BACK BUTTON FOCUS Explained! - Why you will NEVER go back - Bird Photography Secrets Revealed

[@cathyash6653]

I've watched countless Back Button Focusing videos before, but they frequently leave out crucial information. This one is by far, the most thorough and clearly explained. What a great job!! Thank you so much! Subscribed!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scherzomio]

Grear video very clear. I will try it !

[@jan_wegener]

Great! I hope you don't find it too strange to start of with!

[@cristinaszeraws7999]

Ein tolles instruktives Video Highlight für jeden ernsten Vogelphotographen . Danke Jan für die wunderschönen Bilder 💙🙋🏼‍♀️

[@jan_wegener]

danke fuer die netten Worte :)

[@wiseoldfool]

Jan, this is a really helpful lesson on both the how and the why of back button focus.

[@dirkjung8438]

Hallo Jan! Tolles Video und zudem die beste Erklärung zu diesem Thema die ich bisher gefunden habe. Werde es gleich mal ausprobieren! Vielen Dank

[@gerards5858]

Fantastic video Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks :)

[@mpmcclell]

After several years of doubt I shifted to BB focus two years ago. After a very short adjustment period I can't imagine ever going back. So much better!!

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear Mark! The beginning is a bit confusing, but then it's just great

[@johnsamuelmcelroy]

I've used BBF combined with shooting in manual for about a year now and can't believe how much better results I've gotten as a result. Like you said, there's a learning curve but once you've got it there's no turning back!

[@jan_wegener]

awesome! That's what I do, too

[@praharshamajeti1247]

Very useful video Jan.. i believe most of the people will actually understand the importance of Back button focus.. beautiful content..

[@jan_wegener]

thanks! Glad you liked it. I am trying to make my videos visually more appealing :)

[@praharshamajeti1247]

@@jan_wegener appreciate your great work and informative content Jan. I am a huge fan of your bird images, especially on Insta..

[@jan_wegener]

@@praharshamajeti1247 thanks, much appreciated :)

[@FrankH-sz1ln]

Good explanation of how to use and why you should use, so many advantages

[@keithjames9423]

Terrific explanation Jan. Will give it a go.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks Keith!

[@jimpeyton7736]

Wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally I found someone (you) who properly explained back button focus. Everyone else said you have to use BBF, but always they made it seem so complex, that only an expert photographer could even think of doing it. I just followed your steps and now I am set to go. And I did have a huge problem of losing focus because of having the front button doing two things at once. You are like a magician explaining his secrets, I hope the other pro photographers don't get mad at you!!!

[@jan_wegener]

Happy to help!

[@ianfirth-clark5975]

I have only recently switched to back button focus and still getting used to it. Your video is the best Ive seen to date in explaining the benefits. Thank you Jan

[@jan_wegener]

Glad to hear that, I was surprised how tricky it actually was to explain a fairly simple concept. Starting to use BBF and then sticking with it until it feels natural is the hardestb part.

[@steverubin6725]

I’ve recently started doing more serious wildlife photography (well, before COVID-19 anyway) and read about back button focus and switched to it. There’s still some “muscle memory” that has to happen, but you’re points are spot on. I heard about these points somewhere else and that convinced me and I’ll never go back. Thanks for a great video.

[@jan_wegener]

Hi Steve, yes, it certainly takes getting used to, but then it's great :)

[@Escandella118]

Great explanation!!! I finally understand the system!! Thank you!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it helped!

[@FurFeathersandFlowers]

Excellent video, most helpful and detailed.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Excellent explanation of it. You did a great job!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you kindly!

[@huubvankesteren4185]

Great video again Jan. Thank you for the clear explanation, the good examples/advantages and the great pictures you shared in the video. I really like BB focus since it gives me way more control.

[@mirkovmbertossi6989]

Really helpful man! Good job!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it helped! Thanks!

[@tamerragheb4234]

Excellent Jan.. just another great explanation for it. Well done keep the good things!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Lil-JensStudio]

Like the previous post, I have watched more KZbin photography videos than I can ever count. Your tutorials are well presented and extremely helpful. I will be giving this back button focus a try first thing in the morning and I am confident it will resolve some of the focusing challenges I have experienced in servo mode. Thanks so very much and keep up the excellent work!

