BACK BUTTON FOCUS Explained! - Why you will NEVER go back

BACK BUTTON FOCUS Explained! - Why you will NEVER go back - Bird Photography Secrets Revealed

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4 жыл бұрын

BACK BUTTON FOCUS - What is it, and why is it so GREAT!?
Back button focus is often the topic for heated debates, a lot of pros use it and most other bird photographers are confused by it. What does Back button focus actually mean and why is it so great to use for bird photography?
In today's bird photography video I will tell you exactly what it is, why it's great, and how you can use it, too!
Are you using it already for your bird photography or have you used it and didn't like it? Let me know in the comments!
I also need YOUR QUESTIONS for one of my next videos. Have you had that burning question you always wanted to ask me? Now is your chance. Type them in the comments and I will select the best ones and answer them all in one of my next videos.
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Пікірлер: 462

@cathyash6653 Жыл бұрын

I've watched countless Back Button Focusing videos before, but they frequently leave out crucial information. This one is by far, the most thorough and clearly explained. What a great job!! Thank you so much! Subscribed!

@jan_wegener Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@byronhakanson3718 4 жыл бұрын

Such an awesome video as always Jan! I’ve used back button focus for years and I absolutely love it. Makes it so much easier for flight shots. 👍

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks mate! Great to hear that

@shawngerman2540 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Jan, I’m relatively new to photography so still learning so much… I’ve been hearing about ‘back button focussing’ a lot and so started my journey down the ‘KZfaq’ rabbit hole, in search of informative videos about the subject. Well, after a whole lot of confusion, I came across this one.. thank you! Clear, practical and …the birds..wow! Thanks again. *(and yes,, I have definitely started using it..😊)

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! :)

@ianfirth-clark5975 4 жыл бұрын

I have only recently switched to back button focus and still getting used to it. Your video is the best Ive seen to date in explaining the benefits. Thank you Jan

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that, I was surprised how tricky it actually was to explain a fairly simple concept. Starting to use BBF and then sticking with it until it feels natural is the hardestb part.

@Lil-JensStudio 2 жыл бұрын

Like the previous post, I have watched more KZfaq photography videos than I can ever count. Your tutorials are well presented and extremely helpful. I will be giving this back button focus a try first thing in the morning and I am confident it will resolve some of the focusing challenges I have experienced in servo mode. Thanks so very much and keep up the excellent work!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@JaredEagles 4 жыл бұрын

I switched to back button focus for my birding about 2 months ago, and you're totally right. I'm never going back.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! It opens up a whole new world

@johnsamuelmcelroy 4 жыл бұрын

I've used BBF combined with shooting in manual for about a year now and can't believe how much better results I've gotten as a result. Like you said, there's a learning curve but once you've got it there's no turning back!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

awesome! That's what I do, too

@steverubin6725 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve recently started doing more serious wildlife photography (well, before COVID-19 anyway) and read about back button focus and switched to it. There’s still some “muscle memory” that has to happen, but you’re points are spot on. I heard about these points somewhere else and that convinced me and I’ll never go back. Thanks for a great video.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, yes, it certainly takes getting used to, but then it's great :)

@jspool 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! This is the first explanation that has me inspired to train myself to do this with my R5. Excellent video!

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! You might find my video about settings up the R5 helpful, where I use double BBF

@Duade 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video mate, well explained and easy to follow. Great stuff.👍

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@rochelleuechtritz5065 4 жыл бұрын

superbly explained thank you for sharing your wisdom, Jan.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@Kathy5562 4 жыл бұрын

Great video on explaining this technique Jan, I switched over to BBF years again and really love it!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks Kathy :) Glad you enjoyed the video.

@johnhitchon8043 3 жыл бұрын

Really glad I came across your channel, Jan. A big fan of back button focussing it’s awesome.

