What is BACK BUTTON FOCUS? Why it's a winner for WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY. TUTORIAL.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Does this work for you? What are your first impressions after trying back button focus for the first time?

[@912582]

The only way I can use it comfortably - literally the only way for me which works.

[@912582]

The only way I can use it comfortably - literally the only way for me which works.

[@AMGOSUK]

Using the af-on button works great, particularly when acquiring subjects, composing and tracking action. But, there are too many purists who turn off the af function on the shutter button as well. I refuse to do this. I still have muscle memory that means I still use the shutter button first when I am taking reaction shots. I also allocate FN1 button to spot focus. So I can move in from my normal small group focus to a single spot.

[@912582]

@@AMGOSUK I turn off the shutter button focus otherwise it overrides the back button value. It's not purist it's fundamental.

[@janinekrayer2499]

haha, I am glad that this is a global thing!

[@z4570]

Finally!! Someone who knows what they are talking about and is able to communicate it clearly..

[@guanpu5809]

Very true. Thank you to Pangolin.

[@donaldabrams8887]

A clear, and cogent explanation of backbutton focus without unnecessary extraneous material. And while this tutorial doesn't walk photographers through the settings for their respective cameras, the theory and practice behind bbf are fully explored in this very helpful tutorial.

[@The_WarL0rd_Way]

People always talk about back button focus but fail to explain the benefits. You explained perfectly! thank you!

[@Relatievakantiecom]

Great informative video. High quality

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

Omg! A real back focus button tutorial! Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@PangolinWildlife]

You are so welcome!

[@musaquazi3495]

Simply a work of art in explaining back button focus!

[@robincormack9820]

Great video and super advice for wildlife and birding photography. Thanks.

[@jamiew2391]

This is the first video I have seen that explains back button focussing. I tried this for the first time today. Wow. The ability to lock the focus and move the subject around the frame is fantastic. Thanks for this and other videos.

[@clarkconway8796]

This video helped me to learn that I don't need to press and hold the back button focus, and that I can release the button and then compose my photo. Thanks!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Clark, so glad it helped.... just don't forget to press it as soon something is moving so you can track it - cheers Janine

[@gregorythomashalsey4801]

Thank you Janine, pro explanation in real-world situation! Eager to try now on my next sortie!

[@deonzar]

I have been using it for about 4 years now and it works for me!...and please excuse me for saying this....but I just have to.... Janine has the most beautiful hands I have seen ... :-)

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Deon, you just made me blush like a cherry :D

[@elifineart]

Janine is a pretty lady and has a wonderful aura, not trying to make you blush again Janine, i know it's all about photography but we as photographers can't help but appreciate beauty in nature, that you are :).

[@Photoeye65]

Greatest explanation I have heard. I use it but couldn’t explain as well as this young lady does.......

[@natestain7103]

Thank you for the best contextual explanation... allowing a shortcut button to another autofocus drive. To be able to switch from one shot focusing to AI servo with a shortcut button

[@BharatSingh-pw7sh]

Back button focus! Yes! Thoroughly enjoyed the video tutorial. Thank you so much. 🙏🏽

[@mtminded4498]

Very well explained and demonstrated. Thank you!

[@PangolinWildlife]

You're very welcome!

[@virginiarivers6716]

This is a very clear, organized presentation on the BBF. A few photographer friends with the best of intentions have tried to explain it to me, but it just did not click as being an improvement. This video has me convinced, and is helping me figure out how to get used to it. Thank you!!!

[@thusarasenaratna6907]

Back button focus thoroughly explained. Thank you

[@Stewz66]

I'm in the midst of experimenting with BBF. I shoot small wild birds in North America. I'm grateful to you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@brucebrown4480]

Wow, I just found the Pangolian channel and started watching some of the youtube videos. So far, the three or four that I have watched already are just filled with information. Some information I have seen before but other information that has concepts and techniques that I have not seen before. Thanks for the informative videos.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Great presentation and making a tricky subject so simple to understand

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alohaleslie9407]

I've watched several tutorials on Back Button Focus by some really great photographers, but none like this! Theirs left me scratching my head because they complicated it with too much rambling explanation. You have communicated simply and clearly Back Button Focus. Thank you so much!!

