MASTER This PRO Technique For SHARP Photos

[@Pierretlambert]

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[@m4jqp]

I've had BBF explained to me so many times over the years and its usefulness just never clicked. Now I see that it's the decoupling of the shutter butter from the half press focus that's the key. Great info, thanks Pierre!

[@Pierretlambert]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sumdood2035]

It never worked for me, as I usually use somewhat heavy lenses. Moving a thumb in that position became very uncomfortable in a short amount of time, and was causing me to "pull" my shots when pressing the shutter so they weren't level.

[@gilcarag274]

Been using BBF for the last 10+ years. This has increased the number ok keeper rates significantly.it’s been really a game changer. I saw some videos of well respected photographer saying with modern autofocus one don’t need BBF anymore. I don’t care. It works for me and that’s what matters ! Seems to be working for you as well !!

[@MacPhotoGuy79]

I really enjoy back button focusing! I come from the days of 35mm cameras, even when manual focus only was still the norm. When I moved to auto focus it annoyed me that even in single shot autofocus I had to hold the shutter button down halfway to recompose, or the camera would refocus when I pressed the shutter button again. With back button focus I can focus on what I want, then recompose, then when I press the shutter button to exposure, it’s not going to refocus again. And it is handy to have the camera set to continuous autofocus, and use the back button to briefly focused, more like single shot, or to hold it down for quick continuous focusing! Since hearing my Canon Elan 7e would do it, I’ve setup back button focus on all my SLR/DSLR/Mirrorless cameras!

[@roro515_video]

I can't wait to try this! Thanks for demystifying these AF settings. I know this will improve my shots.

[@guillaumec.7697]

I'm not a photographer and I don't even own any cameras , but the explanation in this video is just on point. I understood everything. Every tips and trick should be like that. Great video !

[@Pierretlambert]

Awesome, thank you!

[@musicfanatic1213]

I m sure you do have camera and you are here to know how to get sharp photo 👉🏼

[@grandhum5685]

Shoe shinning technique!!

[@pigpogm]

This is the way. Very similar to how I have my camera set up at the moment, but with two back focus buttons - one for small point focus, and one for face/eye detect. I then have the big 'joystick' button set to ditch all my 'arty' settings, and just take photos in full auto, as fast as it can. It's the 'oh shit' button for when something happens I wasn't prepared for. No time to be fancy, just get the shot.

[@BangPhoto]

This was very helpful, I kept rewinding to fully capture everything. Well done, Pierre.

[@dankron_]

Thanks Pierre! I'm converted! I never understood why would you use that but your explanation makes a lot of sense. My question for you is, is it possible for AF w/ shutter to be programmed in the auto and P modes only, this way my wife can easily grab my camera to snap a shot of the family, or even for selfie moments...

[@VR_Wizard]

On Sony A7iii i have one button for eye AF and another for holding focus. For me thats the better setup because most times i am fine with continious focus. I also use the tap on schreen to set the flexibal spot and then use C-AF with that spot.

[@scannorse]

Exactly !

[@omarkawan]

I really liked this technique. I stopped the video and tried it on my camera. I have 16-300mm Tamron lens with image stabilization. The image stabilization didn’t work when I turned off auto focus with shutter. At high zoom the image was shaking too much for autofocus to work. I ended up activating autofocus with shutter and programming a button to quickly change the aufocus mode

[@BangPhoto]

Thanks!

[@Pierretlambert]

Thank you 🙏 glad it helped!!!

[@Pierretlambert]

Thank you 🙏 glad it helped!!!

[@eliweitz8106]

How do you set up the C1 you refer to on a Nikon Z8?

[@jaheuk]

Hi, great video, but if you use AF-C, following moving subjects and eye detect, is it really needed to keep pressing BBF? I should think if you press AF-ON once and the focus is done, it will keep the focus ???

[@madcat1007]

Nice video...thanks. Do you keep the back button depressed while shooting, or do you release it after focus has been acquired?

[@edricgarcia1034]

Please make more photography tip videos like these! Thank you, Pierre!!

