Why I DON'T like Back Button Focusing - and What you Can do Instead (Canon)

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Why I DON'T like Back Button Focusing - and What you Can do Instead (Canon). So many people claim Back Button Focusing is the only way to go, which I totally disagree with. Whilst I like the principle I don't like the technique. In this video I share my thoughts on BBF and give you an alternative method to set up your own auto-focus, particularly for bird photography. If you like BBF... great. keep using it - but YOU DON'T HAVE TO! Use what works for you!
Filmed with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500.
Equipment: Canon 1DX Mark i, Canon 400mm f5.6 lens.
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[@flyingratchet]

Very glad I found this! I've been shooting wildlife with Canon cameras for 20 years and I tried a stint with BBF a few years back but it didn't stick for some of the reasons you mentioned. I do mostly insect photography often with subjects moving quickly and erratically and a lot of times only one shot out of 50 comes out acceptable. So despite its benefits, the extra moments required for my brain to pull off BBF frustrated me and I stopped after a few days. This is the best of both worlds for when the subject settles down for a second. Thank you!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Love it!

[@furzkram]

Your method makes perfect sense to me too. I never got comfy with BBF, too often I would forget to press it when needed - and get an out of focus shot.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for the support!

[@EdMartinIMN]

Great explanation and tip for an alternative method to try. Really appreciate you sharing these ideas.

[@SilverLarry]

I actually love shooting with BOTH methods and regularly switch between them. BBF is more efficient for lots of situations, but for pure run-and-gun style shooting, I get a lot of mileage switching to shutter focus. The way my D850 is set up, it takes seconds to switch between the two methods. I have multiple Custom Settings Banks and two specifically dedicated to these two ways of shooting. So depending on the situation, I just hit the "i" button on the back to choose between A or B and my camera is instantly re-configured. For me, each method requires more than just changing the shutter and AF-ON button functions, and so, when I realized my camera had the ability to switch everything instantly, I found this to be the best of both worlds. Switching between focusing methods may initially screw with your brain. People like consistent ways of operating their camera so it's not be for everyone, but personally I love the flexibility.

[@thomasbrown7845]

Nice to have explanation of focus disengage as an alternative.

[@luisferreira8939]

Your method makes a lot of sense to me! Keeps it easier most of the time when your hands are full, and then when you have the time to recompose you can also take the trouble to press an extra button. I'll try to move from simple shutter AF-C to your technique because even as a beginner I'm occasionally struggling with recomposition, and switching to AF-S in a pinch is a no go. Many thanks!

[@williamreinhart3921]

Great idea, was thinking the same thing and am going to give this a try.

[@jonathandegard]

I have been searching for an alternative for many years, and now you have given me the solution! Thank you so much, man

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

So glad!

[@MichaelJanetfan]

Great video. Practical and logical. Thank you!

[@julioamaral4391]

Bingo! You brought me a good solution. Recomposing is less common to me. Thanks a lot, Paul! Greetings from Southern Brazil.

[@jafrlalala1]

Great alternativ! I always struggled using BBF in combination with my glasses... So this method makes sense to me. I will use it from now on!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Great. Glad this helps.

[@RS.Outdoors]

Hay Ho, have to disagree with your comments. But each to there own and keep vlogging.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

No worries. Appreciate the comment.

[@Brian_Zang]

what a great video! I gonna try both ways

[@daknarr]

Great video, and love that you use the 1DX MkI (I do too!). There are a lot of customisation options, and I find your way quite interesting. However, I am a big BBF guy, and it has become second nature to me. As you say, whatever works!