[@martinpettinger]

Excellent Janine... beautifully explained !

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Woodpecker1404]

For some reason, despite using shutter release focusing for 30 years, when I changed to BBF about 5 years ago I instantly preferred it, no need to get used to it, it just seems so natural. No fussing about looking for single shot or continuous focus options ever again. The only issue was remembering that I’d set it up when I came to the camera the following day and wondered for 5 seconds why it wouldn’t focus! (So if someone this stupid can do it anyone can!). The only other downside is that if you need to get someone else to use your camera quickly you have to explain - and afterwards there’s a whole conversation about why you would do it. Now I can just hand them your video. Brilliant!

[@byjingo4640]

Oh Yes. After 30 years of using auto focus cameras pushing halfway down the shutter to focus, I found this definitely work! It took only 10 minutes to get familiar. And I got the same Bee Eater.. Thanks a lot

[@paulhodkin8754]

Fantstic advice , I am certainly going to try out the back focus button !!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Let us know how you get on.

[@Michael-pu5nd]

Super tolles und informatives Video !!! Danke für den Tipp 👍🏻 Lg Janine !!

[@Jimgoodwin846]

Janine, very well explained! I have been using BBAF for several years now. You’re explanation and illustrations was the best, I learned some new techniques too. Very good video and I really appreciate your channel.

[@tkdiver6158]

Great tip. Super explanation with great examples!

[@novatech7831]

Oh, it was there all these years. Never gave a thought. Tried today couple of times and it works. Thanks a ton. Made photography that much more easier and enjoyable.

[@markrayton6385]

Excellent video. Very informative. Thank you very much.

[@jimbembinster]

I have not used the back button focus so far. I am shooting mostly birds now and this video has convinced me to give it a try. Thanks.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Jim, thanks so much for watching! Let me know how it goes... and give yourself a few days of trying!

[@cathcort1]

Excellent, clear and concise tutorial. Thanks very much.

[@jeannetteburch9352]

This is the best explanation of back button focus I’ve ever heard! I could never quite grasp it until now, thank you!

[@reddevil211287]

Ugh I watch these videos for the gorgeous South African ladies and their delightfully relaxing accents 🥰🥰

[@normannorris3642]

This is a really good explanation of the lens and the way to set it up. I do like the use of your mountings that you have for your vehicles and boats to help keep the lens steady. I may look to see if I can find one online. The description and the setting up explaining what setting for the lens speed is really useful and I will make a note of that when I do get out to take photographs of the wildlife here in South Wales. I aim to be shooting the Red Kites up on the Brecon Beacons as soon as I can travel again. Many thanks for sharing your insights and helpful tips.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hi Norman, how did it work for you on the red kites? cheers Janine

[@Laureen1954]

I've watched many videos on bbf and this is the best explanation i've seen !!!! NOW I finally get it !! Thank you !!

[@elduderin00]

Exactly the same for me. I’ve watched so many videos that try to cover this and this one finally helped me understand it fully.

[@richardruda267]

Great practical explanation as to why to use BBF...thanks

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Richard, thanks so much for watching my video! I really appreciate...

[@leasmith2997]

I use back button focus all the time, I love it, I dont think I could ever go back to trigger focus. Great vid!!

[@janinekrayer2499]

Thanks so much Lea, I really appreciate! Stay tuned for more videos like this coming up soon!

[@kappiarathmuralidharan1919]

Excellent!! Very useful and thanks for the detailed explanation

[@HarryLThompsonIII]

Your awesome. Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@ajmedia1274]

Use it all the time now really makes life easier.

[@adnanmansour8757]

Crystal clear, thank you.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fionaparks2928]

Terrific explanation.

[@rolpal619]

Awesome! Why did I not find this channel then? lol. Sharing you channel to FB Group. Going to see an increase on subs! Keep it going! 👍🏼

[@janinekrayer2499]

Thanks so much! This is so much appreciated.... we just hit 7000 subs and we only started a few month back.