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nikilk]

I believe I switched to BB autofocus when I watched Morten Hilmer or Nikon Ricci talk about it years ago. I loved your take on BB autofocus and it definitely gave a unique perspective. Nice job.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks!

[@NikCan66]

I used it for over 10 years for action/sports but a very good instructor video for people that were trying to understand what was involved

[@jan_wegener]

thanks :)

[@deanmengel3439]

Great video Jan and you brought up some great points. I have tried it but still not converted as yet, will have to try again...............

[@jan_wegener]

Go for it! The beginning is hard. It's not for everyone, but give it a try until it feels kinda natural

[@almilby1160]

Excellent explanation of back button focus, thank you. I will be trying straight away.

[@jan_wegener]

Great!

[@808akg]

VERY helpful - thank you Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

So glad!

[@GalleryCoronado]

You had the most logical reason for using the back button focus. It really helps on birds. My boyfriend and I both have R5's. Sometimes, it looks like it is focusing or focused, and the photo is blurry. Seems like it happens more if battery is down 2 bars. R5 east batteries for breakfast!!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, it's a hungry beast

[@rochelleuechtritz5065]

superbly explained thank you for sharing your wisdom, Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wildnature4161]

I never liked usual BBF but instead I use inverted BBF which is basicly taking photos the normal way, and when bird lands and does not move I press AF ON button to turn off my AF completely. This allows me to take the best out of both worlds. Also it makes my thumb free to move AF point when some mammal is moving slowly, I can move my joystick around and when it stops, and f.e. looks in the other direction I just press AF ON to stop my camera from focusing. But I guess it is just personal preferance ;) Great video Jan, love it.

[@jan_wegener]

interesting way to set it up. Thanks for the insight. As you say in the end it's important to do what's best for you. Thanks :)

[@milanchristi7939]

I learned to do it in about two minutes. It's the most intuitive way for me to use autofocus.

[@jan_wegener]

you're a natural! Lucky you. It feels more natural that way to me now, too.

[@paulhickey6896]

Great video, very instructive. Thanks!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jean-pierrenadeau4007]

Immensely useful video. Many thanks!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad to hear that!

[@Duade]

Excellent video mate, well explained and easy to follow. Great stuff.👍

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@craigb8379]

Another great video, Jan, and a very clear explanation of where you see the advantages of BBF.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Craig

[@madjidmomeni-moghaddam8332]

I found this very practical,Thank you so much dear Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

You are so welcome!

[@JaredEagles]

I switched to back button focus for my birding about 2 months ago, and you're totally right. I'm never going back.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear! It opens up a whole new world

[@menace46]

wonderful video. Such a clear explanation

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@ralphstadus3944]

The best explanation of back button focus I have seen. Makes a lot of sense for birds. I will give it a try. Many thanks.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ralphstadus3944]

Funny story. After watching your video, which made heaps of sense, I set up BBF on my Olympus camera with a travel lens, then put it away for a couple of days. Got out my birding lens and went out to take a few shots of a New Holland Honeyeaters that are nesting in the garden. Damn lens wont focus, check manual focus clutch. Turn camera off and on again, still wont focus. Uncouple lens and connect, still wont focus. The light finally dawns … BBF set up for my custom modes. Ha Ha. The positive story is I have been out shooting birds and keeper rate is definitely gone up. MANY THANKS !!

[@jan_wegener]

@@ralphstadus3944 haha, yes that can happen at the start! :)

[@sharongalvin9433]

Fantastic explanation.Thank you.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denniswilson1407]

Thank you so much for explaining the back button focus. I'm about to take 14 students to Namibia (not far from you??) and just bought the RF 100-500 lens to go with the R5 for this trip. I've been playing with the lens and was frustrated with missed shots for exactly the reasons you brought up. It's certainly some relearning, but should solve the problem. Again, thank you. I've learned a lot from your other videos too.

[@kirkwest3721]

I have used it for many years now, some pro suggested times to use front button focus, I experimented but very quickly reverted to back button focus. I also have both buttons activated one for single focus point the other for continuous focusing.

[@jan_wegener]

Good point Kirk, I will look into assigning the AF-On button some new duties

[@johnhitchon8043]

Really glad I came across your channel, Jan. A big fan of back button focussing it’s awesome.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@cindyblanck7313]

Okay... I decided to give this a go, and I'm glad I did. It took a little getting used to at first, but I finally feel comfortable with it now. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us! I have learned something from every single video of yours that I have watched.

