BACK-BUTTON FOCUS DEMYSTIFIED: Learn why back-button focus is great for photographers!

[@simon_dentremont]

Let me know if you got this to work on your camera, and what model it was. Viewers would like to know I’m sure!

[@stevefrith7283]

Can't cope with it for sports, tried it and gave it up as a bad job.

[@burple65]

Assigning the 2nd button for facial AF does work. Now I can decide on the fly which one to use at any given moment, although I'm still new to my R6 and not sur how much I'll use the facial recognition AF.

[@robertleeimages]

Little Eos 200d here and only took up photography 4 yrs ago this coming January and within 3 months i had bbf set up and had been on a huge fast track of learning through channels like yours, and a very well known Aussie V8 supercar racing driver whose wife is a photographer and Canon ambassador was blown away that i had learnt so much so fast while discussing photography 1 night on twitter messenger which started after she messaged asking about learning nightscape photography. Best thing i found was being able to then meter where you want, instead of where you focus as happens when both are tied to the shutter button although it can have focus only for shutter and use the bb as metering but i definitely find it better the more common way.

[@bruceleonard3096]

Sorry, Canon R5. It is working great! I’ve also gone to Auto ISO and changed the top dual from ISO to exposure compensation.

[@charlesmckenna6164]

Sony A1

[@elforestero]

Having watched countless hours of videos by many of the most popular photography tutorial producers on youtube, I would say yours are consistently among the most clear, well-organized, detailed and helpful.This is another gem. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@leniehulse1621]

I also am so glad I found Simon’s channel as he is great in explaining things!

[@Reason-fg4ik]

Completely agree! And I love using back button focus.

[@TonyHobbs]

​@@simon_dentremontagreed there is something special about your presentation 😊 it's very calming and full of knowledge

[@tolga1cool]

Absolutely! This channel is amazing. Even though I know all the things he's explaining since I've been shooting for a while it's still a joy to watch because the videos are so incredibly well made

[@pauldeakinvic]

You are simply the best presenter on photographic topics Simon. No fluff or gimmicky style.

[@milenmirchev3079]

This man single handedly improved my knowledge two-fold in two weeks and about 15 videos! Amazing approach of practically showing how to set options and what is their purpose. Amazing ! Keep up the good work, Simon

[@simon_dentremont]

Great!

[@sixsullies]

same! he's the best!!

[@adityaraj2323]

0x2=0 😂 JK . He is great

[@vdiitd]

This is the first time someone has explained in a practical way. I have seen numerous videos on this, but they never actually show how you are supposed to use it.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@cityboy24]

Definitely one of the best instructors on KZbin. Clear, concise, loads of examples, well considered reasons. Just amazing. Thank you.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@jasonzakszewski3718]

I just gasped in amazement when you showed back button focus on the bird at the 3 minute mark. I had no idea this was how it works. I've leared so much from you in just a few videos. You are the Gold Standard for youtube tutorial videos!

[@jesss7930]

Your videos are like nobody else’s on KZbin!! I’ve watched so many back button focus videos and got so lost in technical details that I never even made it to set up. Now, after watching yours, I’ve just set back button focus on my camera and it’s going to be life changing! I’m very excited to use it from now on, thank you! Your videos are always so perfectly explained, you have the gift of teaching and encouraging as well as your photography talents.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@TonyHobbs]

​@simon_dentremont I did set AF ON long ago after hearing about it (initially I thought what a ridiculous idea lol then did it. Then put camera down. Picked it up some years later thinking wtf isn't it focusing 😅😅😂 Then remembered the af on button. Really good info.

[@victorrivera6375]

You know that I’ve been using back focus with my Sony cameras and never realized I could focus then release and my subject stays in focus. Just tried it and it worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@michaelpeppersack8599]

any body can set it up but you are the only one I know of that explained it and I was able to use it properly thanks a million

[@wayneviglione6879]

I've watched this video twice now.. It's a masterpiece. I'd echo previous comments. Your videos are practical, concise, well organised, well thought out ,and, beautifully rendered. Well appreciated. Don't stop.

[@luzr6613]

Man, i laughed out loud when, having melted my tiny brain, you cracked a smile and said 'At first, this won't be intuitive'. True that. Back i go to my Pentax and Olympus manuals to try and work this mumbo-jumbo out. Cheers for furthering my education, yet again.