[@LunkerFishing]

I have been trying to watch others explain back button focus. They all explain how but none explain why very well. How you explained in this video finally got through to my brain. I am going to change my settings right now. Thank You!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Awesome!!!

[@ateasech]

Hi Janine, your channel is extremely informative. Please keep up the great work. Have a great day

[@kevinbaird7277]

I have always loved photography, today i took my first wildlife shot, it was a small robin in my back garden, I fell in love completely capturing an animal as my main subject rather than the stars etc, back button focus is my next learning curve, I understand the principle OK, just getting it down cold will be tricky, i enjoyed this video, the surroundings look spectacular, what a world we live in.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Great stuff Kevin. Welcome to the wonderful world of wildlife photography.

[@psgviews]

Great video, thanks. I've being using BBF for several years now and find it is invaluable for wildlife. It is also very good for night photography. In the past using the shutter button for focus, I would get focus (forget to turn AF off) then wait for the sky to get good, and then shoot BUT the camera would try to refocus and struggle in the waning light. BBF is worth the little bit of struggle to get used to. But learn it BEFORE you need it so it is second nature when you get to Botswana.

[@janinekrayer2499]

haha, I so know what you are talking about. I had already forgotten about those issues as I am shooting like this for so long but you are absolutely right!

[@txphotography6637]

Back Button Focus is all I have ever used for the past few years. Gives me an edge with wildlife captures.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Yes it does!

[@channthachayatem3453]

I did enjoy your VDO. Thanks for sharing this informative technique to the public.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Channtha, thanks for watching our videos... stay tuned for some fun competitions starting today

[@channthachayatem3453]

@@janinekrayer2499 I can't wait to watch it from Cambodia.

[@weymouthborn7007]

Thanks Janine for simplifying this process and for explaining things so clearly. I have watched a few videos and now that I've found yours I completely understand Back Button Focus. Best regards & stay safe, Andy

[@RussellMcCollom]

I am like you, in what you said about learning BBF. I went to BBF 3 yrs. ago and couldn't imagine using the shutter release now. It is everything you said. Makes getting images easier.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Russell, thank so much for watching my video. Totally agree with you, when you get a 'normal' camera now it almost feels weired

[@ridzuanhm]

I love back-button focussing, once you get use to it, very hard to change back. Love it

[@janinekrayer2499]

that is so true, really hard to change back from it!

[@malgosiak123]

I need it for capturing the action faster. It is very accurate focus, and helps a lot!It doesn't take long to remember. Like you said , it will feel like a second nature. Great tutorial Janine, thank you very much .

[@janinekrayer2499]

Thanks so much Margaret for watching my video. I also feel like there is no better way... it does safe so much time and now that the new Canon 1Dxiii has that optimised back button focus it is like magic.

[@andresalgadomarques]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@tfletcher20]

best tutotial on back-button-focus...& 1st one that I can remember easily & don't have to go back to because of how well explained

[@ExDeadman]

Wow I’ve never seen a chair like that ! I want one.

[@janinekrayer2499]

haha, they are pretty awesome. But I must admit that they work much better on our boats than on open game drive vehicles. Our roads are just too bumpy to permanently mount / fix your camera. Sometimes the good old beanbag or arm power is the best way to go. If you would like to test them, come and visit us in Botswana for some wildlife photography.

[@MrJueKa]

overall the mechanic of the chair and the holding arm seems quite smooth, not always an advantage IMO - is this adjustable?

[@janinekrayer2499]

@@MrJueKa it is adjustable in all directions. However, I prefer hand holding when it comes to action shots. For portraits it is really nice as your arms grow tired!

[@michaels3003]

Gary Fletcher, it must have come from a Star Wars fighter that crashed in Botswana.

[@MrJueKa]

@@michaels3003 come to the dark side..... .....we have cookies :-)

[@ronchappel4812]

Interesting.I hadn't much need for this before but now that i have a camera with usable servo ,this will be perfect!

