Back Button Autofocus | How and Why to Use It

What is back button focusing and why would you want to set up your camera this way? I'll tell you why I shoot this way and why you should also.
~Bill
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[@RobRichardson180]

Thanks for doing the video Bill, this was great 👍 looking forward to seeing Virginia!

[@randygerber2885]

Thank you for helping me set this up on my Z7ll. This was a big help.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Glad to hear it!

[@treversomerville9821]

Bingo, this is the exact clear explanation that I needed

[@BillEricPhotography]

Glad it helped!

[@edc5338]

Great video, Bill. I have been using BBF for years.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Once you get used to it. I think it's a great way to shoot.

[@nespressoman]

Great channel, thank you.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks!

[@paulk329]

Once I found the BBF function I've never gone back to focusing on the shutter release button it's so much easier, thanks as always.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I totally agree!

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and tutorial 👌

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@anitaatin]

Dank U !

[@guyyowell8547]

On this rainy Sunday, I took the time to try all of the autofocus options on my Z7 II. I found that “Auto-area AF” works the same way in “AF-C” or “AF-S”. The only difference is that the boxes turn green and locks them in place they were when you pressed the BBAF button which is nice because that indicates you’re in focus. When using Auto-area EyeAF, it’s best to use this is AF-C mode because I found in AF-S mode, when you press the BBAF, it turns the yellow box green, but it locks it wherever it was when you pressed the button which is not good when you have moving subjects. I always use BBAF because I’ve trained my fingers to work this way and I find it’s best to separate the two functions.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I feel the same way You get the best of both worlds I feel like. I was in Luray caverns yesterday in Virginia and it was really dark inside there. My ISO was super high and the camera was having a hard time locking focus I was using single point. When it did lock I was able to quickly take my finger off the back and I was able to get more than one shot without having the camera start hunting again.

[@BillEricPhotography]

By the way how is this for a crappy memorial day weekend! It was 46° here when I woke up this morning!

[@blurayauthority]

I don’t think they have a Z7 II yet.

[@markglenday7291]

Hi Bill I love BBF as I shoot Basketball, I also use it for shooting portraits this is the best thing in photography. I have used both Canon and Nikon DSLR bodies, I am currently using a Nikon D810. Thank you for sharing from Mark Glenday from Sunny Brisbane Australia.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Once you get used to it, it’s very easy and useful!

[@markglenday7291]

I have been using BBF for approximately 5-6 years now and I can not go back using the shutter as my focus as I find it very awkward.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I do also!

[@kevanalbrighton5887]

Nice video, explained very well ! I do like Back Button auto focus, generally easy to use, but not sure when using 3D Tracking AF area mode., seems to conflict which seems to make sense.

[@BillEricPhotography]

To be honest with you I don't use the tracking function that much. So for my style of photography it works perfectly.

[@yoelrey]

I did not use BBF because I would not get a signal when in focus. The new Z8 now gives a green light when in focus. So game changer for me.

[@nancyk9475]

Another great video! I’ve always use BBF. Hope you’re loving the Z6ii. It’s a great camera 👍🏻. My only issue is photo editing with Nikon Photos not recognizing RAW files :(. But otherwise the Nikon Z6ii is 👍🏻👍🏻

[@BillEricPhotography]

Thanks Nancy, what software are you using. I've had no issues with Lightroom recognizing the z6ii

[@nancyk9475]

@@BillEricPhotography ive just been downloading to Apple/Mac Photos and then using Luminar/Aurora for editing. I also have Affinity Photos but only hit or miss. Storing photos is my biggest challenge :(

[@BillEricPhotography]

Way back in the beginning of our channel we did a bunch of Lightroom tutorials. We both feel it's really the best way to organize and keep track of everything. You will need an external hard drive but it's very easy to manage all of your photos in side of Lightroom as well as edit them. It is subscription-based but we both feel it's really worth it.

[@nancyk9475]

@@BillEricPhotography thank you. I’ll check it out with a free trial. I appreciate the help and information

[@BillEricPhotography]

No problem, if you look on our Lightroom playlist I think there's a video where I walk you through the entire thing from start to finish.

[@marclabro]

i set my z6ii to AF-C and a6 to af-on only. a1 and a2 mention Af-C and AF-S priority selection and are both on focus. should i set both to release or useless because they are desactivated by af-on only mode ?

[@Emulives]

its so much better in portraits .