[@SteakOSaurier]

I love how CUTE your Bird-Model-Subject is at 3:15 that long chirp is pure gold for my ears and heartwarming, don't know why :)

[@DaDivineDevil]

I have been using youtube for more than 10 years and I have never been so mystified by the content from a youtuber like this before! I cant put in words how glad i am to have found your channel! incredible content, really helpful and thorough, please never stop! big fan!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@pimo01]

You're stealing the words from my mouth, exact same impression for me!

[@simon_dentremont]

@@pimo01 Merci Pierre!

[@garybrown9719]

Thanks About time someone explains back button focusing

[@wackyp]

This is proof that most cameras are better than most photographers. Amazing video and excellent explanations. Thanks Simon.

[@stevenk1833]

I know my cameras are smarter than me. Frustrating.

[@alansach8437]

Had a good friend who passed away a few years ago. Excellent photographer. Right up until he died he shot with a thirty some odd year old film camera and got beautiful results. I asked him why he didn't update his camera. His answer was that, "Photographers change cameras more often than they change their underwear! They never come close to learning the capabilities of any of them! I, on the other hand, know this camera better than I know my wife!" His pictures showed that there was indeed a marvelous relationship!

[@forsterl.stewart414]

With all things there’s Good and bad points associated with them. Shutter-button focus has some limitations and disadvantages that may affect your image quality or creativity. For instance, you may lose focus when you release the shutter button halfway or when your subject moves or changes distance, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus shots. Additionally, you may refocus unintentionally when you press the shutter button again or when something comes between you and your subject, which may ruin your composition or focus on the wrong thing. Furthermore, you may have to turn off the autofocus system to use manual focus, which can slow you down or make you miss the shot. You may also have to change your camera settings to switch between continuous and single autofocus modes, making it inconvenient or confusing. Back-button focus has some drawbacks, which may take time and practice to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to shutter-button focus. You may forget to press the back button or press it when it's not necessary, resulting in out-of-focus shots. It may also be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use depending on the camera model and grip, as you may have to stretch your thumb or change your hand position to reach the back button. Furthermore, back-button focus may not work well with some camera features or modes, such as face detection, eye autofocus, or touch shutter; you may need to disable or adjust these settings for effective use. Use anything that makes photography fun and easy for you. We are all different, I have worked for nearly half a century in photography field, even before all this b.b.f.,auto focusing Era. I have seen things come and go. For me b.b.f. is not something I embrace. Much like auto shutter,aperture or programmed control. I like doing things myself. I personally know how to control most situations over an automated feature on a camera. With three clicks ot top dial or three clicks of my rear thumb dial, I can change in an instant one full stop either plus or minus. Todays metering is not always perfect. More often, they are wrong. And customisable rear buttons have many other uses I prefer over focus control.

[@forsterl.stewart414]

Remember, one simple thing, your camera is not smarter than you. When you point your camera, let's say at a black subject, you know it's black. Your camera sees it as an 18%;grey,and the camera will lighten that to read as a grey subject. And a white subject the camera will darken to a grey. Knowing this, I know my cameras faults. I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters, short comings. And by: Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey. Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey. Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features. It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light. And with todays mirrorless R5, a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder, making this easier than ever. Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon. "Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase"

[@tchomusic]

Just answered my biggest issue with taking photos of moving stuff. Perfect. Simon Rocks.

[@craigmiller8564]

For the first time since I started getting serious about my photography hobby, I understand the back button focus functions. I don’t know what you said differently or what I heard differently than I have in the last five years but thank you so much, it all makes sense now!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dougbottrell4751]

Thanks Maestro, the 'emergency' button option is a real winner. 10/10.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad you like it!

[@VandrefalkTV]

How have I not had this explained to me in such a manner before?! This solves soo many situations I've been in recently where I got frustrated with extra effort it took to get some pretty simple shots of butterflies in the grass, or bluetits in birch trees, for instance. Thank you so much! This clicked immediately for me, now I just got to get used to it in practice! :)

[@simon_dentremont]

So happy to hear it helped you. Go get ‘em!

