Back Button Focus

What is back button focus? Why should I use it? How do I set up back button focus?
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Information and Inspiration for the amateur photographer.

[@lanslaksa]

Thank you so much for sharing! This is really useful and I don't have worry about pressing the shutter button half way anymore.

[@bettinagy4598]

OMG, literally the 6th video I watched on YT, and you explained it so easily, thank you for that! I love to use it! Lifechanging💡

[@SouthernExposure]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@MrShiffard]

There are many videos devoted to this subject, yours is by far & away the clearest. Thank you.

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markdowling5000]

You provided the first explanation that I could fully understand. I have watched many tutorials and even purchased the Nikon 7500 for Dummies, but I just couldn't understand how to actually use the back button. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@SouthernExposure]

You're very welcome!

[@genemcloud4114]

I’ve watched a few videos on BBF and yours is by far the best I’ve seen. Thanks

[@SouthernExposure]

Thank you!

YOUR THE BEST LARRY. WONDERFUL EXAMPLE AND EXCEPTIONAL

[@plutotheparaplegicdo]

Thanks. /yes first explanation I could understand!

[@ksnmurthy4476]

Nicely demonstrated. Clean and clear.

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad you liked it

[@lior2538]

Well explained !!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@roncolonna7672]

Thanks for describing the steps to change the camera settings clearly. I couldn't find it on other videos as my menu options didn't match closely enough but yours did.

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad I could help!

[@TrapDaddy65]

I've had a DSLR for 4 months. I'm intrigued by this concept and followed your instructions on how to assign the button. Having fun with BBF. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad it helped! Once I got used to using it, I never went back.

[@roshanhiripitiyage2993]

Thanks for the great explanation.

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@bazukabelon247]

thank you very much this is way more easier to understand,,

[@randybocksnick3750]

HI LARRY! Your way of explaining the Back Button Focus, very easy to follow! I really prefer using this method of focusing as well. Larry, You have wonderful way about your delivery, your voice-well prepared- and you care! Have a Great weekend Larry. Randy B.

[@SouthernExposure]

Thanks Randy, glad you liked it!

[@cesaraugustop]

Excelent, to the point. Thanks for sharing mate.

[@SouthernExposure]

Thanks for watching, and for the compliment.

[@larryhaley3]

finally i get bbfocus thanks to you! you just got a new sub with this video friend! i look forward to exploring more of your content! thankyou!

[@SouthernExposure]

Welcome aboard! Glad it helped.

[@holly231]

Amazing video! Got my first DSLR (Nikon D3300) yesterday after using a point and shoot for 4 years. I'm still getting used to it and my KZbin history is full of photography tutorials haha. This is one of the best I've watched yet though.

[@SouthernExposure]

Thank you, I'm so glad it was helpful.

[@alexblaze8878]

Well done! First time viewer, subbed!

[@SouthernExposure]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@KiranDevraaj]

Wow ! very simple & easy to understand. One video to learn back button focus. I used it for a week, and realised how easy & useful this method is. Thank you very much sir

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome, glad it helped!

[@manuelminjvlogs]

Thanks brother for sharing informative video

[@brianchore9382]

Thank you sir

[@prasannaaravind9833]

Neatly explained my friend ...

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad it was helpful!

[@WillianPortela]

The Best video i've seen in youtube, you won one more subcribe my friend

[@SouthernExposure]

I don't know what else to say but, wow. Thank you.

[@pedrotavares3555]

Great explanation. Subscribed the channel

[@SouthernExposure]

Awesome, thank you!

[@papabillychannel]

Thank you for this video. =)

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome!

[@YAHdiEL]

Thanks big dawg

[@SouthernExposure]

Haha, You're welcome!

[@user-dv3ey3nh6g]

Keep in mind while on Nikon camera systems using BBF will prohibit riding shutter in dynamic lighting situations, or make difficult at the least. Best use circumstantially - but considering it utilizes muscle memory I keep AF button settings default

[@iheartmissyhiggins01]

This is pretty awesome. Very fun to try!!! I could be converted 😉

[@SouthernExposure]

Once I got used to it, I never wanted to switch back.

[@Walking-the-coast]

Nice

[@SouthernExposure]

Thanks!

[@nickshepherd8377]

Firstly thank you for the video. I have set up my camera with BBF and I use it with a single AF point and continuous focus which works well. However when I set it up for D9 (9 focus points) it still only shows one in the viewfinder. Am I doing something wrong? Hope you can help! Thanks. Nick.

[@fionahaughton4912]

Hi. I hope you still look at these comments sometimes..........useful video as I am trying out Back Button focussing. However, a question. What about the exposure metering? I notice you didnt half press the shutter button (I realise that with bbf it won't focus, but don't you need to still half press for the camera to work out the exposure?

[@Reza-S1340]

I did exactly what you told. The problem is that BBF doesn’t work in LV. when you hold the back button for no I g subjects. Is there anything that should be done so that it works in LV.