[@firemannss]

I use it the same way on my Sony. Give you the best of both worlds of autofocus with one thumb. I've know ppl to set up buttons for AFC and AFS to switch between them and still use the shutter to acquire focus. I also don't understand ppl that only use AFC and but still use BBF, lol

[@BillEricPhotography]

True!

[@JET-Photo]

Took me a while to get used to it. Once I became comfortable tho, I use it all the time. To be clear tho, if a subject is moving, you have to hold the AF-ON button down to keep focus. But if the subject is static you can just tap it to focus and take your finger off. I always hold it down no matter what unless I’m activating Eye AF.

[@BillEricPhotography]

It definitely takes him getting used to. But I feel like it becomes second nature after you use it for a while.

[@sanjeevpandit4368]

You cleared my doubt. If the subject is moving, the AF ON is continuously pressed and SIMULATANEOUSLY you press the shutter release button. However, when subject is static, then then AF ON needs to be pressed once and let alone and thereafter, used the shutter button.

[@marclabro]

nice tuto on my z6ii, it is in A6 AF activation. If i select AF-ON only, it opens another menu "out of focus release enable". should i leave it enable ? does this AF-ON apply to mode A,S and also to my existing U1,U2,U3 which previously used half press mode or do i need to save each preset again to be sure ?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Hi, Marc, I'm not sure about that. I don't really use any presets. The way it seems to work on my camera or the way I have it set is I leave the camera and continuous autofocus mode. And then in the menus I set the autofocus on button to focus for me instead of the shutter. It basically separates the two. I like being able to always have the option to grab my focus and then recompose or if the cameras not going to move I don't have to worry about the focus shifting every time the shutter is depressed.

[@utubephil100]

Many thanks for a great explanation I have what might seem a silly question ! If I set up for example F2 function button for continuous focus and back button focus as you explained. Do I need to hold down the F2 button whilst activating the back button or just press it once and then hold down the back button ? I’m a bit confused

[@BillEricPhotography]

You can just set it for back button focus on the menu and use f2 for something else.

[@scotty2553]

In your example of a person walking toward you, you would have to keep your thumb on the BBF button right? If you have your thumb on that button, can you activate the shutter button at the same time? On my M50, it almost seems like I have to release BBF in order to take the exposure. Granted, I have only just tried this out to see how it felt. I have not given it a lot of use.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I'm actually not sure about that. I know on my DSLR you can use both at the same time without issue.

[@messylaura]

i use the M50, for the stuff you are talking about with back button focus it sounds like what i do using the toggle for af/mf. if i want to focus on a subject and keep it in focus then recompose i just hit the manual focus toggle. is this doing the same thing just another way around? as for the one shot and servo, i use both, the advantage of one shot on the M50 is i can half press the shutter button when i turn the focus on the lens it goes to manual focus x5/x10 magnification. this is vey useful for me with birds in trees when the auto focus doesn't want to play ball and grabs twigs etc in servo mode it wont let you do magnify because the camera reverts back to standard view when it adjusts the focus.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yeah you’re doing it right. Just takes setting it up the way it works for you, and getting comfortable with the setup.

[@hotquebec]

Yeah another video on back button focusing -like explaining the offside rule to an alien!

[@LhundupTP]

Do you release the BBF after getting focus on subject or you keep holding it done while you pressing shutter button (Continuous high speed mode)..? Thank you

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yes that's exactly what I do I have my camera in continuous autofocus and just keep my finger on the back button so that the focus is always adjusting

[@LhundupTP]

@@BillEricPhotographyThank you 🙏🏻

[@BillEricPhotography]

Sorry about the late response. Just so your comment tonight.

[@kerriobrien989]

HI Bill, I have been using BB focus for a year now but think i may be doing it wrong when my subject is moving. I shoot high school seniors and when the subject is walking toward me or twirling, I keep pressing the AF and shutter in spurts. What is the proper way to do this when I have my subject moving like this? Do I press the AF button continuously and only release the shutter? Please clarify because I've been guessing

[@BillEricPhotography]

You are basically separating the shutter button from the autofocus system. So the back button is the only way the camera will autofocus. You have to make sure that you have it set in continuous autofocus or servo mode on a Canon camera. When you have a moving subject you have to keep your finger on the button and it will track and continuously autofocus if you want to set your focus and then not have to worry about focusing again just take your finger off it and now you can just use the shutter button separately and the focus won't change. Hope this helps!

[@tomwestbrook]

Takes some getting used to, but I do find it makes life easier for most photos. The rest I just use manual focus.