[@photographybychristinamariecpp]

I spent 2 years in college and no one ever taught me. This! Thank you, thank you. Thank you are definitely getting a new subscriber today.❤

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@Pangolin999]

Amazing, this is the first video (of many!) that I’ve watched which actually shows you back button focus scenarios in action - rather trying to explain it in words. At long last, I get it!

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@andrewdoeshair]

I had NO IDEA the 7Dii had that register/recall shooting function! That feature alone is what made me buy an R6!

[@richharrop5361]

Probably the clearest summary of back button focus I have heard….thank you!!

[@simon_dentremont]

You are welcome!

[@daustonian9331]

It was fun to find this older video from you. After 500k more subscribers and a couple years, you can see how much more relaxed you are today! Content is great no matter the timing, thanks for all the work to help us out here.

[@jonathanherb3752]

I switched to back button focus within the last 10 months. Best thing I ever did in regards to the simple things of photography.

[@simon_dentremont]

Excellent!

[@munarong]

Same. No regrets. 👍😁

[@parkside3236]

You're an awesome instructor. I have watched quite a few of your videos over the past 2 weeks and really appreciate them. What I like most is that you physically/visually demonstrate every key point you make. I also love that you don't assume everyone watching your videos is a professional photographer or someone that can read your mind. I'm staying subscribed forever.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome to the group!

[@arthurleung7083]

Great video! You have a natural way of giving clear explanations, and also why we would want to do it rather than just how to do it. Looking forward to the next video!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Arthur!

[@winstondas]

You explain things so crisply and clearly, it takes only one sitting to understand the subject matter completely. Thank you for your generosity with your knowledge.

[@richardtom6987]

Just watched this almost year old video. You're definitely more engaging in the newer videos. Keep up the great work! This beats reading about those buttons in my manual.

[@matthewoakesphotography]

I never understood this until now, THANK YOU Simon! This video is so helpful and soooooo easy to understand, I just tried these tricks out and THEY WORK so well. Thanks again!

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help! Excellent!

[@Dos4gw]

Simon, it's amazing to see how much you have improved over the years. This video is great, full of quality info and I learned a heap in a short time. But also it highlights how much you've improved in your production quality and delivery. You're a great teacher, keep it up! Thanks again!

[@simon_dentremont]

I really appreciate your kind words!

[@peterleung6970]

Hi Simon, thank you for the knowledge of how to properly use the af back button. I have been having difficulties with using this button in the past. You really save my day.

[@restaurantattheendofthegalaxy]

Oh Simon! My photography brain grew three sizes today, thank you!

[@zachgreene7269]

This video is a game changer for me. I was always frustrated that I only had centre focus when I have an extender on my 400mm lens. Thank you so much for all these great videos. I love your photography work.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ColinMacIver]

By far, the best explanation of back button focus I've ever seen.

[@billieb0]

This explanation of the usage of back-button focus was amazing. For some reason I never understood why you would do this, but it's so practical. Awesome explanation and examples!

[@GPop-z2o]

THANKS for this video. I can't believe no one ever demonstrated BBF quite like this video, to move me to consider using BBF. For over 20 years I've used the switch on the lens barrel to achieve similar functionality, mostly because I wanted to stay away from menu changes that were not available on my older Canons. These days I've customized so much about all my later models' features to my taste, that BBF is my new favorite, right up there with FV Mode. My brain was quite receptive to the change, especially considering what I'd done through the years!

[@Lentziu]

Even tho I practice as hobbyist photographer for quite some years... in these 2 weeks since I discovered your channel I learned and comprehended concepts that I struggled before to put in practice. Your tutorials are so well explained and in a manner that the information is easy to assimilate. I feel like I am starting a new journey with better perspectives in photography. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@ddmarty]

For the longest I stayed away from back button focusing. That's when I had my D7200. When I upgraded to my D850, I kept messing up shots with the shutter button because I would hold it down at the wrong time. And I was getting in the picture more often, so whenever someone would use my camera, they'd mess up too because they'd just press the button. After I got my D850, I got tired of missing shots and/or explaining "You just press this button halfway down...". Now, I can stay focused on a moving object without having to worry about pressing too hard on the shutter, and it's easy to tell people "Point the camera at us, hold THIS button down and then click." I still use my D7200, so I switched it to back button focusing also. :)

[@franksfiddle9031]

Brilliant ... this has been driving me crazy as a new photographer when even the simplest and smallest movement was shifting focus ... infuriating. Thank you for such an easy to follow explanation Simon .. Mike

[@speedymarc]

whenever I need to take a picture of this kind what I do is, I focus the object I want, then I put the focus in manual and it's solved.

