Is Back Button Focus Better? - Mike Browne

Back button focus is very popular with loads of photographers recommending it. But is it really better? And how do you find out if back button is right for you...
Let's take a look and I'll give you my take on it...
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Mike Browne
#backbutton #focus

[@barry6117]

It’s not a finger vs thumb thing. It’s about separating focus control away from the shutter button. Both on one button is simpler, separate gives more control for instances when you don’t want to refocus every time you take a shot.

[@maxfactor4209]

but you prettty much want to refocus every time you press the shutter release. if you move a centimeter back or forth your plane of focus changes and ends up out of focus subject. what I found quite useful for myself is to set ALE button to swish from single to continuous focus.. specially for me mostly shooting birds. once bird is siting I want to shoot as many as shots I can with lots of focus attempts so I have at least one tack sharp bird eye in focus. when the bird takes off, ill press and hold ALE to switch to contentious focus and track the bird. this works fine for me.

[@barry6117]

max factor That’s true in some circumstances but doesn’t apply in many shooting situations I am involved in. If refocusing every shot is important for how you shoot, by all means go with it. This video spent a lot of time talking about everything except why people actually use back button focusing, separation of control.

[@barry6117]

And I do love your videos Mike. You’ve taught me a lot about composition and I really like your teaching style.

[@slowlyrusting4044]

Agreed Barry. If you have properly focused on your intended subject AND have chosen the correct aperture for your desired DOF, there is no reason to refocus every time you press the shutter. If you are working with a wide open lens and your DOF is only a few centimeters, I would think that a steady hand is far more important than the focus method you use. Shutter release or back button focus will not make any difference if you are not finding a way to keep the camera/lens steady. I am not arguing for, or against, any focusing method. Personally, I have been using back button focus for so long now that I have forgotten about the other method. To each his/her own...

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

Keeping your finger on the back button focus in continuous mode will allow refocus, take it off then you have single focus.

[@philipculbertson55]

To each his own I suppose but I cannot imagine going back to shutter button focus. For me, BBF works a lot better. Better still is learning to focus manually. I shoot only landscapes and I rarely find autofocus gets the sharpness right where I want it. I may use AF to get close but I always zoom into 100% in live view and take control of the decision on where the true point of focus is. My opinion.

[@martinconrad9260]

I'm quickly falling in love with manual focusing, too-after spending rather a bit of $ on AF lenses.... :|

[@philipculbertson55]

My images improved dramatically when I started focusing manually on live view zoomed in. I saw a video by Dave Morrow that enticed me to try it. AF is great for moving subjects but for landscapes, I don't think you can beat manual focus.

[@Lawful_Rebel]

It suited me right from the beginning to use the back button to focus.. I like to separate focus and exposure lock.. It made sense to me..

[@Lawful_Rebel]

@@martinconrad9260 I prefer manual lenses to be honest.. My favourites are 24mm f/2.8 Ai, 35mm f/2 Ai, 50mm f/2 Ais, 35-70mm f/3.5 Ais, 105mm f/2.5 Ai, 70-200mm f/4 Ais.. Amazing lenses, I reckon, professional quality at the time and a fraction of the cost of AF-S glass..

[@ryano.5149]

When I was looking for my second lens in addition to the 18-55, I cheaped out and bought a Nikon 70-300 that is manual focus only on my camera...so...yeah! Manual focus is fun, especially when you are trying to shoot birds or helicopters and stuff like that! Granted, my sharp-to-completely-unusable ratio is abysmally low when shooting subjects like that, but it has surprisingly gotten better!

[@ZommBleed]

Kudos for the ending, going against the grain. A true pro.

[@bereantrb]

Once I learned about back-button focusing, I tried it and never switched back. I find it incredibly convenient. I don’t even think about locked or continuous focus; a press or release of my thumb does whatever I need intuitively without thought. And I personally like how I can concentrate on my exposure without refocusing; especially useful for focus/recompose technique.

