How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus

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10 жыл бұрын

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Try a better way to focus your DSLR! Using back button autofocus is a faster, easier, smarter way to get great AF results from your DSLR. This video will show you how AF modes work - and why decoupling autofocus from your shutter release can take your photography to a whole new level.
This method works both for camera with a dedicated AF-ON button or by reassigning a button on the back of your camera for autofocus.
Questions? See THIS PAGE:
www.backcountrygallery.com/pho...
NOTE #1: With newer Nikon cameras, VR activates when you press the Af-On button, with older models, it only activates with a half press of the shutter release.
NOTE #2: In order for this to work properly on a Nikon, you need to have your AF Priority Selection custom function set to "release", not to "focus". That is the default behavior for AF-C, so most won't have an issue. However, if your camera isn't firing when you focus, recompose, and shoot, that's probably why.
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Пікірлер: 1 400

@RobertDuttonFineArt 7 жыл бұрын

All this and more is contained in a great download pdf book by Steve in his latest book 'Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System'. I've reached a part in the book were I'm nudged to this link to watch as back up what Steve has expertly written. You cannot ask for more customer 'focused" (pun intended) top class guidance by this well respected professional photographer. Thanks so much!

@backcountrygallery 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Robert - Thank you so much for the kinds words! I'm really glad you're enjoying the book and I appreciate your comments :)

@rebekahlynnphotography2985 7 жыл бұрын

enos218 - check out Steve's FAQ. I had the same issue and have the same camera as you. backcountrygallery.com/af-on-and-back-button-autofocus/ (first FAQ question answers your question).

@maria.m_pe 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. I was looking for info about BBF and found your video and read you wrote a book. I'm still trying to figure out how using BBF would work in live music photography. I shoot rock concerts and never used BBF yet. I'm not quiet sure if it could help me or not, though I heard most music photographers use it. Could I find information about that in your book? Thanks

@marilynottoy4616 5 жыл бұрын

@@backcountrygallery hi I bought this book a while ago and never received the down load I think my email address wasn't right. I did email but did not get a reply. Can you help me get the auto focus download please. m.ottoy@bigpond.com

@backcountrygallery 5 жыл бұрын

I'm very sorry about that. I just sent you an e-mail with your order info.

@tenseigan3087 7 жыл бұрын

FINALLY! After watching a bunch of tutorial about Back Button Autofocus, I finally understood how it works. Thumbs up to you sir!! Many many thanks!!

@akashjoshi88 7 жыл бұрын

Indeed...! Same experience here..!

@HackingAxe 5 жыл бұрын

Ditto

@EireialCreations 5 жыл бұрын

Same here, this guy explains it brilliantly! :)

@sadbravesfan 4 жыл бұрын

Same for me. Watched videos from several including Tony Northrup and Pierre McKinnon but was still confused on why it's better. I think they just over explained it while here he's just keeps it very simple.

@desalvo55 4 жыл бұрын

I'd been trying to understand why I have a AF-On button on the back of mu Lumix S1. Now I know!

@andre-michelgoulet6933 7 жыл бұрын

Every camera guy on KZfaq tries to cover this concept... But here is one of the best explanations I have ever seen. Thanks, good show!

@agneldsouza8484 Жыл бұрын

Totally agree with you!

@SushantEkParyatak 10 ай бұрын

Nine years old video but so so so relevant and helpful in 2023..amazing, thank you for the help..!!

@Laladeduh 3 жыл бұрын

I am a pure beginner. This was the very first video on Auto-focus I watched, 2-3 months ago. The comments of others prompted me to purchase the ebook. After becoming fairly proficient with Steve's explanation and shooting hundreds of photos while practicing, I thought I'd try out the "old" method, just for the sake of knowing how. Holy Molly! I couldn't wrap my head around this half-click mode, switching between S and C modes, and trying to keep it all straight. Why isn't what Steve recommends the default way of shooting, is beyond me. Best 30 bucks I spent in this new hobby. (I'm in Canada so the book costs a little more.) Thank you Steve, the rest of your videos are on my to-view list. Great instructor!

@backcountrygallery 3 жыл бұрын

Wow - thank you so much!!

@deanjones2525 7 жыл бұрын

This is by far the best explanation of back-button focus I've had the pleasure of watching. It was clear, simple and a joy to listen to. Thank you so very much Steve.

@phil1065 8 жыл бұрын

Best back button AF explanation on youtube. Thanks for the info!