[@davewaters4255]

Great video, easily understood and looking forward to using BBF, now I understand what it is good for, thanks!!

[@Dizzyish]

OMG!! I needed this info like years ago, I feel so stupid now that I’ve learned it after so long. That focus / out-of -focus issue for every shot really gets to me.

[@robertlawrence7958]

I have used bbf for quite some time. I have both the 'af on' button and the * button both set to start autofocus. In addition to that I have programmed the 'af on' button to use servo focus and the * button to use single shot focus. The camera is set to servo focus by default and so the 'af on' button is used as standard but for those occasions when focusing is difficult ( generally in poor light) or when the subject is still I can use the * button. I find single shot to be more accurate and so having the option to choose instantly which option I want is incredibly useful. The programmability of modern cameras is amazing even if it does take an old Luddite an absolute age to work out. At least once it's set up I shouldn't have to make changes. Good video.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Robert, thanks so much for watching my video. I also have both the "AF-On" and the "*" button programmed as back button focus. It just avoids any possible confusion. It is great that Canon allows for that. However, I use the "AF-On" button as a single point focus and the "*" button as a 9 point focus. I don't feel the need for ONE Shot focus as bbf transforms your back button into both AI Servo and One Shot at the very same time. Not literally ... but practically. What I mean by that is the following: while you are keeping the bbf pressed you are constantly tracking your subject (that is if you are on AI Servo)! However, as soon as you let your thumb go and do not press the button anymore does your camera remember the last point of focus (even when you are on AI Servo) and therefore it is as if you are on ONE shot. If it is dark or your subject isn't moving you can therefore focus, let go of the button, and then recompose your picture by shifting the frame without having to go to ONE Shot. I find that is one of the most amazing features of bbf.

[@robertlawrence7958]

Janine Krayer. Hi Janine, setting the buttons to select single and nine points sounds a great idea. I will take a look at that. I can see your point regarding bbf as being virtually a single shot at the same time as being in servo but I find that using servo in poor light is not quite as accurate or quick to acquire focus as single shot. An awful lot of my photography here in Wales seems to be in less than favourable conditions hence the way I set my camera up. What is so amazing is how flexible these modern cameras can be. To be able to configure so many controls to ones individual needs is brilliant. I hope you, your family and all your colleagues are safe and well during these trying times.

[@janinekrayer2499]

@@robertlawrence7958 it really is such a blessing. Everyone can find their own workflow as everyones ideas are different and everyones brain is structured differently, and hand a different size. I always say there is no right or wrong...! THERE IS A REASON THESE CAMERAS HAVE SO MANY BUTTONS AND FUNCTIONS ... and the reason is to make it your own and find what fits!

[@joepalmer75]

This is one of the best videos on why to use back button focus. Thanks!

[@janinekrayer2499]

thanks so much Joseph for taking the time and watching my video, really appreciate the great feedback. We are lucky to have guest on a daily basis so we have learned which ways to explain things in order for it to click

[@franksalas24]

Love this video. Have been using back button focus, but have a better understanding now. Thanks for the tips

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi, thanks for watching my video! So glad this info helped you! Enjoy playing around with it!

[@MrOnetwoseven]

After a lot of tries I think I got it. Thanks. Nicely done.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hey... well done! Give it a few days as it takes quite a while to reprogram old habits

[@petercule6611]

Very useful tutorial. Now on BBF.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Awesome, how does it work for you?

[@loveminky]

Thank you for your tutorial. I will surely 💙 BBF the next time I’m in Africa.

[@shopafelic]

Thanks for the clear and succinct explanation!

[@mikeyb6737]

what a great video

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Michael, thanks so much for watching my video. Great it is useful! Stay tuned for some fun competitions coming up on KZbin today

[@chuckyzzz]

Excellent video.