[@GeneWaddle]

Within a month of getting my first DSLR I set it up to back button focus and have been using it since on all my cameras, both video and stills. It works for ME. The real question here is, how many thousand times do you think people will have to be told that the only answer to questions like this is, what works for THEM? 🙂

[@anthonyhazlewood5788]

Back button for me and has been so for a long while now... Faster to focus on moving things, and also when you let go it stays locked on what it was last focused on forever, without tiring your fingers out holding the button half pressed... I won't change back that's for sure... Good Vid Mike, thanks...

[@kramsniggah4333]

Looking good Mike! As always a great, informative video.

[@v.l.9560]

Great stuff as always Mike! Please keep posting the great tips and discussions....

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Vince - Melissa pp Mike

[@desgardner7169]

It's one of the many things on my camera that I have never used!.. but thanks for the advice on how to use it....

[@OZZIEMV]

Ive been using back button for a few years now and it has become second nature. It works very well when composing a photo with the subject off centre, in other words, focusing on the subject then recomposing the shot. As a lot of you will know, not all cameras have focal points out to the edges.

[@alanm.1368]

I switched to bbf a few months ago and once I had gotten used to using it, found it much better, but like you say it is a personal preference. Always enjoy your vlogs and find them very informative. Thanks

[@bck4rnd26]

As usual Mike, spot on. Thank you for continuing to provide fresh unique content!

[@beaupfeifferrecordings]

nice one browne always good hints and tips

[@tomlee812]

For my photography, mainly wildlife, I do use BBF and find it really works. However, when I'm shooting landscapes or something which is static and for which I use a remote cable release I don't use it. As you say, use what works for you. PS Love the way you told us your opinion about it at the end and that you still have the capacity to surprise me! Cracking video and you surely must be one of the best teachers around. Thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Tom Glad tyou stayed to the end for the fun stuff... MIKE ;-)

[@adeelcyril3339]

Love your style and invaluable tutorials! Thanks Mike as always. cheers!

[@ScottLaverPhotography]

It’s the Marmite of topics - you either love it or hate it! As always Mike a great video and for me well timed as I have just this week set my camera up for bbf and so far so good for me!

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Scott. "Marmite of topics" - love that... MIKE :-)

[@paulbernardi2597]

Great video as always Mike. Thanks for your input.

[@derekwillson2538]

Hi Mike, I have tried back button focus but never really got used to it, I found it a little more awkward but it may be that I am so accustomed to half pressing my shutter that this method has become automatic for me, glad to hear that you seem to feel the same way, cheers buddy Derek.

[@Ryan_P]

I’ve been using back button focus for a number of years - I like keeping focus and exposure separate. I like it especially in the situation you were in where I’m isolating the subject from the background - lock the focus first, then I can recompose if necessary and not worry about accidentally refocusing on the background.

[@kenmorris2858]

You are very honest about your opinons a reason why I respect them so much... Love your channel...

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Ken... MIKE

[@acidsnow5915]

actually never tried that button yet! this was super helpful thanks for sharing this great content with us, really enjoyed watching this

[@RickMahoney2013]

I am glad you always say it is up to you and what you like. Everyone is different and we have different likes and dislikes, you make the decision the most honest thing anyone can say to you or me or anyone else Thanks Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

As I always say, it's apples and pears!

[@AnVoPhotography]

I’ve been using back button focusing for years and I find it a lot easier than shutter focusing. Thank you for the video. Interesting as always.

[@MrCochise71]

I've been shooting professionally for quite awhile. Yet still learn something new from your videos. Every single time! Your knowledge is brilliant!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you MrCochise71.. MIKE

[@lancepearce8860]

Every time you send a video, I learn something new. I never knew about "back button focusing". Well done for your videos

[@whakabuti]

You setting your camera on the seat tentatively has me on pins! Haha.

[@didimiorios3781]

Recently I found this fiture in my camera and don't turning back again, thanks Mike.

[@graemeisgreatohyes]

Most of my photography has been learned through this channel and the 7 Building Blocks of Photography, which could be why I rarely use BBF. Never found it to be of much use to me

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Graeme. Great to see a '7 Blocker' here... Stay well buddy... MIKE :-)

[@lefturn99]

Amen! BBF, the answer to a question I never asked. Thanks for the video.