[@lexbraxman9270]

For the customized AF ON tracking, I have to use Tracking ON + AF On. Otherwise the green square doesn't appear when I hold down the BBF in AF-C. I'm not sure if what I'm doing is different than you. A6700

[@Alakazam2047]

Is your focus area set to the tracking options?

[@xcabel88]

Why af c cannot do recomposition? I use spot focus and af c and shutter focus to point to object in the center and focused and keep shutter focus and recompose

[@datomimo6814]

Your photos are frikin AMAZING!!!! I love your work.....

[@don7117]

FINALLY! An explanation of BBF that makes sense. I have always tried to figure out the hype of BBF. Inasked a lot of people. Never got an answer that made sense to me. Now I get it. I have made the change to my camera and it works great. Thanks!!!!

[@Pierretlambert]

Glad it helped!

[@koolpep]

Oncey ou go to back button focussing - it's hard to go back to the old ways, just so much more versatile and good.

[@garyrowe58]

One. Why not move the focus points? V easy to do with a joystick, if your camera has one. Two. As you said, with the normal focusing method of using the shitter button, anyone can use it. BBF, as youve described it, is useful for many situations, mostly i think for where your main priority is to keep one particular distancevon focus, no matter what else you do. However, noone else will be able to use your camera (when set up that way), and unlrss all of your cameras are set up the same it gets confusing, and BBF is an extra thing you have to do. Its a pain when you are wandring around and have two butyons to press for every one photo. However, if you want to keep a camera in a common configuration so anyone can use it, and you need the BBF advantage every now and then, read on. You can also set up that button so that it turns OFF autofocus ... thats how i set up any camera that supports the function: that way, the camera behaves as normal UNLESS you press the rear button, and then while it's held down your focus wont change ... and you can release it any time to autofocus again, as/if required. It's like choosing manual or auto (af, shutter, and / or iso): if you are wandering around, not knowing what your next picture will require, automatic settings are great - allowing you to grab a shot you wouldnt have time to set up for manually. However, in a studio, say, you know exactly what the required settings are so you lock them in manually. It's up to you as to what works best for each situation in between (_and understanding what compromises you're making with each choice_).

[@themutekiununbi4932]

Hi, Is your Sony A7R IV? As my Focus square is WHITE not GREEN. And furthermore, can your technique apply to my Sony A7 RIII? Many thanks for the video & tips.

[@TomGibson7777TG]

I have an older Sony A7r3 which has eye focus. Placed in on AF-C, subject focus, and BBF. I had the subject move back and forth and the eye focus did not work. Suggestions pls? Lens Sony 24-105 F4. Too when do you use AF-A, from static to moving subject? Enjoy your channel. Thanks

[@itltl]

I have it setup kindof reverse. Half press for af-c. AF-ON assign to focus hold to simulate AFS after half press shuttle. Though still need to train my muscle memory for this. Need the shuttle to focus when using the camera to do selfie.

[@iamphotovideoist]

Don't forget, Af-S activates the Oncamera light assist (if it has one) to focus on Lowlight. Its perfect to use for portait or any subject that is still on a lowlight situation (like a club/bar or anything lowlight).

[@lestorhaslam]

Very informative, but can I do this on my old Nikon D60 or D90? Thank you.

[@sumdood2035]

I changed a back button to one-shot (AF-S) mode to accomplish the same thing (focus and recompose). I half press the shutter to confirm focus on my subject then shift the composition and full-press. Press the button again and i'm back to servo mode. I do wish there was a way (i use canon) to combine both one shot, and change the drive mode to single in one button. I don't need to be firing off a 40fps burst every time I press the shutter for focus-and-recompose, if I forget to also change the drive mode.

[@madhusoodanshimoga5725]

Great content, thanks a ton for that. How do we set that in Nikon camera, I mean the bonus tip.

[@Martynas_R]

Do you use Sony ECM-B1M microphone?

[@rondub]

Very very helpful, thank you !

[@DentonThaves]

It depends on which camera you are using not all DSLR have back button focus which camera are you using.

[@allenhendricks8892]

And I thank u😊

[@fooBar55]

The Panasonic has touch screen focus - you can move the focus point using the touch screen - this even works when you are using the viewfinder.

