Using Back Button Focus - For Birds and Landscapes

[Mike Buckley]

I would like to dispel the notion that there is no point in using AF-S and BBF as they apply to my use of my camera:

• When auto-focus is achieved using AF-S, my camera beeps. Not so when using AF-C and BBF. I don't want to have to keep my eye on the green dot to ensure that focus has been achieved. In fact, when I am in a noisy area that prevents me from hearing the beep even when it is programmed at the loudest volume and pitch that is easiest to hear, I don't like having to look for the green dot.
• When using AF-S and BBF, I can keep my thumb firmly pressed on the button throughout the entire shooting process. Not so when using AF-C and BBF because the focus point will constantly change as I recompose. Keeping my thumb firmly pressed on the button is advantageous for me because doing so adds stability.

[Dave Humphries]

I would like to dispel the notion that there is no point in using AF-S and BBF as they apply to my use of my camera:

Hi Mike,

I have amended my post #38 above in light of your very valid feedback.

As now said above; I have the beep turned off (regardless), so never notice a difference - it is horses for courses, and clearly now I have gotten a little carried away giving 'blanket' advice that isn't always appropriate

Thanks, Dave

[AB26]

Christina,

I am looking forward to seeing some awesome BIF shots from you. Use your new found freedom to get them tack sharp and perfectly exposed.

[TonyW]

I have been very grateful for this thread and the earlier ones on BBF. It is something I have thought about but had not got around to trying. Even though I have often been confused by the discussion, especially as I have had to translate from Nikon-speak to Canon-speak, I have finally understood, I think, what it is all about and what the advantages might be and today I started trying it out. I should report later when I have got become fluent with BBF and decided when and how to use it.

[ajohnw]

I have been very grateful for this thread and the earlier ones on BBF. It is something I have thought about but had not got around to trying. Even though I have often been confused by the discussion, especially as I have had to translate from Nikon-speak to Canon-speak, I have finally understood, I think, what it is all about and what the advantages might be and today I started trying it out. I should report later when I have got become fluent with BBF and decided when and how to use it.

You can use it all of the time. I suspect confusion reigns because unlike in the video link posted the basics aren't mentioned - also the the name Back Button Focus. Things would be a lot clearer if it was called a Focus Now Button. In other words unless pressed the camera will not AF at all and once pressed and released the focus will remain at what ever it is until it's pressed again. The video makes that aspect very clear. Camera manuals usually do too. People should check that 1/2 shutter button presses aren't locking exposure as well for what might be called opportunistic continuous AF such as my BIF - button held in while the shot is taken. I had no idea a bird worth shooting would fly past so wouldn't normally have the camera in continuous AF.

Where I found it a bit of a pain is when I would normally use S-AF with the focus point over what I am photographing. I wouldn't want to use BBF if say I was catching expressions at a party or any other point and shoot situation as it takes too long. I can see my camera finishing up with 2 main user modes - S-AF and BBF. From S-AF I can easily select C-AF if needed so it's not worth having another mode. This will allow me to quickly return to how I usually use the camera if I need to.

The other thing I generally do especially on an Olympus camera is save settings I am happy with into a user mode so that I can quickly get things back were they were if I want to.

PS - Christina has already posted sharp well exposed BIF shots Andre.

John
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[Mike Buckley]

I have amended my post #38 above

Very classy of you, Dave, and not the least bit surprising. I have now deleted one of my posts because the helpful change you made to your post rendered mine irrelevant and confusing.

[Brownbear]

Continued thanks to all for adding to this thread.

Grahame...

You deserved a very special thank you. It is an ugly green fence and I figured it would be appreciative of appearing at its best.

Andre...

In about two weeks time Bald Eagles will be arriving in an area not too far from where I live, so I hope by that time that I will be proficient with BBF.

John...

Thank you for sharing. Exposure points noted.

Tony...

It is nice to know that others are learning from this, too. I've avoided trying BBF for quite some time, and the prior thread inspired me to try it.

David and Mike...

Thank you for sharing. I also like the beep one hears in AF-S but yesterday morning I missed an Eagle flying directly overhead. When I spotted the eagle instinct kicked in and I grabbed my camera off of my tripod, dialed in my settings, and then I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my camera when I could only manage one shot.

[Mike Buckley]

My contention is that any eagle that doesn't hang around long enough for you to get all of your controls properly set doesn't deserve to be photographed.

[Brownbear]

As usual, you're absolutely right. Truthfully I shouldn't have bothered as it wouldn't have been a great shot but I thought it made for a funny story.

I intend to find some more deserving Eagles later this year.

My contention is that any eagle that doesn't hang around long enough for you to get all of your controls properly set doesn't deserve to be photographed.