[@lynnjohnson3669]

Yes I use back button focus and just love it. thanks

[@jgsmachine1776]

I appreciate the time you take to create this valuable informational content to share with the world and I dig your teaching style ~ Cheers from New York Mike Browne!

[@RickAShriver]

Thank you for this video!

[@eltinjones4542]

I'm in two minds myself but bbs works brilliantly for landscapes, because once the shot is set up, you don't have to go messing around with other settings on the lens/camera etc to retain the focus 👍

[@KaptainCanuck]

For landscape you just may as well use manual. The reason is that you can also get other aspects of photography focus that way, too.

[@paulhinchliffe7601]

Just trying back button focusing and so far I’m undecided but great vlog 👍🤓

[@toncilucic7219]

I really love your videos. People can really learn from them. Best regards from Croatia :)

[@acrummey85]

Great video, as usual. I have been using back button focus for years now. It is not a perfect solution but is far less frustrating than shutter button focus.

[@nicktv6727]

You've done great, so I love it

[@jsr8884]

Mike, I keep seeing your videos for getting the right inputs. Being a weekend photographer….love your lessons. Today, watching this particular video for the nth time,…..felt that you pickup and flash your camera like you were Mr Bond! Hope all well at your end. Rgds.

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad to be of service, even if it's just at the weekends 😎

[@richdt]

Love your videos Mike... I use it briefly and switch right back because I'm too impatient to persevere with it so it would become the default in my head. Might be my stubborn old age. :)

[@mabehall7667]

Mike, I stumbled on one of your videos concerning composition and have ended up searching your videos first whenever I want to research anything concerning photography. For the life of me, I can’t understand why you don’t have more than a million subscribers. You have found a way to make any subject fun, concise, and simple where possible. Thank you very much. Concerning the number of subscribers, maybe a Texas drawl would help. Thanks again. Mabe Hall, Austin, TX.

[@MikeBrowne]

Ahh thanks Mabe. Please help me get more by sharing the vids around wherever appropriate. Best wishes... MIKE

[@moke1310]

Thanks Mike, I have just started playing with back button focusing after being shown it. I can see that their is a benefit for Landscapes (esp using filters) as the focus is locked regardless of what you do with the shutter button (though manual focus controls would do the same). I am yet to be convinced for other shooting - tried tracking planes and birds flying over head or nearby and using a finger and thumb on different parts of the camera is not a comfortable thing.

[@supergolfdude]

Hello, Mike. I watch your videos here in Cleveland, Ohio, and I always enjoy them. Thank you for posting them, and keep up the great work!

[@olivernemo7280]

Thanks for this video Mike, straightforward and informative as always, much appreciated. Wonder if that shiny red bike is as quick as my Tiger Cub was?

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha ha thanks Oliver. I rode a friend's Tiger cub once. Tiny tiny little bike but loads of character and fun... MIKE

[@back2lay]

It took me a nearly a month or so to get used to it, but now I can't imagine ever going back to normal shutter operations. I like being able to separate focus and exposure. Plus if I am on a tripod, I only need to worry about the focus once, then the exposure will sort itself out with each press of the shutter button. It also provides hours of entertainment handing my camera to people and watching them trying to figure out why they can't focus it.

[@Lawful_Rebel]

It suited me right from the start.. Setting up the camera, out of the box, it was logical to separate focus and exposure lock.. For the most past.. Sometimes, I don't need it and I'll just use the shutter button, I have a bank set for that too.. The luxury of digital 😀

[@AlSnoopsReid]

You cruel, cruel person!! LOL

[@back2lay]

Al Reid Yup sure am. It's taken me over 40 years, but it's all my own work!!😂

[@Razer68]

😂

[@BillMrWild]

Work good for me, on my old D90 love it...thanks for posting Mike....