[@jan_wegener]

That's great to hear, thank you :)

[@steveduff5157]

Started using back button focusing during lockdown in the garden. Bit strange to start with, kept forgetting to press the AF-on button before taking the picture. After a few missed shots got the hang of it and won't go back. If you try it you have to give it a proper go, so during lockdown was brilliant.

[@jan_wegener]

Exactly, there's now way to avoid the missed shots early on, but once you get the hang of it, it's great

[@tommaso_redaelli_photographer]

Nice video Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you very much!

[@patnewton8235]

This video was very helpful I am going to give it a try.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks :)

[@cowboy6591]

I'm giving this a shot THANX a million.

[@heidiwegener7614]

Your passion and expertise are outstanding

[@jan_wegener]

thank you :)

[@rsearun2620]

Best BBAF explanation ever.

[@chris_harry]

Superb explanation. My Nikon D500 has the AF-ON back button set for focus. Followed your instruction on turning off focussing for the shutter button and tested it out. It actually feels pretty natural and gives you more control. One of the key strengths with the back button is it wil stay put, instead of re-focussing before shutter release. Will test this out in the field very soon. Feel hopeful it will increase my success rate for birding shots. The back button focus actually feels faster with AF response as well. Thanks, Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad I could help :)

[@joshuasmith2107]

So I didn’t think my camera had back button focus so I had excepted that but then I ran across a video that showed me how to do it on my camera, then I ran across this video explaining how to use it. THANK YOU so much, you are Amazing and I love watching your content and learning more about photography. I can’t wait to use it🤙📸👍

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Great review. Nobody has spelled this out in such detail that demystifies it . Makes great sense ! Thanks Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

awesome :)

[@BhajansAshwin]

Great Tutorial. I have practiced it and got great results .

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear! :)

[@Kathy5562]

Great video on explaining this technique Jan, I switched over to BBF years again and really love it!

[@jan_wegener]

thanks Kathy :) Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sugarplumflyjelly]

This was a very helpful explainer. Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks!

[@annecomer6894]

Hi Jan, After watching your video I decided to try back button focus. I had heard about it but didn't fully understand it, so ignored it. Your video turned on the light bulb!!! After reading through some of the comments I decided to try the way Chris Lake did his using 2 of the buttons. Have the star button set up as single point and the AF-On for BIF. Have tried the single spot in the garden and the local park, took a few tries to co-ordinate my fingers, but my results are 100% better. Going to practice a bit more with single spot before starting to practice with BIF. Will never go back to using the shutter button. thank you so much for explaining BBF so well.

[@jan_wegener]

That's fantastic to hear! :)

[@jesseestrella6025]

Great explanation. I have been trying back button AF for about a month. But thanks to your video. I understand now. You broke it down to where the beginning amateur can understand. Thanks.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it helped!

[@josefernandocastano9580]

Thank you master!. It is a very useful recommendation!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you think so!

[@Kevansjones]

Really nice video. Having used back button focus for a number of years I didn't realise how much you can do with it. Thanks for the tips.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed it.

[@peterrussell7667]

Jan , great section I have been using back button focus for sometime and is like you say. THE BEST . Nikon D500 .

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks :)

[@briansbuildsandoutdoors4936]

Hi Jan, Hair pulling frustration is how I would describe trying to shoot birds without using bb focus. As you know birds rarely sit still, even when they're stationary they're moving their head or tail! Back button focus was a eureka moment for me and I use it all the time now, even when I'm shooting indoors or doing landscapes. Anyway Jan, new sub here, keep up the good work. All the very best, Brian.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks Brian! Yes, I never change it on my camera and use it for everything now. It just makes too much sense. As you say, birds never really sit still, so using one shot is quite hard and it's easy to get soft images

[@ashpowell9451]

This sounds great, thanks a lot!

[@ashpowell9451]

Hmm, I've just set this up and it seems like when I have the shutter pressed halfway it prevents focusing via the back button. (Like you said you do for flight shots) I'm using a Fuji X-T3, maybe this is just a limitation of this camera? Any advice appreciated if you happen to know any Fuji users!

[@jan_wegener]

Maybe you need to remove some function from the shutter button. Sounds like it might still be trying to focus

[@maximusaugustus6823]

Thank you very much, I'm a newbie and this is what I started to do now.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jspool]

Thanks! This is the first explanation that has me inspired to train myself to do this with my R5. Excellent video!