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@dirkjung8438 Жыл бұрын

Hallo Jan! Tolles Video und zudem die beste Erklärung zu diesem Thema die ich bisher gefunden habe. Werde es gleich mal ausprobieren! Vielen Dank

@cristinaszeraws7999 4 жыл бұрын

Ein tolles instruktives Video Highlight für jeden ernsten Vogelphotographen . Danke Jan für die wunderschönen Bilder 💙🙋🏼‍♀️

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

danke fuer die netten Worte :)

@jimpeyton7736 2 жыл бұрын

Wow!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Finally I found someone (you) who properly explained back button focus. Everyone else said you have to use BBF, but always they made it seem so complex, that only an expert photographer could even think of doing it. I just followed your steps and now I am set to go. And I did have a huge problem of losing focus because of having the front button doing two things at once. You are like a magician explaining his secrets, I hope the other pro photographers don't get mad at you!!!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@charliesonnemann7372 4 жыл бұрын

great video, definitely gunna try this out! id love to know how you take such fantastic videos of birds.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks mate!

@troutwhisperer1 4 жыл бұрын

Switched to BBF about a year ago. Thank you for this very educational video, which shows I still have much to learn and practice about this technique.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear. Glad I could give you some more insights

@josefernandocastano9580 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you master!. It is a very useful recommendation!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

@cindyblanck7313 4 жыл бұрын

Okay... I decided to give this a go, and I'm glad I did. It took a little getting used to at first, but I finally feel comfortable with it now. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us! I have learned something from every single video of yours that I have watched.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, thank you :)

@craigb8379 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video, Jan, and a very clear explanation of where you see the advantages of BBF.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thank you Craig

@robertbohnaker9898 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. Nobody has spelled this out in such detail that demystifies it . Makes great sense ! Thanks Jan.

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

awesome :)

@huubvankesteren4185 4 ай бұрын

Great video again Jan. Thank you for the clear explanation, the good examples/advantages and the great pictures you shared in the video. I really like BB focus since it gives me way more control.

@sugarplumflyjelly 4 жыл бұрын

This was a very helpful explainer. Thank you!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful. Thanks!

@CamillaI 4 жыл бұрын

Totally agree especially if you want to shoot flying shots, it certainly takes a couple of weeks to get over a life time of half pressing the shutter button. But once you get the hang of it even landscapes now I take using the back button. Great demo. I think you nailed it

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! It took me a few takes to explain it properly. It's kinda a simple concept, but so against everything we know about cameras and that makes it so confusing for people. Yep, in the beginning you feel so helpless, but then you quickly see the benefits! Appreciate your comment

@Cybot7 4 жыл бұрын

I've been a convert to BB focusing for over 3 years now. I can't believe how I managed without it.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! I feel the same way.

@tamerragheb4234 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent Jan.. just another great explanation for it. Well done keep the good things!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

@sparkysteele 4 жыл бұрын

I have been using it for years I just love it Ps very well explained

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks! :)

@annecomer6894 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jan for explaining BBF so well, I love your videos. I have been wanting to try it for a long time but videos I watched seemed confusing and I was also very nervous of trying it. After watching your video I am going to give it at try, firstly by practicing in the garden as in isolation. Hopefully I will have the hang of it by the time I go out birding again. Can you zoom in and out while focusing? Looking forward to more of your videos. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

I am glad I managed to explain it in a way that's easier to understand. You should be able to focus while zooming, but I would probably just wait until you have gotten to the right zoom length and then focus. Might be easier. But either way should work. Good luck and don't give up if it's a bit strange at the start

@Escandella118 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanation!!! I finally understand the system!! Thank you!!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@Kevansjones 4 жыл бұрын

Really nice video. Having used back button focus for a number of years I didn't realise how much you can do with it. Thanks for the tips.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed it.

@madjidmomeni-moghaddam8332 4 жыл бұрын

I found this very practical,Thank you so much dear Jan.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation of it. You did a great job!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly!

@mirkovmbertossi6989 4 жыл бұрын

Really helpful man! Good job!!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped! Thanks!

@808akg Жыл бұрын

VERY helpful - thank you Jan!

@jan_wegener Жыл бұрын

So glad!

@wildnature4161 4 жыл бұрын

I never liked usual BBF but instead I use inverted BBF which is basicly taking photos the normal way, and when bird lands and does not move I press AF ON button to turn off my AF completely. This allows me to take the best out of both worlds. Also it makes my thumb free to move AF point when some mammal is moving slowly, I can move my joystick around and when it stops, and f.e. looks in the other direction I just press AF ON to stop my camera from focusing. But I guess it is just personal preferance ;) Great video Jan, love it.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

interesting way to set it up. Thanks for the insight. As you say in the end it's important to do what's best for you. Thanks :)

@rsearun2620 5 ай бұрын

Best BBAF explanation ever.