@divs5123 7 жыл бұрын

I've watched a few different videos to understand how the back button focus works and yours has been the most comprehensive. Thanks for creating this video

@jj952 7 жыл бұрын

Divya Paul

@martinfinnerty3344 7 жыл бұрын

I have watched a bunch of you tube videos on back button focus, and this is the only one that made any sense. Cheers Steve.

@MrYungComedy 8 жыл бұрын

This is by far the best video that actually allowed me to understand what back focus is and how it works! Thank you so much!

@parsleylion6313 5 жыл бұрын

this is (in my opinion) a fabulous video. Why? very good diction, very clear, very positive, (rehearsed?) concise, to the point, no waffle, no er, um, or other repetitions, good eye contact. It is well lit, well framed and you stand out against the background. Treating the viewer with respect, not condescending. Well done Steve, I enjoyed watching this, and of course, I have learnt a lot. Thankyou.

@steveross2786 3 жыл бұрын

Am a total novice had a Nikon Camera for 1 week these videos are really simple and informative for a beginner keep up the good work . Thanks

@ZappaBlues 4 жыл бұрын

Finally, someone who explains back button autofocus, how to use it and how to set it up completely in a straightforward way.

@Jabberwoc 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks from the UK! Finally an AF back button video that made sense!!

@dsdigitalgallery2940 10 жыл бұрын

Great job man. I was looking for such a tutorial all over the place. They way u explained was awesome. Thanks.

@paulgarrod1066 3 жыл бұрын

Steve your tuition has assumed we're all idiots as you've made a tricky subject so simple! This idiot thanks you very much - spot on

@yourt00bz 5 жыл бұрын

Been shooting 30 years - even early adopter digital. But your easy style and comprehensive no assumptions no nonsense writing persuaded me to try this , subscribe etc thanks KZfaq algorithm

@cvcalex1 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for walking us through this so clearly.

@Ionuteodorescu 10 жыл бұрын

Beautiful explanation, perfect pace and intonation, good quality video and audio... For me it's a GO! 👏 Thank you.

@erinfeltman8783 3 жыл бұрын

Holy shit, this guy has cracked the code man. You should just teach. I got it when you explained it. Watched 10000000 videos and never understood. Watched your video twice and got it. THANK YOUUUUUUU

@castironwood 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mr. Perry! I bought your book Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System last night and am now getting my head wrapped around the auto focus on a few of my Nikon cameras. Your information delivery system is concise and easy to follow. My new best friend is the BBAF. Good job

@herminigildojakosalem8664 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Best explanation of BBF I've ever watched/seen. Teach us more!

@Znine_Z9 8 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate!! Best explanation to this feature on the web!

@anvar221603 3 жыл бұрын

By far the best explanation of the Back Button Focus method I have seen. Many thanks Steve.

@blb5111951 7 жыл бұрын

Putting afa to afc was the key I missed in so many tutorials!

@ahurtig3719 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome and thanks Steve......great instructional video and now I am in the know for Back Button AF on my Nikon d7100

@vk4vsp 6 жыл бұрын

As a lot of other people have said, there are plenty of videos out there that tell you how to set your camera for BBF, but this is the only one that explains what it does and how you actually use it. Thanks for that.

@kermitnourse4899 6 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to commend you on your excellent tutorial . I'm a street photographer who lives in Panama trying to photograph some of this country's 900 species of birds and your tutorial made a difference. I knew it was going to be good when you didn't start off with "Hi Guys".

@Az-fotosDe 10 жыл бұрын

"How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus !" Excellent youtorial by Steve Perry. Thank you Steve ! best regards from cologne, andreas

@prkravi 9 жыл бұрын

There are tons of videos out there, on Back Button AF, and this one nailed it! With apt examples.

@dvdexpert 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this. I often link to this video to explain back button autofocus to others. Yesterday I provided this link to a deaf person who couldn't get the most out of this video. I wanted to pass the request to have this captioned up the ladder to you.

@minervahammond2754 5 жыл бұрын

life saver. very thorough and easy to understand, unlike many explanations I've read

@HagertyHigh 8 жыл бұрын

Concept explained clearly. YEA!

@rickt.223 7 жыл бұрын

Best explanation out there on the back button AF function. I enjoy your videos. Thanks Steve...

@BK-bh6jr 4 жыл бұрын

Its been more than 3 years to have purchased Nikon D750. I have gone through a lot of tutorial and tips video. But the ease of using through your said tricks are so simple after being customized to really shoot. Thanks a lot. To me, your channel is the best channel for twists and tweaks of setting for Dslr till now

@georgefrench1907 3 жыл бұрын

Just rewatched. Here’s another thumbs up. 👍 Thanks.