[@BillEricPhotography]

There's definitely a little bit of a learning curve but once your body is used to shooting this way it becomes second nature.

[@markshirley01]

I use BBF on my D750 not sure if id use it in video on.a Z camera.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I don't do much video so I'm not sure how that would work

[@briannamaxwell5551]

Unrelated - has anyone ever told you you sound like Howard Stern? Lol anyway love your videos!

[@BillEricPhotography]

No but I'm a big Howard fan and have been listening to him my whole life. Maybe it rubbed off!

[@Greece360]

Is this good for real estate video as well?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yes it would work nicely for that

[@gemstyxwalls1419]

What about using the back button for shutter speed?If I set the back button for focusing.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I've never done that but you have to find what works for you and your shooting style.

[@psoon04286]

Hello Bill, something not exactly connected with your topic today and I apologize in advance😔 but lately, with my new Z5 it’s having a hard time knowing when to turn on the EVF or switching between the rear monitor and the EVF. I’ve tried all the 4 options by pressing the button on the left side of the prism head to no avail. It’s down to me having to manually selecting ‘viewfinder only’ or ‘monitor only’. That’s not how it’s supposed to be right? Should I return my Z5 to Nikon or am I missing something in the menu setup? Thanks for your attention and help

[@BillEricPhotography]

Hi Philip, it should be pretty automatic, when the camera detects the viewfinder is being blocked (presumably by your eye) it will switch to EV. Otherwise the rear lcd should always be on. Unless you’re accidentally blocking the viewfinder with your fingers or something.

[@psoon04286]

Good news Bill. The guys at the store where I bought the camera from cleaned the eye sensor and got it working again. I’m really surprised as I had previously looked for any smudges or foreign material there. Anyways, that’s something to bear in mind😊 Oh, BTW, I’ve been a BBAF user from when it was first available on the D200

[@BillEricPhotography]

I have to convince Eric to give it a try!

[@psoon04286]

@@BillEricPhotography different strokes for different folks Bill😄

[@jasonbokar7482]

A little confused when you say “for a static object I hit bbf and then release”. As soon as you do that, and push the shutter button, wouldn’t it then reactivate the AF? Would you need to deactivate AF on the shutter button first?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yes in the settings you have to separate them. When you turn on back button auto focusing it will separate it from the shutter this way you can focus with one finger and shoot with the other. Static means something still.

[@jasonbokar7482]

@@BillEricPhotography Thanks Bill! On my z6ii I had to go into the A6 setting and turn off focus on the shutter. It doesn’t seem to do that automatically when I just use bbf.

[@malmedia]

I have never really used an SLR camera. But a couple years ago I got my first ILC, the EOS RP. So I never got into the habit of using BBF. I have watched YT videos about it and tried to understand the purpose, but like you, they all said it was what they were used to and works for them. But they all came from SLR/DSLR users, so it may have been due to certain limitations of those systems, but they still use it in Mirror less because that's what they're used to. What I always wanted clarity on is, what is the scenario it actually helps with. You mentioned not having to go into the menus to change settings. What setting would you want to change? Maybe Eric can explain why he doesn't stopped.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I can give you a perfect example from yesterday. I was shooting my family inside of Luray caverns here in Virginia and the auto focus was hunting in a dark environment once I was able to lock focus I took my finger off the back button and was able to shoot as many shots as I wanted without the camera trying to refocus.

[@malmedia]

@@BillEricPhotography But what if you or the subject moved, how would you ensure the subject was still in focus?

[@BillEricPhotography]

In that situation I would have to reaquire focus bit what's great is that I can shoot in continuous when I need to or single shot when I let go of the button like I described in my previous comment. All without going into a menu and change settings.0

[@malmedia]

@@BillEricPhotography I use my AF-on to toggle between single and servo. So maybe the subtle difference, toggling vs instant.

[@BillEricPhotography]

What ever works. Everyone shoots a bit differently.

[@christopherlofquist1]

Use BBF on my Nikon Z5. Took me awhilebtongetbuse to it!

[@BillEricPhotography]

It's definitely awkward at first but once you get the hang of it it'll become second nature.

[@chaoyangnz]

Touch screen also can activate the focus immediately, that means I don’t need to press AF-ON? am I right?

[@BillEricPhotography]

Not really You need to separate the shutter button from the autofocus. Even if you touch the back screen to focus I think when you go to press down the shutter it may autofocus again. I'm not 100% sure about this. I actually need to try it out to see if that's the case.