[@igorwollersheim464]

Question. What about IBIS, it is only activated when holding the AF button with BBF. IBIS is off while the button is not pressed !.. is this correct ?

[@beardedraider4751]

For the last few parts can you tell us how to do this on canon

[@joydeeplifts1015]

i dint know why when i shout with display i get proper exposure byt with view dinner with same settings i get over exposed photo in D3200

[@engineer4862]

What is the solution to approaching subjects when the af lock produces blurry images?

[@rickymcc9072]

Yes BBF is good but it's cocked up a few shots for me as I forgot to hit BB with my thumb to initiate. One needs to practice 😅, until it's intuitive. Also I need a quick way to cancel BBF so my wife or others doing a request portrait etc can operate (non togs don't comprehend BBF and it takes too long to explain). I guess thats where having diff custom modes set can help.

[@TheSunnySuttons]

I achieve i similar results without disabling the Af to the shutterbutton. I stead i set a custom button to Recall Custom Hold 1 and within that menu i set the focus area to center with tracking.

[@2010SLP]

Hi Pierre. Thsnk you for this video. Can I ask what your default AF settings are for “Priority Set in AF-C”? AF, Release, or Balanced Emphasis? Also, what do you keep your “AF Tracking Sensitivity” set to most often? 1-5?

[@tomstack5285]

On my Sony A7R 3 if i press the AF-ON button it says it is not available in RAW format.

[@CC-gt3ro]

There is rarely told information that in low light condition with AF-S, the camera use the biggest aperture to focus and then come back to your selected aperture. For example if you use f4 but your camera can do f2.8, it will use f2.8 to focus but take the photo at f4. It does not do that in AF-C it will try to focus at f4 which can fail in low light condition. But i believe all people will use their f2.8 in low light but it is a minor detail.

[@HermannHimelheiken]

Prove it pal

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@HermannHimelheiken look at your lens in manual mode you should see the focus using the biggest aperture and come back to the selected one in low light condition. I heard a Sony ambassador talking about that. I didn’t know as well.

[@jayteknica1175]

​@@HermannHimelheiken hahaha that's the whole reason for depth of field preview button on mirror less cameras. While you're focusing and composing your aperture is wide open.

[@bigpapa12]

An alternative I find more useful is to use AFC with a programmable button such as the lens button set to Focus Hold to recompose.

[@castbyjohnflytying]

Great video 💯💯💯

[@aj.aranasfilms]

Is it available on Sony a6000?

[@f12x78]

does this setting work on sony APS-C? couldnt find the setting

[@AquaticBaboon]

That's one downside with APS-C, smaller body means less space for customizable buttons. You might be able to get the same setup using the AEL button but I can't remember if it works the same

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I hereby give your tutorial my rarest rating... Helpful.

[@KarlFakkari]

Is bbf possible in DSLR?

[@geoffreyhenson3098]

Yes. I used it exclusively on my 19 year old DSLR as well as my modern mirrorless Nikons.

[@HopperTheExplorer]

nice tips bro

[@jdz1]

Alright guys, let me know what you think about that: I kind of have a love and hate relationship with BBF. The concept is great, and it combines AF-S with AF-C. But for me, I tried it and I just cannot adapt to it. So for all people who kinda feel the same, I might have a more modern and convenient solution. Try using the AF-Lock function instead of Focussing with a Back Button. That means, that you focus with your shutter button using AF-C, and after you press and hold your AF-Lock button that you have assigned. That way you can rearrange and recompose your scene as well. If you let go of it, the AF-C picks up again, or you can just press the shutter one step more and take the shot.

[@gustavocruzlima119]

I still cannot understand why to use BBF when I can just set a button to AFL (auto focus lock). Event then AF-C (at least for mirrorless cameras) can track a point you set to focus. The cameras even track the subjects eye, so if you recompose it still follows the subject.

[@Pierretlambert]

that's why you'd release the AF-ON button when you recompose so your AF is not tracking the subject :)

[@MrLanun8x]

Wow,it's actually very useful. 🙏Thank You Sir

[@falseusername]

One tip about how handy to set subject detection on button. It ignores your focus point, and search subject in all angle of view. It's very usefull, when you usually have small point as focus area and want, for example, to focus on human, that's in some side of the frame. Moving focus point? Nope, just press a button, and you're perfectly focused.