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear! You might find my video about settings up the R5 helpful, where I use double BBF

[@CamillaI]

Totally agree especially if you want to shoot flying shots, it certainly takes a couple of weeks to get over a life time of half pressing the shutter button. But once you get the hang of it even landscapes now I take using the back button. Great demo. I think you nailed it

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks a lot! It took me a few takes to explain it properly. It's kinda a simple concept, but so against everything we know about cameras and that makes it so confusing for people. Yep, in the beginning you feel so helpless, but then you quickly see the benefits! Appreciate your comment

[@rayganrambles]

I inadvertently discovered this while at my local zoo this weekend. Got some great shots as a result. I had been using this focus setup for landscape shots to keep the shutter button from changing my focus point.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@sparkysteele]

I have been using it for years I just love it Ps very well explained

[@jan_wegener]

thanks! :)

[@ConcealedWeapon]

I use the button the other way around. I own a A7M2 and use the AM/MF button to change to MF temporarily, that way I focus with shutter button but only have to use two buttons when recomposing, thus reducing strain on my fingers. Same functionality but less button use.

[@troutwhisperer1]

Switched to BBF about a year ago. Thank you for this very educational video, which shows I still have much to learn and practice about this technique.

[@jan_wegener]

That's great to hear. Glad I could give you some more insights

[@shawngerman2540]

Hello Jan, I’m relatively new to photography so still learning so much… I’ve been hearing about ‘back button focussing’ a lot and so started my journey down the ‘KZbin’ rabbit hole, in search of informative videos about the subject. Well, after a whole lot of confusion, I came across this one.. thank you! Clear, practical and …the birds..wow! Thanks again. *(and yes,, I have definitely started using it..😊)

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@charliesonnemann7372]

great video, definitely gunna try this out! id love to know how you take such fantastic videos of birds.

[@jan_wegener]

thanks mate!

[@15978Y]

I just set this up and already am very impressed. Seems to be more accurate and faster. Thanks!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like it and great to hear it helps already!

[@miteme]

You have great videos. About back button, is it necessary to press on it and on the shutter button all the time during a shooting sequence ? Thanks in advance for your help.

[@jan_wegener]

It depends what you want. If you are tracking a bird in flight you have to keep it down all the time. If a bit is stationary, I just press it for a little bit to acquire focus and then let go

[@miteme]

@@jan_wegener Thank you very much.

[@tudorjones2993]

Great video once again. I did give BBF a go a while ago but drifted back to the shutter button as my arthritis made it difficult to press the AF on button but will now try again with the * button as BBF has so much more going for it than I realised

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for sharing, BBF certainly has a bunch of advantages

[@pablovallejos8346]

Very interesting. I will try this technique on my next trip.

[@jan_wegener]

It's difficult at first but then it's much better imo

[@annecomer6894]

Thanks Jan for explaining BBF so well, I love your videos. I have been wanting to try it for a long time but videos I watched seemed confusing and I was also very nervous of trying it. After watching your video I am going to give it at try, firstly by practicing in the garden as in isolation. Hopefully I will have the hang of it by the time I go out birding again. Can you zoom in and out while focusing? Looking forward to more of your videos. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in.

[@jan_wegener]

I am glad I managed to explain it in a way that's easier to understand. You should be able to focus while zooming, but I would probably just wait until you have gotten to the right zoom length and then focus. Might be easier. But either way should work. Good luck and don't give up if it's a bit strange at the start

[@Cybot7]

I've been a convert to BB focusing for over 3 years now. I can't believe how I managed without it.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes! I feel the same way.

[@Theshark-l4k]

I love your videos but this one left me out in the cold. I’m definitely a novice so I need to know exactly what focus you apply to the star. Plus, I’ve been seeing more people talking about two or three back button. Thank you, do much you are teaching me a whole new world.

