbt.
Happy New Year.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for sharing your comment Robert, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video and found the explanation helpful. Best of luck with BBT, let me know if you have any questions! :)

[@MrPhotog4u]

I use both depending on what type of photography I’m doing. Great information thanks for sharing.

[@G0FUW]

Started using it about 6 months ago and am still occasionally forgetting it, but I do prefer it to switching to manual after focusing and using Live View helps to get consistent results. I am on D600 and the set up was quite easy (I am no expert!). I do find it irksome for non-landscape photography - shooting hand-held in cities, etc I revert back to 'standard' point and shoot mode. Nicely explained Andrew.

[@kathymcdevitt3045]

I have been using back button focus for years now. Just seems like a no brainer!

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Kathy, I think many feel the same, but there are some people just getting into photography who just need a little convincing! :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kathy!

[@rosscosan6647]

I’ve just started to use BBF and am enjoying it . A quick , easy way to focus. Thanks.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for your comment Rossco, glad you've found it an easy fit for your workflow.

[@PMCN53]

Great episode Andrew, I reconfigured my Canon 5DMK2 and 5DSR to back button focuses about 3 years ago. It was the best function change I have made and makes a world of difference. It became very comfortable within 1 shoot outing. Love your channel and your images!

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks so much Phil, I'm glad you've had such a good experience with BBF and that the transition was so quick. I must admit it took me a few shoots before I got my head around it. Thanks for your support of the channel mate!

[@emmarita487]

Yes yes yes. 100% to everything you just said. It makes everything so much easier.

[@Andrew_marr]

Glad you agree and that you’ve had a good experience with BBF Emma!

[@darrenbooker9438]

Great video Andrew and a great explanation of the why's and therefore's of BBF. I switched to BBF about 18months ago and to hone my BBF skills I photograph several rugby matches during the season, I soon worked out that I had changed the camera to BBF and it became one of those muscle memory skills. Keep up the good work mate.

[@ritamoll4347]

Very helpful, thank you Andrew 👍🏼

[@gazkelley]

Great video Andrew.
I must admit, I rely on BBF for my wildlife and animal photography, but rarely use it for landscapes. I tend to focus manually for landscapes. By zooming in to maximum magnification on the rear display and getting it as sharp as I can manually focusing I've found I get better results. We all have our methods that suit each of us though. Great video Andrew, very informative and useful information. Keep up the great work.

[@ChrisTurnerPhotographer]

I think it can definitely improve your focus hit rate , not so much for landscape but portraits, weddings etc back button focusing with continuous AF definitely helps

[@stephenhartphotography5855]

Back button focus by all means! I love it.

[@marklawson3141]

Love your channel. I too have been BBF'ing for a few years and use it all the time apart from the odd manual focus if on a tripod. The only downside i have found is when you give the camera to someone else who is familiar with point and shoots or mobile phones for some casual shots - some quick adjustments are required!

[@Andrew_marr]

Hi Mark, so glad you’re enjoying the content. Haha, I didn’t even think of that as a downside of BBF, great point! :)

[@jongrall]

Back button focus all the way!

[@Andrew_marr]

There's no other way!

[@notmune]

Thanks, I fully agree with your opnion and experience. It least a few weeks to get used to it, but after that period it makes your photographical life a lot easier .... I use BBF on both my NIKON DLSR cameras.

[@Andrew_marr]

Well said Bart thank for sharing your perspective mate! I think I'd find it frustrating using a camera that didn't have BBF now 😀

[@DiegoMcCartney]

Definitely a useful technique when in the environment and conditions where it’s needed. I can see where this is a great tool when shooting seascapes. Thanks for sharing Andrew. That Iceland drone footage is always great to see.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Diego, one point I probably didn't make enough of is that's is perfect for seascapes and you want to pre-focus your scene. I was looking through my old footage and thought how can I get a little Iceland drone in there, glad you like that! :)

[@pauldrew610]

Thanks for this reinforcement video Andrew ✅👍🏼 As a Nikon shooter, I agree with you, one of the Best buttons on any camera, Cheers.