[@johncampbell9818]

I have it set for one of my custom options on my 80D. The smaller body makes its use perhaps more comfortable than your larger body. I find it handy for when a small bird is visible through dense foliage. I get the bird in focus and then don't find the focus changing every time my aim changes or the wind blows a branch in the way. I also use it when I am using hand-held and waiting on a distant perched bird to do something. I lock focus, then I can quickly push the shutter when action happens and and don't have to wait for the lens to grab focus if I have let my aim stray. But whatever works for you is the best. I tend to use it with telephoto shots and for closeups of flowers. Otherwise I just pop into AV, TV or M to get what I want. No single tool works all the time. But thanks for letting your experience be expressed and for offering another option.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

There's some good techniques there John. I actually prefer 'One Shot' focus if I'm concentrating on just portraits - I can then achieve the same result though foliage, or sometimes I would actually switch to manual. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this - I think others will find your information very valuable. Cheers,

[@mrskimkravitz]

This is great!!!! I like this method much better! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻

[@LumosMx]

get video! As a beginner, BBF can cause problems. In a rush to focus I was pushing the wrong back button and missed my shot. I'll try this method. Thank you

[@B1it3krieg]

As someone who simply loves BBF, I am amazed by your view. Pure logical stuff! wow.

[@mattmiller6973]

Hi Paul. Glad to see another video from you! Nice background in the video. I'm a back button focus guy but I understand if you don't like it. Keep up the great work.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's a lovely place - wish I lived there! Glad it works for you Matt. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@deb8183]

I’m willing to give it a try. aThanks Paul.

[@naturfilms4213]

Love your Videos the Tipps are always great

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you for the kind comment.

[@PPMOCRG]

BBF works for me most of the time, and it’s my default setting. Thank you for sharing an alternative.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's what works for you. Keep doing it.

[@b.lew_photography571]

I used to use your technique for the longest time since my Rebel didn't have a bbf dedicated button. I've since moved on to the M6 Mark.ii which does have a bbf, but I've also customized a button very close to my bbf button which can change from (1-Shot) / (AI Servo) on the fly which gives me the option to do either technique at any given time without changing it in the menu.

[@Derbyshire_bird_tours]

Hi Paul, you're definitely right in saying try these methods and then find one that works for you. I tied back button focus for a while but found it uncomfortable. I now use my Fn button on the front of my Nikon for focusing as I found my finger naturally sat there anyway. Great talking point.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks very much.Your method is a perfect example of how you can set the camera up for yourself - great stuff.

[@rvbdordrecht]

Interesting point of view. Will try it out!

[@lemoncellimochiblu100]

I actually really like your explaination of bbf. Was still a bit hazy on how to use it but you explained it perfectly thanks.

[@shekatagani]

I agree 100% with your video. I feel the same way. There are different advantages to shooting back button but I just cannot get past having to press two buttons to take my shot!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Totally agree! Thanks.

[@gibsondude07ify]

I just found out about BBF and then I found your video. Your logic makes much more sense. Only thing is I don't have a fancy camera so I don't know if I can setup my buttons that way.

[@rutlegs]

Between the hair trigger on my old D7100 and a slight tremor in my hands, the half press shutter resulted in LOTS of misfires. BBF has been a bit of a life saver for me. Different strokes and all that!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I understand. It works for you. Keep using it!

[@johngpreston1784]

Really like this idea! Thanks Paul.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Great. Nice to have agreement. Thanks John!

[@lowellmccormick6991]

I like it. Great tip Paul. Thanks.

[@taskerdevere8626]

Hey! I’m glad I found this video, I thought I was just me who used this “backward” method, I tried BBF and I just couldn’t get on with it, but this way really feels second nature to me, and I used it for wildlife, wedding, landscape and portrait photography, once you’ve got that focus of what you want just press the AF-ON, lock your focus and recompose to your hearts desire, all of a sudden the bird takes off, let go of the button and AF-C will do the rest, makes sense.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Glad it works for you. We are in a minority!

[@jonphebus6720]

Oh. My. God. Yes, you spoke directly to me on this topic. Back button focus presented problems for my style of photography. I like to shoot live concerts and this is EXACTLY the behavior I need! Thank you!! Use the AF-on in reverse as AF-OFF. BRIALLIANT!

