The BEST Focusing Technique (FOR SERIOUS SHARPNESS!!)

[@GodsIn2Love]

The beauty of the bright sunlight is all the color that jumps into the lens from the wooded area.

[@markwatson1861]

Been a BBF convert for a number of years (and could never go back!) and I use a similar technique to yours for landscapes. For extra extra sharpness, I also use a shutter release delay and turn off any lens stabilization so there is no chance of the camera wobbling when I finally hit the shutter release. Great videos - keep taking great shots !

[@andyprime57]

Ive used this method and full manual at X10 mag since shooting landscapes and more recently, everything I shoot. Other good tips to help ensure sharp focus include turning off image stabilisation when using a tripod, a shutter release timer (I use 10sec when using a 70-200 and 2sec for say a w/a zoom) and of course mirror lockup (if using a mirrored camera) to prevent mirror slam as that can cause shake and therefore unsharp images. However, you can ignore the last if using live view as your mirror is already locked up! Another great vid Henry, your enthusiasm for wet days shining through yet again!

[@MrDAVIET]

Do you use the same focus technique with wildlife?

[@hillybobs56]

I used to hyperfocal focus my old prime lenses on my EOS 3 back in my slide film days and set the aperture to f11. Everything in the frame was spot on. Most of my landscapes were taken on a 35mm f2 USM. I also used a 50 f1.4 and a 20-35 f3.5-5.6.

[@margueritelahaye7457]

Finally, a clear explanation, and a demonstration on a camera that looks like mine. Thank you!

[@gerrywidnell7304]

Hello Henry. I've just found your channel and this is the first video I've watched of yours. You explained back button focusing brilliantly. It's the first time I've actually understood back button focus. I'll be watching more of your videos. Thank you, stay safe and keep uploading.

[@timelord2222]

I use the same technique, but be careful - on high magnifications the image may look blurry on screen, depending on how sharp your lens is. So you might think the image is not in focus, while in fact your lens has reached its maximum detail resolving power.

[@mchocolate2301]

Thanks for the tip! 👍🏾

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Useful tip, I have experienced this myself getting frustrated why I could not see sharp focus 👍

[@timelord2222]

@@RussWeymouthPhotography Yes, especially if you (like me) only have entry-level lenses. The preview might be 100% sharp only on high-end gear (pro lenses / high megapixel cameras). But don't worry, 99% of people don't view photos at 1:1 magnification

[@alvinmorris5404]

@@timelord2222 yes unless you're going to have a photo printed in enormous dimensions or you're a pixel peeper it's not going to be a big deal. We're trying to take a photo of what we see with 2 eyes while using a 1 eye camera, add the fact that our eyes don't focus the entire image at the same sharpness it's like we're trying to reach into the magician's hat hoping to pull out a perfect image!🙂

[@PaulLauter]

Enjoyed your blog. It looks a beautiful woodland. I also use a D7200 with live view, back button focus and then zoom in to fine tune. One little trick I use is I have customized my ok button to zoom in to my preferred level of zoom for focus checking. It just saves having to press the magnify button multiple times. So I back button focus, hit ok to zoom in, fine tune the focus, and then hit ok again to get normal live view back

[@afti03]

OH nice, it's the same thing i do when i shoot products or real estate. It's a MUST DO! i started doing this when my autofocusing sistem started to break. when you zoom in in live view, you actually zoom into the senzor, so the clarity and quality of what you'll see will be spectacular, you really have to try it.

[@highestsprings]

Great video and nice shots. Good to see a video on getting the best out of gear and producing good stuff with the technology to hand. Its refreshing to see and informative, not caught up in the tech race. Thanks.

[@ShaunBennettuk]

Henry - I've only recently come across your content but loving the down to earth approach you have to doing informational and educational content. As for BBF, well this video has just brought my BBF exploits into a whole new realm. Will be putting this technique into my workflow without hesitation

[@PMS1950]

Sharpness and obsessing about 'sharpness' is fast becoming the ultimate destination/ambition for many photographers. It's a bit sad because it becomes so overridingly important to them, that other skills such as composition, exposures, creativity etc are all minor considerations when placed alongside the unalloyed and somewhat dubious joy of possessing a razor sharp optic. Enjoy discovering and creating the image and then if you're happy with your composition, rejoice in that moment before even thinking of checking the pixels, noise and technical stuff. And you don't even need a reversed admirals hat to achieve superb images.