[@kreygscott]

Practical photography at its best. Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@blue28119]

Interesting view on this subject like thanks

[@gregorywhite6918]

Started using back button focus a few months back and use it almost exclusively when not using manual focus.

[@tonyturner7676]

Love BBF. I use it all the time for sports and wildlife photography and would never go back to focussing on the shutter button. I found that when I changed to BBF, I had a much higher hit rate of in focus shots. For stationary subjects I suppose there is little or no advantage!

[@skamradt67]

One of the things I love about my olympus OMD EM5 MII is that I have the hard back switch set to standard auto-focus in position 1, and back-button focus in position 2 (as well as focus peeking if I touch the manual focus dial). Best of both worlds and super easy to switch without digging through menus. I use them both depending on the shot, lens choice and available light. Really hard to auto focus in the dark for long exposures, so I use a led torch to light up my subject back-button focus then take the shot without the torch.

[@alexreay4164]

Steven Kamradt me too 😁

[@chrismwhite]

For landscape photography, it's not an issue as I use manual focus and peaking to know exactly which parts of the image are sharpest. However, for everything else I certainly use the back button. The shutter release on my Fujifilm X-H1 is so touch-sensitive that if it weren't for BBF, I'd keep taking shots when I didn't intend to and would have to quickly reacquire focus. By keeping the functions separate, I don't have to worry about this and (when in continuous mode) enjoy a much higher hit rate.

[@mxxmauuhan3597]

Your enthusiasm is contagious.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you! - Melissa pp Mike

[@rvboondocker2559]

Mike! Great haircut! I moved to back button and it’s good for me. I haven’t heard people say it’s the only way but I do like that it holds focus on what i want. I was losing it to often.

[@MikeBrowne]

awww bless you, and thank for the kind comment - Melissa pp Mike

[@paulcaseyjr]

Wow. Can't believe it. Few years ago and Mike showed me so much and I'll be forever grateful. But first difference of opinion. A little while ago I don't think I'd have had it in me to disagree with the "Master". But BBF works for me and can't imagine going back. But, right with you on hyperfocal distance calculations!!! You're the man!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks paul. I didn't make the point of this vid clear enough. It's not saying BBF is bad or wrong, or that FBF is better. it's saying don't take anyone else's opinion either option is better. Try it and make your own opinion. My opinion is I don't like it - but that doesn't mean I'm right any more than someone else's opinion that BBF is great is right... MIKE

[@paulcaseyjr]

No - you did make the point very clearly - what works for me might not work for you and it's just an opinion. But usually, (I think you have me hypnotised) I listen to your opinions and up until now, haven't found any good reason to have a different one! I was just mentioning it because it was a first for me! All the best, Paul

[@MrDoogs3]

Mike I must say that you are so right on saying there's not one configuration for everybody we are all individuals everybody has their own unique Style and you learn as you go like you said to what's comfortable to you

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you for the kind comments - Melissa pp Mike

[@northof50now]

Beautiful bike Mike. Our church just had their 100 mile "Angel Ride." Lots of fun. Hope all is well.

[@thelining4078]

bbf has been very helpful for years. it takes a little practice, but will give you more control in the end. back in the days, i switched to bbf since i disliked the annoying automatic refocussing (AAR!) before each shot.

[@ff4327]

Going to try it.

[@northof50now]

I gave the BBF a shot, but found focusing was more efficient using my thumb to manipulate the focus point wheel, and the first finger to initiate the focus motor. With that written, I'll admit to using the shutter release for focus since the Nikon F4s days. Why fix what's not broken? But, in the greater scheme of things - which button one uses to operate focus is best left to those discussions over a pint or two...then forgotten :-)

[@brucesmith9144]

Mike, I have gone to back-button focusing to give the shutter one function only: control the shutter. For landscape photography I use the live-mode focusing almost exclusively.

[@jackmckechnie5801]

I use the back Fuji button for enlargement....Focussing is focussing...I'm glad you made the video though...I had no clue what the Hell they were talking about...I let the camera focus once and then I focus manually...Nice video!