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Paul. I'm really comfortable using the back button focus on my Nikon but you've given me food for thought here. Planning on going to Slimbridge next week so might give this a try. Many thanks for sharing. Keep 'em coming please.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

If you're happy with BBF I'd probably stick with it. Having said that it's always worth trying something new... just don't blame me if you miss the shot of a life time at Slimbridge Tim..!

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Great video, thank you. I'm learning both techniques with my 80D. I must say I'd rather leave the AF on the normal way, just in case I grab the camera in a hurry and can't find the back button because... it's so small !!!... 🤣 I'm now trying the back button set to AF-off as you do. So far, I like it very much. I only use it when I have time and not rushing to catch a plane or bird in flight at the last second !!!... 👍🏻 Thank you, keep up the great work.

[@martinprick9747]

I like your view on BBF. As a reporter by a newspaper I have to be quick and in the same time i need a good composition. So... your video was/is a great help for me!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Martin. Glad that helped.

[@pokharel_puru]

BBAF Positives, 1)Lens AF motors get rest as they are not activated unless you hit one of the AF-On buttons, 2)Focus Trapping is easy as you can pre-focus on a distance and wait for the perfect moment to trigger the shutter, other than these 2 benefits one can argue about not having to switch between continuous/servo AF and static/one shot AF but these days with eye tracking and other AF aids the static AF is hardly needed...

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Great information in both your comments.

[@abhijitabhyankar291]

I fully agree with you. I have done the same on my 7D Mark-ll

[@user-bi4yl7sy3g]

Thanks for the video. Small hands, comfort, speed. Experience of losing photos with back button focus. l am feel more stable system when using one button for shut and focus. Still trying BBF :)

[@bakedmudstuff1587]

Thanks for getting to the point right away -- not the usual case.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

You’re welcome!

[@tomdullage1531]

That's an interesting and valid alternative to conventional BBF, thanks for sharing. One aspect that always seems to be neglected is that using conventional focusing, using the shutter button, can result in accidental shots, either through a shutter button that fires too easily or a lack of sensitivity in the shooting finger! That is a problem I had with a couple of Nikon cameras, so I used BBF for quite a while. Since moving to a Sony A9, I find that I can focus using the shutter button and clearly feel the right pressure to focus without shooting, so I'm currently using the traditional method. I do, however, miss that easy focus and recompose facility that BBF gave me! I totally agree that you should use whatever method you are comfortable with.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tom. very valid points indeed. I've never actually had that accidental trigger problem myself - only very rarely. You're right though, it can happen for sure.

[@mpg3960]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography accidental trigger , much more of a problem 40 years ago when we were all shooting film and had to make every shot count ! :-)

[@tonyturner7676]

Love your videos, Paul, but have to disagree with you concerning BBF. I’m a great fan of BBF but as you say, whatever suits you, then use it.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

No problem Tony - it would be boring if we were all the same! I do appreciate your kind comments, thank you.

[@catherinenhesselbacher8743]

I'm with you Paul, I tried BBF and my camera/lens was actually "missing" focus on what I "know" I was focused on, which were the eyes. I had a hard time using it, although I love the concept. It is also not a good way to shoot rodeo photography. I am going to try your way, as I also get frustrated when I am trying to re compose and I can't with the front focus. I still need to have everything fine tuned and synced, but I love this idea thanks so much.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's such a divisive thing - people literally have arguments over it (for some reason..) Thanks for sharing your view - it just goes to show that it doesn't work for everyone. You'll find your own way and the one that works for you. It's working well for me, although I still just use my 'one shot' focus sometimes.Dictionary thing

[@pokharel_puru]

BBAF Negatives 1)Engages the thumb which otherwise is essential for changing the exposure comp, 2)Discomfort -as Paul pointed out prolonged use of BBAF can cause strain on the thumb, 3)Can miss critical moments -again as Paul pointed out, focusing and then releasing shutter will take a fraction of second longer, 4)Usability of the front Fn(Pv) buttons are hindered, suppose you want the front buttons(Fn/Pv) to just change the AF Area Mode (Say from singe AF pt to something larger) and not start AF then you must hit the front button then the AF-on button and finally the shutter button, coordinating 3 buttons is a lot of work...