[@Gibson1976uk]

Number one thing is to capture that moment before you miss it :) I have a wedding photo that many love, it’s a bit soft but not that bad! but it was one of those, have to take the pic now moments, zero time to mess with any settings :)

[@soundslovers-zg2bw]

Indeeed but he's also focused on composition as he speaks abundantly about it... ;)

[@thomashathaway3534]

I got it! The light just came on. Now I understand the zoom in/back button focus technique. Your explanation was perfect. Thanks Henry. 📸👍

[@briangriffin8903]

Nice little tip,thanks...enjoyed your video and your enthusiasm of getting the shots you want. Keep it up...👍👍..

[@stthomasweddingphotographycom]

This is actually a technique that videographers have been using for years. Many of the pro lenses have a Snap zoom btn that allows ou to zoom in and check your focus. Makes sense to use it in still photos as well. Nice vid! Keep it rocking bro!!

[@christophercollins4653]

Hi Henry, im new to photography and your videos really help me. this technique i have started to use and its fantastic for me. Thanks and keep up the great videos.

[@StuMcKenzie]

It's a great tip for focusing, one that many of us do but always happy to be reminded of how good it is. Thanks for sharing.

[@DB-sd3cw]

Be quiet fool

[@pjcardone164]

So are you primarily manually focusing your camera when your magnifying and using the back button focus,? Or are you shooting in aperture mode, shutter priority? Manual?

[@ralphwatson7036]

I look forward to the day you graduate to mirrorless. So many fun new features, but one of my favorites is focus peaking. It's especially helpful with my older eyes. Z6 rocks!

[@wheelsoncrisis]

this is a new focussing technique i learned, i watch all this videos using expensive cameras in youtube, you are a first pro photographer who i saw uses a nikon d7200. btw i am from india and i love your shots. they are amazing. you are really pro.

[@karengoody8142]

I have often thought about back button focus but now I have seen your video will give it a go Thank you for explaining it so well

[@FrankDinkelmann]

Hey Henry, good feature. But I got two questions: 1. Do you really have to do this tedious ZOOMING OUT again before you take the shot? Why don't you just fire away once you got tack sharp zoom (since you composed the scene/photo BEFORE you zoomed in anyways)? 2. If you want to ZOOM OUT for some reason and nevertheless (s. Q1) + since you are a NIKON shooter, why not use the STANDARD behaviour of the 'Multi Selector Center Button', which is to zoom out totally in one button push, rather than using the 4 or 5 time button push of the ZOOM OUT button??? Is there a reason I do miss?

[@Stop-All-War]

Man's Videos are underrated 👍🏻

[@johncahill1587]

As the great Bob Ross used to say “we don’t make mistakes, they’re just happy little accidents” that first image is 👌🏻 Henry. Great video as always. I use the same focus technique as well.

[@RonelBroderickphotography]

100%, I just loved Bob Ross with his "Happy little accidents"

[@CoastGuy09]

If your camera supports focus peaking, that is another way to confirm sharpness across your image. I first use auto focus and magnify just as you do. Then I switch to manual mode on the lens and focus peaking is set to automatically kick in. Everything that is in focus is in red. Yellow & white are also possible color options but red usually works best for landscape.

[@whunt29708]

If you're filming all that by yourself, great job. I know it must take time to set up plus you're carrying around that extra gear. Great video!

[@deborahreeder7374]

I've just discovered your channel, and I like your style. I'll be looking for more of your videos!

[@davidellinsworth22]

This is the exact way I focus after becoming a BBF convert earlier this year. Works a treat. It's also very nice to use the half press to activate the exposure meter without the camera trying to refocus

[@davidpringuer3553]

@Jolanda Wenning pervert

[@AndyWoodger]

@henryturner Goodness me I'm learning loads! Can't believe how easy it is to get that sharp focus every time.

[@VellaCharles]

Hi Henry, thanks for the video. Loved both shots. For shots like these, what's your preferred lens ? Cheers.

[@craiglivingforward]

Henry, just came across your videos, I love your enthusiasm and also how you take your time to get a composition, to really look at what you're shooting. I think this is so important, so many people think you can just click away and get a good photo. I'm just returning to photography in the last couple of years and now trying out some YT vids as well. I will definitely be learning from you.

