I can't imagine ever not using BBF. I don't care how good the focus system is, being able to decide when the camera focuses and when it shoots, separately, is a level of control I will never give up!

I’ve always preferred using the AF lock button to actually stop focusing while leaving the camera in AF-C. Most of the time I want the camera to be constantly focusing, and in the instances where I want it to stop, I press AF lock. That’s just how my brain works. I also found it much easier to focus while moving the focus point with DSLR if my thumb wasn’t glued to the BBF button.

For me, a big part of it would just be muscle memory. I have used BBF for a long time and to the point where I don't have to really think about it, my thumb just knows what to do. I still use my D850 and D810 a lot and keeping consistent methodology makes using different bodies easier.

I've been back in the game for just over a year now and I can't believe I haven't stumbled across your channel yet. Really like the way you present information. Keep up the good work. I have so much of your stuff to check out now! 🙌

Ever since I watched your BBF video almost 7 years I had switched to AF-ON for focus and I’m glad I made the switch. My success rate improved drastically. Even with mirror less cameras I’m continuing to use BB for AF. It works like a charm. Thank you Steve for sharing so many secrets like this that’s incredibly useful on the field. 😊

With you 100% Steve. You taught me BBF many years ago and, tbh, I never once considered changing when I moved away from a DSLR to mirrorless it’s just so intuitive. Manual with auto ISO was another fantastic tip you gave me - I never use anything else now. Excellent tips which have been game changers for me - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Steve.

I am a D500 user and I always use BBAF, so as to separate AF from shutter release. it is so useful. Thanks Steve.

I also never dropped bbaf. Tbh, sometimes a focus recompose is also quicker than moving about the focus point. And as a primarily landscape photographer, I also use the af like you highlighted at the end to get me close, then punch in and MF to perfection. No need to mess about flicking switches or going through a menu. It's just so much easier for everything imo.

Pretty much my exact findings as well Steve. Been using BBAF for years on DSLR's but when I got the Z9 I tried going back to the shutter button. It seemed to work fine but there were always those times where the camera would try to re-acquire focus when I pressed the shutter when I didn't want it to. I have gone back to BBAF and so far am happy.

A very balanced view. Thanks for not being a BBF zealot! lol. As a Naturalist, I often shoot with folks who use half-press focus but who find themselves in situations where they need to shoot through obstructions, etc., and can't just switch to BBF, since they are on a dream vacation and don't have time to climb the learning curve. The solution I offer them is to program the AF-ON button to AF-OFF and press it when they don't want to risk AF refocusing and screwing-up the shot. For example, on a whale watch, when there is bubble feeding, they can half-press to focus in the center of the ring, then press AF-OFF so the descending flock of seagulls doesn't steal AF. Same with perched bird in the dunes where grass almost always triggers a poorly-timed refocus. On the other hand, if there is an Osprey hovering overhead, the half-press allows easy tracking with eye-af especially for those wearing heavy gloves, with joint issues or when seas are rough. I'm from the dark-side (a Canon shooter) so I program C1 mode for half-press and C2 for BBF and also program a back button for single point and another for tracking/eyeAF and find that gives me maximum flexibility. Thanks for revisiting this with an updated video.

I use both, kinda. I use the AF-ON button and focus and recompose when I feel like that’s the best option. Pressing the shutter while holding AF-ON doesn’t interrupt the job the AF-ON button is doing. I also use AF-C the whole time. So I can focus and recompose with the back button or take a photo the default way with the shutter button AF. Tracking is good enough to hold on the subject while I recompose. Best of both worlds. Especially useful when handing my camera off to someone to take a photo of my family while traveling.

wow! once again an awesome video steve!!!!

Yet another useful video from Steve Perry. I began switch to mirrorless about 6 months ago with a Z6II then followed up with a Z9 a few months later. Never contemplated dropping the BBF technique I used for the past 7 years. I shoot scapes and that combined with my comfort level with BBF will keep me using the technique.

Excellent Steve, definitely will help!

Im still a DSLR shooter (Nikon D500), but I can't imagine why BBF wouldn't work on a mirrorless system. I started BBF about 5 years ago, and I couldn't imagine going back. I shoot primerily Wildlife (Moose / Caribou / Arctic birds) and sports (Football / Martial Arts / Hockey). When I eventually migrate over to mirrorless, I will stay with BBF unless there is a reason to switch to something different. Thank you again for everything Steve! I learn something new every time I watch a video, read a blog post, or study the books I'v purchased from you. Keep up the great work, and thank you for all you do.

