Backbutton Focus..do you use it? Pros? Cons? How hard to get used to it?
- Thread starter cayenne
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I seem to be doing the opposite of everyone else on this thread (which probably means I'm missing something).
I used back button focus on my t2i/550d for everything. I would use the center point, and the focus and recompose. Like most others, this worked pretty well for me, except for issues with nobody else being able to use my camera, and occasional missed focus (Either due to inaccuracies in the body itself, or too much movement during the recompose).
Once I upgraded to a 5d3, I actually went the other way and have stopped using back button focus, with the following rational:
- I don't shoot sports/birds/wildlife, and so am more interested in accurate focus than I am worried about missing a shot. With back button focus, the shutter will release regardless of if focus has been acquired or not. To that end I have set AI-Servo 1s5/2nd Image Priority to prioritize focus over shutter release.
- The spread of AF points on the 5d3 is (usually) wide enough where I don't need to focus and recompose, I can just pick an AF point on the outside and am able to frame the shot as I would like.
Having said that, I do run into times when I can't get an AF point where I need it, and I feel like I was faster at focus and recompose than I am at selecting a different AF point, but perhaps this is just a practice/technique thing.
I would love to hear from others on this, with so many others in this thread using back button focus on 5d3/1dx I feel like I must be missing something.
I used back button focus on my t2i/550d for everything. I would use the center point, and the focus and recompose. Like most others, this worked pretty well for me, except for issues with nobody else being able to use my camera, and occasional missed focus (Either due to inaccuracies in the body itself, or too much movement during the recompose).
Once I upgraded to a 5d3, I actually went the other way and have stopped using back button focus, with the following rational:
- I don't shoot sports/birds/wildlife, and so am more interested in accurate focus than I am worried about missing a shot. With back button focus, the shutter will release regardless of if focus has been acquired or not. To that end I have set AI-Servo 1s5/2nd Image Priority to prioritize focus over shutter release.
- The spread of AF points on the 5d3 is (usually) wide enough where I don't need to focus and recompose, I can just pick an AF point on the outside and am able to frame the shot as I would like.
Having said that, I do run into times when I can't get an AF point where I need it, and I feel like I was faster at focus and recompose than I am at selecting a different AF point, but perhaps this is just a practice/technique thing.
I would love to hear from others on this, with so many others in this thread using back button focus on 5d3/1dx I feel like I must be missing something.
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sturdiva said:
To me, the biggest advantage of back button focus has less to do with focus and recompose vs using other points and more to do with actually being able to utilize full time manual focusing on my lenses. With back button focusing, the switch on my lens never leaves the AF position, but I don't have to worry about AF messing up my manual focusing if I'm waiting until just the right moment to press the shutter. My camera only autofocuses if and when I want it to, and I never have to move the switch on my lens to MF. To me, that's complete control.
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sturdiva said:
Switch your camera to green box mode before handing over. AF goes back to default as do most other things.
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serendipidy said:ATC said:
Me tooSo thanks for asking and thanks everyone for your answers.
I have to say that I tried it several times before and did not like it but discussions like this made me try harder; and I am glad that I did. I use it now very often.
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Hi guys.
I tried this technique a while back when it was discussed in another thread, I decided I didn't like it.
I tried again when I read this post and after a good session taking pictures of the Cowes Week Fireworks I have decided I like it and will not be going back to he old method.
Not having the focus hunt whilst waiting for a good picture is as good a reason as any to try it.
Thanks to the forum users for convincing me to give it another go.
Cheers Graham.
I tried this technique a while back when it was discussed in another thread, I decided I didn't like it.
I tried again when I read this post and after a good session taking pictures of the Cowes Week Fireworks I have decided I like it and will not be going back to he old method.
Not having the focus hunt whilst waiting for a good picture is as good a reason as any to try it.
Thanks to the forum users for convincing me to give it another go.
Cheers Graham.
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Valvebounce said:
Pre-focusing...
E.g., if subject moves to the same position over and over again, all you have to do is just click, click, click.
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Sporgon said:
Indeed, I actually like that issue! I hate to hand my camera over to anyone. Well, maybe with the exception of my assistant but I watch her carefully too!
Agreed though, if turning it over to someone else, just put it in that green box mode...
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i use it sometimes if i am using the p mode and shifting a lot, that way its thumb press, finger dial and then shutter instead of half press, move to dial and then back to shutter button. seems to work better for me there.
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Like some other posters, I tried and failed twice to "getting used to it", but was won over on the third attempt many months ago and haven't looked back. Also, as posted earlier, the ability to instantly control whether the lens will AF or not is priceless.
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This might be a stupid question but it functions the same as half press in single shot mode, is it different in other modes?
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candc said:
In AI Servo mode with BBF enabled it allows you more control over focusing. By keeping the button pressed it will continue to focus making it easier for you to take a shot at the decisive moment. Although it functions similar to the half press it is easier to use. Imagine holding the shutter at half press for more than a minute. Also what if you took a break from AF but then suddenly wanted to take a shot? By separating focusing and shutter you can set the focus and it will remain locked at that position allowing you time to recompose before taking a picture.
It's also the ability to not refocus before taking a shot that makes it a useful feature in any mode. Great when there are obstacles moving in front of your subject like cars for example. Let's say you focus on a building with BBF. You can then let go of the button and simply wait until the cars go past or even if you shoot you know it wont refocus on a car because focus is locked. The half press method wouldn't work as everytime you try and take a shot it would autofocus on something, most likely the object in front of you. Sure you could switch to manual focus but for speed and convenience BBF just makes sense.
You have to go out and try it. You also have to remind yourslef once you obtain focus lock you are free to recompose. I sometimes forget and keep pressing the button out of the habbit of needing to hear the "beep"!
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In ai servo mode the camera continuously focuses with a half press also, I guess what I am asking is : does the camera do anything different? I just thought it was whatever feels best thing?
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