@defenseengineer6485 10 жыл бұрын

This is one of if not the best photography video tutorials. The information is incredibly useful, it's presented in a easy to understand manner, and it's a professional quality video. Well done, sir! Mahalo!

@davidw5802 9 жыл бұрын

the best explanation of why you should use back button autofocus, well done, great video.

@lizthacker4495 4 жыл бұрын

Just got my D750 and its so easy using this method. I had watched many videos about this but your guide was by far the easiest to follow. Thanks

@tomelifeisjustonebig 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome. This is the best explanation of why to do it, when to use it and HOW to use it. Bravo.

@kellievans4166 8 жыл бұрын

oh my god - I finally get it! Thank You!

@AlanKSportsHawaii 7 жыл бұрын

Great knowledge, thanks Steve. I'm a old timer always depressing half way and going give it a try. I always cover action sports and will check your style out. I do lose some shots, but will try your idea's.

@raquelcook51 9 жыл бұрын

Mind BLOWN! Lol! I have been doing photography for years and have just recently come across this. Great tutorial, even though I shoot with a Canon. I really just needed to see/hear/watch someone explain this to me rather than reading it from the manual. Thanks!!

@xman2229 6 жыл бұрын

I have to say, your videos are the best. I like your direct, concise, no nonsense style.Most others are either screaming at you (we're NOT deaf) or LOVE to hear themselves talk so it becomes a rambling, superfluous, verbose delivery that bores me to tears. Keep up the good work.I bought your wildlife book.

@PhilStein 9 жыл бұрын

dude this is huge, thanks so much! even more important in movie mode where shutter focus is a complete design flaw.

@libraw.173 3 жыл бұрын

Will try

@jwgfoto5419 6 жыл бұрын

I tried it and hated it. Then after watching one of your videos I tried again and stuck with it ever since. So don't try it just once and give up. Try it again if you don't like it the first time. It is great!

@jameswdavis5356 4 жыл бұрын

What Can I Say. I have be shooting 50 years... You have the best books / videos I have ever seen . I wish I had you be side me sooner .Still shooting just more hits now. Thanks

@pappumurthy9462 4 жыл бұрын

The best video on back button focus by far. I have seen many but never able to understand. But now I did. Thanks for the intermediate cartoons to explain how all this works plus the setting up basics.

@SuperRatfink 8 жыл бұрын

You did an excellent job on explaining this. Thank you

@jazzman1626 7 жыл бұрын

Aha! I tried this before on my D3200 which does not have a dedicated AF-On button. But I did not know that I had to switch auto focus mode to AF-C . Thank you for so clearly explaining this method. I will give it another go.

@plasticpunch 4 жыл бұрын

the most complete explanation in youtube. Thanks

@maijo2597 6 жыл бұрын

There are many videos on You Tube about back button focus, but this is one of the best, if not the best, that I have seen. Very clear explanation of why to use it and how to use it. I like the comment at the end; "When you are getting used to it, practice on some shots that don't matter that much to you". Sound advice! Many thanks for this really helpful video.

@dennisamos-sam7367 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@bullsharkreef 9 жыл бұрын

Wow, why didn't I learn about this 10 years ago? Thank you for sharing.

@libraw.173 3 жыл бұрын

Same feeling

@Ronin760 6 жыл бұрын

Perhaps the best explanation for BBF. Good relevant examples. Thanks!

@GangGr33nanarchist 6 жыл бұрын

I forgot how to use AF mode and I'm glad I found your video.

@seabreezeof 8 жыл бұрын

No why your tutorial on BBF is the best, because you explain the mechanics. Example press and release to lock focus, or keep pressed for continuous focus. Every other video out there on the subject just explains what BBF is, and how it works.I do have one question, when you continuous focus, do you keep it depressed, when you press the shutter button, or do you release as you press the shutter button.

@eyewaves... 4 жыл бұрын

Best explanations about back button focusing... You made it Cristal clear with those great examples. Thank you.

@aussiegoosebumps Жыл бұрын

Recently purchased my first Nikon DSLR. Using my 300mm f4 AF EDIF lense which I still have from film days I went whale watching on a twin hull catamaran about 6wks ago not knowing about "Back Button Focusing" Most of my shots were slightly out of focus. Last week went whale watching again at a different area where the water was calmer in a bay and now knowing how to use "Back Button Focus" have a breaching whale shot sharp as a tack to be printed for my wall. Thanks Steve for your valuable teaching videos. You made my short holiday away very special.

