Back button focusing with your DSLR

Back button focusing, what's it for, how to use it, and what exactly are the benefits of using it on your DSLR
www.becomeabetterphotographer.co.uk
With back-button focus, you use a button on the back of the camera to focus, and use the shutter button just to set the exposure and take the picture. The shutter button never tries to achieve focus because it is re-configured not to focus.
I made the permanent switch to focusing using the Back button a while ago, and I've become a huge advocate for this type of focusing. Alongside using the Manual exposure mode, I'd say it was one of the most revolutionary changes I ever made to how I take pictures. It seems like such a small thing, yet it's such a huge difference in the way your camera works, and should probably be the standard setting on all DSLR.
There are several advantages to this technique, and they are explained in this video, however it must be said that some people try back button focusing, and just don't get on with it, so it's not for everybody. But it is worth investigating, you could be missing out and might just find that it's something of a revelation!

[@arthurjamesayton7286]

Excellent information,very clear to understand even for a 73 year old who has returned to Photography as a hobby after many years.Your never to old to learn. Many thanks for posting.

[@bernieraffe]

+Arthur James Ayton Thanks Arthur, glad you liked it. Plenty of life left in us oldies yet!!

[@MrKen-wy5dk]

Thank you for not having obnoxious and overpowering background music. It was a pleasure to listen to your video. In fact, I'm going to watch it again and yet a third time to be sure I totally get it.

[@bernieraffe]

Heh heh, Yes I hate the loud background music too. Thanks for the comments, glad you liked the video and found it useful.

[@ndskim]

I found this clip explained more precisely than any others. Cannot wait to try it out at my son’s football practice this morning.

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Andy

[@bryancozzaglio56]

I tried BBF when I was shooting a graduation ceremony. Camera on a tripod and focus set to where the graduates would receive their diplomas. I used a remote shutter release and it worked perfectly. Thanks for posting this video, it was very clear and easy to understand.

[@r.faulknerphotography4790]

Defo the best explained video about BB focusing Ive seen on the net so far, and I have trawled through quite a few. Well Done That Man...

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Rik, appreciate the comments. Cheers, Bernie

[@LordArioh]

I've seen 6 same videos so far, and all of them had comments that they are the best among others)

[@Jan_Boris]

11:10-11:25 is why I watched 15 videos about back button AF. So simple, yet noone made me understand it until now! Thanks!

[@bgg4865]

One of the reasons I like the back button is that I know the camera will take a picture as soon as I press the shutter button, no more missed shots because the camera is still hunting for focus on a moving subject.

[@jasonbodden8816]

Wow. Looking at this a few years later from when I initially saw it, this is STILL the absolute best video on Backbutton Focusing!

[@TGCid01]

Best back button turorial I've seen. Love the humor, too.

[@readerrabbit8]

"...and then you may lose the will to live." Haha! Great informative video, but the real treat in watching your stuff is the buried throwaway lines. You're a very funny guy. Keep it up. Thanks.

[@joelmana]

I have been using back button focusing for a while now since I got my first camera this year and I struggled with the concept of focus and recompose using back button focus. Until I saw this video to the very end when you explained to "not forget to release the back button before recomposing otherwise the camera will refocus as you recompose." I know it's silly of me to not think of the obvious but I was trying to imitate the pros :-) and just do it blindly. Thank you so much Bernie, this video really helped me clarify this concept!

[@fhunjunkie]

"Lose the will to live?" That's why I stopped by, to regain my will to live! Thanks for the detailed video, most other BB focusing videos fail to mention every advantage of this method. You covered them all, with enough setup.

[@roundballrolls2762]

Bernie, thank you. Everyone else on you tube tried to get me to change to bbf, but i never really got it till now. Now,it's all clear as the proverbial bell.

[@daven5960]

The best explanation of back button focusing I've come across - I don't need to look for any more, this is the one, you make it so easy to understand. Thank you.