[@redmoonzomaya1781]

Thank you for a great information

[@ForrestWest]

Great job on this video! This is one of the clearest explanations of the different reasons for using back button Focus that I have seen. Pre focusing on a spot between you and the bird is not something that I've heard other photographers talk about. Very good advice! Thanks again, and best of luck to you in 2020.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Forrest, thanks so much for watching my video and the great feedback. It helps that we are teaching on an everyday basis to our clients... after a while one gets a better idea what clicks! We can use all the luck we can get at the moment as you can imagine. Stay tuned as we will have a fun competition starting soon to keep everyone that is stuck busy!

[@andrear9500]

Great as usual

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks so much Andrea

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome video and tutorial 👌 Subscribed.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thank you and enjoy!

[@jerryashford9471]

Awesome demo.

[@gregmartin1615]

Fabulous! Thank you Janine

[@sanjay5145]

beautiful tutorial...

[@912582]

Another very nicely presented video, thank you. I can't imagine not using Back Button Focus. It surprises me there are people making videos about how to change the focus point used? Really good to see a pro agreeing with what seems right, thumbs up! (Incidentally it took me about 5 minutes to get used to using it, so much easier than trying to guess what will happen when you make a full shutter press, or trying to hold the release button half down - either way it doesn't work for wildlife.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Andrew, thanks so much for watching my video again and the amazing feedback. You would be surprised how many of your guest don't know how to change it the easiest way. I guess it is like me just trying to learn Davinci Resolve... complete beginner and I am looking up funny things.

[@912582]

@@janinekrayer2499 :) :) we'll have to work on Quantum Physiscs

[@nitinb9202]

With a teacher like you, I'll be happy to learn all day. Should have been recommended before. The technic isn't new, but the way of explaining is tremendously impressive. Looking ahead for some more. By the way, would be happy to know about the stands accessories details, the gimbal and the chair.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi, thanks for the awesome compliment and watching my video. You can come for a photographic Safari and the teaching experience at any time. We would love to see you here in Botswana! It is a tremendous place to up your photography skills! Haha, yes the chairs are pretty awesome. But I must admit that they work much better on our boats than on open game drive vehicles. Our roads are just too bumpy to permanently mount / fix your camera. Sometimes the good old beanbag or arm power is the best way to go. We have custom designed them for our needs and went into production with a company called Gimpro... at the end you use normal Arca Swiss base plates to mount your camera. Especially good for longer lenses and portrait shots. For action, I still prefer to hand hold. If you would like to test them, come and visit us in Botswana for some wildlife photography.

[@nitinb9202]

@@janinekrayer2499 frankly speaking, though I persue photography as a hobby, I may not afford your Safari, even when I find it absolutely a photographer s paradise. Will certainly recommend it to someone who can. Thanks for complementary reply. If in India be my family's guest.

[@willvizard5672]

Brilliant advice thank you . I shall definitely be trying this method

[@natestain7103]

also your focus and recompose is working super well because of the rig you have

[@jimmic41656]

I recently discovered your channel. Great job ! very useful tips, realistic situations. I like it ! Learn everyday :-) Thanks a lot

[@adedotunajibade]

Great tutorial. Easy to follow. Thanks!

[@patnewman1]

Great video and explanation.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Pat, thanks so much for watching my video. Glad it is useful - enjoy playing with it!

[@JustLearning]

Thanks for the video. Learned from it. Love the chair! I tried BBF some time back and could not get use to it. I missed a lot of shots. I know I should have given it more time but did not really find it useful. I never shift focus points. I just use the center focus points and recompose, it takes less than a second. It would take much longer to shift the focus points. And focusing and shooting the classic way amounts to a one step process as opposed to the two step back button focus. I can see there are times where you might want to use BBF but the way I shoot I never come across it. Still thanks for the video.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Antonio thanks so much for watching my video! The chairs are pretty awesome. Especially when having to wait for a specific situation and your arm falls off. But I must admit that they work much better on our boats than on open game drive vehicles. Our roads are just too bumpy to permanently mount / fix your camera. Sometimes the good old beanbag or arm power is the best way to go. If you would like to test them, come and visit us in Botswana for some wildlife photography. With respect to one-shot and having to recompose: it works well for portraits and both you and your subject need to be stationary. A lot of our photography happens from moving platforms such as boats. It is like a floating hide! That one second already drifts you out of focus.... so very often there is just too much movement for it! .... I do admit though, it takes a few days to reprogram old habits!

