Back Button Focus - Why and How (With Canon Setup, AF-On)

I learned about back button focus very early in the photography career and I could never go back to shooting without it. I use it full time for wildlife photography, wedding photography, portraiture, sports photography. Whether I'm photographing a model or capturing fast paced action like birds in flight, back button focus gets me the tack sharp shots I need.
In this episode I share this pro tip and explain it in simple terms so you can start using it yourself.
No more missing shots while you switch autofocus modes. I explain the difference between One Shot / AF-S and AI SERVO / AF-C. And, I show you the Canon DSLR camera menus so you can customize the settings for your camera and use the AF-On button to get sharp focus every time.
Your thumb on the AF-ON button controls the focus for everything you shoot in autofocus. I can lock focus and recompose, or track subjects in motion instantly.
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[@JAY-xx4kt]

Great example and explanation about the back button focusing, i m going to practice on it THANKS!

[@anthonyglenesk2982]

Finally! After a year with my telephoto and Canon 7D I decided to actually learn how to use more of its functions. As an avid birder this will be a game changer. I missed so many great shots due to autofocus issues. Great video!

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome Anthony!! I hope you get lots of great shots!

[@waynegeordiesdad648]

I've watched a half-dozen of these 'back-button' videos......yours is BY FAR the most comprehensive and easy to both understand AND set up Thanks a ton and I'll start doing it tomorrow and I suspect I'll NEVER go back Cheers from Canada North

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome to hear! Happy New Year Eh! 🇨🇦

[@juanjaramillo1854]

I just switched my Canon 7D to BBF and my oh my, do I love it. I tried a few shots right after making the change in my camera and I loved the results. Thank you

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome Juan!!

[@PracticingPhotography]

This is awesome and I have been using back button focus for several years now an am amazed at how easy the switch was. What I loved about this video is your explanation on how to use it for OneShot/AI Servo with back button focus.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Doug! So much confusion around BBF, I wanted to make as clear of an explanation as I could. Happy shooting!

[@paulachapman2711]

Thank you for such a clear and easy to understand tutorial. I’ve never got my head around how it works until now. I’m changing my camera to back button focusing right now!

[@ChadBarry]

Yes!!!! And you are very welcome.

[@thomastims9583]

This the first video of yours I have watched and I wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. Thanks for not blowing through it with lightning speed like most others do. I consider myself an intermediate/enthusiast with a lot to learn and I look forward to watching all your videos. I enjoy your teaching style and I'm definitely not going to miss the snobby attitude that so many other tutorial videos convey !

[@ChadBarry]

So glad to hear that Thomas. I need to get back to filming material to share. Happy shooting!

[@martinbryan137]

Thank you SO much for explaining this completely... I'm a total newb, and this is the only video I've seen that fully explains the difference in lamen terms.

[@ChadBarry]

Martin Bryan you’re welcome. I try to keep things simple 😉

[@ceesteven]

Good tip! Nice, clear presentation. Thank you.

[@calderon551]

THE BEST description of using back button focus, after watching 8 videos, this is the one that I got it the first time. Excellent!

[@ChadBarry]

Happy to help out! 🙂

[@cy-villian]

Just had the same experience. Thanks Chad.

[@espedale]

Excellent description! No one else ever describes this with the camera in hand with a hypothetical situation. Thank you!!

[@ChadBarry]

espedale Thank you! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@DSmith-zf9es]

THANK YOU Chad!!! Finally an explanation of back button focus, and how to use the custom functions on my 77D that I've been trying to understand and program.

[@ChadBarry]

Glad to help out David! Hope to see some awesome shots from you! Cheers

[@nurseveronica]

Thank you for the clear explanation and especially the examples. I finally understand BBF and I can’t wait to try it out!

[@ChadBarry]

Yay!! Good luck! 😊

[@nofitlerphotos]

Love using back button focus especially during weddings, brilliant tutorial and straight to the point about what it is and why it's used. You got yourself another subscriber 👍🏻📸

[@ChadBarry]

I’m glad you found it useful! Cheers!

[@jdap222]

Great job explaining this. You're definitely right, it takes some time to get used to this, but I'm so happy to know this now. Thanks.

[@ChadBarry]

Wonderful!