[@thethreeislands]

Excellent, thanks for breaking it down. I have seen other videos saying how useful it was, but it was difficult to make sense of how I could apply it usefully to bird photography. This makes a clear case. I will be giving it a try =)

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful! :) I tried to watch some other videos before I did this and I could hardly understand what they tried to say haha

[@NishitDave]

I went back, but mostly because I was using a camera skin and shooting mostly birds in flight. I kept suspecting that the misses were higher with BBF. I guess I might have been taking my thumb off the button momentarily. Now with Sony's tracking AF, I don't need it so much.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, with newer developments in the AF world, things might change again. Would be great to have AF that just knows what we want! It definitely takes getting used and one thing is, as you mention, making sure that your thumb does the focusing

[@CanadianArchivist]

I’ve taken photographs of the moon using back button focus, and a manual adjustment. Using focus with the shutter button sometimes has a difficult locking. So once locked in place with the back button, I’ve stayed focused. I can change my composition and still get several shots without delay. The same goes with other images taken at night. I shoot minor hockey, so it is fast moving. I’ve lost some images because I’ve waited for the camera to focus using the shutter button. I use a Nikon, so i use AF-C continuous.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, I think trying to use both modes at different times can be tricky. Cause you might get confused as you say

[@amerikannadigamagu]

Thank you for this video! It was very helpful 😊 I love your photos-- I follow you on IG!

[@jan_wegener]

Yay! Thank you!

[@tedshillitto6062]

Very informative vid Jan well explained..been using BBF for around 12 years seems so natural. Ted Nottingham England.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it Ted. It has been a great helper for me over the years, too and I agree that it feels almost more natural now

[@NikCan66]

Excellent video

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you very much!

[@ArnsteinBjone]

I switched to BBF 10(?) years ago. It took me 2 months to really "reprogram" my brain/muscle memory to use the AF-ON button properly without thinking. Never looked back. I use BBF for everything, with single point AF and servo, all the time. Merging shutter and focus into one button 40 years ago was a huge mistake. Now they have to use a zillion focus points and powerful CPU so the camera can make an "intelligent" guess about where you want to focus.

[@HCVAdvocate]

Yes... BBF is great and also, you can use manual focus override for fine adjustment (take finger off BB).. So.. it's great..

[@jan_wegener]

exactly. Thanks!

[@mremumerm]

slowly converting to back button autofocus for birds following your teachings, was using it for more static subject but was afraid i was too slow on finding bird to risk losing more time. All was getting fine until i had my first major setback today, something you probably won't face. It's hard to do when your finger are numb from -5 degree weather :-). Loving the channel.... i need warmer climes. maybe 2021....

[@jan_wegener]

Oh yes! It doesn't get that cold down here

[@majidalig]

On Sony mirrorless cameras you can switch to Direct Manual Focus where you can fine tune the focus manually by push of a custom button and then switch back to continuous focus instantly if you desired. Never needed back button focus.

[@jacobgarvelink2441]

Haven’t tried it yet but will do so tomorrow first thing. Thanks once again for a great and enjoyable video helping us become better photographers.

[@jan_wegener]

Good luck! Thanks for your comment

[@stevecolwill9761]

I have been using bbf for about 18 months now. I found I got used to it very quickly and it is now second nature. It lends itself so well to nature photography with AI servo. 👍🏻

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear Steve! I agree, it's the perfect combo for nature photography

[@malmedia]

I never really used a DSLR so I don't even have the focus and recompose habits. I am a hobbiest and have an RP. It has 4000 af points, auto tracking, and tap tracking. So I am not sure if BBF is something I even need to consider. But I might setup something to quickly switch between single and servo.

[@jan_wegener]

As long as those AF points cover the bird, you are fine, that's correct. Personally I just like to be able to control the AF independent of me taking an image. Having something to quickly switch between the modes can be another option

[@dennylui]

I’ve stop taking photos for a period of time. And now you make me really want to go back to my hobby again after watching your video.🤔😉🙏🏻

[@jan_wegener]

You should!

[@jochenlambrechts9725]

Great video, I have been using it for years and have never looked back either. Can’t you do a video with a focussing masterclass? With the best ways to focus track a moving subject etc...

[@jan_wegener]

Great suggestion! I will put that on my list

[@jan_wegener]

My next video will be about AF and the last BIF one should give you some more insight, too

[@marianwhit]

I have watched a few videos and gone "huh?" You made this clear, thanks so much!