[@RichardRichardVC]

Great video Mike - liked the Shootings Stars reference at the start!

[@MikeBrowne]

Ahhh you spotted that Richard... MIKE :-)

[@PatrickOSullivanAUS]

Back button focus in continuous mode, reframe and press the normal top shutter button only (take your finger of the back button) and you will not have to refocus or lose focus. It's a fast way of reframing. ( You need to disable the top shutter button from focusing, it's just there to take the photograph. It's great. Also I can use one of my front buttons (front button focus) to have a different focus mode to the back, e.g group focus for the back and spot focus for the front. Again much faster way to change your focus mode. Love it. Love photography.

[@vimalneha]

Correct adcice, and knowing the camera is crucial and the extent it supports. I use it occasionally but i keep doing to gain experience as you have mentioned. Currently i am not having enough experience to give an idea.

[@IndyPindy]

Very interesting! Thanks for all the great content. Would you consider using drones for filming and taking pictures for your work/KZbin channel?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Indy. Only used a drone once and crashed it. There's a video link to it below... Love the shots you can get from a drone but I'm unlikely to get one TBH... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/drone-photography

[@GamerGeekJim]

Hi Mike, I enjoy your videos, explains what we need to know without so much waffle as in other channels. I use BBAF to separate focusing from metering. I will focus using the back button and then meter using the front button before taking a shot. It is also useful when using a tripod on a partly cloudy day, because I can lock the focus with the back button and then use my remote to meter and take the shot, without having to worry about the light changing and blowing my highlights or having to wait for a focus lock. I also use it when focusing on an object that will be off centre (so I can focus on the focal-point with the more sensitive crosspoint), then re-position, meter and shoot. I am by no means an expert, just a part time enthusiast, but this is how I tend to use it. Perhaps you could do part 2 at some point that takes these methods into account? Thanks Jim

[@thenexthobby]

I used this feature last night at a concert. The camera was focus hunting in the low light on subjects that didn’t move much out of the plane of focus. My choices were either have the camera redundantly and slowly focus each time, killing any chance of getting what I wanted when I wanted, or fixing it with bbaf. I can cite other useful scenarios, none of which resemble Mike’s tame example (I wouldn’t have used it there, either.)

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi @The Next Hobby. We all have our preferred way of working. Not saying BBF doesn't work or you shouldn't use it, I'm saying everyone shoud see what works best for them and not just do it because someone else does. Personally I don't like it but that's just me. Have a question for you though. How would activating focus with back button overcome lack of contrast in the subject matter that made it hunt? ... MIKE

[@thenexthobby]

My apologies for the snark. And Sorry, I should have clarified that what It allowed me to do is pre-focus. The lack of contrast made it far slower, but it eventually did get there. I waited until the singer or guitarist moved back into the plane of focus. Or at least I hope so. I was forced to shoot 4-5 stops underexposed to maintain a sane shutter speed while using ƒ1.8 on my 50mm, so there likely was zero effective depth of field for anything I pre-focused on. When I get that roll developed I'll find out! The Tri-X results may be so contrast-blocky that clear focus is the least of my worries. But I learned that my next digital camera needs to see in the dark for both focusing and exposure without missing a beat (so to speak.) Until I can afford that, next time I'll backtrack to my AE-1 Program since that's easier to manual focus than my Elans are. (EOS 50 or 30 where you are) Starting with Tmax 3200 or Delta 3200 would have been a better idea, also.

[@phynx2006]

When I first started using back button focusing I found it awkward and then as I got use to using it I found it very useful. It is great for locking focus, especially on someones eye and then recomposing the image and then when you push the shutter button to taking the picture the camera dosn't refocus. I will never go back to focusing with the shutter button, but that's just me, each to there own 📷 Oh, almost forgot to mention, nice bike Mike 🏍

[@artsmodelstation9396]

phynx2006 if u focus on someone’s eye with shutter button and when recomposing keep holding the shutter button partial down until your done recomposing then press shutter button all way down to take photo, camera will not re-focus.

[@HGChannel2020]

havent watched your channel for years( dont rlly do photography much anymore) and holy crap u dont age!