[@bernieraffe]

Dave N thanks Dave, nice of you to say, glad you liked it.

[@StingyCakes]

As a newbie hobbyist photographer, I had heard about back button focusing from my professional photog friend. This is probably the best (and most informative) video that's clear to understand! Thanks so much!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@gilean6179]

Ive also watched a lot of videos about BBF since I encountered this concept in various online fora and this one easily is the clearest explanation. thank you for the video.

[@Nuukalulu]

Thank goodness, a bbf tutorial I finally fully understand without additional follow-up questions. Thank you!

[@thealexvaughn]

I've been searching around for a good explanation of the BB focusing. This is by far the best one. Thank you for clearly explaining that you need to keep it on AF-C. Makes sense now!

[@marionsretreat5602]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I could never remember if I hold the button down or release when focusing, but now I understand. I am definitely going to use this method of focusing from now on.

[@AdamKietLy]

By far the best explanation for the use of the back button focusing on KZbin. Thank you Bernie!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Adam, nice of you to say.

[@Racsophoto]

I don't personally use to comment on videos but this one is excellent and beside very useful subject, all is explained remarkably well and with allot of good humor.

[@dalewatkins9889]

Thank you from Canada! Good explanation indeed, as I've been using this method for 3 years now, and it's easily now second nature!

[@hilarywilcox9453]

Thanks for this video! I have been reading SO much about this and watching you actually take the photo was what made it click for me.

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Hilary, glad you liked it.

[@mike.thomas]

Excellent presentation of the subject. Thanks!

[@MarcoMul]

Excelent explanation! When I get home im gonna set this option and start using it! Thank you so much!

[@OhCrazyEggs]

Very good explanation of back button focusing! Thank you!

[@cahussainali]

all this time i was confused about back button focusing, but after watching your video my doubt have cleared. thanks

[@aymoostudio]

OK. Finally I understand the difference! Great explanation. Thank You Bernie.

[@TMan29]

I watched a lot of banc button focusing, this is the best. Moved to it.

[@TheBiggervern]

Thanks Bernie ... I'd never thought about this technique before and will now give it a try on my D7000

[@evtimstefanov8377]

That's the best explanation I've heard so far of how back button focus works. Thank you Bernie!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Evtim.

[@Gdrama13]

Thank you for the info, I will force my self to get used to this method of focusing since I can now see all the great benefits.

[@jugurtha7800]

Great instructive video. Thank you very much. Now the mystery of back button focus is solved!!!

[@shilooliver]

I have watched several videos on back button focus. This is by far the best. I finally understand not just how but why to use it. Thanks for the great video.

[@bernieraffe]

Very nice of you to say, thank you.

[@VincentS327]

Thanks for the explanation! Might not be the most "fancy" video... But for sure the most clearly explained I've seen so far!

[@vxcente95]

Best bbf video ive watched so far. Definitely have a much better understanding of it after watching this video!

[@deniseneuendorf3577]

BEST explanation of all the You Tube tutorials on this subject.

[@ImagesByDavid]

Thanks for taking the time to record this, best tutorial Ive seen.

[@nancykitch8044]

Just came across this video and it really helped a lot. I've been using BBF for the past year based on a recommendation from a friend who has been giving me lessons. Since I leaned this technique early on, I feel completely comfortable using it but had a lot of questions. This answered all my questions, especially concerning how it works with One Shot and AI Servo. Thanks!

[@stillmoments4092]

Thank you for an amazingly easy to follow and entertaining video.

[@razrv3lc64]

This is the first time someone has made sense as to why should use bbf. I think I'm going to change my settings and try it out now! Thanks!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks, yes I tried to break down and to kind of categorise the benefits of Back Button Focusing, so really pleased that you appreciated that. Cheers, Bernie

[@PaulHumphries68]

Explained very well Bernie. Giving it a try this afternoon. Thanks for sharing!