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Very clever idea to assign the opposite to the back AF button. I had n’t thought of this and my solution/ alternative was to simply turn the AF to manual on the lens. Your solution is much more elegant and you don’t run the risk of forgetting to switch the lens back to AF. Tnx for sharing.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

That's much appreciated. I basically use the exact opposite of back button focus. Works for me!

[@jeremyhearne13]

I'm with you on this in terms of the comfort and my brain! However, I just got a Canon R6 Mark II and I would like to set it up with just using the shutter button with eye tracking, and then using the AF or * button for stationary subjects. Can you please explain how you program the camera for this method. Thanks!

[@stephenhunt7655]

I love it!! It does make a lot of scenes, with BBF your finger is on the BBF button until you need to take the shot, your way you only need to hit the button once the subject had positioned its self. I will have to try this. I am a Nikon shooter and when I had my D7100 I tried BBF but didn’t like it. I felt it was uncomfortable to use. Once I got the D750 I tried it again. The body of the camera is bigger than the D7100 and the button for BBF was in a better position, so now I use BBF all the time. I use it so much that when I used my friend’s camera, I tried to get it to focus but it wouldn’t then he reminded me to push the other button lol. Anyway, I do like your idea. Thanks for sharing this.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Stephen. Nice that you agree with me! If BBF works for you then no reason to switch, but this might work for you too. Many thanks for such a thoughtful comment.

[@ethanshaw7504]

Dude an absolute pro tip. Im gonna start using this

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Ethan. Give it a go, it might work for you..

[@chrisdunford2346]

BBC is very handy in wildlife work when there are branches between you and the subject. Once focus is locked on you can release AF-ON and recompose to your heart's content for several shots with no fear that the camera will refocus. Each to his own though. That's part of the fun of photography.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing Chris. That's a perfectly valid method. You're right though... it would be boring if everyone did the same!

[@CassioHungria85]

Finally!!!! Finally i have found someone who does exactly the same thing I do

[@messylaura]

i do the same as you in a way i use the normal shutter button (M50) the hit the af/mf rocker to disable autofocus, the other option i use when i have the m kit lens like the 55-200 if you turn the focus ring while in af it switches to manual focus while holding the shutter button (also has a preset of normal x5 or x10 on that operation) great if a bird lands in a group of branches and the af hits them.

[@sexysilversurfer]

I didn’t realise the AF ON button could be set to disengage servo. Thanks for the tip. The problem is I only just spent the last year learning BBF after 20yrs of the only the shutter button for AF. LOL 😂

[@1jim58]

I use BBF and the way I have it set up gives me three options, one is manual focus (don't press the button) handy for when the bird or beastie is among foliage that is giving the AF problems. Second is single point AF on the AF on button which I use when the bird is flying against a busy background. Third is group or zone focus programmed to the AE lock button which I use when the bird is flying against the sky so there is nothing to confuse the auto focus. This means that I can quickly change focus modes as the background changes, it's just a matter of moving my thumb.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

That’s great that you have set up your camera for those different situations. Thanks for sharing.

[@markwalton9045]

Great Video. I'm glad you have explain its ok to use front button for focusing. I've tried so hard too stick with BBF. I'm sure I nailed it.But,just did not enjoy it as much as using the front button. You do feel that there is a pressure to use BBF on nearly all Photography Videos & by most Photographers to use BBF. Everyone to their own. Thanks.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It is weird - it's like BBF is the law or something!