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

Great tip. Thank you very much, Chad!

[@Jeff_H_the_Guitarist]

For one, thank you for teaching me that pressing the Q will cycle through the six menus. And your back button methodology is genius. One thing I’ve added to that genius is to program my Depth of Field Preview button to One Shot/AI Servo, instantly switching between the two focusing modes. But man, getting the focusing function off of the shutter button is a big help. One other change I make is for my main dial on top of the camera. I switch that to control Aperture instead of shutter speed. There’s just something about the left to right feel of using that dial and picturing all the f-stops to choose from in a left to right fashion that makes it feel perfectly natural.

[@ChadBarry]

Sounds good to me. Anything that gives you fast and accurate control.

[@nigelmay6349]

Finally! An accurate description of focus recomposing. Nobody else seems to recognize that doing that moves their focal plane. Excellent video! Just subscribed.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Nigel! It certainly does. Maybe I should do a video on just that. Thanks for subscribing!

[@priscillap7135]

Yesss

[@jespererrboe4093]

This is SO perfect - I love the pedagogical way you tell it so you really understand it 👌💪

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Jesper! I’m glad you could relate.

[@anyoungphotography5245]

Finally a tutorial I understand. Loving this! First channel I have ever subscribed to!

[@ChadBarry]

So glad to hear it!! I haven’t posted a video in long while but I’m busy scripting several right now for production in March.

[@MichaelJurick]

excellent, clear tutorial - thank you!!!

[@jessicakarcher21]

I tried watching another video on this and was completely lost. Your video was easy to watch and completely understandable. And now I'm a subscriber! Thank you!

[@ChadBarry]

Yay! Glad I could help. 👍🏻

[@regjordan9131]

Thank you Chad, one of the best videos I have seen on this subject, very clear and nice and slow so I can follow, cant wait to try this out.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks mate! Happy shooting!

[@Catisfaction1]

Thankyou for the clear settings instructions, but especially the explanation for how and why to use it. I’ve seen many you tube photographers “explain” it without really making it clear why it is useful.

[@bertmacalino9968]

simple but easy way to explain the back button function. Thanks.

[@markford4927]

Hey Chad, Awesome teaching video, I don't know how many shots I've missed by not knowing how to do this. I've watched and read lessons on how it works, but never 'got it'. Your way of explaining made it click. Thanks. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome to here Mark! I hope it helps. Share some photos in my FB workshop group.

[@phyllisnaccarato5313]

Than you ! I was very confused watching many videos about he same idea but could not wrap my head around it. You explained it perfect.

[@valeriedepeel]

Thank you! I saw this video a year ago and used it. Just got another canon but couldn't remember how to set up BBF. Other videos took too long or didn't show what I needed. Yours is great, clear and to the point. Thx!

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome! Thanks for visiting again!

[@gurtz1144]

Great stuff. And yes I will practice.

[@JZETH_]

I swear when I got my camera two years ago that this is the video I needed. Lol I still needed it today. Thank you KZbin algo gods lol

[@ChadBarry]

LOL. Glad to be of service!

[@brandonewert]

I just set up back button focus it completely changed the way I shoot I do alot of car photography thank you

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome!! Glad to hear it!

[@garymbuck1]

Thank you so much for this video. I can't tell you how many other BBF videos I watched but just could not pick it up. You broke the code and made it very easy to do and understand. Thanks again!

[@ChadBarry]

Super happy to hear that Gary!!

[@sevenbridgesoneriver4838]

THANK YOU u just made BBF sound simple! Intelligent individuals r those able to take difficult subjects and make them understandable to the layman! I totally get it now and will use BBF from this day onward thanks to you! Thank you! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@ChadBarry]

You’re so welcome!! I’m glad I could be helpful.

[@oldcyclist5880]

Good video. Although not part of the planned lesson, I never realized that pressing the Q button while in Menu would move to the next tab. I've always toggled through all of the lower level tabs to move through the menus. Also a good explanation of the logic for disabling AF on the shutter button.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks! Glad you got something from it.

[@mymagicmurals]

Thank you for this excellent simple explanations. For the first time in owning my Canon70D, I FINALLY know and understand how to use the back button.

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome news!! Hope it’s working well for you!