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha welcome back RB26 likeaboss. And Thanks... MIKE :-)

[@aviation_leo]

Very informative video. Please also explain under control settings there is 'a3 - focus tracking with lock-on' with five options from AF1 ( short) to AF5 (long). I did not understand it properly please explain what is the connection of this setting with Back Button Focus. Thanks again.

[@Termidryna]

Gotta try it at last :)

[@MegaGreenman28]

I'm in tha same camp on bbf as you Mike. I have tried it and found it very cumbersome. Never missed so many shots even when I forgot my sd card.

[@djcsr]

Love your video as always. You are totally correct regarding making up our own minds, not simply following on-line personalities and their opinions. I believe that the reason people make such effusive videos about BBF is that they worry that people may not know about it or have any reason to try it. Once I tried it I found it really suits my style and wouldn’t go back. Then again, I only buy cars with clutches and that too is a matter of opinion and sometimes quite polarizing. The only downside to BBF for me is that I can’t hand my camera to a bystander and ask them to take a shot. I solved this one on my latest camera by simply making a custom setting that allows me to quickly pop it back into "regular" mode without going into the menus.

[@leonardcasteel6617]

Several years ago after learning about back button focusing, I tried it and stayed with it. I was using a camera with three focusing points, so it helped in locking focus and recomposing. Also when I was in the yard and focusing on a stationary subject and one of our cats or dogs came into view I did not need to go into the menu to witch to CAF. Just press and hold the AEL/AFL button and shoot.

[@MikeBrowne]

Perfect. We all find our own way to reach the destination.

[@ericwilliams1814]

Hi Mike. Thanks for your videos. Am I missing something? I've watched a few videos on BB focusing and have seen no one mention the benefit of separating your focus and exposure buttons. I'll compose, lock my focus, expose on what I wish to in the frame, return to my composition and shoot. So what am I missing? Is there a way to do this without using BB focusing? This, to me is far more benefit than being able to switch quickly between focus lock and continuous.

[@apassionfortangling3671]

I use back button focus and combined with exposure lock I do find it useful. However there are some situations where you want the camera to automatically focus, IE while trying to take a self portrait.

[@ChrisLonsberryMedia]

You had me with the motorcycle in the thumbnail. LOL. I back button focus because it gives me some control over focusing. I have to think it might save a little battery if I take multiple shots at the same distance. I can also focus on something and then recompose without having to hold the shutter button. Minor thing but it's what I do. On the other hand, I've never had the focus on the shutter button and forgotten to focus. There's a serious convenience there. I think it's generally what works for you. After doing both, I'm not terms like better or worse apply beyond your own shooting preference.

[@JanWright]

One vital point missed when using it the shutter button then does metering so you have 2 separate functions which you dont normally have

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Jan. It depends how you have your camera set up. I have metering all the time so it doesn't lock from the shutter button. But I have the back button set as an exposure lock in case I want to lock and exposure... MIKE

[@MrDoogs3]

Eyes will use back button focusing but what I've come across on the odd time is forgetting to back button focus when I'm trying to catch a quick shot so my point is if you do set up back button focusing you have to remember because it's not automatic so I switched around to whatever's comfortable and whatever the subject will be

[@ashish2703]

always easy .. love it..😘

[@gadgetgazphoto]

I love using BBF, for continuous focus with birds in flight or any moving target like if that bike was actually moving :)) "it works well for me" but maybe not for everyone as you rightly say. One thing to mention is to make sure you disconnect focus from the shutter button if using back button focus, otherwise you will defeat the object and be focusing on the shutter anyway just before taking the photo. Single focus still works well for me using BBF pressing just once and even re-composing, far quicker (for me anyway) if the subject is also about to fly off. Not for everyone as you say, but I liked it when i tried and stuck with it for years now.