@FrankH-sz1ln Жыл бұрын

Good explanation of how to use and why you should use, so many advantages

@DarrellOakdenPhotography 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jan. I am really glad I have found your channel. It has provided lots of great ideas for my own photography. I use back button focus all of the time. As you say - I couldn't go back to using the shutter button to focus.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Hi mate, thanks for your comment and I am glad to hear you are enjoying my content

@15978Y 4 жыл бұрын

I just set this up and already am very impressed. Seems to be more accurate and faster. Thanks!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it and great to hear it helps already!

@rayfuller7704 3 жыл бұрын

Outstanding explanation of the reasons to use back button focusing. I have not done it before and I take a lot of aviation photos, with a LOW keeper rate. I'll give this a shot. Thanks for this video!

@thethreeislands 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent, thanks for breaking it down. I have seen other videos saying how useful it was, but it was difficult to make sense of how I could apply it usefully to bird photography. This makes a clear case. I will be giving it a try =)

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! :) I tried to watch some other videos before I did this and I could hardly understand what they tried to say haha

@scherzomio 4 жыл бұрын

Grear video very clear. I will try it !

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great! I hope you don't find it too strange to start of with!

@dennylui 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve stop taking photos for a period of time. And now you make me really want to go back to my hobby again after watching your video.🤔😉🙏🏻

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

You should!

@paulhickey6896 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, very instructive. Thanks!

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@tudorjones2993 3 жыл бұрын

Great video once again. I did give BBF a go a while ago but drifted back to the shutter button as my arthritis made it difficult to press the AF on button but will now try again with the * button as BBF has so much more going for it than I realised

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, BBF certainly has a bunch of advantages

@milanchristi7939 4 жыл бұрын

I learned to do it in about two minutes. It's the most intuitive way for me to use autofocus.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

you're a natural! Lucky you. It feels more natural that way to me now, too.

@sharongalvin9433 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic explanation.Thank you.

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@mpmcclell 4 жыл бұрын

After several years of doubt I shifted to BB focus two years ago. After a very short adjustment period I can't imagine ever going back. So much better!!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear Mark! The beginning is a bit confusing, but then it's just great

@rayganrambles 4 жыл бұрын

I inadvertently discovered this while at my local zoo this weekend. Got some great shots as a result. I had been using this focus setup for landscape shots to keep the shutter button from changing my focus point.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@menace46 3 жыл бұрын

wonderful video. Such a clear explanation

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@almilby1160 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent explanation of back button focus, thank you. I will be trying straight away.

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Great!

@jesseestrella6025 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanation. I have been trying back button AF for about a month. But thanks to your video. I understand now. You broke it down to where the beginning amateur can understand. Thanks.

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@jean-pierrenadeau4007 3 жыл бұрын

Immensely useful video. Many thanks!

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that!

@Zeppy007 3 жыл бұрын

From day 1 I used back button focus and never looked back! Love your style! Subscribed Jan :-)

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

@cowboy6591 Жыл бұрын

I'm giving this a shot THANX a million.

@chris_harry 2 жыл бұрын

Superb explanation. My Nikon D500 has the AF-ON back button set for focus. Followed your instruction on turning off focussing for the shutter button and tested it out. It actually feels pretty natural and gives you more control. One of the key strengths with the back button is it wil stay put, instead of re-focussing before shutter release. Will test this out in the field very soon. Feel hopeful it will increase my success rate for birding shots. The back button focus actually feels faster with AF response as well. Thanks, Jan!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help :)

@keithjames9423 4 жыл бұрын

Terrific explanation Jan. Will give it a go.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keith!

@jacobgarvelink2441 4 жыл бұрын

Haven’t tried it yet but will do so tomorrow first thing. Thanks once again for a great and enjoyable video helping us become better photographers.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck! Thanks for your comment

@gerards5858 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Jan.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks :)

@maximusaugustus6823 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, I'm a newbie and this is what I started to do now.