[@jfajr5596]

For a french speaking person like me, you’re the best for clear explanation.

[@simon_dentremont]

de rien! Merci!

[@Tim.L]

Another advantage of back-button focus is that you always can adjust your focus manually without switching the lens to manual focus. Great for fine tuning or adjustments without changing the composition.

[@MA-no8tz]

The back button is extremely useful and I have been using it for almost 3 years now. I have a Sony 7RV.

[@kouprey1]

Instructional clarity. To the point. Well paced. Yours are among the very best how-to photo videos I've come across on KZbin. Well done.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thanks!

[@Dani.P.F.]

Genius. No need to fiddle with the flexible spot in this case. Wonderful.

[@wilsonwabraham]

This was very helpful! You’re a good teacher.

[@simon_dentremont]

I'm so glad!

[@A1ko_]

I've always heard it's a good thing and basically mandatory to enable it, but nobody ever told me why and my skepticism won so I never enabled it, thank you for actually explaining why it's good

[@AnnaraRen]

An amazingly clear explanation of the uses of the back-button focus. Thank you!

[@RVNmedic]

Watched again. I set up 3 back buttons. One small zone, one eye tracking and one wide zone. Seems to work well as long as I use the right button. Thanks again!

[@Dennis-kh7mr]

Thanks Simon! This is the best practical use of back button focus that I have ever seen! Wonderful Explanation!

[@FMK-mo6ul]

Thank you. It’s one thing explaining what back button focusing does but using specific examples make the process useful.

[@yuriyork8094]

I recently found your chanel and the way you explain things seems to make sense to me. I've subscribed and now going over each of your video with an intent to go back and review them again. I just wanted to thank you for putting all of the efforts to create and produce these videos, they are very helpful to someone like myself who is starting to learn photography. Thnak you

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome aboard!

[@TonyG_Film]

Love all your content. I’m a professional motion picture camera operator returning to my still photography roots. All my still knowledge comes from the analog world and I have a lot to learn to catch up. I appreciate the quality of your videos, the narrow focus of subject matter, and your enthusiastic on screen personality. Oh, killer work too by the way. Thanks for you channel.

[@nancymatheson8602]

Thanks so much for your clear description. Despite not using Canon, I now feel that I better understand what this is all about.😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patsyrussell5039]

I have watched countless of your videos and I’m a big fan of yours

[@adrienvillez]

When a friend gets a new camera, this is the #1 trick I teach them right away! When you are in control of your focus, you master the camera to another level and the work improves right away!

[@simon_dentremont]

Right!

[@lydmarl.475]

Just beautiful images, very clear now!

[@scottabergermd]

Loved this video maybe best of all the videos I’ve seen on this subject. I would REALLY APPRECIATE if you would do a separate one specifically on how you completely customized each and every button of your R5. I have both an R5 and R3, and the R3 is really challenging to understand how eye tracking integrates with all these custom button settings. Thank you!

[@loozerid]

This is the best video I will practice this immediately

[@marknelson6514]

I've now watched several of his videos and I'm very impressed. He's very clear and helpful. Thank you!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amitsalvi]

Thank you! Been struggling with AF and missing focus so many times....even with BBF ..your videos have helped me get an alternative..

[@simon_dentremont]

Happy to help!

[@scottthompson5263]

This was an outstanding informative video. I learned so much more about how to set my R6 back buttons than on other clips!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@shoregrl20]

Wow, I have just binged quite a few of your videos, I found you by change on my YT main page, and I am SO SO glad I clicked on you! I have had years of watching photography videos, and I have to say, yours are finally ‘clicking’ with me, thank you!!

[@odysseusreturns9133]

This is quick to set up on my Nikon by re-assigning the AF/AE lock button. Breaking a years long habit and getting used to the new setup will take a little longer. This also helps with lenses that are a little slow to autofocus or are likely to "hunt" through their entire focus range like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro.