[@zahreelashehzaadi1174]

Thank you Bernie for sharing this, and it was indeed the best video on the subject, especially the part where you explain the exact relation between the "auto-focus button" and the "auto-focus mode". One of the reasons I could get my head around this is that you just sat there calmly and talked through the complete topic. I live in Sydney(Australia) but if I ever get to meet you and have a couple of beers, I"ll talk about how these "youtubers" today jump around with their recording camera and just touch the surface of everything they want to make a video about. Cheers!

[@bernieraffe]

Hi Zahreela, thanks for the nice words. Yes, I’m not keen myself on all of the various histrionics and long intros from other KZbinrs, so I know what you mean. Glad you enjoyed the video and I’ll hold you to those beers should we ever meet (admittedly not very likely!!)

[@mariannabodzan7121]

First time I understud how I use the bbf. Best explained video about BBF I habe seen on the net so far. Thanks :)

[@bush_dao]

Thanks a lot, Bernie! I've watched a couple of videos and read a few articles on this subject, but your video was the only one that gave me the light bulb.

[@bernieraffe]

+Bush Dao-aroonkiet Thanks, really appreciate the comment.

[@DukeBox]

watching very much videos but after yours, i now understand the advantages of bb focusing. thank you very much.

[@cjmedora]

Thanks Bernie. your explanation of the benefits was really clear so I am going to give this a go today.

[@weavingshortstories2929]

Thank you very much. This video was very informative and clarified all my doubts.

[@peterjm6670]

Excellent explanation...concise, but thorough.

[@dkoumentos]

Superb video explanation! Finally understood the function of that button :)

[@ericraksmeynou]

Very clear and precise explanation.

[@Macsnapshot]

Finally understood it !! Thanks. Best explanation.

[@liammunro2355]

Thanks for the detail. Super helpful

[@OmahaWayne]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to make it. I have a 70D so it has an AF on button. You convinced me to try and use it again :) Thanks

[@fotosdavid]

grand plan Bernie. Very clear after watching several vids.

[@juanmanuelfabresbriones5378]

I 've been trying to understand all this issues for a while, because they are a bit complex. But this video turns out to be the most educational 8at least for me). Thanks a lot!

[@jenniferleonardphotography8907]

Thanks, Bernie! This video has helped me understand BBF!

[@MrJueKa]

Best explanation so far, well done, Sir !!

[@reyesmm6619]

wow! I had seen several videos about back button focusing. Never undertos clearly. I just watched your video and it IS GREAT! I will definitly change to this mode. THANK YOU Bernie for you explanation! Appreciate it! Greeteing from MExico

[@bernieraffe]

Reyes Mm Thanks Reyes, glad you liked it.

[@MrGremlin2009]

Cheers Bernie , great video and explained very well , i use this all the time now and its made life so much easier in my opinion

[@lloydj9881]

Thanks so much. One of the best vids i've seen on explaining BBF

[@janeklof2769]

Many thanks ! Very good and informative explanation ! Very clear and pedagogic ! 😀

[@hernanperez912]

I finally got it! Thanks

[@2009wingnuts]

That is one of the best explanations of the back button focus button I have come across. I have a Canon 50D and the instruction booklet that came with it was hard to understand, you cleared it up. Thank you.

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks

[@karinanaranjo7059]

Best explanation EVER! Love your sense of humor too! Thank you so much! Can’t wait to start using back button focus! 😊

[@bernieraffe]

Hi Karina, thanks, nice of you to say, glad you liked it.

[@editedbyme6558]

Awesome video!! The best explanation I've found, I was só confused but that's all gone now :) You deffo got a new subscriber!

[@GuiCoelho21]

Another advantage is that you can use manual focus too if you like, and don't need to switch modes! Awesome video!

[@seerastube]

Thank you Bernie ,I appreciate your excellent efforts.