[@daviddyer2607]

One of the best explanations of Back Button Focus I have seen. Excellent.

[@ChadBarry]

David Dyer Thanks David!

[@drdre3824]

Thank you so much for your video, Chad! I just got my first full-frame camera (Canon 6D) and while it was an improvement in every way over my Canon EOS SL1, I found the focusing on my SL1 was way more reliable than the 6D. Now that I understand back-button focus, I feel much more confident that I can nail my shots. Merry Christmas, king :)

[@ChadBarry]

I’m glad I could help out. Best of luck and Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@drdre3824]

@@ChadBarry Thank you, brotha 😌🙏🏾✨

[@rondutton5595]

I’ve seen a couple of videos on BBF but this is the first one I fully understand. Thank you

[@ChadBarry]

Glad I could help Ron!

[@rondutton5595]

@@ChadBarry None of the other mentioned letting go of the AF-On button once you achieve focus.

[@rondutton5595]

The last one I watched said there was no way to disable AF focus on the shutter button on the 7d which kinda makes a mockery of the BBF because that would mean the shutter release would override the focus from the back button. I wish they would take their misleading videos down

[@jamesacosta2565]

As someone that does this as a hobby that was a great tutorial! Thank you. Plain and simple and great detail without having to scratch my head too much!

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks mate!

[@TheRue49]

Thank you so much for the excellent tutorial. I finally understand and will start using it right away.

[@ChadBarry]

Excellent!!!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

This was super helpful Chad. I'd always heard about back button focus, and maybe have even watched a tutorial long ago, but this video cemented the concept in my brain. Thanks for taking the time to help us noobs out. Much appreciated and best of luck on your channel. And you started the video with your cat, which is always a win in my book, I sometimes do the same thing myself.

[@ChadBarry]

LOL. Chewy gets lots of love!

[@stephenparkin2701]

I wish i came across this video ages ago like previous comments BBF setup is explained clearly and simply thank you so much for sharing

[@ChadBarry]

You’re welcome Stephen. I hope you get good use out of it and create something special.

[@JMV21377]

Chad, been wanted to understand Back Button Focus and how to use it and your video nailed it! It was precise and to the point. Thank you!

[@ericfreeley]

You explain things a super clear and helpful way!

[@Glenvill_e]

Hi Chad! This tutorial was perfect. I’ve watched a few on back button focus but yours made it so much easier to understand why we should use it. I have a Canon 5d Mkiii and I wondered if you’d done a tutorial on the various AF area selection modes that are available on this camera. Thanks and subscribed!

[@ChadBarry]

Hi Glen! I’m glad the video helped out. I know I was always frustrated watching other videos on the subject so my mission was to make it simple. I haven’t created a video in the focus areas but have this on my list!

[@Glenvill_e]

Chad Barry Thanks Chad! I’ll watch a bunch of your other tutorials in the meantime. All the best. Glen.

[@BruceGoren]

Great info. Made the change. Cute that a "Wookie" has a cat named "Chewy" !

[@ChadBarry]

LOL 😝😃😃

[@priscilacpgmartinsbaldacci2616]

Lol

[@kevingriffin5774]

I have been hearing about back button focus for a long time now and you are the only one to get me to figure it out, thank you.

[@ChadBarry]

I try to keep things simple. I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@shawnabryant6656]

Thank you for this amazingly clear explanation of BBF!! I have watched serval video and yours is the most clear by far. I can't wait to get out and practice now!!

[@ChadBarry]

I hear that a lot. I was frustrated with the content out there myself. I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@f2.8vidz4]

.. as promised I’m binge watching all your videos😂 Great video.. very well explained... I’ve been using BBF for a few years .. I keep my first camera T5i handy in “Auto mode” to pass off to relatives and my wife should they need to use the camera 😂 less headache Cheers Luke

[@ChadBarry]

Luke Hanson Photography LOL. Good idea!

[@Jay-qf1kc]

I finally understand back button focusing after watching this! Definitely going to start using it.

[@ChadBarry]

That’s awesome Jay! Glad to hear it!