[@bentleydawg8573]

I appreciate your descriptions of how things work. Many thanks! This video was very helpful. I had heard of backbutton focus. Even seen other information on how to set it. What I was missing was a clear explanation on how to use it. I am looking forwards to giving it a try. 🙂

[@murraymetcalf-CA]

Yet another extremely useful and informative video with great examples. Thanks!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stefanhalvarsson3962]

Finally, I have received help with setting up my R5. So many people on KZbin have their own solutions that don't work, I think. I'm so glad I can follow you. Thank you so much you made my day. / Stefan Sweden.

[@debbieharry-clarke2918]

That was awesome. I've used back button focusing before but didn't realise just how useful it is. I've set up the 2nd one as well and will give it a try. Thank you for an informative and detailed tutorial

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gavinbrown7974]

I have been doing professionally photography over 3 years now an no one ever explained this like you this is so wonderful knowing big thank you

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@bpsten]

Finally a video that makes back-button focus make sense to me. Thank you very much!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it helped!

[@naytdawg]

Simon, every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new, and because i've been HOLDING the BBF button, I can now see where i've been going wrong, thank you!!

[@simon_dentremont]

I do hold it while I want the camera to focus n

[@orendakog6784]

Hello Simon... just found your site and am thoroughly impressed with your art and the knowledge you share. I subscribed right away. Thank you so very much. Best to you and your circle of influence in 2023. Stay healthy everyone.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@MrMP-en7vf]

I only can agree to that. I am using that since 20 years on all my Canons and it made my work so much easier.

[@jimsmith556]

My wildlife and bird photography with the D850 became more fluid when I switched to BBF years ago after watching Steve Perry's videos. It's great for moving kids and also for recomposing as you suggested. Whenever someone hands me their camera to take a shot of them it feels restrictive when I realize it's focusing with the shutter button. Great information Simon!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks Jim!

[@sirg-had8821]

I have a Canon EOS 5d Markiii. Turns out I have a back button auto focus button on this damn thing. I photograph a lot of concerts so this is going to be a game changer. Thanks, Simon!

[@WernerBirdNature]

That's a great explanation Simon, and congrats for applying the concept to multiple brands at once ! While I was still using my 70D, I tried BBF but never liked it. Last fall I switched to the R6, and now I just love the dual BBF. Compared to you, I have swapped both buttons, and on the button right of the *, I programmed the toggle between AF zones which can adapt the zone on which the *-AF is applied. One of my concerns on the new R7 is that Canon placed the extra below the * instead on the right. And I strongly fear it might be tricky to train the dumb to distinguish between both buttons .. Like you I'm using the 100-400Lii, but I'll need to train hard to ever come close to your truly awesome action shots !!

[@simon_dentremont]

That’s great feedback. Thanks!

[@RK69-r6n]

I tried this dual button thing but the quickly switched back to shutter button autofocus. I didn’t know how and when to use it. Thank you for this video, comprehensive. Will try this.

[@z1522]

Are you reading from some script prompt as you make these, or are you actually this well-spoken, clear, concise and well-planned? So much information, presented with minimal dead space or wasted filler - amazing!

[@simon_dentremont]

I use a teleprompter now, but back when I made this one, I had bullets points written and memorized and winged it!

[@jimmybarry6254]

What a breath of fresh air!

[@martinh.santana8187]

Sir, I can't thank you enough for your great advice, and the way you teach. I am a beginner with not much resources for knowledge or education where I live, so your magnificent effort Is a double blessing. Thank you so much. Muchas gracias.

[@mdgdm]

I used bbf for a year or so and never got used to it. Half press and recompose seems simpler , maybe because I shoot mostly static subjects.

[@monicab28]

Thank you for explaining about taking your thumb off the focus button! I have always kept my thumb on it and have had issues!

[@colinreidcr]

thanks man I think its cause I shoot on single mode and thats why the whole picture is not in focus..

[@TokyoXtreme]

Truly a world class pro-tip; this channel is amazing.

[@Exuviax]

Wow, been watching a lot of your stuff and recently got this old video. You've come a long way in your presenter skills

[@simon_dentremont]

Been working on it!

[@pleappleappleap]

I know it sounds a little silly, but you not smiling at all makes you come across a bit intimidating.