Your original video on back button focus changed my photography life forever. I could never go back.

I am used to BBF after years of using it. It’s a massive advantage in many situations, not all. But I use it for all my work just because I dont have to think about it any more.

After twenty years of BBAF I switched back to shutter button focus on my Z9 to allow a wide area large (shutter) to 3D autofocus (back button) hand-off for flying birds. It took a good six months to stop instinctively hammering the back button in a panic situation. Now I am rarely using the 3D so you may have convinced me to go back to BBAF with wide area large only. I have tried assigning single point autofocus to a function button for those crane's eyes that Nikon refuses to focus on. So far, no luck. I heard a rumor today that the Z8 will have improved autofocus on distant birds. That might make me buy one if true.

I like the overall quality of your videos. The sound, the presentation, and the lack of visual distractions are great!

I am going to switch to BBAF for the first time. I shoot wildlife photography and would like to see if this strategy helps me capture more magic moments. We are going to Africa this summer so I am devouring all the knowledge I can before we go to up my game! 😊 I’ve been taking pictures for many years but still learn something new every time I watch a professional like you. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and knowledge!

I have always used Back button to lock AF, For fast action, You pick up the camera the shutter button focuses and takes a photo fast, Used 90% of the time and just one button to press... If i need to recompose then i press back button to lock focus and shoot.

Excellent overview and examples! I watched this twice to make sure I didn't miss any key points. I've gone back & forth with BBAF since switching to mirrorless, currently my Z6II setup is basically a "reverse BBAF": Shutter Release AF activation, with AF-ON set to AF Lock. I'm looking at my "most of the time" scenario - I'm keeping AF engaged more often than not, using just one finger. For the fewer times I want AF disengaged - that's when two fingers are needed. I also have my left my hand frequently occupied (holding a light or diffuser), and it's tricky using BBAF with one hand. I think if I shot wildlife / long lenses more frequently, I'd be in BBAF full time. And/or if I had the Z9 which offers more flexibility in button assignments (AND the mind-easing green focus confirmation in AF-C) 🙂

Thanks, Steve. I have never warmed up to back button focus, but you raise some excellent points. I think I'll give it another chance.

I think I started using BBAF years ago because of your videos!

The only channel I give a like during the intro, because I know it's going to be good 👍

Great tip , thank you

Your post processing game is next level!

I have been using BBAF since I started watching your videos, I just upgraded to a Z9 and I will continue to stay with BBAF. Your video is great and just confirms my thoughts. Thanks for everything you do, your videos have brought more enjoyment to my wildlife photography.

HI Steve, Thanks for the video. I still use the BBF but have also programmed some Function buttons on the front of the camera (Z9) in order to be able to switch the AF mode "on the go", as we now have so many different modes.

Great explanation I’m switching!

BBAF only for me. Great updated video. Thanks.

Great video, thanks.

I totally agree with you when you say that the important thing is to find what works for you and go with it. Cheers

Used BBAF on my D500, D850, and now the Z9. For me, it's the way to go. Thanks for another great video Steve, and for the mentoring. I've come along way in the past few years !! Cheers.

Hello Steve, your so right. I love back button focus and am using it on both my Nikons and Hesselbeds. Yes it did take some time to get truly comfortable with it. But use it both on Mirrorless and DSLR's. thanks for all your tips some I use and other may be not but worth knowing about. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy life.

Been using BBF ever since your vidéo and would not chang it !!!! thank you Steve

Steve I would like to see a video on the topic 600f4 vs 400 2.8 there is so much debate going on. Discuss things like if you crop a 400 to a 600 (signal to noise ratio) A 400 with TC vs a 600 without one. And also is the depth of field thinner on the 600 f4 vs 400 2.8

Another awesome video. I just got my Z9 and of course I ran to your Z set up to get up and running. Thanks Steve!

Excellent discussion! With the vast improvement in auto focus technology, especially AF tracking, and eye detect auto focus, the buttons on the back of the camera can be used to activate specific focusing modes/cases in addition to turning auto focus on and off.

