Comments on: Quick Tip: Learn to Use Back-Button Autofocus

By: DiscerningPhotog

DiscerningPhotog — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:58:58 +0000

Jennifer,
I don’t have one of those cameras handy to try, so I’m not sure you’re properly separating the focus (to the back button) and the shutter (in its regular spot). If you are, the huge advantage occurs when you want to press that shutter button: when your thumb lets up off the back AF, everything is LOCKED in focus…which you cannot ever do if it’s all tied up with the shutter function. The anecdote in the article about the hockey game explains it, I think.

By: Jennifer Gan

Jennifer Gan — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:33:05 +0000

I’m using 50D, tried it before but found it awkward, and didn’t want to know more about it since I don’t shoot sports or action often. Now after quite sometimes, I became really interested in shooting flying birds and think this might helps a lot. I understand about Melissa’s explanation, yet I don’t grab the idea what makes it better than the front shutter button focusing.
I’ve been reading this article. It’s like the thing is JUST THERE, but covered with fogs and clouds… Lol. So is one shot focusing isn’t suitable for BBF, then? I’ve been switching C.Fn IV-1 option 2 or 3 custom settings (knew the differences), went outside and shot, yet don’t get the idea. Now I’m kinda frustrated.
Thanks so much for the explanation.

By: sean

sean — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:00:07 +0000

Thanks for the info. I tried it out for the first time at the zoo this weekend. I love photographing wild life. One problem I have had in the past is keying in on one animal and having other moving around. I found the Back-Button gave me great results.

By: Halifax Hosting

Halifax Hosting — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:49:47 +0000

Just came back from vacations , and I fond this article . Most of my vacation photos with my kids in and out of focus have this problem .. I must learn this now.

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 05:14:28 +0000

I just found this tip, who knew that function was on the camera the entire time i’ve owned it. It just makes sense to use it this way!

By: Bert

Bert — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:13:20 +0000

THanks for this tip on BBF. I’m so new to photography but have always LOVED looking at photography and enjoyed taking pictures. I am taking a few courses and am ready to eat up any information I can to learn new and helpful information.I just bought the Nikon D7000 and am really excited about it! Bert

By: Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis — Sat, 07 May 2011 22:33:23 +0000

Superb. Thanks for sharing.

By: RJ

RJ — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:10:46 +0000

Learning how to use the back button autofocus is quite useful to maximize the use of your DSLR or any high end camera. This is particularly useful for those who are still exploring their cameras as well.

By: DiscerningPhotog

DiscerningPhotog — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:55:10 +0000

Hey Aaron. You want to completely split the functions. That’s going to give you consistent results and will ‘train’ your fingers and mind to work this way, regardless of what BBAF camera you set up. Good luck!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:27:14 +0000

Which way do you prefer to have the BBF setup?
I have an XTi that offers 2 ways to set it up.
The first completely separates shutter and focus.
The second keep the shutter button doing af and shutter release with the BBF button stopping re-focus.

Thanks for the great info.

Aaron