@jan_wegener Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@briansbuildsandoutdoors4936 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Jan, Hair pulling frustration is how I would describe trying to shoot birds without using bb focus. As you know birds rarely sit still, even when they're stationary they're moving their head or tail! Back button focus was a eureka moment for me and I use it all the time now, even when I'm shooting indoors or doing landscapes. Anyway Jan, new sub here, keep up the good work. All the very best, Brian.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian! Yes, I never change it on my camera and use it for everything now. It just makes too much sense. As you say, birds never really sit still, so using one shot is quite hard and it's easy to get soft images

@teamzissou2321 3 жыл бұрын

thankyou. thankyou. thankyou. i just didnt get it. but now i do. u explained it so well. after watching your videos u said that the last focus point using the back button and servo mode is where the focus point will stick. this is counter-intuitive to what i expected but now i see the potential of using this method. u have certainly shown an old dog a new trick.

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Most welcome 😊

@NishitDave 4 жыл бұрын

I went back, but mostly because I was using a camera skin and shooting mostly birds in flight. I kept suspecting that the misses were higher with BBF. I guess I might have been taking my thumb off the button momentarily. Now with Sony's tracking AF, I don't need it so much.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, with newer developments in the AF world, things might change again. Would be great to have AF that just knows what we want! It definitely takes getting used and one thing is, as you mention, making sure that your thumb does the focusing

@marianwhit 3 жыл бұрын

I have watched a few videos and gone "huh?" You made this clear, thanks so much!

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

@nikilk Жыл бұрын

I believe I switched to BB autofocus when I watched Morten Hilmer or Nikon Ricci talk about it years ago. I loved your take on BB autofocus and it definitely gave a unique perspective. Nice job.

@jan_wegener Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@NikCan66 4 жыл бұрын

I used it for over 10 years for action/sports but a very good instructor video for people that were trying to understand what was involved

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks :)

@heidiwegener7614 4 жыл бұрын

Your passion and expertise are outstanding

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thank you :)

@patnewton8235 4 жыл бұрын

This video was very helpful I am going to give it a try.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Thanks :)

@deanmengel3439 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Jan and you brought up some great points. I have tried it but still not converted as yet, will have to try again...............

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Go for it! The beginning is hard. It's not for everyone, but give it a try until it feels kinda natural

@tommaso_redaelli_photographer 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video Jan!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@dylantorieri 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you !

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@kirkwest3721 4 жыл бұрын

I have used it for many years now, some pro suggested times to use front button focus, I experimented but very quickly reverted to back button focus. I also have both buttons activated one for single focus point the other for continuous focusing.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Good point Kirk, I will look into assigning the AF-On button some new duties

@layzeesod 4 жыл бұрын

Been using B B virtually since day one, I use both back buttons for AF each has different settings: AF On is set for centre AF point only, AI Servo, and case 1 for AF characteristics. * is set for larger AF area, AI Servo and case 2 for AF charecteristics. So for birds on a stick I use AF on, for BIF I shots use the * button to use the larger AF area and better tracking, as we know with a long lens (normally use 700mm which is Canon 500f4mk2 + 1.4mk3 extender) we only get a narrow field of view which can make it difficult to locate and stay on target. Great video as always Jan, keep em coming !!!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great tip! I shall look into those options a bit more, seems to be a good use of the AF-ON button, I am currently not really using

@SteveSSBB 4 жыл бұрын

This is what I do as well. Keep in mind that you can also program the DOF preview button to engage yet another totally different set of AF characteristics.

@jackieboshoff2013 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great tip Layzee Sod. I've been wanting to set up my 5dmrkiii like this but haven't been able to figure out how to do it. Where do you change the AF characteristics?

@amerikannadigamagu 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! It was very helpful 😊 I love your photos-- I follow you on IG!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! Thank you!

@stevecolwill9761 4 жыл бұрын

I have been using bbf for about 18 months now. I found I got used to it very quickly and it is now second nature. It lends itself so well to nature photography with AI servo. 👍🏻

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear Steve! I agree, it's the perfect combo for nature photography

@petercoleman7232 4 жыл бұрын

Best thing I’ve done.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

same :D

@just36 4 жыл бұрын

Yes thanks Jan and you are right! I discovered BB focussing a few yers ago and it is set permanently on my Olympus bodies. yes it takes a bit of getting used to but now its just what I do - focus and reframe every time. I must admit I still find in flight shots very difficult and I have yet to be very successful. So I guess for a question for your next video would be to explain in more detail the technique/tricks of getting nice sharp tracking focus in flight bird shots? regards Graham