Excellent video! The BBAF is still used for me on the Z9 for all the reasons you say. I had contemplated changing it but after a day of shooting and switching between different AF modes…. The BBAF is still king!

Great video! I always use back button focus.

I went BBF with my DSLR and have stayed with it on my Z 6. I read a lot of folk went back to shutter release, so I tried for a few months. Nope. I’m firmly in the BBF zone, now and forever . Thanks Steve!

Great video Steve. I watched your BBAF video years ago and tried it on my Nikon DSLRs. I thought it worked great and I haven’t looked back. I now shoot with a Z9 but still use BBAF. I did try shutter release for several weeks but went right back to BBAF. Part of it is I still use a DSLR as a backup body and so try to keep some things as similar as I can. Plus it’s just works for me.

Terrific video! Being in coastal South Carolina, I shoot a lot of birds and animals in marsh grass environments. As you say in the video, BBAF allows me to lock focus on the bird or animal at a certain distance even though grass is waving in front of them. Same with small birds buried deep in live oak trees. Also, I had forgotten the turn the camera 45 degrees trick. Thanks for the reminder!

Thanks Steve, great video, I will be trying out BBF in Brazil

This was a question I recently asked on the forum. I wasn't sure if I should go back to shutter af. Yesterday, I struggled with locking focus on a Harris's Hawk flying by me with a baby bird in its talons. From that struggling point on, I decided that BBF is here to stay! Thanks for reassuring my observations Steve!

Hi Steve from another Steve across the pond here in the UK, I'm a relatively newbie in using bbaf but it's becoming second nature, I find it invaluable when I'm shooting kingfishers from a hide in Cardigan nature centre when I'm down in Wales. Using bbaf locking on the kingfishers when they are on a tree perch "fishing" then reconfigure the photo to capture when they dive for a fish is perfect. I'm a nikon z50 user with a sigma 150-600mm lens and have been pleased with the results, maybe one day when I win the lottery I can indulge myself and buy a nikon z7ii or z9 or even the z8. Thanks for your vlogs I find them extremely helpful. Keep up the great work Steve

Thanks Steve for your work. In my nikon i have a combination of BBAF and a digital zoom in viewfinder on the front buttons (near lens) , so usefull to focus small birds in the middle of thousand of leafs ands branches. "Old" techniques works fantastic in mirrorless too!!

I was made aware of BBF by your video back then and have been happily using it ever since, even when I switched to mirrorless. I like having the fine-grained control and adjusting focus separately from the shutter button. The only times it's been a problem is when I hand my camera to someone else who doesn't know about BBF. 😄

uuh yes, i noticed this already with the nikon z6 while shooting people. Seemed wierd to me not to see anyone jumping out of the back button hype. Great as always steve!

I have used BBAF since I first learned of it years ago and can't imagine going back. I suffer from Chemo induced peripheral neuropathy and half pressing the shutter button is hard to gauge since I have decreased sensitivity in my finger tips. But the examples you gave are very good for when to switch back.

A small point here: af-on button provide a place to grip the camera constantly with your thumb. more stable, less blurry.

It's bbaf exclusively on my D500. With the the X-T5 it's a combination of both where I use a dedicated button to switch as needed to change menu functions. As always , great content Steve!

😃I have used BBAF for years and still use it on the Z9, I have read that it takes some getting used to, and some people don't like it, but it was a no-brainer for me! Nice video, Steve.

I switched to back button focus and have kept it there ! Works great for me.

I use both focusing methods and enjoy the ability to go between the two on the fly. I prefer BBF most of the time but find many situations photographing events where shutter release is preferable, which is why I have one of my User dial configured to include shutter focus so I can quickly go back and forth between the two focus methods.

I have not used shutter release AF in years. Back button focus remains a constant for all my cameras and this is largely due to some of my event and street photography work. Nevertheless, I love hearing you elaborate on this, Steve. Knowing the details of the advantages is helpful.

I love BBF, never stopped using it since I discovered it.

I too continue to use BB AF with my Z7II, mostly out of habit. Your points are utterly valid, though. OTOH, I find myself using manual focus with peaking a lot as a continual sort of depth of field indication.

I never even thought of not using BBAF when switching to mirrorless.