[@peterbiggin7193]

I would never focus any other way. It feels natural and is now second nature to me. I rarely focus manually, my eyes aren't 20/20 these days and I would have to wear reading glasses when looking at the screen. I trust the auto focus more than my eyes lol

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Peter, the auto focus in most of the camera these days is incredible so I use it as well!

[@dianecrumbley90]

That’s a good point. I’m just starting out and find it difficult to focus my eyes with reading glasses when taking photos. I’m starting to use back button focus and am finding it easier. I’m am so enjoying learning how to take good pics from you. Thank you!

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and tutorial 👌
I will try this method.

[@arbez101]

Thanks Andrew. Vert informative. Well taught.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Rick, hope it was clear, glad it was helpful! :)

[@roberts693]

Hi Andrew. Really great explanation on the benefits of back button focus.When I first transitioned, I found it a lot easier to adjust to, than I was anticipating. Now I couldn't think of focusing any other way! Just as a side note, I tend to concentrate on landscapes, like you do, but in the summer months I feel less inspired to go out and shoot these, because of the harsher light etc. I recently treated myself to a 200mm-500mm lens to shoot wildlife (birds particularly). Because in England we have great migrations of birds, its exciting to see these birds arriving and bringing up their chicks etc. Anyway (I'm getting there) I watched a TH-cam video by Tom Mason on changing the toggle button, (next to the AF on button on a D850), to a multi focal point, focus button. This is absolutely fantastic, because you only have to move your thumb slightly to the left, to catch moving animals, instead of having only single point of focus. Its helped me catch some birds, that I otherwise would probably have missed! Good to see you with the D850 bad boy! Kindest regards Robert.

[@Andrew_marr]

One of the reasons I love running this TH-cam channel is getting great information like this, thanks so much for sharing Robert. I'll definitely check out Tom Mason's channel. I also struggle with my landscape photography in Summer, the light is very harsh here in Australia and the temperatures can be high and uncomfortable. I'm still setting up the D850 just the way I like it, currently concentrating on the landscape needs, but the second option for the focus mode could be a great addition, cheer mate!

[@roberts693]

Thanks Andrew. This is the TH-cam page :- Nikon Autofocus Setup for Wildlife Photography and Action - AF trick! Tom Mason, published 8 Dec. 2017. Regards Robert.

[@roberts693]

Just another quick note. I've been experimenting with "Focus Peaking" to help me have my images sharp! I always use Live View when shooting landscape & Focus Peaking lends itself to this. Its still early days for me to say whether I like it, or prefer it, I don't know. Be interesting to know what you think.Regards Robert.

[@Andrew_marr]

This is a good video, thanks for recommending it Robert, I'll be adding that customisation to my D850 setup!

[@rosssayer6524]

Changed this months ago on my Nikon 7200 and find it great. As always enjoyed your explanation video.

[@aronradford6234]

When i first started i used the one button technique and i found it difficult to feel comfortable with, without outside influences i sort a different set up and found back button focusing was much more natural and just felt right and had more control and so i have used it ever since. I cant imagine doing it any other way now.

[@stevelink21]

Nice video on your choice of BBF, Andrew! As a landscape and product photographer using the Fujifilm X-System (specifically the X-T3), I have found that the standard AF /shoot via the shutter release, has worked for me only because I always use the camera on a solid tripod, and employ a 10-second timed shutter release for optimum sharpness and detail in my images. I carefully select my focus point, and use hyperfocal distance as a guide when I need full foreground-to-background DOF. However, you certainly make a good case for BBF, and I shall endeavor to try it. Thanks again!

[@jjmoyles]

Excellent Video Andrew, I shoot mainly sports and I use back button focus and find it just so comfortable and I seem to get more keepers using this method.

[@DavidPattonPhotography]

I'm one of the few who never took of BBF, I'm sure it works great for most people but after over 15,000 assignments and 25 years as a news photographer I never found a need for it. For landscapes I find manual focus more efficient when using a tripod. I guess it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks :)

[@scotty4418]

I switched to BBF after I watched one of your earlier vlogs Andrew and you spoke to me about it. Through your advice I switched over and have never looked back. I also use it to see how my eyes focus on a subject in manual and then use BBF to see if there is further adjustments being made by the camera.