[@charmaineembestro1226]

Thanks so much for the tip Chad! :)

[@patcosgrave1546]

You are the only tutor who solved my problem of decoupling the shutter focusing from the AF-ON button on my Canon5dsr in the simplest direct fashion Much appreciated Pat Cosgrave

[@ChadBarry]

So glad I could help! 😃

[@richardsimmons6470]

Great Video 80D is in the Camera Function Mode No 1 CFnIII Operations/other Will use this from now on THANKS

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome!

[@kimayers2092]

Chad I had to come back and thank you for this video! I decided to give it a try today.. OMG! I can’t believe the difference. Was a little awkward at first, but the sharp clear photos I got were worth the fumbling for a few minutes!! Thank you for making this so easy to understand!!

[@ChadBarry]

Woooohooo! So happy to hear this!!

[@cesarrivarola6409]

Just want to say thank you Excellent explanation!!!!!!!!

[@davidward7977]

Brilliant, best explanation of back button focusing yet.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks David!

[@trouwfotomakerij]

7:20 Not sure about other models, but a backbutton-focus setup overrides the "half-way shutter AF" in the 5D Mk4. So essentially you don't need to remove the AF from the shutter button. As soon as you press the shutter halfway and *then* press your AF ON button (or whatever button you use for BBF) it overrides the shutterbutton-AF.

[@Foliagette]

Back button focus is the best thing ever. Totally changed the way I shoot.

[@ChadBarry]

Briana Huether Ditto!

[@codenamebravo2212]

You sir have changed my skill level. I’ve been a photographer for many years only as a hobby and missed many shots, but now that’s a thing of the past with my new 90D I’m buzzing. Thanks

[@rjgomez10]

How do like that model? Have the 7D and thinking of getting the 5D 4, but now thinking about the 90.

[@ChadBarry]

Very happy to hear it!!!

[@user-ln2xu8pf9y]

I followed your advice and it works great for me. After I got it setup I took 3 pictures and I had no problems with it. I don’t have to practice with the setup I just have to remember that the camera is setup for back button focus. Great video and Thanks for sharing your opinion. ❤❤❤

[@sixshooter4570]

You can program your depth of field button to change from single shot to servo.

[@ChadBarry]

yes. You can do that too

[@petrub27]

sony's eye af is the bbf for portraits!

[@shaynaco]

I kid you not, after two years of trying to figure out what everyone was talking about, you just taught me WTH back button focus is! Thank you so much for this video. Game changer for sure.

[@ChadBarry]

Yay!!!!! 😃

[@zdepav2609]

THANK YOU!!!! I was so confused about it and i was keep holding the back button without releasing it so I cant wait to try it!!!

[@ChadBarry]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@mickehog76]

Once you go BBF you can't go back!

[@jaybrown4526]

GAURANTEED... I will NEVER hand my camera to someone and ask them to take a photo for me.

[@ChadBarry]

LOL

[@dhenehd]

I watched tons of videos about that and somewhat you are the one whom convinced me to make the switch... Thank you.

[@ChadBarry]

Happy shooting DE

[@lucasmin3757]

Thanks... You've changed my whole photography life much more easier... Good explanations and easy to understand... Thanks for the video

[@ChadBarry]

Super great to hear!!!

[@vanessafigueroa3155]

I feel like I understood this video about bb focus more than the others I’ve watched. Wow. Thank you!

[@ChadBarry]

I hear that a lot and it makes me happy. Enjoy your shooting!

[@didimiorios3781]

Thanks for your advise, I set now this way the back button.

[@benbennett4406]

I Also : I finally understand back button focusing after watching this! Definitely going to start using it. Thanks You !!

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome Ben!!

[@Glennsphotography1968]

Thanks Chad, I've watched other people's videos on bbf and was confused, but yours is bang on. Will go out tomorrow and try bbf

[@videoluvr2]

Thank you very much Chad. I appreciate your explanation and view. I will definitely start using this.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Michael! Happy shooting

[@videoluvr2]

@@ChadBarry Stay healthy and much success to you.

[@cradle652]

The clearest explanation of the AF button I’ve heard. Thanks, Chad!

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks! That’s why I made this video. I didn’t like the confusion out there. I still could make this a little better.

[@frankharis1947]

Wonderful Great job explaining about this. I'm so happy to know this now. Thanks.

[@ChadBarry]

Super!!