[@PhantomRC1959]

I'm using BBF since I stepped over to full-frame and sincerely ... I could not do without it now. Sometimes I have to show some handelings to fellow photographers and when they get my FF in their hands they are a little lost by the BBF button. The contrary is also true when I use a friends camera. But, the whole discussion is the same when discussing about auto-focus and manual focus ... both are good, even better depending on who's using what ... I'm still convinced that one needs to try both to decide what's more comfy for him/her

[@skymedic48]

I use BBF and i love it. It works for me and thats what matters. Another good video mike. 👍👍👍

[@MikeBrowne]

Absolutely @firemedic75 - we each have to find the path that works best for us as individuals. I think I a lot of folks thought I was saying don't use it... MIKE 🙂

[@ttlreviews]

It's a must for me, it gives me the best way to select between locked or continuous focus. I don't think I could ever go back to shutter button focus.

[@dwsugden]

Thanks, Mike. You have been 'my tutor' ever since I got my first DSLR (Nikon D3100) way back in 2012. Wonderful tutor. However, on this occasion I can't help feeling a newbie would still be a little confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF after watching your video. Not long ago I treated myself to a second hand Nikon D300 (very old camera/technology) but to my delight, I found out that it has a menu option to quickly change from one set of pre-defined shooting presets to another. The first preset I configured it for BBF and called it 'Sport' (with continuous focus) - to be used with ‘burst mode (continuous shooting). The second preset I configured was without BBF and I called it 'Portrait' (single focus). Obviously I am not going to tell you the reasons why I configured my shooting options the way I did and the names I accordingly gave them - that would be like telling you how to suck eggs :-) But explaining it this way I think would help a newbie to understand what BBF can do to help them but only if they get to like it AND it fits in with their photographic genre which they like to capture. All the very best, Mike, and keep up the great content.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Darren. I'm confused as to the merits/demerits of BBF because to be it's all demerrit! I know a lot of people love it and that's perfect because it works for them and they get the results they want. There are many ways to reach Rome as they say. ... MIKE

[@Niggipoo]

Nice bike, Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Nick. I love these Triumph triples. Got another one I bought new in 1999 and ridden 105,000 miles on it now. Rode it across France into Spain a few months ago. It's still my favourite though it's not as shiny as this one any more... MIKE :-)

[@Niggipoo]

Sounds like quite the adventure. The red is sharp! I... want one. Perusing Triumph's site for a bit after seeing your video gave me some impure thoughts lol. Someday. Someday. Ride safe, Mike.

[@imahmud]

Thanks Mr Brown.

[@History_Clicks]

Back button focus works well for me as a wedding photographer especially for moving people. I put my camera in continuous focus most of the time when people ARE moving. The only thing, what you did not mention, is that you can tell your camera to shoot when it finds focus or always fire as soon as you press the shutter button without waiting for the camera to lock on focus. In continuous focus I set my camera to shoot as soon as I push the shutter, to speed up focussing but I set single shot focus to first lock on focus and only then shoot and this to be more accurate when people are less moving. I am using Nikon, so I don't know if this is something other people experience.Thank you Mike for the great videos! I like seeing that you enjoy life with a cup of coffee and what not, it only makes me gain weight, as I always get hungry watching your posts! So we can say you have a bad influence on me ;) .

[@ipedros7]

BB focus + continuous mode all the way after just a couple of weeks when I got into photography. Very quickly I started seeing difficulties with focus changes due to position and having the shutter control + AE and AF on same button. When Id benefit from recomposing for instance. Sure there's the AE lock function, but never got on with it since you have to continuously depress the button for the duration. Even using it with a 2 stage press to switch on/off AE lock, sometimes I'd forget. So I didn't find it simple and immediate. Very quickly I preferred using AF lock, or Back button focus, and adding continuous focus. Allows to set focus when I want which allows pre-setting focus, orfocus traps. And above all, its simple! The downside, its when others use your camera and must remember telling them..

[@benstorr]

Love your honesty mike. Nice vid as usual. Tbh as a relative beginner I've never heard of bbf. Don't think my DSLR even has one lol.

[@RewFlavour]

Thanks Sensei!!! Would you be visiting for a workshop to Tasmania, Australia in the coming future?