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Jim, it was actually after talking to you about it that I thought I should do a video explaining what it and why I use it, it’s taken that long for me to get round to doing it. Glad you’re having a good experience with BBF. Did it take you long to get used to using it?

[@scotty4418]

Got used to it straight away and will be using it on my new camera too. Just back in from buying a 5d Mk iv. Pondered over the Nikon but would have meant starting to change over my lenses as well, so the Mk iv won out in the end.

[@fredcarter6996]

In the cold, cold winter, with temps at -20F, it can be very difficult to use shutter release button to also focus. As your fingers grow numb and/or you're wearing gloves, it becomes common to push the shutter/focus button too far and take a shot when you really aren't ready. Back button focus eliminates that particular little annoyance.

[@markharris5771]

I use back button focusing on my 7DII for my wildlife images, and it’s drifted across to my 5D cameras because I very easily get confused. I find it’s far easier to track a moving object with bbf, though as a rule this doesn’t come into my landscape photography. Now though I just prefer it there, the layout of my 5DIII and 7DII is very similar and I like to know everything does the same on both bodies. Another great video with great tips.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for sharing Mark, I wouldn’t be able to have things set up differently on multiple cameras, if fear of getting confused as well. I use auto-focus because it's easy and so accurate. Thanks again for your comment mate!

[@philipculbertson55]

Nice video Andrew. I agree and can't imagine using shutter button focus now. I will say though that I rarely use auto-focus at all anymore. I shoot with manual focus and the LCD screen most of the time. Even when using BBF, i still zoom in and check focus. It may just be my camera setup but I have noticed shooting landscapes that it often doesn't get the sharpest focus possible. I do use auto focus if using the viewfinder but don't use that often unless its too bright to use the LCD.

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

I tried back button focus and went back to the standard way when i missed several shots on an alternate camera. Since I switch often it was the better choice for me.

[@ignatiusjk]

I've never used BBF on any of my landscapes.I just put the camera on manual and focus using the focusing ring. I also use a 2 second delay on the shutter.

[@MrYankee853]

Great video Andrew..that's the first thing I changed when I got my D7100..switched to BBF and AFC..so if I'm shooting something stationary, I push and release..and if I am shooting a moving subject, just hold the button down...doesn't get any easier than that !

[@peterwillstein198]

Andrew
Excellent topic and well done. I've been using back Button AF for years and it is as natural as can be. For the most part, I don't use the shutter button either when doing landscape work but my wireless/remote.
Since moving up from my D810 to the D850, I do find myself using LV a lot more with the touch screen AF on the LCD screen quite often these days. With the mirror locked up in LV, camera shake is greatly reduced.
Peter

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for that Peter, I find BBF very natural as well, but it's can be tricky to convince someone who has never used it BBF before to give it a go! I can see that my focusing process might change with the touch screen in the back, I've been playing around with the touch focus and it seems fantastic, cheers mate!

[@gordonmelrose9700]

Best explanation of BBF I have seen - Thanks

[@mrsusan893]

I just use the auto to manual focus method, it seems to make the most sense to me but it's cool to hear about alternative ways to get the shot.

[@jimhamilton8775]

Very informative and well explained Andrew. I myself when shooting landscapes always use manual focusing through live view.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for that Jim, glad you found this informative. BBF give you the best of both worlds AF and MF. I also check my focus and manually adjust through the live view, take care!