[@southernsteve1]

I've found this video 3 years after it was released and was wondering what lens you were using with your Nikon, is it a D500? Obviously you've moved on to the Z series now, but I still use a D500 and looking for something better than the kit 18-150mm I'm using at the moment.

[@globally123]

Great video and great inspiration cheers mate,keep em coming

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

I've always wondered why a landscape photographer would need bbf but watching your vlog i could see myself using it. Liked your images, well explained and enjoyed watching Henry 👍

[@amitlale]

Thanks for the great practical tips! Very useful.

[@sinisajagarinec4228]

Good trick! Thanks for that! May i ask which camera did you use to film this video?

[@lennycurtisxo]

Henry the Pig Iron LB-1 L-Bracket - (almost) perfect L-bracket, what makes it less than perfect ? Are you able to access battery & connect a shutter release cable ? Thanks love the video

[@edwinbarreto]

Very nice technique; will definitely try it. Thank you.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

That first photo is what I'd call a happy accident. To really get the whole image sharp front to back, I'd have focus stacked it. OTOH the defocused background in this version implies depth. I really like it, and your painterly processing in general.

[@andrewreardon9400]

Hi Henry. Lovely photos. Nice tip there I shell be going to my local woodland and defiantly be having a go with the focus technique over the weekend. Thanks.

[@yonder-john]

I'm just beginning to discover your videos and I absolutely love them, such a calm yet focused experience.

[@touchedbynature5445]

Very good, surprised the first shot was f4, Beautiful. Very helpful and informative. Many thanks for sharing.

[@mustangshelby2740]

very good idea and fast and easy . Thanks for sharing .

[@lukechristian1436]

Hi Mr turner how are you I have a question when you keep your camera screen on would it drain the batteries mine does I'm using a Fuji film s1000fd camera is there any solution to stop my batteries from running out quickly I saw on KZbin they said do not use the LCD screen on your camera while taking pictures use the view finder is it true Mr turner.

[@heman6540]

Hi Henry, I was wondering what is the handle you got fixed to the left side of the camera and its purpose. Cheers.

[@oneccie]

You're lucky. You have seasons. We in Australia only have summer and cold summer.

[@farook_]

Same in U.A.E

[@furnibird]

Move states mate. We get all 4 seasons in NSW

[@lorenvguitar614]

Great information, thanks for this excellent video.

[@scotty4418]

Definitely a good technique, use the same approach myself then you can't blame the camera if its not in focus. Like the F4 image Henry as with the main point of focus being at the forefront of the image, the natural fall off into a softer backdrop worked well

[@manscave]

That woodland is an ideal place to try focus stacking. THAT is the by far the best way to achieve focus throughout the length of shot. Combined with bracketing and an edited HDR and you're on to a winner.

[@SteveP_2426]

Yes but only if there is no wind moving the tree boughs/leaves.

[@manscave]

@@SteveP_2426 Not really. For a start, if its blowing a gale and everything is moving, your picture should reflect the movement. Focus stacking still captures every still object in focus yet will blur the moving leaves etc. makes for very interesting pictures.

[@catherder6674]

Wow! Very well explained. 100% understood every sentence. Thank you.

[@peterwideman1425]

Henry, another great video from a down to earth photographer who tells it like it is. I'm off out on Monday to Thor's Cave so will be sure to give this a go. Thanks.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks Peter.

[@jmarkkoch]

Enjoyed the video and the pictures. I’ve heard a bit about back button focus but never tried. How is it different than regular auto focus?

[@mnamhie]

Henry. New subscriber here, all the way from southern California. I really enjoy your videos. Watching you traipsing around Tyne and Wear makes me miss the UK. What a beautiful and romantic part of the world you live in.

[@janfitch2760]

My calendar arrived in Italy on Tuesday, beautiful,stunning shots. Thank you!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

That’s brilliant, thanks so much!!

[@marcelzwart3527]

Again a nice video Henry. I might try out the back button focus. It looks quite handy to use. Thanks for the tip.