Steve, I tried BBAF with my DSLR for a little over a year and could never fully get used to it. After a year, I figured I would never fully embrace it and went back to shutter button AF. I just went to mirrorless (sold my main DSLR body) and haven't tried BBAF yet. I do have those back buttons set for different things now. I agree with you, a person should use what works for them and fits their personal workflow. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to BBAF vs. Shutter AF. Just what works. Another fine video. Thanks for sharing.

I've not met anyone who thought BBAF was crazy.... However, I have found an alternative on most Fujifilm cameras - Front Button Auto Focus, using the body's front Fn button. This leaves your thumb free to do all the other things it needs to do, like turn a wheel, hold the camera etc

For me the reason I struggle to change systems is the fact that I understand the Nikon ergonomics and over the many years have become so familiar with the BBF and general ergonomics, that I never have to "think" about the controls. BBF is ingrained as part of the process and I agree stil holds many benefits. Thanks great video again.

I believe it was one of your videos that got me started with BFF. I have never looked back and use it exclusively. It's like using my seatbelt -- done without thought. Find it works well for wildlife and especially Birds (BIF). Thanks for update.

Been reminded why I'm a BBF shooter as I've been shooting with the D6 over the past couple of months as the Z9 is in the repair shop. But even at that, I find BBF -- mirrorless or DSLR in hand -- and its one button one action functionality better; not to mention BBF is now so profoundly baked into my muscle memory switching back would be a disaster for process :) As always, great video, Steve. Thanks!

For my Fuji X-T5, I have my shutter release AF decoupled with AF-C and coupled with AF-S for my own wife when she wants to use my camera. This has been very handy for me since I prefer Back Button AF and I don’t have to fidget around in the menus for a camera hand off scenario. 1 switch in the front of the camera with no fuss.

I have been using BBF for a long time and now it is a reflex action. I also use D850, besides Z9. I will stick to BBF to avoid unlearning BBF only for Z9. Your perspective on why we should use BBF on mirror less is extremely useful 👍

I use bbf and it works great on my dslr. I screw up with exposure occasionally because I focus and recompose, then my exposure might be reading off a dark or bright background rather than the subject. I know I should watch for this but I still get caught out from time to time in the heat of the moment.

I have programed the AF On button" to be "AF-Off" in the rare cases I need to turn off AF-C in a difficult focus situation. This allows me to use my thumb for many of the other functions I have programmed to buttons.

Once I switched to BBAF I never considered switching back. When I first read about it in the manual for my Canon Elan 7, I couldn't figure out what the advantage was and why anyone would use that feature. When I got my first DSLR I decided to try it, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm shooting mirrorless now, but it was one of the first things I set up when I got the camera. I can't work without it. Over 17 years with BBAF and still loving it.

Another great video. I use bbf.

When i got my mirrorless camera over if the first settings that i changed was seeing up back button focus. Once I started using back button focus i haven't gone back and don't plan to. I even have dual button to change from traditional focus to eye af and back again. Great video discussion about this topic.

I'm glad I watched this. With my film and DSLRs I used BBF, but migrated to shutter only with mirrorless. After watching this (and realizing how often shutter button focus is irksome), I'm devoting just one or two of my custom settings to BBF; I will retain one shutter button focus setting for clean action without foreseeable difficulties, as sometimes I wish to keep my thumb on the joystick to keep the AF point moving--and I remember reading of at least one pro years ago who did the same on his D5. (I shoot Nikon Z 6 2 and Z 5.) On my Z fc, I will probably keep just the bbf, as that camera does not allow custom setting banks. Thank you for the excellent video Steve!

You hooked me on BB Focus years ago and I can’t imagine living without it! I’m still saving $$$ for the right mirrorless camera…and while people give a lot of lip service to their focusing capabilities…I seem to hear just as much complaining! Right now my hit rate on my D500 is pretty amazing…and learning a new system at age 73 is scary. I’m sure the time will come, and when it does I’ll be thankful for all they help you provide!!

Nice video again. For me AF-ON (BBF), I always have.

Great video. BBAF gets ergonomically awkward for low angle macros ("bees in flight"). Sometimes even have to use my thumb to press the shutter.

I have recently changed my bbaf button to switch between auto and manual focus. Essentially given me bbaf and manual focus with one button.