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

Hi Andrew I have always used BBF for the reasons you state. Ive got another one though!
In Scotland where I am, When Im out doing landscapes in winter I need BBF for the following reasons. I have big hands, clumsy fingers and when they are freezing cold, try to focus using the shutter button and I'll guarantee the image gets taken by mistake and out of focus as well.
For me it is a god send and wouldn't be without it. Now I know there are others out there that will tell you that with modern auto focus systems its not not really necessary and that might be true but for me, physically, I need to have a button assigned at the rear of the camera for focus for the previous mentioned reasons. It was the first thing I did when changing from full frame dslr to Fuji XT-2 (function wheel)
Jim

[@Andrew_marr]

Hi Jim, great to get your comments and thoughts on this. I can relate to what you’re saying. With the half press and full press of the shutter button, I often would miss things up and take when I wouldn’t intend to. I love AF, tit ins incredibly accurate in the cameras these days. How do you go with BBF on the X-T2, I find with my large fingers the back button is tiny is the wheel a better option?

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

Hi Andrew after firmware update 3 (I think) the back wheel became assignable and it was on a second page in the settings so I use that as the other are too small. Couldn't do without it now.
Jim

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Jim, I'll look into that! 👍

[@ShaneBaker]

I agree with all you've said. I went BBF a while back and it took a day or two to adjust. I'd never go back.
Actually, I find a camera that focuses with the shutter button to be a bit weird. :-)

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Shane, I've experienced the same thing, I pick up a camera with no BBF and suddenly I feel like I'm new to photography!

[@RalphGoldsmith]

I'm also a fan of back button focusing and use it or manual focus depending on what I think the scene needs. The first thing I did when I got a new camera was set it up.

[@Andrew_marr]

Same here Ralph, it was the first thing I did when I open the box and got the camera out!

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

Good video Andrew, I agree with your points and have always used back button focus on my camera.

[@eagle1effi]

Excellent explanaition. Nikon!!
I use it with EOS-7D only set on C3.

[@paulwayman5137]

Nice explanation Andrew.
I've always been a bit afraid of using BBF because I wanted to keep a firm hold on my camera (in hand held situations of course) but a friend who takes lots of wildlife images told me it's the way to go. So I'm going to stick at it and pray that it becomes second nature to use my thumb to focus and not my finger :)

[@acidsnow5915]

really great tip!
thanks for sharing this with us!
super dope!

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed this one!

[@wouterj.vanduin8706]

I hope a next video will have the different types of focusing for the FujiFilm camera as its subject. With dedicated Fuji lenses the technique can be similar, with back-button focusing on the camera while set on manual. When on manual regular focusing on the release button won't work, but back-button focusing will still be possible. However with manual lenses, like the great Samyang or Rokinon 12 mm 2.0 lens, auto focusing and back-button focusing will not work. With the camera on manual and set for accepting images (without a lens) it will be possible to add focus-peaking to manual focusing. Best of both worlds with the camera set on manual.

[@dah7772]

Good video. I’ve actually added the function to “my menu” so I can quickly turn it on and off. I do like using it for landscapes but have a difficult time using it for anything else, including sports. Just can’t wrap my head around it.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks so much. That's a great tip to add to your 'My Menu' for quick changes. You're doing well to work in both modes!

[@TheTommyData]

dah7772 What a great idea. I’m surprised none of the TH-cams have suggested it. I’m going to try that. Just considering switch to BBF for the new year 2020

[@mauriziomigliozzi]

Thanks to you I've just learned that this is possible even with my Fujifilm X-t20. Thanks

[@juliewernigk645]

Thanks for the interesting video. I certainly going to try it.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Julie, as I said in the video, give it a month or so and you won't look back. Best of luck! :)

[@asimeshpal]

I use BBF for Sports photography where timing is critical , never tried in landscapes though always prefered manual focusing...
Nice video , will give it a try

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Asimesh, for those quick moments in landscapes when waves are crashing BBF, is great and such a time saver. I can always override manual as I mentioned so I have the best of both worlds, cheers! :)

[@eagle1effi]

Like your written explanaition.

[@JDubyafoto]

Good video. I've been BBFing for years when handholding, but prefer manual focus when using a tripod (wiith IS turned off). I shoot Canon, Fuji & Sony. I love the manual focus assist of the Fuji & Sony.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for sharing John, the focus assist now days are incredible, Nikon has also started to bring that in to their latest cameras.