[@brentdrafts2290]

I have been working wirh back button focus as well. I mistly use it whe shooting through deprha of folioge. I use the af to of servo as I manually fix focus. Have not fotten rje preas on back and then rhe shutter button quick enough for my comfort.

[@maximolopez9135]

Great way to use the focus system the other way around, I will give it a try, I just found that couple of possible issues with it, but still want to give it a try. One of the possible issues I see is that in case your lenses is not really good at low light or possible you are a beginner, this lenses can really struggle, and having a long lens (in my experience a 75-300mm f4-5.6) looking constantly for focus can be really messy and annoying. Other than that I think it can work, I personally like the BBF method and most likely will stick to it. Great content, thanks

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I'm the same as you Paul, tried BBF and could not get on with it at all, will give your method a try, seems to make sense to me👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Scott. Hope it works for you

[@GingerPhotographer]

I use both and happy to switch when needed.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Interesting. You are a rare breed.! I don't think I could train my brain to do that!

[@markharris5771]

Being as awkward as I am I have different systems on different cameras, the one thing you’re told never to do. I use BBF on my 7DII which is my primary wildlife camera. However, I have never set it up on my 5DIII, which is my primary landscape camera. I do find it a lot easier for ripping off a few action shots, and for me I think there’s more control over the number of frames I take. However, I also find it gets in the way for taking sharp landscapes as you either have to use a cable or have two buttons to press that can increase the possibility of unintentional camera movement. I do use several different systems though, using the Bronica for landscapes and other film cameras. So maybe it isn’t as alien to me to use different setups. Another great video Paul, thank you for posting it.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Wow, that's a lot of systems Mark! I used to love my Bronica - should really get one and give it a go again one day. I can see the benefits of BBF in theory, just doesn't seem to work for me. As always, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. Cheers,

[@derekbromage7334]

Hi Paul. Totally agree with you. Can't see the point of BBF, it's just creating more, and potentially unnecessary, work. Keep it simple, ie one button, less chance of something going wrong and missing the shot. As far as recomposing is concerned, isn't that where post processing cropping comes in? Enjoy your vids, keep em coming👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for the support! Most people seem to prefer back button these days, but agree with what you’ve said. For composition, yes you can do afterwards, but to get the most out of the file it’s better in camera... depends what you will do with the image, I do crop a little sometimes afterwards.

[@marclabro]

nice tuto. I have a a7iv and hesitated. does canon AF-ON disengaged means it is af-c/MF toggle button ? so, being in MF you have peaking dipslayed, you can magnify what you focus with zoom button,... ?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I don't have manual focus peaking on this camera. The way i shot here, yes essentially.. when not pressed its AF-C. When pressed it locks so kind of manual focus.

[@dennisryckman5210]

AF/AE Lock on my Lumxi G7 will do the same thing! I prefer this/your method. Thanks.

[@lucym22]

So does AF/AE lock do BBF or his way?

[@forsterl.stewart414]

Back button focus is a good feature. But like all things it has it limitations. The only time I use the back button to focus is when I prefer to focus manually. With the main shutter button on meter/shutter release I can focus and shoot at my desire. I do however use af off on, exposure lock * and depth of field buttons to control many features like, auto focus off, register recall shooting or even one shot/ai servo all with one press of an assigned button. You can quickly switch between One-Shot and AI Servo with the push of a button, the back button will allow you to use various buttons to temporarily change the current AF Mode, Area Mode, and AF Case. For example, if you are taking images of a motionless bird using One Shot AF Mode and Single Point AF Area Selection mode, but then the bird takes flight, you can press and or hold a button (that you have pre-assigned) and temporarily make use of AI Servo, with 8-Point AF-Point Expansion, and Case 2 AF Configuration for tracking the subject. Or making use of another option, you can assign a button to temporarily change many of the subject-tracking settings (as you press and hold the button), such as the Tracking sensitivity, the AF point auto-switching setting, and the AI-Servo 2nd image priority. These changes are made, for example, by accessing the AF-ON Button or the other two, options in the Custom Controls menu, selecting Metering and AF Start, and then pressing the INFO Button to make these further customizations. Here's how. When setting your button you will see in the lower left the select info sign. After you press the INFO: you get a screen with four parameters to choose. After you make your selsection press SET: for all four parameters. Setting each one of the buttons you prefer to your own custom settings. Of course this only works with the high end camera bodies.