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, Steve can you make a tutorial on backlight bird photography? keep up with the awesome content

I kinda use BBF: i use AF-Lock (hold) on the AF-On button as its faster to just snap of a photo with just one button press and i still got all the benefits from BBF

Back button focus everytime , mind you I mainly shot DSLR cameras . Thanks Steve. 👍

Always used BBAF on my Nikon D3100 and it was great so now I am trying it out on my Nikon Z6 so far so good.

BBF. Learned the technique from your original video. I am still a cross-over shooter. D500 and Z6ii. Not ready to rely on the AF tracking yet. Not to mention, old habits die hard. I usually do a focus and recompose shot first just to make sure I get a shot. Then I try to compose and get the focus point where I want it. Not always easy, especially if the critter is changing directions.

BBAF was always a challenge for me since I am left-eye dominant. Thanks to Steve’s tip of assigning the fn button on the front of the camera to accomplish this, I am totally sold on “front BBAF”!

Thanks!

I found your e-book great and it translates well to the A7 IV. I like BBAF too :)

Great video, I have my canon R7 set up that my eye detection is via AF on button, and single point AF is engaged via the shutter release !

I switched back to shutter release after developing a blood-clot in my thumb from over-use of the BB. Yeah, I know, it doesn't happen to everyone. But it did to me. We do what we have to. Now the back button is only for occasional "force ONE point" to show it what I'm trying to persuade it to look at. After that it's back to shutter only.

This is probably the best video I've ever seen advocating for back button focus. I tried it once but gave up on it, using AF/AE lock instead but, after seeing this video, I may go back and give it another try. Do you find some cameras you've tried are easier than others when using BBAF?

I used to use BBF on my dSLR all the time. With my mirrorless I have never used it. I switch to manual focus in tricky situations. Works like a charm for me

Thanks for sharing . 💯💯💯💯💯💪💪💪💪💪 .

Good point! I stick to BBAF just because I have the normal AF and the animal eye AF in separate buttons so they don’t mess with each other when active simultaneously.

BBF For me. Something I mentioned elsewhere is in most focus modes on the Z9, you can press the (+) button and zoom in and press your focus button and it will focus on it like a sniper scope. Good for shooting through gaps in brush, etc. Or you can just use as a spotting scope in very dim light.

I never liked the focus attached to the shutter release. Maybe that's due to me shooting a film camera back in the day. Any new camera I get I changed to BBF even when I got the Nikon D5600. I did the same for the D810 and now the Z7II. By the way I love that Z7II. A lot different than the D810. So for me that was a nice upgrade. Thank you for your advice. I appreciate it!!!

Ive been using BBAF since watching you post years ago. Since going to the Nikon Z7ii i still use BBAF. It just suits the way I shoot. Thank you for helping me through my photography journey over the many years of following you 🙏

3D tracking on Z9 but on Z7ll I'll try BBAF. Still learning the best way to use AF on Z7ll. Thanks for your advices 👍

Ever since I had the shutter-half press AF cause a focus rack during a "you may now kiss the bride" moment, I've set every camera to back button focus from day one. It should honestly be the manufacturer's default.

I used to use BBAF on Nikon DSLRs before I migrated to Sony mirrorless. I don't use BBAF anymore. In fact I use AF-ON button for Play to make chimping easier (to reach and to zoom with second press). But I also use AF/MF toggle on a button (joystick button) to cover remaining useful usecases of the BBAF.

Having started in the manual focus film era, I was a shutter release and recompose shooter when I first switched to digital. I slowly moved to BBAF and now I wouldn’t go back. I’ve tried hybrid modes with the Z9 to acquire focus via shutter and then track via the AF-ON button. However, as the Z9 firmware evolved allowing more button assignments, I switched back to exclusively BBAF and use other Fn buttons for AF-S pinpoint or similar on the fly adjustments.

Shutter release on Sony mirrorless is what I learned with when I started. I always felt back button was so clunky and I missed too many shots by splitting my concentration between the subject and the camera. Now I use the A1 and it does a better job of finding the subject and locking onto the eye than I could possibly do on my own. I do use shutter release to focus on landscapes and then lock it in by switching AF off and into manual focus with focus peaking. That works better for me because turning AF off the camera automatically shows me my focus plane and helps me decide immediately on if I want to focus stack.

I recently ordered my first mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z8, and I can't imagine not using BBF.