[@JDubyafoto]

I'm afraid that Nikon and Canon may be behind the curve on the mirrorless move. Unless they bring out full-frame mirrorless (which would then have to compete with Hasselblad) they're really going to have to stretch to outdo the front runners.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Nice description of back-button focus. I can’t imagine going back to the old way. You asked for other tips. One is almost completely a mental discipline, but in virtually all situations I expose for the highlights. Back in the old days of color film, you had to get the exposure almost exactly right on one particular object of interest. A modern digital camera has two critical exposure points: highlight clipping at the right and noise (and lens flare) on the left of the histogram. The closer you can get to the clipping point without going over, the less trouble you will have with noise or flare in the shadows. If you adopt this rule then exposure setting is much simpler. In particular, the sky is virtually always the brightest area and it usually changes brightness only slowly. It’s also easy to aim at if you want a reading. It’s also a bit brighter than those pesky specular reflections from leaves and such. Expose for the highlights and you will have more time to think about other issues.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Stuart, you’re right when I grab a camera (not mine) that doesn’t have BBF set up it feels weird. Great tip on the exposure points. I’m always concerned about my highlights and exposure to protect them. The shadows I’m less concerned I try to minimise noise. I rely on the histogram in live view…perhaps this could be another video I can create and share, take care mate! :)

[@RS.Outdoors]

very good explanation Andrew and have always used the back button focus. Have found it easier to use my camera this way and one of the first things I discovered when looking to get best button setup for it. Atb

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Ray, isn't it weird that the first thing you do with a new camera a remove a feature from one of the buttons! :)

[@BrianHorsey]

Vlogging debut of the D850! The other advantage of BBF I find is that for most of the time I don't have to worry about fiddling with the focussing point (which can be a pain, physically) but can keep it on centre spot, focus where I want and recompose for the frame I'm after. Cheers.

[@Andrew_marr]

Haha, beside from the quick unboxing on the last talking head video, yes! Hope to take it for it first real run next week, hit it with a bit of sea spray. You right, BBF is perfect when you’re hand holding the camera and recomposing.

[@BrianHorsey]

Memo to self: 'watch vlogs to the end'. I missed the unboxing, I stopped the vlog at "thanks for watching" first time.

[@Andrew_marr]

What, I put so much work into my end credits, haha! 😄

[@bevleaross8736]

love BBF started using it a couple of months ago... only took a few days to get used to, and wouldnt go back

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for your comment Bevlea, some people take to BBF quicker than others, most never go back! :)

[@Mr_Spock512]

Same here ... recently started using this method and I wouldn't go back as well.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Canon 80D, Custom Function, item III. I remove the focus function from the shutter button. I think the 6D cameras are the same, and the two digit Canon back to the 50D.
5Ds, Custom Function Menu 3, Custom Controls.
The 600D can do it, you have to reassign the AE button. I don't know how.

[@gillyb44]

Another thing everyone forgets to mention is putting your focus point a 1/3rd of the way into the frame. Even though i may have F11 aperture i still need to remember to adjust. Not enough emphasis on this from anyone

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks for your comment Gill, you make an important point. I have attempted to mention this more in my recent photography videos, thanks for the reminder! :)

[@micktyas6287]

I LOVE BBF I DO A LOT OF FOOTY PHOTOS AND ITS GREAT

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers Mike, I honestly don't think I can shoot a camera if I didn't have back button focusing :)

[@deanjonesmultimedia]

Have been a BBF user for many years now and would never change back. I find it particularly useful for tracking and holding focus on moving subjects but it works equally well for landscapes.

[@Andrew_marr]

I agree BBF comes into its own with moving objects. I just the ease in which I can focus a scene with landscapes!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Canon have a problem. I use back button lock because if you use back button focus you can’t use a cable release well I have not checked on my 5d but a friends 80d would not work. How about the xt2 can that be set up the same

[@hnurminen]

I switched to back button focus on my Olympus OM-D E-M1 mk II roughly six months ago and I don't see any reason to go back. When using a tripod I focus manually but handheld it's always back button focus. I found it changed my workflow quite a lot as it left more time to consider the composition because I didn't have to worry about the focus having prefocused already.