[@PaulW98Z]

One thing to be careful when focusing on something not in the center of the frame is that pretty much all cameras sensors are most accurate when focusing in the center. The further to the badges, the less accurate it is. I always put what I want in focus in the center to focus on it then recompose if I intend to offset that object in the frame. I tend to hyper focus most of the time. Usually on whatever is the lowest point in the frame the recompose. As long as I’m shooting f8 and up, pretty much everything in the frame will be in focus.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It’s why I love my D850 ..it focuses well in corners

[@arielalejandrogarma3672]

i loved those colors amazing photos congratulations

[@alannorthdevonuk763]

Another brilliant video. Could I ask, when you zoomed in to check your focus there where some very bright areas on the tree. What metering setting do you use? I swop between single spot and matrix depending on what I'm doing. Cheers.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks Alan! Usually single spot

[@stevethompson8154]

I use live view to focus and back button as well. I find it slightly more accurate using single point AF-S instead of continuous. This is for stationary subjects. When I need continuous AF for action I use U1 and U2. It has been working out pretty good

[@jimrinaldi8357]

I find the U1 and U2 to be very helpful as well, since I often find myself in similar situations.

[@LeonShields-vx6lr]

Hi Henry, can you tell me what 90 degree bracket you use for upright shoots. Regards Leon

[@ladoma]

Hello, you can assign the OK button to the zoom function. Press the OK button to toggle zoom on and off. Choose the initial zoom setting from Low magnification (50%), 1 : 1 (100%), and High magnification (200%).The zoom display will center on the active focus point. It's easier and faster for me.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks a lot for that Ralf 👍🏼

[@mchocolate2301]

Cool! Thanks for the tip! 👍🏾

[@intro.vertex]

What camera was used in this video? its not the Nikon Z 7 like what's listed on his website... Just curious if anyone knows

[@gavinbateman2312]

Hi Henry - thanks for the videos and happily subscribed. Can I ask you to list the Nikon focus settings you are use when you take a landscape, I too use a Nikon but couldn't mirror the green focus box also being zoomed into on the LV window - which means I must be getting the setting wrong - love the technique by the way. Thanks. Gavin

[@nancyk9475]

Great video! I shoot with a d750 and just started using Live View, never knew you could magnify. Are you using AF-S or AF-C? Single point? Thank you

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks Nancy. AF-S to answer your question

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Didn't really understand how the focusing technique different from your previous but always enjoy the vids. Your eyes and facial expressions change every 2 seconds!

[@chetansehgal4372]

Which focus modes do you recommend for a video? I use a D7200 as well. Struggle with the auto focus while taking a video.

[@p.j6034]

Hi Henry, I love your videos, I have programmed the AE-l, AF-l button, when I zoom + the square is green, and after when I zoom - the square is red. What is the problem, what are your settings? Thank you very much, Pierre From. France

[@mschroeder1959]

Just curious, what would happen if the shutter was engaged while the composition was still zoomed in for focusing? My thought is that once you have pinpoint focus, snap the shutter. This would eliminate the zooming out process. Just a thought?

[@bird_whisperer]

Hello Henry. What are you using to film your video production?

[@jrrockett]

Run the "OK" Button for 100% Zoom, instead of pressing the zoom+ button a bunch of times. ❤ Press OK for 100% zoom press back button AF for focus then press OK again to zoom back out, Done and in focus..

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Done. Thanks a lot mate

[@karinaport]

Jered... you mean “programming” the ok button

[@karinaport]

Jered... you mean.. programming the ok button so that when pressed the camera zooms in 100% automatically?? Is that what you’re saying??.. how do I do that?? Got a Nikon D7100.

[@jrrockett]

@@karinaport Yes program it's command function, pretty sure anyway. 🤔 go to live view and press the OK button and see what happens? If nothing other then centering the single AF area (if shooting in Single AF. ) then I would imagine it's able to be programed for 100% zoom in live view. Just have to look around in the settings.

[@karinaport]

@@jrrockett Ok!! I’ll check it out!! Gracias!!!

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Great work! Never thought about it this way. Thanks, Henry!

[@tabithagabriel2904]

This video gave me a lot of insight. Thank you so much. Photographs are beautiful. May I ask what is the brand of the tripod that you carry? I own a Manfrotto, I don't like to carry it because it's big bulky and very heavy.

[@jamesss1953]

Morning Henry; BBF I’ve used now for a couple of years and wouldn’t go back. Also I sometimes manually tweak the focus ring on lens when I am 100% focused in (as you say, occasionally the mechanical bit doesn’t quite get it). Hyperfocal distance also generally works for me as well. Keep up your enthusiasm which is still very catching 📷

[@garymoreland]

Another great video Henry! I’ve been using the manual focus method you showed me on 1-2-1. Will definitely give this method a try. Stay safe mate.