@secksy77 9 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve. Thanks for this awesome tip. Works great on my D5100. Steve when you use this method with moving subjects, do you find better results using single point AF or something like dynamic area AF? Many thanks Andrew

@backcountrygallery 9 жыл бұрын

Andrew Seck Hi Andrew - LOL - I just made a video all about what modes to use! It's brand new, posted a couple minutes ago: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lbSPld2Zr6evnac.html

@secksy77 9 жыл бұрын

Steve Perry A case of great timing. :-) From Australia, thanks again Steve

@coalakida 9 жыл бұрын

Making the change, thank you, for those using the Canon 70D a quick way to turn off the half shutter focus is to be in P or M and use the Q menu button and to right is the change controls , the first one its highlights is the change half shutter focus and change it to meter only, And Bam your ready to learn a new trick .

@TharakeshKrishnan 6 жыл бұрын

Crisp, clean. Explanation cant get better than this. You nailed it.

@NatureOverland 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve been doing BBAF for years, but I recently watched your video seminar on wildlife photography. In that video you talked about your method of shooting in manual with auto ISO. At the time, I thought well that’s just brilliant! Why didn’t I ever think of that before? With today’s hi ISO capable cameras it just made sense. Well I tried it out and I honestly think it’s gonna revolutionize the way I shoot going forward. It’s like having a third auto priority program. You got your aperture priority, your shutter priority and now by golly, you got your Manual priority.

@backcountrygallery 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words and glad it helped :) Once I started using it, I never went back.

@MaxRiley 6 жыл бұрын

great explanation, thanks. just one question please: once I reassign the back button to work as af-on, how do I AE lock? just not possible or...? thanks

@lylestavast7652 4 жыл бұрын

what particular camera ? There's usually something under controls in the menu where you can assign the function to a different button - maybe the depth of field button under the middle finger, on the front for instance. I have two buttons on my d700 - I use AF-ON for setup for the focus as Steve does it, and I assign the AE-L/AF-L to be AE and keep it locked until I press it again - quick one button AE lock for many frames if needed and thumb then works the AF-ON for BBF. My d750 I use the DOF preview button on the front for AE Lock and the single AF-ON for the BBF. BBF is my BFF. :)

@kukrejasanjay 4 жыл бұрын

@@lylestavast7652 how do we assign this on bodies like d5300, where we have got only one button which is assigned to BBF ..how do we lock exposure then ??

@Sean_Coyne 7 жыл бұрын

Added: I ran into some problems on my D7200 using the AE-L/AF-L back button for autofocus. I have to use my left eye on the viewfinder, as I cannot close only my left eye (I have the same problem aiming a rifle). Also, I have a mild cataract on my right eye, so it's not as sharp or bright. With my left eye on the viewfinder, I found that this layout was too cramped and uncomfortable for me on the D7200, trying to use that back button for focus. I then switched to using the lower front Fn button with my right ring finger, and the problem was solved. Any left eye shooters may want to try this alternative, as it works just as easily.

@GernotWinklerMD 7 жыл бұрын

Sean Coyne I'm an ophthalmologist. Get cataract surgery!! Seriously.

@Sean_Coyne 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your concern. My ophthalmologist is monitoring it and I will probably get it fixed after summer here. I don't want to be out of action flying RC planes during the good weather. I'll also get my hip replaced then too. Getting old has it's drawbacks, but not compared to the alternative. ;-)

@MikeCambpell 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!! This has to be the best explanation of BBF that I have seen out there. Great video!!

@billweber1422 6 жыл бұрын

Some people can do it well but not explain it well. You did both.

@donrumsey816 8 жыл бұрын

does this negate the AE lock function (d7100)? upon further investigation I've RE-Assigned my Pre-View button to perform the AE-Lock function. Steve, as a suggestion for future videos: 1) Pre-View function - why/how/when to use 2) AE-Lock feature why/how/when to use

@denniszanetti4211 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, a more complete explanation than I got from a teacher. Z

@rodneyt2257 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I went through 10 videos before I found yours. You explained it best, in my opinion.

@xapie128 4 жыл бұрын

Steve's tip at the end is so true -- at first you won't like it, but stick with it. Then he says eventually "You will wonder how you ever functioned without it." Back button focus is the best camera tip I ever learned, I'll never go back to the default method.

@raredreamfootage 10 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU for explaining the WHYs before the HOW! Much clearer tutorial than other videos on youtube that attempt to explain the HOW before the WHY!