[@yoemichelp_yoe]

Hello! So, for this usage you have to keep your index finger halfway engaged all the time to continuously autofocus, take your shots when you want, and then return to the halfway position again without releasing the shutter button all the way, right?

[@RailfanS1]

Going to have to give this a try. Just started my second attempt at using BBF (tried years ago but just never really cared for it on my 100d) and something about it just doesn’t work for me either. This makes way more sense. The only thing that I think would be better would be if we could program that button to toggle between one shot and servo modes. Thanks for all of the tips, really been enjoying your videos.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

On a 1DX I think you can assign buttons to do that (one shot and servo) but that would still mean using a back button. Appreciate your kind comments - hope you keep watching!

[@WillGoodlet]

I use BBF for wildlife and prefer it. I like it also because I can focus manually whenever I want without risk of the shutter button refocusing by just lifting my thumb. I know of several wildlife togs who us The alternative method of AF Off/stop - very few who leave focus enabled on the shutter button - whatever works and is comfortable I guess!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Will. I certainly seem to be in a minority these days! Keep using what works for you, for sure. I'm happy with my method.

[@theren8311]

I much prefer the regular half shutter to focus, but BBF allows me to have manual control of focus without putting the lens to MF. I can keep the lens' switch on AF and still have manual control when BBF is enabled, so no fumbling for that focus switch in a critical moment that AF isn't locking on a target. Regular shutter is more comfortable for me tho, but I can deal with that.

[@LaurentROMARYmusicien]

Great and interesting video. Just a question. I'm a beginner and I'd like to take street pictures. How would you set the back button in this case ?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

i don't see much difference in technique, but I've not really done any serious street photography.

[@sibbsnibbs]

Hi Paul ... Great video and very thought provoking ... I've used both in the past and feel that each are useful depending on what you're shooting ... For example I would tend towards Back Button Focusing when shooting fast moving subjects such as an F1car or sports like Football whereas if I'm shooting a gig, or something more static in nature then I would switch back to standard mode and use that in conjunction with a movable focussing point to aid in the composition of the image ... In my opinion it's not a binary choice of one over the other but rather knowing your equipment and getting the most out of it for a given situation.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Yes, I've heard some people do switch between the two depending on the job in hand. I totally agree - know your equipment.. and it's what works for you. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

With shutter RF you have to focus each time you take exposure. When the ShutterRB in continuous mode is fully pressed it does not focus which means that the camera must haunt for focus each time you half press after exposure thus refocusing. It is slower and not precise.

[@just_norma7]

Thank you! Not a big fan of BBF. My hand is too small and it get uncomfortable 🙏🏻☺

[@gerardferry3958]

used bbf for a while but found half press recompose was just better if it was not centred

[@nordic5490]

I have been using the 'focus lock' button method for 3yrs now. Works fine. I also program a button next to it to center focus if the ai eye detect isnt playing the game and locking on bif. And programeed the 3rd mutton at the back to change focus strategies. Works great. Avoiding bbf is also great if my gf picks the camera up for a shot.

[@joealfanophotography9568]

Paul I totally agree with you on BBF. I sort of used it when I shot Canon but now that I shoot Sony between EyeAF and AI tracking I have no need for it at all. Good to know there are others doing fine shooting the old fashion way.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for the support Joe! Yes I agree with you - there are plenty of people (I like to include myself..) that are doing just fine capturing pin sharp images with the old method.