[@naumandar]

Perfect. Best explanation. Got on board in no time. Thanks. :)

[@gunny2044]

Hey Bernie - Great video. You answered all of the questions I had concerning the functionality of the Back Button Focus and especially using it while in AF-C. Awesome! Thank you for clearing that up for me! ~ Cheers!

[@bernieraffe]

Randy Lubischer My pleasure Randy, glad you liked it.

[@cameramon]

Best explanation yet, thx

[@miroslavkopecni5724]

Great tut, many thanks

[@tomubashir]

Very clearly explained. And a great sense of humour as well.

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Mubashir

[@kimberlymagaruh5566]

Awesome explanation.

[@power749]

Thanks a lot mr Raffe, your explanation is clearly the best I could find on the subject!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Barry, nice of you to say.

[@PeterCThompson]

Of the videos I've viewed about "back button focusing", this is one of the most helpful explanations. In particular, the "beep" doesn't sound. I had been trying to figure why I had no "beep". Also, the messages displayed on-screen reinforced the point/s made. I subscribed!

[@bernieraffe]

Peter C Thompson Thanks Peter, glad you liked it, yes shame about the missing 'beep'!!

[@mayank0kht07]

Extremely informative, explained in an very easy way with a touch of tasteful humour. You, sir, are amazing!

[@bernieraffe]

Mayank Kumar Gupta thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it and found it useful

[@aaaaanton1]

After years of struggling with feature I now finally understand how to use it! Great video!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@daud798]

Great Video, Very Informative. Thank You

[@waynelineberry4600]

Thank you BR! This is the most comprehensive and understandable explanation of BBAF I have found! Cheers from the Eastern US!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks Wayne

[@christiehunterwagner1510]

good stuff to learn and this was easy and informative

[@muruthegun]

Awesome video. Please upload more of these!

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks, I have a complete 'course' of over 70 videos here:- www.becomeabetterphotographer.co.uk

[@TheRanitDholey]

Very informative and clear.

[@ashishsolanki8085]

Loved the explanation

[@davidshi1904]

The best version that explains the back button focus.

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks very much

[@simonsays5814]

This could be the best video on this topic. Thanks so much

[@bernieraffe]

Thanks SImon, nice of you to say.

[@iaingeoghan2548]

FANTASTIC! early days for me right now Bernie, this was extremely helpful indeed. Thank you

[@bernieraffe]

You're welcome!

[@rabiulsarkar9114]

Thanks Raffe for quick reply . I will keep it on now forward.

[@8888Riley]

Excellent tutorial!! Thank you :)

[@Himlovesrunning]

thanks a ton. Very nicely explained.

[@carolmclaughlin6279]

Great explanation, def gona give this back button focusing a go. Thanks

[@nick2var]

While searching on youtube about the BB focusing I realized that I can't do it on my D3100( I can do it only by holding the BB button pressed).The way you explained it made all my questions clear...especially the thing about keeping the focus mode on AF-C and holding or keeping the button depending on the subject...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! I believe it will be perfect on my (hopefully) new D610...:-)

[@adelbertrappange7439]

The best explanation for Back button focusing. Thx a lot.

[@bernieraffe]

Adelbert Rappange Thanks, nice of you to say.

[@whtbrb]

Thank you so much for this video. From now on only back button focus ;)

[@bobkids009]

Simple and precise explanation BB Focusing..........Well done Mr Bernie........!

[@bernieraffe]

Thank you Mr Bob Lee

[@chloebarrick9500]

Thank you Bernie! Your video really helped me understand!

[@criddycriddy]

Very good, I will use this method always now ... Brilliant. Good video, thank you!

[@michelesolmi244]

Thank you very much.... excellent work!

[@kinanechtay1]

very clear explanation and useful information ... thanks a lot :)

[@janbernardantonioferrer5319]

Best explanation of Back Button Focusing I've ever seen. I do many researches about BBF and I still have question left in my mind. "What focusing mode will I use in BBF?" and the last part of your video explained that very clearly. Thank you so much for this video. Cheers! 😊