[@Pierretlambert]

Yes that's what I share at the end regarding the lens button programmed for eye detection :D So helpful!!

[@skallittor5478]

This is the correct content!

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Pierre, thank you very much for this subject, the back button is a very under used mode. It's an important function to use and makes a big difference. Once you get used to it its a life saver. A very useful video that will help a lot of photographers. Many thanks Pierre 😊

[@seaeagles6025]

Thanks Pierre 😊

[@beholder2012]

It's „under used” because the default shutter button works as good as BB. 🤣

[@seaeagles6025]

@@beholder2012 The Shutter button does work as good as the Back Button, I guess it's just another option photographers have. We used Cameras before there was a Back Button and it was ok. Horse's for Courses. 👍

[@Adagefu]

Just tried this set up but nothing happens when I single press the button, I have to hold for it to focus. What am I doing wrong??

[@vamshiytchannel]

+1

[@vamshiytchannel]

@Pierretlambert

[@Pierretlambert]

That's correct you have to hold it down that's the advantage! Hold it = AF-C. Release = nothing changes = AF-S.

[@Adagefu]

Firstly thanks for the reply. Big fan of the videos. More to the point, when I release it then reframe as I would with afs, it does not maintain focus unfortunately. I’m sure it’s user error but just seems odd I’m not able to replicate

[@Pierretlambert]

@@Adagefu did you disable AF with shutter?

[@nelsonclub7722]

I've looked on a ll my cameras and don't seem to have this - what am I dong wrong?

[@BoBandits]

On my Sony apsc it is focus hold or focus lock I believe.

[@TryMyMartini]

Yep. This is the way.

[@nicop.2312]

The i button on the back with Nikon is enough to change what you want, but only in P

[@Martynas_R]

What would you say to a parent that doesn't let his son get a cheap camera like sony a6000 with kit lens?

[@michaellorence3672]

Nothing. Maybe that "cheap camera" is still out of their budget. Unless they have lots of cash to spare but they really just don't want you to pursue photography, then there are tons of things I wanna say to them. But if they really just don't have the capacity, maybe you just need to save up to be able to buy one for yourself. 😊

[@Martynas_R]

​@@michaellorence3672 Oh we have money, money is not the problem the problem is that my mom told me my phone is just as good as any camera and my phone camera is good but I want to learn to know how the f number effects the image and i DONT want to look like a tourist.

[@Pierretlambert]

I would share with her why the ART of creating is important to you and how a camera allows you to focus on just creating. Being on a phone means seeing notifications, calls, messages, friends, social media, being sucked in that vortex rather than being present with what is around you. Ask her if she can help you with that process, make her your ally.

[@Martynas_R]

@@Pierretlambert thanks

[@Martynas_R]

Thanks​ @@Pierretlambert, I told my mom that and that worked she told me next year I will get that 350 eur camera setup.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rob9386]

The tip at the end was too good! Love it love it!

[@markrossi5721]

Piere, you went through that menu so fast I couldn't see what you were selecting 😮. What's the big hurry? You've got to slow down the pace if you're going to teach effectively.

[@Pierretlambert]

Thanks for the feedback! Don't hesitate to pause the video :)

[@farhadtarapore]

My Sony RX10 IV has a dedicated button for S, A, C and M focussing modes

[@momobackpacker]

thank you bro

[@anastasianingsihm9562]

Great tutor

[@SingleTrack66]

Great video. Can’t believe how many people in the comments just don’t get it.

[@jorgealberto1851]

If you really want to focus on something and then change the composition, why not just use manual focus?

[@bobrobertsNotUrBob]

my canon doesnt have these settings

[@77.88.]

You must be talking about the Canon 5D Mk11 and not the Mk111 that dose not focus well during action shots as the red dot is gone,gone gone? IF the Mk11 camera is perfect don't FIX IT Mk111?