[@DigitalRealPhoto]

On my Canon I have to disable the AF on the shutter button. So that it is shutter button only. Otherwise, when I back button focus and then press the shutter button the camera re-focuses.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yeah sometimes there’s some tweaking involved to get the buttons set to work the way you want them!

[@anandvmahajan]

I would like to know regarding effect on battery consumption due_to BBF. My observation battery consumption increased considerably due_to BBF. Please correct me if I m wrong.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I've never had an issue with the batteries on my DSLR because of this. I will say that once I moved to a mirrorless camera my batteries don't last nearly as long but I think that has more to do with the screens always being on. Whether it's the electronic viewfinder or the back screen.

[@anandvmahajan]

@@BillEricPhotography ok.Thank you for your reply.

[@shadyninja1]

I'll try it out on my Z6 at my next wedding. Wish me luck.,😭

[@BillEricPhotography]

It takes a little getting used to, so definitely practice with it

[@adjake1]

When I started shooting birds and birds in flight I decided to try BBAF….I’ll never go back. With my new r6 I’ve set up dual BBAF the af-on is set to single point and the * next to it is set up for eye af.

[@BillEricPhotography]

That's a great idea, I never thought of setting up different focus modes like that. I may try that! Thanks!

[@marc5279]

so how do i turn off the AF funcion on the shutter release?

[@marc5279]

ok got it. You may want to set your shutter to not be able to focus if you wanna make use of back button focus. otherwise its useless

[@marc5279]

look for "AF activation" i anutofocus menu and turn it off

[@chaoyangnz]

Are you sure the focus is locked when release AF-ON? This is always my confusion of AF-ON and AF-LOCK

[@BillEricPhotography]

Yes it is. When you put your finger on it it's like having the camera in continuous autofocus as soon as you take your finger off it stays where the focus was

[@lukaszklopotek]

I tried it, but you end up having to press two buttons instead of one in most situations. I use AF/AE lock, which also helps me lock exposure, something absent in your setup.

[@BillEricPhotography]

It takes getting used to but once you are, it feels easier to use back button

[@whatwelearned]

Yes but that's WHY you do it; to have greater control over focusing rather than the shutter controlling it

[@BillEricPhotography]

True

[@michael-4k4000]

I really don't understand the purpose of BBAF. It seems like it's over complicating.

[@BillEricPhotography]

Not really, I love having autofocus and the shutter separated. Much easier to focus and recompose or hold focus when shooting off a tripod. Give it a try, it might take a bit to get used to it but I think you might like it

[@fairlessdave1834]

I agree with you. It seems cumbersome and I can tell you with complete honesty that I have taken tens of thousands of pictures in every scenario imaginable and never felt any limitations where I would feel compelled to try this. To each his own I guess.

[@BillEricPhotography]

I get what you're saying but imagine this scenario. You're on a tripod your subject isn't moving and the tripod isn't moving. All you have to do is focus once and then you can keep shooting.. another way I use it is instead of having to shift back and forth between continuous autofocus and single shot autofocus. By having it set to back button with continuous on it'll only focus when I hit the back button but the focus will lock as soon as I take my finger off of it instead of always having the camera searching for focus. I have found it to be a valuable tool to use in certain situations. Again it may not work for everyone.

[@fairlessdave1834]

@@BillEricPhotography Honestly, I really think we're splitting hairs here. You say "all you have to do is focus once and you can keep shooting". I never felt any limitations of the speed of shutter focus where I couldn't keep shooting in continuous focus. Did you feel that way before you started using this? Where something was missing from your shots or the composition of them? Maybe I'm wrong but didn't you mention that you have your camera set on continuous autofocus all the time anyway, so why would you be shifting back to single shot? As I said, to each his own. I'm not trying to be contradictory. I'm just trying to balance the rewards with what I feel is a tad extra work and cumbersome. Thanks.

[@BillEricPhotography]

That's a good question you ask. Actually I never did feel like I was missing anything until I switched. Now I would never go back to shooting the other way. It doesn't feel natural to me to have the camera focus every time I touch the shutter. I definitely prefer to have them separated. It does a little while to get used to it and for your hand to be comfortable with focusing that way. I say if you've never tried it set your camera up like that for a day or two and see how it goes. You can always go back.

[@saravanane71]

Shud i press both af back buton and shutter release button at the same time to take fotos?

[@BillEricPhotography]

You only need to press the back button to focus. When you’re ready to take the photos then you can let go of the back button and push the shutter (unless you are tracking focus)