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@byronhakanson3718]

Such an awesome video as always Jan! I’ve used back button focus for years and I absolutely love it. Makes it so much easier for flight shots. 👍

[@jan_wegener]

thanks mate! Great to hear that

[@ellyelzinga01]

I think you have convinced me to give back button focus another shot.. I have tried it before at a horse show, and I just could not get it done, and because I wanted to take good pictures of the jumping horses, I switched it back to normal focussing not too long after putting it on back button focus.. So I will probably try again soon, hopefully I can figure it out.. It does sound like a better way of focussing.

[@jan_wegener]

Great! I think it works well, but it's best to try it in a low pressure environment. That will give you more time to get used to it.

[@ellyelzinga01]

@@jan_wegener I tried it today in a local park. I still have to look at the results, but I think it went very well! Edit: Yes, it worked really well! 😊

[@chrislake8879]

Instructive as always, Jan. I set up my 7D MarkII with two back button focus buttons. The first (AF-ON), with centre single point Spot AF and single shot drive; and the second (*), with AF point expansion and continuous drive. This configuration allows the most precise focussing for stationary birds and expanded points for birds in flight. Switching between the two modes is a simple, near instantaneous, one cm. slide of the thumb!

[@jan_wegener]

I have seen people set these up in different ways. Yours sounds very interesting. I shall look into giving my abandoned AF-on button some use. Much appreciate your comment!

[@johnfinch8856]

As a professional nature and wildlife photographer I have been doing this for many years. I have both my 7D Mk II and my 5D Mk IV set up using the (AF-ON) button for single point one shot AF, and the (*) button is set up with expansion AF point with continuous drive. Like Chris said ("This configuration allows the most precise focussing for stationary birds and expanded points for birds in flight."). This set-up gives you the quickest and most versatile use of your camera in any situation when shooting wildlife, both stationary and moving.

[@DanBris]

I didn't even know this was an option! Thank you I will try it.

[@fathampeak]

Chris Lake and John Finch, your two-back button focus is the best idea I have ever heard. Every day I use back button focus on the * button and have to drop the camera and press buttons on top panel to switch between one shot and Servo (7DII), of course I usually miss focus on a stationary subject because I haven't switched to One Shot from servo. I just can't work out how you assign single point AF/single shot to the AF-on button and expanded/continuous to the * button? Is this done through MY Menu Tab? Also, Jan, there seems to be several variations to this idea of back button focussing, Grant Atkinson in this video uses shutter button for both AF (servo) and metering and then uses the AF-on button to stop the AF from operating. I have just set up my AF-on button to switch from One shot AF to Servo (it switches Servo to One shot as well, it just depends on which AF mode you set the top panel in first). So I really appreciate you telling us this set up of yours and look forward to more on how to do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poqpfomkeKmkn8k

[@jan_wegener]

@@fathampeak Hi Guy, the way I use it, I never need to switch the modes, I can stay in AI Servo the whole time. Which means less fiddling with buttons. When I press my star button it focuses until I let go and when I let go, the focus stays in the spot where I last focused on, just like One shot, negating the need for it. And If I wanna focus on a different point, I can just press it once, just like One Shot. The only thing I don't get is the beep confirmation.

[@Alseki7]

Good video; you did a better job explaining the advantages in simple understandable terms vs some other videos on the topic I have seen

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you, I try to keep it as simple as possible

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Hi Jan. I am really glad I have found your channel. It has provided lots of great ideas for my own photography. I use back button focus all of the time. As you say - I couldn't go back to using the shutter button to focus.

[@jan_wegener]

Hi mate, thanks for your comment and I am glad to hear you are enjoying my content

[@gracebryant501]

Hi Jan, I have used bbf for many years. My question is do you have any tricks for acquiring birds in flight in the view finder when using long lens with a limited field of view. I have both eyes open and track the birds with sight while lifting the camera to my eye, sometimes it works great but others times with a fast flying bird I miss the shot. Any suggestions appreciated.

[@jan_wegener]

Hey Grace, tracking fast moving birds, with long lenses is one of the hardest things to do. I think there are two things that you can do. First is to just go out and practice practice practice and second you can train your hand eye coordination. I talk about it in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIqkZIBjobKEpZI This might be what you do already, though. Sometimes I think people start tracking the bird too early and lose focus/traction because of it. I usually wait until the bird is almost in the spot I wanna photograph it before I acquire traction and focus. Depending where you are, getting small birds just before they take off or land and prefocus on a spot near them can work better than trying to get them mid flight. It's a great question, something I should probably do a full video about