[@sgphotography7]

Love for india Pierre ❤

[@Pierretlambert]

Thank you

[@HURPSYYEMRAY1]

Tnk U

[@zappa0609]

Sharpness is the one and only aspect in photography that matters nowadays It doesn.t matter if it is a good photograph, or not, as long as it is sharp.😥

[@TottoriAbster]

woooww❤❤❤

[@Pierretlambert]

[@pittyman]

4:55 Man, it is so stupid! Just chose the focus object and let the camera following this object. Un my old 550D I all the time used AF-S, just you have to be quick with your camera. ;)

[@keen6808]

Excellent video tutorial ... for those who already know all this. But for those inexperienced beginners - it's too complicated: too many words, too fast explanation, unnecessary deviations to other details, distracting listing of the same actions on different cameras of other companies, instant switching in the menu, flickering lines in this menu, etc. etc.

[@mdtahmidhossainsrijon1086]

In this video I saw that you travelled Bangladesh 😊 BTW I'm from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@kolias33]

Hi, as this is not a tutorial, I won't go into details but I think you are confusing 2 terms. One is "sharpness" and the other is focus. Two quite different things.

[@user-xd9br7dx6n]

lol i think everyone knows that

[@kolias33]

@@user-xd9br7dx6n Oh yeah?! Well explain it to the only one who doesn't seem to differentiate them. The author of this video....lol

[@user-xd9br7dx6n]

@@kolias33 im sure its a language barrier thing but if he made it this far without knowing the difference between the two then im even more impressed lmao

[@kappafleo]

Ypu can do the exact same thing with the default shutter button, and have one more button to customize, Cant you?

[@ACitizenOfOurWorld]

Maybe, but then you HAVE to keep your finger half pressed on the shutter button until you're ready to fully press to release the shutter. Can get a finger cramp if you're waiting for just the right moment to snap the picture.

[@SingleTrack66]

You didn’t really follow the video did you

[@tonylegere9889]

I own a Nikon

[@adamdraper5522]

Cool. Now do a video with a camera that doesn't cost a few thousand bucks

[@Peterogen]

❤❤❤❤

[@frankmarrara3425]

Years ago we never had this much trouble focusing. We waste so much time now trying to figure out witch mode to use, it's just not fun anymore. To much tech. I wish they made a camera without all the video features.

[@andreasschurz63]

AF-S + MF with Focus Peaking

[@marcelbecker6399]

Bro, thats the most complicated way of focusing. Simply use AF-C and set the reaction to 1 (1of5). Than pin your subject with the small square and the focus will stick forever

[@rnrnrkrk994]

I dont think thats the point of doing this. This allows you to unfocus for creative reason with BBF and switch to AFC fast when needed.

[@pasky7777]

That doesn’t work all the time. If all you do is studio shoots, lucky you. Being out there with objects moving all the time, nature photography; you will be in complete trouble with AF-C only. Try what he said, you will love it. I could not enjoy and do photography without this technique.

[@SingleTrack66]

You have no idea. Bro 😂

[@HermannHimelheiken]

Bro Marcelo, I don't know about all that

[@peter9962]

BBF is the only way to go. Give it a try and join the rest of us. 😊

[@bert1913]

Women love BBC (British Broadcast Corporation)

[@benjprilles25]

I can do everything with just AF Tracking.

[@Schneider.]

🤍

[@iaindunbar2331]

Just move the AF point in continuous focus? Then there is no bonus to using bbf. Getting ‘sharper images’ or being able to focus better with bbf is a myth.

[@Pierretlambert]

moving the AF point to avoid shoot / recompose is actually super slow and if by chance you have AF-C with tracking everytime you release your shutter you may lock on a different subject - at least happens to me.

[@beholder2012]

Ditto. The whole point of BBF is that probably for some people it may be (for the reason unknown to me) more comfortable way of focusing, although the end result… will be the same! 🤣 What COULD be useful: if there would be ability to set that „back button” with any selected method of focusing and making it override the default button. Such way I could use „Single Shot” on the default button - while in case of need overriding it with AF-C set on the back button (without operating any switch). That would be really useful - unfortunately, none of my cameras (and I collected quite a few) allows this.

[@PracticingPhotography]

Try BBF and you will never go back.