[@Dreyno]

I’ve been using bbf for 4-5 years. I instantly fell in love with it. It felt natural after a couple of hours and I couldn’t go back. Even for portraits and landscape. I was sceptical when I researched it but when I tried it I knew it was for me. But having said that, you’re a far better wildlife photographer than me and to each their own 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing David. I have no problems with anyone using BBF and indeed when I work with clients, if it works for them I tell them to stick with it!

[@jfphotography69]

No issues with back button focus with my Nikon, I I have set up the AF-ON button for single point focus and the joystick button which sits right next to the AF-ON button for group focus for BIF shots. With back button focus you can lock focus on the subject, while not having to worry about the releasing the shutter button, you actuate the shutter button when you know the subject is locked in to your focus point/points.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Glad this works for you. Everyone is different. As long as you are comfortable!

[@kylestauffer6228]

Exactly how I shoot.... There is a forth benefit to back button 'lock' - That is I can still recompose while continuous focusing because my thumb is free to move the focus point. I could never utilize back button focus the way I shoot. Especially for composing a bride coming down an aisle or switching from horizontal to portrait.

[@yujinlandscapephotography.7787]

I like, good idea. Paul.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you!

[@andynowy]

So if you disengage focus by releasing the bbf and bird move a bit forward or backward, is that mean camera keeps focus on this point or only in one place?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Yes. Once you disengage focus, it will stay on what you had focused on.

[@dj554825]

Everyone has their own system that works. Worth giving it a shot for a few weeks, seeing if you like it and sticking with the one best for you.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

For sure.

[@Thundr4x]

Been using this for many years but somehow I realize during a shoot, my thumb is really stressed me and not comfortable for long use. Thats why I like this method

[@johnkaikunli]

Thanks. I think your method is more natural. Furthermore, when I ask some to take my picture when travelling or during gathering, I don't have to reset the focusing method.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you!

[@bobkrouse8822]

Tried BBF with mixed results. I have missed shots because of it. I just set my "button" to AF Lock if my subject lands or stops moving.

[@357Muzzleblast]

From my earliest days of photography, I always used manual focus and assigned auto focus to a back button. Never found a reason to do things differently. Now I use one back button to do a quick autofocus and another to do continuous autofocus. I don't take the same types of photos you do, so your way doesn't make sense for me. But it does make sense for the photos you take. One thing we should all agree on is, silent mode should be 1) on all cameras and 2) truly silent. I hate the sound. Eats up battery juice and it's lacking in discretion.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You seem to have a system that works for you definitely agree about silent mode!

[@SIMpleSIM6]

I’ve been using the standard focus button since I bought my first EOS (a 50e) 25 years ago and have never been able to get a handle on BBF since it started to become all the rage. The huge amount of KZbin videos preaching the virtues of it always made me feel I was missing out or doing something wrong. Having recently bought an R6, I once again trawled KZbin to see if I could get to grips with it again and failed. Your video was a great find for me. I have set my AF on to AF off (with exposure lock) so now I can focus with a half press the same as I’ve been doing for a quarter of a century, utilising the great tracking on the R6, but know that everything will lock down when I hold the back button before taking the shot. Thank you so much!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Glad you found that useful Simon. Yes, it was all the rage (still is I guess).

[@Peterhousephotography]

Yes...I agree

[@HireDesignPhoto]

Paul - that makes perfect sense to me. I’m going to give your configuration a go. Cheers for the video!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

That's great to hear, thanks! Give it a try, but just find what works for you!

[@FeedScrn]

BBF seems like a useful tool... But I don't think it will work when trying to get a self-timer 2second or 10second shot... unless you somehow focus on a person in advance where you will be during the shot. Am I missing something here?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. I do think in some situations, it's almost like a landscape type image.. with a subject in there too.

[@p_nilly]

I find BBF is great when trying handheld night photos.... the last thing I want is to be holding the BBF button while trying to hold my camera still with 1/6s shutter... otherwise it is a little clunky

[@LieslHuddleston]

Good talk, makes sense why you don't like it. I'm so used to using BBF that I can't imagine switching back, but then I'm using a 5Diii

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Liesl. I'm glad it works well for you. thank you for the comment.