@gibsondude07ify 2 жыл бұрын

Hands down the best explanation I've seen

@andrewdivita6415 2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t know about this until just now watching Steve’s video. I can’t wait to set this up on my camera and use it. One great explanation on how it works and how to set it up.

@jmmcg9 5 жыл бұрын

The combination of this video and Steve’s Nikon Autofocus book offers the best explanation ever on Back Button Focus and why it is a must! As I read the book, he anticipated all of my questions. Nikon’s Autofocus features are complex and vary from camera to camera. This book simplifies learning Nikon Autofocus. Highly recommended. Here is an idea for future eBooks: Camera eBooks have to be written to cover all models. What if you could “set” your camera model at the beginning of the book, then the flow would only cover the sections that pertain to that model? Keep up the great content! Joe McGowan

@cristianmitran 10 жыл бұрын

I agree with you, Steve, Back button AF is great. I can't imagine to have the AF ever set on shutter again since years.

@williamriach2261 2 жыл бұрын

Best explanation. You clearly explain how to switch from One Shot to AI Servo - something every other video I watched did not demonstrate. THANK YOU!!!

@Krateez 6 жыл бұрын

One the clearest explanations that I have come across--thanks!

@Pine4205 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making Back Button focusing very clear.

@Pine4205 6 жыл бұрын

I hadn't realized I watched this 3 years ago. I think I was full of myself.

@n1k1george 9 жыл бұрын

You are so right about the versatility of using back button AF. It is the way to go - the best of both Single and Continuous worlds in one button. My AF frustrations of always being set to the wrong AF mode are over.

@Mr_Spock512 5 жыл бұрын

I started using this method a few days ago ... man, what a difference it makes. Wish I had found this video a few years ago. I'm also experimenting with assigning the AE-L(Auto-Exposure Lock) function to the Preview button on the front of my D7100.

@jasonbourne4155 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! Very thorough and easy to follow explanation. Much better than the Nikon manual.

@noasamoa 6 жыл бұрын

I checked this out a few months ago and switched my camera over. After Steve's little warning at the end of this video, I was certain I was going to find back button focus annoying and challenging to get used to. Well...nope! I LOVE shooting this way. It took me all of 30 minutes to get used to and I cannot imagine switching back to the default shutter release method. So clearly explained from concept to actually setting up your camera to make it happen. Thanks for such a clear, smart tutorial!

@DBGRIZZZ 5 жыл бұрын

I played around with my D5600. I set up Back Button Focus and put the auto focus to AF-A, not AF-C. It worked! Not only that, the focus illumination light worked, and it beeped when in focus. And it did track moving objects. The A switched over automatically to C. I love it!

@eismann6278 4 жыл бұрын

Steve, thanks! less than 10min you have given a clear explanation how back focusing works.

@sylentknight 7 жыл бұрын

This should make for easier bird photos, thanks for this video.

@IAMBRIDGEFORTH 6 жыл бұрын

I just got a 7d m ii and I’ve been watching bb focus vids for 3days now and you’re the first person to thoroughly explain to where a somewhat beginner can understand. Liked, favorite and subbed!

@monicaseybold5653 2 жыл бұрын

so helpful. I jumped from a D300 to 850 & was overwhelmed. This was great

@momoscurry3398 2 жыл бұрын

Back button focus For the Win! I love it so far! 😀

@denissharp2307 4 жыл бұрын

A few people have tried to explain this to me, this is the best explanation on the web...thank you !

@raviputcha 8 жыл бұрын

There are many vids and articles out there on back button focusing but THIS one nails it. After watching this I'm not confused anymore. Thanks a lot for the time and effort you spent making this vid. Cheers!

@isabelnash7130 2 жыл бұрын

This the best explanation I have seen. Thank you for the clear and easy to follow information.

@GregLewisUT 7 жыл бұрын

By far the best explanation I've seen on KZfaq of why to use back button focus and how to use it with continuous focus. Thank you.

@P_Anthony876 3 жыл бұрын

I am a amateur photographer, thanks for all the lessons you gave. I tried back button AF, went back to shutter, watched your video again. All my cameras are now set to back button AF. I am a nikon shooter. Thanks again, Steve.

@wingchen2488 9 жыл бұрын

Best video that explained BBF clearly, ty so much steve.

@DavidTothill 10 жыл бұрын

I knew the back button was there but just didn't get the significance. I could never have understood this reading it in a book. The video was GREAT and it's one of those tips I know will change the way I focus and shoot forever. I can't thank you enough.