[@rcellduracell3791]

Nice Tutorial subscribed ❤️...My Question is if I select the AF On button should I press ok to the menu the AE lock ..I'm using D3100 ...what is the function of AE lock

[@SouthernExposure]

AE lock works much like the focusing application, but for the exposure when using one of the semi-auto modes (Shutter priority, Aperture priority, auto iso). If you point the camera at a bright scene, use AE lock, then swing to a darker scene, the camera will hold the exposure from the brighter scene. Hope that makes sense.

[@TroyRema]

Sir. How It doesn't work for 70-300mm lens on Nikon D3500 ?

[@debthacker7800]

I have tried everything.. Read articles, videos, etc and need help. On my D7200 I have all settings as described and also shutter release button AE-L to off but every time I bbf in continous mode release and the recompose the shutter button focus square shows a new focal point and when viewed in LR the focus has been on the recomposed area. Please tell me what I am doing wrong or if it is a camera problem. I would so appreciate it. Thank yoou.

[@jludewig1]

So please tell me how to do on my d5600 :-)

[@Rjrajsekhar]

Witch lens is best nikon d3400 sir

[@dalibormiljevic8766]

So simple explanation! Like and subscribe!

[@SouthernExposure]

Glad it helped, welcome to the channel!

[@abdullahbabar6531]

Thx a lot man

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome!

[@abdullahbabar6531]

@@SouthernExposure the same way can i perform in nikkon D3300 ???

[@SouthernExposure]

Yes, it should be the same.

[@abdullahbabar6531]

@@SouthernExposure actually i wanna buy D3300 for video (videos same as u sit in chair and explian about BBF) So is this button helpful to make video on non-moving subject with perfect and continus focus

[@SouthernExposure]

It doesn't really change how the auto focus functions, just how you activate it. For video on an entry level camera you're usually better off using manual focus.

[@will1984f]

What if I'm shooting a 3 person portrait and I want focus on the 3 of them. Does it work in this casa too? Thank you in advance

[@SouthernExposure]

Yes, back button focus will work in that situation. Just remember with group portraits to stop down the aperture a bit to keep everyone in focus. Somewhere between f5.6 and f8.

[@debangarajchoudhury1409]

Hi! After selecting AE-L/AF-L button, you chose AF-ON. But there were 4 more options. Could you tell me what is the difference between "AF lock only" and "AF-ON"? I have been trying to figure that out for quite some time now. Thanks.

[@SouthernExposure]

Using AF-Lock is similar to using back button focus. The difference is, you would still half press the shutter button to acquire focus, but if you want to recompose the shot without refocusing, you hold down the AF Lock (back) button. That forces the camera to hold the focus it has until the button is released.

[@debangarajchoudhury1409]

@@SouthernExposure Thanks! Got it. Great videos by the way.

[@hanszimmer7345]

There's no AF active option for D5300

[@joboyclement1362]

Could you tell me how to disable AF-On in D5600?

[@SouthernExposure]

You should be able to do it under the Custom Settings Menu, Controls, Assign AE-L/AF-L

[@matejweiss896]

Hi, 1 question, if I use back button, for shooting single steady foto for example a tree in front of house, , can I use also AF-C mode, or must I change to AF-S mode?

[@SouthernExposure]

You can stay in AF-C. Just press the button, and once it acquires focus, release the button, recompose if necessary, and press the shutter.

[@matejweiss896]

@@SouthernExposure tx a lot for advice. 👍

[@gauravchadha5370]

Sir does this technique works with Nikon D5500

[@SouthernExposure]

Yes it does.

[@alexblaze8878]

I’m assuming you also move the little switch on the front of the camera from “S” to “C”?

[@SouthernExposure]

You definitely want to be in continuous AF mode, vs single. How you do that varies by camera model.

[@alexblaze8878]

@@SouthernExposure thanks mate.

[@cliffterpher]

It's a no brainer IMO. If you have enough buttons why would you want to combine two functions onto the same button. You don't combine the brake and accelerator onto the same pedal. Not a perfect analogy but if anyone is in doubt - try it!

[@SM-xo3dv]

I see your using a tripod....what happens when the camera is hand held... do things change as far as afc and afs are concerned?

[@SouthernExposure]

No change tripod or handheld.

[@aussie8114]

Funny that even though I fully understand BBF and it’s benefits, and have been using it for about a year, I often don’t like it. I think I will use normal for more things now.

[@SouthernExposure]

That's what I love about the flexibility digital photography brings us. We have the opportunity to try different methods. It's not about doing what someone else says is the "right way," it's about finding what works for you!

[@megztrix]

how does one remove back button focussing I hate it :( and can't figure out how to go back!

[@aussie8114]

@@megztrix What model camera do you have?

[@flickersense]

My camera(Nikon D5200) doesn't seem to have the "buttons" section

[@SouthernExposure]

Hmmm... It is most likely there somewhere, but the menu structure is probably a little different. Might have to dig into the manual.

[@36on22]

Just go to Custom Settings, Controls item f2 and select AF-ON

[@vallesan]

Thank you. Very easy 👍 ..have D3300 Subscribe

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@vibewithdtp]

Thank you sir

[@SouthernExposure]

You're welcome

[@Reza-S1340]

I did exactly what you told. The problem is that BBF doesn’t work in LV. when you hold the back button for no I g subjects. Is there anything that should be done so that it works in LV.