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear Graham. Yes, I thought about doing a video about flight photography. Thanks for the suggestion

@NikCan66 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@aussie8114 4 жыл бұрын

Never say never. I’m not a big fan, it’s in the My Menu for easy activation but I’m happy with the normal way, especially for moving subjects. Along with shutter activation set to shutter release on focus. But your video is excellent 👍🏼

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, nothing wrong with the normal way! Thanks for your comment :)

@praharshamajeti1247 4 жыл бұрын

Very useful video Jan.. i believe most of the people will actually understand the importance of Back button focus.. beautiful content..

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

thanks! Glad you liked it. I am trying to make my videos visually more appealing :)

@praharshamajeti1247 4 жыл бұрын

@@jan_wegener appreciate your great work and informative content Jan. I am a huge fan of your bird images, especially on Insta..

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

@@praharshamajeti1247 thanks, much appreciated :)

@mremumerm 3 жыл бұрын

slowly converting to back button autofocus for birds following your teachings, was using it for more static subject but was afraid i was too slow on finding bird to risk losing more time. All was getting fine until i had my first major setback today, something you probably won't face. It's hard to do when your finger are numb from -5 degree weather :-). Loving the channel.... i need warmer climes. maybe 2021....

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes! It doesn't get that cold down here

@jochenlambrechts9725 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, I have been using it for years and have never looked back either. Can’t you do a video with a focussing masterclass? With the best ways to focus track a moving subject etc...

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! I will put that on my list

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

My next video will be about AF and the last BIF one should give you some more insight, too

@denniswilson1407 Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for explaining the back button focus. I'm about to take 14 students to Namibia (not far from you??) and just bought the RF 100-500 lens to go with the R5 for this trip. I've been playing with the lens and was frustrated with missed shots for exactly the reasons you brought up. It's certainly some relearning, but should solve the problem. Again, thank you. I've learned a lot from your other videos too.

@jayemery 3 жыл бұрын

Whoa, this sounds so great! Currently I’m trying to combat some of the issues you mentioned with the AF lock, so I grab focus of the perch with the shutter, hold the lock button, and then I can release the shutter if I want to and focus is locked when I press it again. For focus and recompose, 3D tracking on Nikon allows you to use 1 point that “sticks” so you can recompose and not loose focus. Anyway, maybe this solution you detailed with the back button is superior - I’m definitely going to try it!

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting way you're doing it. Amazing how many things you can do to do essentially the same thing.

@brucehanover890 4 жыл бұрын

I've only read about it, and thought it wouldn't be worth it, but I'm def giving it a try. I trash too many BIF shots and have lost out on some killer shots because of it. Might be a learning curve but I'm ready. Thanks for the kick Jan, great vid and explanation.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bruce! Good Luck!

@annecomer6894 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jan, After watching your video I decided to try back button focus. I had heard about it but didn't fully understand it, so ignored it. Your video turned on the light bulb!!! After reading through some of the comments I decided to try the way Chris Lake did his using 2 of the buttons. Have the star button set up as single point and the AF-On for BIF. Have tried the single spot in the garden and the local park, took a few tries to co-ordinate my fingers, but my results are 100% better. Going to practice a bit more with single spot before starting to practice with BIF. Will never go back to using the shutter button. thank you so much for explaining BBF so well.

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

That's fantastic to hear! :)

@BhajansAshwin 4 жыл бұрын

Great Tutorial. I have practiced it and got great results .

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Great to hear! :)

@adinew8920 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks....

@Alseki7 3 жыл бұрын

Good video; you did a better job explaining the advantages in simple understandable terms vs some other videos on the topic I have seen

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I try to keep it as simple as possible

@ashpowell9451 4 жыл бұрын

This sounds great, thanks a lot!

@ashpowell9451 4 жыл бұрын

Hmm, I've just set this up and it seems like when I have the shutter pressed halfway it prevents focusing via the back button. (Like you said you do for flight shots) I'm using a Fuji X-T3, maybe this is just a limitation of this camera? Any advice appreciated if you happen to know any Fuji users!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Maybe you need to remove some function from the shutter button. Sounds like it might still be trying to focus

@GalleryCoronado 2 жыл бұрын

You had the most logical reason for using the back button focus. It really helps on birds. My boyfriend and I both have R5's. Sometimes, it looks like it is focusing or focused, and the photo is blurry. Seems like it happens more if battery is down 2 bars. R5 east batteries for breakfast!!