[@paulk329]

Absolutely brilliant vlog Henry very useful advice, fantastic images..!!

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I know about focusing 1/3 into a landscape shot but what do you mean about "stopping down slightly." I understand what stopping down does but why would you do that rather than just using the cameras exposure meter balanced at 0?

[@lenp00]

Excellent video Henry, tah! Just to be clear, are both of the Auto-Focus buttons turned on (lens and body buttons)?

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

YEs they are 👍

[@nadeemafzal8984]

Super tips - never used live view properly - thank u Just a question this technique is easier on stand - it’s a tad harder when handheld - any tips on that - thumbs up and subscribed

[@watchdogu.s.a.8973]

Practice. I have average size hands and at first it seemed difficult and didn't make a lot of sense. After the first... maybe 50 shots... my thumb goes to the button naturally and it just works. Try it - just go shoot anything and everything for 30 minutes and see how it feels after that.

[@leighann5308]

Do you take the photo while zoomed in live view? or autofocus in zoom then zoom out and release the shutter?

[@haroldmassey5966]

Thanks for the focusing tips. Be safe out there

[@BigJim1961]

Henry it's funny that I should find this video by accident 2 years after you posted it. I recently subscribed to your channel. However I didn't come to your youtube site looking for answers. I usually just type in what I'm looking for and see who comes up with a usable video. I struggle with getting clear pictures. My images always seem to come out looking like a pre digital television screen. I came on youtube to see if I could find a few videos that might be able to provide a few soluttions for me. I had literally typed in taking high clarity pictures into youtube's search bar when I spotted this video. I hadn't even clicked the search icon when I spotted this video. I'm going to try your solution and see if it helps me. Thank you.

[@johnsparkes8963]

Enjoyable Henry good tips nice images thanks for sharing and take care.

[@TaxiRED]

Another great tip, i now use the live view and magnify method too.. i also use the back button focus, so now i'll combine them.. cheers fella

[@MrBooojangles]

It's stupid I know and it's such a simple thing to do, but I never thought about magnifying in to focus, yet I use the screen a lot and I always use back button focus and I keep trying to focus when the screen is showing the whole image I want to capture, then I often get frustrated when I check them on the computer at home and it's not exactly focussed where I wanted. Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try that next time.

[@petersmitham8273]

I thought here we go, young Turner is short of content so rehashing old videos, then I tried it today in the woods....What an eye opener!...couldn’t believe the difference between what I thought was in focus on the LCD screen via autofocus and the magnified image?......quite often it was slightly out and manual focus and focus peaking on my Olympus got it nice and sharp..... Cheers Henry!....👍📸🌈

[@ShevillMathers]

Camera and lens used please? Ex Leeds Pom living down under in Tasmania-very different scenery and virus free, pleased to say, hope things get better up your way very soon. Thank you for sharing your presentations. 👍😁📷🇬🇧🇦🇺🦘

[@oftheseaband]

Which camera did you use to shoot this video ? Looks fantastic!

[@thorenjohn]

Thank you for the technical tip, and also for all the stream-of-consciousness chitcat about composition. I love your devotion!

[@ROUGHROADPH]

Excellent presentation buddy.

[@brentjones571]

Never use this button on my D7100 lol thanks for this tip Henry, sorry what settings do you use in camera am confused lol cheers matey

[@crappiemaster-hl2kf]

I would love to know what lens you're using for your shots, maybe you can include that info in the vids. Thanks

[@Paul-vy1ev]

Brilliant and informative video. I like the first image you took the best. Look forward to your creative talents now we have Gone into another lockdown. Thanks Henry.

[@northdevonpictures826]

Like it mate and thanks for a great video - subscribed.

[@chrissstuff5009]

Recently took up Photography, Find your videos the most helpful :)

[@kevincaluag5355]

Very helpful. I find your landscapes very informative cause we have quite similar gear system. Mine is d3500 w/ kit lens, 10-20mm and 70-300 lens. Thanks keep it up.

[@giljun1]

Thank you for clearly showing! Subscribed .

[@raymondallingham8080]

Hi Henry just new to door photography and just found your videos keep up the great work cheers Raymond in Glasgow Scotland

[@selzzaW]

Really enjoyed the music choice in this video.

[@MattFreestonePictures]

Just come across your channel, Henry. Loving your on-camera style and your photography is stunning too. Thanks for the inspiration to get out - even when the weather isn't amazing!