[@garyrowe58]

I did. It's a pain when you need to have someone else use the camera for a quick shot, and also to yourself when switching between cameras that have different abilities. Yes, it''s great for some forms of photography, and not so good for others. It's like choosing manual / auto exposure settings (aperture and/or shutter and/or iso ... there are situations where each choice is the best, and others where each would be the worst; where there's a clear choice, choose it, and otherwise do what seems the most natural for you / involves the least compromise.

[@VynZography]

BBF is a nonsense carryover from DSLR days when cameras had 8 AF points. Stop teaching people this.

[@garyrowe58]

If you want to keep your camera focused on a particular spot but don't want to be faffing about with the manual/autofocus switch on the lens, BBS is a great way to go. Think of shooting birds on a branch, with camera on tripod. It's perfect for that. It may be something you'd never be doing yourself, but it may be the answer to someone else's prayers!

[@Novapsihoanaliza]

8 minutes lost in time.

[@loboptlu]

And you are the perfect example of one of those hated gaijin making photos of people without asking for their authorisation , giving everyone from outside japan a bad reputation for disrespecting privacy.

When you do street, you don’t ask, when tv crews do report, apart from interview, they don’t ask. That’s how you capture life naturally.

[@loboptlu]

Totally wrong here in germany ,luxemburg ,france ,belgium and netherlands tv crews need an official authorization , and you will be forced to erase your pictures , its called the right to its own picture and the reason tv crews will blur your face unless you accepted.

[@garyrowe58]

Or some idiot that thinks you need any sort of permission to photograph other people when out in public ... that'd probably freak when you see someone taking a picture of a child!! Lesson: laws and mores are different in different cultures. Where I live, there is no expectation of privacy while you are out in public ... I mean, you are visible to everyone else, what's the issue if they take a picture, when they've already seen everything there is to be seen?

[@loboptlu]

@@garyrowe58 and that is the main reason the japanese are forbidding access to certain places since people made photos unauthorized ,because some idiots think that they can do whatever they want by either ignoring or not respecting others culture . P.s. : in most european countries you can make pictures of houses or so but never a face unauthorised, in my country it’s privacy protection law , 1500 € or 3 months prison, in germany it’s called the right of its own picture and also costly and so on . In japan it may be authorised but they dislike it a lot ,especially without asking ,usually they think “a f…ng gaijin” and don’t try starting a scene (since they dislike that also) . But honestly you can for simple lack of respect of others put your logic where the sun doesn’t shine.

[@garyrowe58]

@loboptlu so, you can look at people all around you, but you can't take a picture with them in it? The newspapers and tv must be very boring ... no pictures of sports events, rallies, no footage of events of interest, just talking heads, I suppose. No football, hockey, athletics etc. on tv either. People with smartphones must be raging, having to not take their phone out in public in case someone accuses them of breaking the law by taking a picture with anyone else in them. Must really lose money for tourist industries too. Thank God I live in Europe, in a country not yet gone weird.

[@danielgarcia7447]

Brother go get a job just like everyone else…

[@daveericson8447]

Let go of the bitter jealousy 😂

[@danielgarcia7447]

@@daveericson8447 Hardly jealousy… I would NEEEEVER be ½ the photographer he is…(but, man am I trying lol ) when someone is asking to give him feedback to see if he can get more clicks/views/likes ( 3-4 previous videos) then you know that whatever it is that he’s doing is not working…and its prob out of his hands. Due to algorithms and updates to the platform. Therefore, stop stressn abt clicks/views/ likes and asking his audience what is he doing wrong or what can he do differently. If these factors are impacting your bottom line and this is a top 3 source of income…then the most logical thing to do is GET A JOB ! no hate, just facts…

[@daveericson8447]

@danielgarcia7447 but with 712k subscribers he must be doing something right

[@danielgarcia7447]

@@daveericson8447 no doubt, he is talented! I like and enjoy watching his videos… 👍

[@Pierretlambert]

Thanks Daniel! For now I don't need another job it's alright - plenty to do! When I do something I like to do fully which is why I ask for feedbacks if I see changes that signal it isn't as relevant as before. Sending much love!