[@rasicaphoto6450]

Very practical advice!

[@rolf_siggaard]

Very good walk through and reasoning. For landscape photography, why wouldn’t you simply use manual focus instead of back button focussing? Like your videos. Thanks.

[@Andrew_marr]

Thanks Rolf, I simply find the AF easy and accurate on these latest cameras, cheers mate!

[@kghareeb]

Yes only, and always, back button focusing on my nikons 👍

[@IainHC1]

If you keep the BBF button pressed then this brings in continuous focusing (for those moving objects :-) )

[@ChristineTabor]

Question...I use BBF and really glad I made the switch. Sometimes it's tricky with moving subjects (birds with foliage etc)... BUT...My question...is it possible to use Live View with BBF? Also, what focus option do you typically use...single point, average points, etc.?

[@Andrew_marr]

Great questions Christine, first hand in there with it, it definitely becomes easier the more you use BBF. For Landscapes I use single point (small point possible), so I can pin point the exact spot I want to focus on. The small single point make anything moving like wildlife difficult to select, so for wildlife I switch the camera into Focus Tracking mode so it tracks the moving objects and keeps that in focus, with BBF. See if your camera has the equivalent mode.

[@bkspicture]

I would prefer MF only for landscape shots on a tripod and AF on the shutter button handheld.
Want the button by the thumb to lock the exposure in auto.

[@Andrew_marr]

Fair enough, BBF is not for everyone. So you use auto-exposure?

[@bkspicture]

Yes I often use auto-shutter, manual ISO & aperture handheld.
But thats with my old analog camera which I mosly use and it only has auto-shutter or full manual.
For my DSLR I generally prefer using auto-aperture, manual on the rest.
Like that when I only take a shot or two, for example a landscape shot.
So I lock the exposure on what I think will give a good exposure (the ground etc), focus, compuse, take the shoot.
Doing this in full manual would resoult in the same settings exept it would be more cumbersome.
Should I take many shots on something like a dog and the lighting don't change then I use full manual.That way I only take one reading and then just shoot away without thinking of exposure.Its also generally easier with full manual on a tripod.

[@paultrunfull3324]

Well explained vid Andrew.

[@Andrew_marr]

Cheers paul, thanks for that!

[@brentschmgbert3578]

Starts at 2:35

[@dementedweasel1]

I use the viewfinder and leave the screen for the settings. So the camera is up to my face. So wouldn't using the shutter button to focus be easier for me? Also, for my Nikon D 3400 it's the LV button that get's assigned. I think. Wouldn't that eliminate the button's original function? Keep in mind I didn't know anything 3 weeks ago so i'm new. And I only ask so I don't miss out on a good thing if that's the case. Thank you for the vid.

[@ashleyb66]

So if the shutter button now just takes the photo and the back button focuses, what button does the metering??

[@paulsehstedt6275]

A very good explanation of using BBF. But my camera has no BB, no autofocus, it,s just 99% manual.

[@slowlyrusting4044]

Absolutely nothing wrong with manual focus. Love manual focus. 99% ?

[@paulsehstedt6275]

The last 1 % is automatic shutter ;-))

[@Andrew_marr]

Difficult to use if it not available, at least with manual you're focusing and checking the focus at the same time! :)

[@Kropidlak]

One more drawback I occasionaly bump into. When I ask people to take a picture of me they always get stumped when I show them how to do it. That's why this feature has to be turned off before handing your camera to someone else :)

[@paulwhealy5243]

Kropidlak you can have BBF set on your custom menu. Then if handing camera to another for a shot it’s only one second to switch from custom menu. Camera then reverts to normal without a Ina to take three different steps.
Or do it backwards - use camera on normal everyday but have a custom menu set with BBF and just switch to that as yo hand them the camera.

[@PauloJorgeVSantos]

Does the initial BBfocusing remain settled regardless the focal lengh variation?

[@clifflean]

Using back button focus in landscape photography, do you still focus one third into the scene then recompose the shot