[@scg565081]

Have to say the Pangolin team have crafted a really polished presentation style and I’m even watching the videos that don’t have my camera. Tips galore and real world explanations..... certainly got me thinking about a trip to Chobe.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Wow, thank you! See you soon we hope.

[@scg565081]

4 Months since I watched the Back Button video and I haven’t looked back. Bird Photography has improved tenfold too..... Such a simple but effective change... Bonkers

[@500gazza]

I love your tutorials especially when you show Chobe. We will be back there in October in our Landcruiser '4 Paws'

[@PangolinWildlife]

Can't wait to welcome you here - cheers Janine

[@marclabro]

super tuto. just switched from Nikon z6ii to a7iv and a7rv. I am now trying to understand the dual BBF explained for a1 :-) You don't mention eye detection with a1.... i would be happy to see tutos on a7iv and a7rv.

[@nikolaikitanov9996]

Back button focus is the only solution for rock photography! Moving musicians on stage!!

[@cainphotog6888]

Have used back button focus for years now and love it. You are spot on about the use of other cameras though!

[@lisaguy2914]

Very good explanation. I already back button focus and thought everyone should this when they start photography. I leaned a few more things that I didn’t know about back button focus. Thank you😉

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Johnnycrystalblue]

Wow I didn't know this! Thanks for posting💚👍😃

[@Colt-4570]

Great explanation of BBF. Started using it years ago with my Canon bodies and I'll never go back. I use the AF on button on the back for AI servo and set the exposure lock button to single shot AF with beep (sound) confirmation. My wife's camera doesn't have the option and when I have to use it, it can be maddening. Very cool gimbal chairs!

[@janinekrayer2499]

Haha... I know, it is amazing how quickly one gets used to it. Interesting fact, you do not even need to program the star button for single shot anymore. You can use the very same button. As soon as you let your thumb go from your BBF it will remember its' last point of focus and it is as if it had locked on! So just let go of the button - you know you locked on - and recompose. The beeping sound drives me mad I must admit..... that way you give yourself room to reprogram the exposure lock button for a 9 spot focus area with AI servo for instance. My BBF is on single point focus and the star button on a group focus for birds in flight against the sky....

[@Colt-4570]

@@janinekrayer2499 Sounds good, thanks. I will give that a try!

[@wlacalle]

Thank you 🙏what a great video !!

[@Moshe_F3A]

Hi Jennie as a owner of 1dx mk1 I really liked your video and your explanation of using BBF... I have to check all your other vids about 1dx :)

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Moshe, thanks so much for watching. Let me know if you run into any trouble! Also check out my colleagues videos!

[@johnb7973]

Wow! Very good information. Thanks 👏👍Aloha from Hawaii🌈🤙

[@constantinelukashin4850]

Janine, thanks for the tip ! It makes sense to me to control AF and trigger separately. I’ve set my 7D MII and 6D MII as instructed and give it a try...

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Constantine, thanks so much for watching my video! Let me know how it works out for you! ... and give it a few days as you will take a while to reprogram old habits!

[@richita3177]

Great Video, Thank-you

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Rich, thanks so much for watching. I really appreciate it!

[@AlpeshPatel-jh5ti]

Thanks Janine. I learnt BBF with you and initially I thought what the hell and two days later i loved it. Still learnt a lot on this video. Never thought about using it as a pre focus.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Alpesh, great to hear from you. Thanks so much for watching our videos out.... yes, it takes exactly 2-3 days and a lot of people just don't give themselves enough time when initially checking it out.

[@ericdanthon2]

I love your videos. Thank you very much. I tried this the first time years ago and did not s y ich with it. Now I love it.

[@janinekrayer2499]

Hi Eric, thanks for supporting us. Yes, it takes a while to get used to but then it just feels like second nature!