[@wonsikyang891]

I liked it more professional approach:)

[@deenugent473]

Thank you Mr. d'Entremont for your clear explanation. I've watched a number of videos on KZbin and still didn't understand until I watched your video. 👍

[@isozarr]

This Sir helped me so much! I was shooting a wedding lately (for a friend, first time) and had so much problems with the auto focus because of that, that the focus-button is the same like the one which is taking the photo. I tried to focus the couple but the camera always wanted to focus on the crowd behind, because of the 2 functions in 1 button. this solved it all !! Tyvm!

[@dakidfrombrooklyn6203]

Simone. My name is Jan, I am an amateur photographer with a canon 70 and 90D. Now that I' retired I am traveling more with my wife, needless to say I am LOVING photography )ALOT). I recently found your channel and was delighted that I was able to understand photography more since I found you, you are a very good and experienced instructor, you have away of allowing me to understand everything you say. Hope you do more. That being said I would like to learn bracketing FOCUS and EXPOSURE from you??? I know you have a very busy photography business and hope you find the time to do more than one a week? maybe?. Anyways keep up the great job you are now providing to us for free....etal

[@rodrigoremedios3973]

I'm so happy i have discovered your YT channel! You are one of the best photography teachers online. Tks mrs. Entremont!

[@simon_dentremont]

Wow, thank you!

[@itsmesanto]

This is great to take photos of toddlers running around. I will practice using this technique.

[@NickWeissMusic]

Thanks for the heart on my other comment, now I have to contradict everything I said, haha! I had never read about this, but I’m glad I was comment scrolling, because maybe using the back button to ***cancel*** AF is the real best answer… I haven’t tested it out, but ostensibly, you should be able to get the same performance as typical back button focus (after reprogramming your fingers), plus, you don’t have to turn the shutter af back on to use af with the the self timer, remote shutter, or hand your camera to someone who wouldn’t have any idea about bbf. This could save me opening my menus 5 to 10 times a year… And any photographer knows, that’s totally worth it 😂.

[@WilliamJones-j6h]

Man, you ROCK! Thanks once again!

[@333llll]

This channel is one of my favorites, it’s quality content👌Recently bought my first camera and have learned and continue to learn much from you. 🙂 Btw this hack is a game changer! Thank you.

[@AudreyGB]

Great explanations, my man! I've been interested in back button focus since hearing about how you can set different shooting modes, but I didn't realize you could register a whole different array of settings to a single button. The star button settings you showed are fantastic, and I think it's really going to up my wildlife game. I'm shooting with an R6 after using a 5DII for years, and aside from the technical improvements, I'm also getting a lot more into learning what these cameras are capable of. So cool!

[@beatriceporter7195]

Nikon D 5600 I love it makes it so much easier to take multiple photos. Thank you

[@kajbeuter9139]

Comment from an amateur with the ambition to improve photography skills: I come from a time where continous focusing was not available, that means that the method: "Point to the focus point, half-press the button, move the camera as desired" worked great for quite a while. That changed with continous focus functions of the cameras. Maybe that's also the reason why I struggled with continous focus in the beginning. Now I see the advantage of using the back button focus but: - It's a learning curve to adapt to that - You cannot hand the camera to any person as they will have troubles using it correctly But I found a solution for that. On my Canon (EOS 850D) I can change the back button focus from "Activate Focus" to "Deactivate Focus". That means, if I do nothing, the camera works like in the old times and also in a way most smaller cameras behave. But in case I need the back button functionality in continous focus mode, I just focus as always, then press the back button to deactivate the auto focus and then move the camera as desired. Maybe that works for other amateurs, too 🙂

[@lilybethcandelaria3588]

You have explained this so simple!!!! I appreciate your videos. Truly the best.

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danham3344]

Great video! I decided to set my AF on button to eye focus, and my * button to area focus. When I see a distant raptor in a tall pine, I can quickly hit the star to grab onto the tree, and then AF on hones in on the eye of my subject. It’s been a game changer for me. Really appreciate your input. Consistently ups my game.

[@rcl-crafter8]

This was helpful. I love to shoot moving subjects but didn't quite understand how this works. I'll be watching again to set my camera. Love to see your smile!