[@grahampayne5073]

I agree with you completely. I hate BBF because being a creature of habit I always forget to focus when I'm in a hurry and a possible good photo becomes a crap photo. Leaving the camera as god or Canon intended the focus is achieved automatically when taking the shot.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Cheers Graham. Nice to have another supporter! 'As god or Canon intended'.. I like that.

[@carmitteicher5627]

Hi. I loved your video. I also don't like BBF usually. You can end up missing the shot. I am not really sure what disengaging the auto focus means. How do you focus in that situation when the auto focus is disengaged? Dose that mean manual focus? And what is the advantage of doing that when the bird lands? why not just keep focusing the same as before?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi. If I wanted to recompose the bird to one side for example (with continuous AF), I focus on the bird then deliberately stop focusing, recompose, and take the shot. Hope that makes sense.

[@carmitteicher5627]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography it does make sence. Thank you for your response. Is it posible to set that in 7DM1 as well? And can you set it for either button at the back?

[@thefluffinator65]

I am absolutely with you mate. I think I remember trying it for about 5 minutes a couple of decades ago and quickly realised it's not for me. I completely agree with all the reasons you don't use it. I spent 30 years as a news photographer, 11 as a war photographer in Afghanistan, and there is no way on Gods green earth I was going to spend even a few extra tenths of a second for each shot while out on the front lines. I couldn't imagine having to go through a procedure to take an image.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

That was a really interesting read. I feel the same. Have tried BBF with my R6 but i still don't like it.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Re your first objection to BBF: why not just program BBF to the AE Lock button? At least in the 5DM4, the AF-Lock and AE Lock buttons have the same available functions; I presume the 1DX2 does as well. Not trying to convert you, just asking. Thanks.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi. That's a good question. It's possible, but I still, on rare occasions like to have the AE button capability. Thanks for your input.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography In that case, just program AE Lock to the AF On button. Again, I presume you can, since I can with my 5DM4. I find it easier to track moving objects like BIF with BBF in AI Servo and burst modes. I get focus then keep the button down with my thumb as I pan to follow the animal or bird.

[@NigelFairhurst]

Makes a lot of sense to me.... any simple tips on how I can change my bbf ON habit of 10 years to OFF?? (I tried it for a week and still can't get used to it)

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Haha! Yes, that might take a while..

[@garyjjanb]

Good video. Please do something about the wind noise.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I’ve changed vlogging equipment since then.

[@Howie57]

You can choose what button to use

[@nightcoder5k]

I actually like this technique better than BBF. I found an article about Debunking BBF: www.essence-of-light.com/debunking-back-button-autofocus/ BBF was invented back in the days when lenses and cameras were awfully slow to focus. With BBF, you have to hold down 2 buttons most of the time, probably 80-90%. BBF makes sense for shooting portraits, but not wildlife photography, in my opinion.

[@danielnorman8595]

I just recently tried the back button focus and it really does take some time to learn. And it is uncomfortable. I think I will reprogram My camera to do it your way. It makes sense when you have the time you can recompose. But when you're on the fly you can do all that with just one finger. The way you learn when you first pick up the camera. That would also save some time trying to utilize the focusing points. focus, disengage, move, and to heck with all those focusing Points

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Sounds sensible to me Daniel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@vonnab18]

i do shutter (halfway) focus... and still have blurry photos. i understand shutter speed, iso and f-stop. I still get blurry photos. i understand the shutter speed should be higher for moving objects, still get blurry photos. i understand shutter speed should be doubled the length of the lens attached, still blurry photos. Any suggestions on clear, crisp, sharper photos???

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's hard to say Sherri. Maybe look at your hand-holding technique. What shuter speeds are you using? Do you use a filter on the end?