[@naskotsvetkov]

I loved the example cases you shared about focus techniques! Invaluable! Thank you for this great tutorial :)

[@ChadBarry]

Happy to help out! Thanks Nasko. Hope you subscribe!

[@haleyhammond6650]

I can't believe Inever knew this. This changes so much. Thank you!

[@ChadBarry]

You very welcome Haley! You wouldn’t believe all things I still don’t know. LOL

[@JFieldingsPhoto]

This video was amazing and succinct with all the information I need to get tack sharp photos

[@pitaguy11]

Super explanation! Such a natural speaker. Thanks a lot Chad.

[@ChadBarry]

Thank you very much!

[@jonathanharries6118]

Really clear tutorial. Thanks very much Chad, you've got a new subscriber.

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome! Thanks Jonathon!

[@rafaelparedes1937]

I've seen a few of these videos and your explanation is the best so far. Thank you!

[@ChadBarry]

Nice to hear! Hope it helps.

[@hermanlugo9999]

Very good explanation on how to set the back button feature in your Canon camera , how the function works and why to use the back button to focus. I’ve been using this feature for a long time and has worked very good for me. You talk like a teacher, a good teacher. Thumbs up!

[@ChadBarry]

Herman Lugo Thanks very much Herman! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ChadBarry]

Herman Lugo thanks very much Herman!!

[@waynemantha5066]

Thank you, I'll try it at my next Air Show.

[@johngunning2123]

Excellent tutorial. I've just set my three camera bodies to back button. It makes so much sense to use this option.

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome John! Enjoy! 😃

[@minheechoi5982]

You have no idea how many videos I have gone through trying to understand this. Thank you so much! I finally understand!!!!! Like and subscribed 😁

[@ChadBarry]

I hear that a lot! I’m glad it was helpful.

[@markrayton6385]

Probably the best video on here for me on back button focusing. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks Mark!

[@lostcharge]

Thank you!!! I was losing focus for moving subjects and wasn't sure how to fix it (other than getting a better camera), but I think back focusing will fix a lot of those issues! I might still get a better camera but this will give me a lot more life out of my current one. Thanks :)

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome!! I hope it helps bridge the gap until you are ready to upgrade. Just remember to set it u again on your new body.

[@ActualCounterfactual]

I have been shooting for over 30 years, but I only started using back-focus a couple of months ago... I never looked back since.... it's definitely the way to go ;)

[@ChadBarry]

Totally agree!

[@mrkaddo]

Thank you so much for this. I finally understand back button focus!

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome! Please share with friends!

[@liv7999]

Wow, thank you so much! I did not understand how to use backbutton focus until I watched this video! Didn't know that it locks the focus when you release the button. Thank you for this calm, helpful video!

[@ChadBarry]

You’re very welcome Corinne!

[@peregrineclarke]

Excellent presentation!! Thanks Chad 👍🏼

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks for watching

[@CatGurl0223]

You explained this so well! Its CONTINUOUS focus!! I lose so many shots using my shutter trigger UGH this is gonna be a game changer!!

[@ChadBarry]

Yay!!! Get those shots girl!

[@DonDraperVideos]

Well done! Now I finally understand how and why. Appreciate this clear explanation.

[@ChadBarry]

Awesome! Enjoy your new skill

[@tonyf4580]

The best explanation--thank you very much!

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@tekoumajenny]

This was really helpful, thank you!

[@TheFrugalFlyRodder]

Great tip Chad... thank you!!!

[@ChadBarry]

You’re very welcome. Cheers

[@jaymo1970]

Brilliant tutorial. Clear and easy to follow. I’ll be using BBF from now on 👍

[@ChadBarry]

Thanks mate. Happy shooting!

[@dawidsiedlec7331]

Best explanation ever ! Thank you soooo much :)))

[@anitahotker1060]

Thank you Chad, I really wanted to understand and learn back button focusing after so many photographers raving about it. Now I Do! cheers... off to reset my camera and master this at last! :)

[@ChadBarry]

Woot woot! 😃

[@richardsilva-spokane3436]

New sub. Thanks so much Chad. You made the ‘complicated’ easily appreciated and utilized 👍

[@ChadBarry]

Great to hear!!