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Drey. Thanks for your comment. Sadly not for the forseeable future. But one of my Workshop regulars lives near Hobart so might come check it out some day... MIKE

[@kennyc4472]

On a Sony A6300 my thumb hits the back button perfect. For me it’s uncomfortable to have my finger up there all that time , then you have your camera crooked at times then you think. I believe you have firmer grip when using back button. Mike love you man keep them rolling in.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Kenny... MIKE

[@zepps46]

Hello Mike nice video , I have used it in the past but went back to the finger , never saw any advantage in it really. As you said Mike what ever works for you. Thank you.

[@philby1]

Totally agree. I tried it out of curiosity and don't like it at all. Just seemed to slow me down and give me another thing to think about and fiddle with. Went straight back to the normal way of focusing. Much better.

[@photofather1]

Wow ,I just came across your page... Wonderfull content. ive been shooting for about 12 years and I believe you can never stop learning. I noticed you transitioned from Nikon to Fuji, Ive been debating for about a year now on making the same change I shoot with a D500 and A D850 ... Video has been asked allot of me lately and I take it on and it comes out great. Now Im a firm believer that Mirrorless will not wipe out DSLRs like DSLRs did to film. But the Fuji has really intrigued my well for about 4 years really., But I have all this Nikon glass and I love that I can find Glass from 1980 that I can Buy and still use on Amy of my Nikon Bodies. I just also noticed you have a Nikon on your Bike seat as well...lol I guess my question is,Is say I spend $3800 on the Fuji I am looking at and Buy an Adapter will I loose anything? I also have a Canon Imageprograph-Pro4000 printer so I make and sell allot of prints. Im kinda scared My first DSLR was the D200 Nikon fits so nice in my hand..... But I held the Fuji I was able to shoot with it for a few days and to be honest The quality wasn't really different.... I know the Video system is better in Juji yea I started typing then got lost into all this confusion in my brain ...... But this Video was 2018 for all I know you dont shoot Nikon at all a year later.... any advise or suggestions would be well received.... Oh I loved you Video,VIDEO you did with the D300 I LOL when you said LOOK AT THE LILLIES. Great content great Videos hop to run into you in the field one day ..and again great content you break things down really well

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha thanks Fat-Guy Reviews. I still shoot Nikon D600 on some comissions when I need wide apertures. I don't have fast lenses for the Fuji because I want to keep it small and light for travel photography. Fuji is great for KZbin vids because I can easily show folks what's happening in the viewfinder, which is too fiddly on the Nikon. There's not much difference between the image files, both cameras are great. It's about having the right tool for the job and nothing more. If the camera(s) you have deliver what you want, why change? Cameras don't take exciting, evocative images - you're responsible for that, by knowing light, composition, where to stand and when to click the decisive moment when everything comes together perfectly... MIKE :-)

[@HelmutWFanck]

Hi, I use the BBF on my Nikon's for year's and I'm happy with this on sports and stills. Have a great day👍📷

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey you too Helmut.. MIKE :-)

[@mikepawlikguitar]

Mate, got a strong Ricky Gervais vibe at the beginning. Bloody well nearly mispegged you for the man himself! Great video and great sense of humor!! :D

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Mike... MIKE :-)

[@mikepawlikguitar]

@@MikeBrowne hey MIKE! Haha

[@hasanmoula5395]

Thank you very much mike...love you videos... Good luck....... * ............ ♥♥♥♥♥

[@robertharmsworth2366]

Excellent video as usual. I use BBF as most of the things I shoot involves movement, sports, animals etc. I found it awkward at first but wanted to try it and now I use it all the time. As with photography it's a personal thing. Why bog yourself down with worrying what others perceive as right or wrong with your photography.

[@michaelandrews4403]

I hold my Canon DSLR with my right hand and focus by twisting the focusing ring on the lens with my left hand. I meter an Incident reading with a handheld meter, (I very, very occasionally use the in-camera Spotmetering; never the 'Matrix' metering). I only ever use Full Manual mode.