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's a hungry beast

@photooutdoor2574 4 жыл бұрын

I‘m on BBA now for a few years and it changed everything!!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear! It has that effect on many people :)

@CanadianArchivist 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve taken photographs of the moon using back button focus, and a manual adjustment. Using focus with the shutter button sometimes has a difficult locking. So once locked in place with the back button, I’ve stayed focused. I can change my composition and still get several shots without delay. The same goes with other images taken at night. I shoot minor hockey, so it is fast moving. I’ve lost some images because I’ve waited for the camera to focus using the shutter button. I use a Nikon, so i use AF-C continuous.

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, I think trying to use both modes at different times can be tricky. Cause you might get confused as you say

@peterrussell7667 2 жыл бұрын

Jan , great section I have been using back button focus for sometime and is like you say. THE BEST . Nikon D500 .

@jan_wegener 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks :)

@santhoshkallingal8592 3 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@jan_wegener 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@chrislake8879 4 жыл бұрын

Instructive as always, Jan. I set up my 7D MarkII with two back button focus buttons. The first (AF-ON), with centre single point Spot AF and single shot drive; and the second (*), with AF point expansion and continuous drive. This configuration allows the most precise focussing for stationary birds and expanded points for birds in flight. Switching between the two modes is a simple, near instantaneous, one cm. slide of the thumb!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

I have seen people set these up in different ways. Yours sounds very interesting. I shall look into giving my abandoned AF-on button some use. Much appreciate your comment!

@johnfinch8856 4 жыл бұрын

As a professional nature and wildlife photographer I have been doing this for many years. I have both my 7D Mk II and my 5D Mk IV set up using the (AF-ON) button for single point one shot AF, and the (*) button is set up with expansion AF point with continuous drive. Like Chris said ("This configuration allows the most precise focussing for stationary birds and expanded points for birds in flight."). This set-up gives you the quickest and most versatile use of your camera in any situation when shooting wildlife, both stationary and moving.

@DanBris 4 жыл бұрын

I didn't even know this was an option! Thank you I will try it.

@fathampeak 4 жыл бұрын

Chris Lake and John Finch, your two-back button focus is the best idea I have ever heard. Every day I use back button focus on the * button and have to drop the camera and press buttons on top panel to switch between one shot and Servo (7DII), of course I usually miss focus on a stationary subject because I haven't switched to One Shot from servo. I just can't work out how you assign single point AF/single shot to the AF-on button and expanded/continuous to the * button? Is this done through MY Menu Tab? Also, Jan, there seems to be several variations to this idea of back button focussing, Grant Atkinson in this video uses shutter button for both AF (servo) and metering and then uses the AF-on button to stop the AF from operating. I have just set up my AF-on button to switch from One shot AF to Servo (it switches Servo to One shot as well, it just depends on which AF mode you set the top panel in first). So I really appreciate you telling us this set up of yours and look forward to more on how to do it. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pr92gLmfqKrVmZs.html

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

@@fathampeak Hi Guy, the way I use it, I never need to switch the modes, I can stay in AI Servo the whole time. Which means less fiddling with buttons. When I press my star button it focuses until I let go and when I let go, the focus stays in the spot where I last focused on, just like One shot, negating the need for it. And If I wanna focus on a different point, I can just press it once, just like One Shot. The only thing I don't get is the beep confirmation.

@adammann42 4 жыл бұрын

Last week you switched me to raw (well, jpg + raw so I have both), this week to back button focus!

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

hehe! nice, I wonder what you will have to change next week :D

@thethreeislands 4 жыл бұрын

As a follow up video to this, I would find it very useful to know more about what sort of sensitivity/settings you have set for your auto-focus. Such as whether you have it set to lock on and stick or lose and re-acquire more frequently. Do you use one of the built in 'cases' on the 5DMkIV eg AF 'case 5' for erratically moving subjects? Would be useful for action and birds in flight shots

@jan_wegener 4 жыл бұрын

yes, I have been playing around with the cases a lot. Good point