Assigning the 2nd button for facial AF does work. Now I can decide on the fly which one to use at any given moment, although I'm still new to my R6 and not sur how much I'll use the facial recognition AF.
Little Eos 200d here and only took up photography 4 yrs ago this coming January and within 3 months i had bbf set up and had been on a huge fast track of learning through channels like yours, and a very well known Aussie V8 supercar racing driver whose wife is a photographer and Canon ambassador was blown away that i had learnt so much so fast while discussing photography 1 night on twitter messenger which started after she messaged asking about learning nightscape photography. Best thing i found was being able to then meter where you want, instead of where you focus as happens when both are tied to the shutter button although it can have focus only for shutter and use the bb as metering but i definitely find it better the more common way.
Having watched countless hours of videos by many of the most popular photography tutorial producers on youtube, I would say yours are consistently among the most clear, well-organized, detailed and helpful.This is another gem. Thanks!
Absolutely! This channel is amazing. Even though I know all the things he's explaining since I've been shooting for a while it's still a joy to watch because the videos are so incredibly well made
This man single handedly improved my knowledge two-fold in two weeks and about 15 videos! Amazing approach of practically showing how to set options and what is their purpose. Amazing ! Keep up the good work, Simon
Your videos are like nobody else’s on RU-vid!! I’ve watched so many back button focus videos and got so lost in technical details that I never even made it to set up. Now, after watching yours, I’ve just set back button focus on my camera and it’s going to be life changing! I’m very excited to use it from now on, thank you! Your videos are always so perfectly explained, you have the gift of teaching and encouraging as well as your photography talents.
@simon_dentremont I did set AF ON long ago after hearing about it (initially I thought what a ridiculous idea lol then did it. Then put camera down. Picked it up some years later thinking wtf isn't it focusing 😅😅😂 Then remembered the af on button. Really good info.
This is the first time someone has explained in a practical way. I have seen numerous videos on this, but they never actually show how you are supposed to use it.
I just gasped in amazement when you showed back button focus on the bird at the 3 minute mark. I had no idea this was how it works. I've leared so much from you in just a few videos. You are the Gold Standard for youtube tutorial videos!
You know that I’ve been using back focus with my Sony cameras and never realized I could focus then release and my subject stays in focus. Just tried it and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Great video! You have a natural way of giving clear explanations, and also why we would want to do it rather than just how to do it. Looking forward to the next video!
Best explanation of this I’ve ever heard…and I’ve watched lots of them! I’ll be playing with my camera tonight to set up that 2nd back button! Thanks so much!
I have been using youtube for more than 10 years and I have never been so mystified by the content from a youtuber like this before! I cant put in words how glad i am to have found your channel! incredible content, really helpful and thorough, please never stop! big fan!
Another advantage of back-button focus is that you always can adjust your focus manually without switching the lens to manual focus. Great for fine tuning or adjustments without changing the composition.
You're an awesome instructor. I have watched quite a few of your videos over the past 2 weeks and really appreciate them. What I like most is that you physically/visually demonstrate every key point you make. I also love that you don't assume everyone watching your videos is a professional photographer or someone that can read your mind. I'm staying subscribed forever.
How have I not had this explained to me in such a manner before?! This solves soo many situations I've been in recently where I got frustrated with extra effort it took to get some pretty simple shots of butterflies in the grass, or bluetits in birch trees, for instance. Thank you so much! This clicked immediately for me, now I just got to get used to it in practice! :)
Simon, every time I watch one of your videos I learn something new, and because i've been HOLDING the BBF button, I can now see where i've been going wrong, thank you!!
For the first time since I started getting serious about my photography hobby, I understand the back button focus functions. I don’t know what you said differently or what I heard differently than I have in the last five years but thank you so much, it all makes sense now!
Loved this video maybe best of all the videos I’ve seen on this subject. I would REALLY APPRECIATE if you would do a separate one specifically on how you completely customized each and every button of your R5. I have both an R5 and R3, and the R3 is really challenging to understand how eye tracking integrates with all these custom button settings. Thank you!
Excellent tutorial, especially for a second back-button, helps a lot. Own a R5, so many things can be put on presets. Many Thanks. Let's go practise ...
I never understood this until now, THANK YOU Simon! This video is so helpful and soooooo easy to understand, I just tried these tricks out and THEY WORK so well. Thanks again!
This is a new lesson for me as a Canon user. I will start practicing this. Thank you so much for all your wildlife photography lessons. Truly appreciate this.
Had a good friend who passed away a few years ago. Excellent photographer. Right up until he died he shot with a thirty some odd year old film camera and got beautiful results. I asked him why he didn't update his camera. His answer was that, "Photographers change cameras more often than they change their underwear! They never come close to learning the capabilities of any of them! I, on the other hand, know this camera better than I know my wife!" His pictures showed that there was indeed a marvelous relationship!
With all things there’s Good and bad points associated with them. Shutter-button focus has some limitations and disadvantages that may affect your image quality or creativity. For instance, you may lose focus when you release the shutter button halfway or when your subject moves or changes distance, resulting in blurry or out-of-focus shots. Additionally, you may refocus unintentionally when you press the shutter button again or when something comes between you and your subject, which may ruin your composition or focus on the wrong thing. Furthermore, you may have to turn off the autofocus system to use manual focus, which can slow you down or make you miss the shot. You may also have to change your camera settings to switch between continuous and single autofocus modes, making it inconvenient or confusing. Back-button focus has some drawbacks, which may take time and practice to get used to, especially if you're accustomed to shutter-button focus. You may forget to press the back button or press it when it's not necessary, resulting in out-of-focus shots. It may also be uncomfortable or inconvenient to use depending on the camera model and grip, as you may have to stretch your thumb or change your hand position to reach the back button. Furthermore, back-button focus may not work well with some camera features or modes, such as face detection, eye autofocus, or touch shutter; you may need to disable or adjust these settings for effective use. Use anything that makes photography fun and easy for you. We are all different, I have worked for nearly half a century in photography field, even before all this b.b.f.,auto focusing Era. I have seen things come and go. For me b.b.f. is not something I embrace. Much like auto shutter,aperture or programmed control. I like doing things myself. I personally know how to control most situations over an automated feature on a camera. With three clicks ot top dial or three clicks of my rear thumb dial, I can change in an instant one full stop either plus or minus. Todays metering is not always perfect. More often, they are wrong. And customisable rear buttons have many other uses I prefer over focus control.
Remember, one simple thing, your camera is not smarter than you. When you point your camera, let's say at a black subject, you know it's black. Your camera sees it as an 18%;grey,and the camera will lighten that to read as a grey subject. And a white subject the camera will darken to a grey. Knowing this, I know my cameras faults. I make manual changes in my settings to correct for the camera meters, short comings. And by: Subtracting light for a black or darker than 18% grey. Adding light to a white or a lighter than 18% grey. Correcting my cameras automated exposure compensation features. It's a simple matter of taking a guess shooting, then checking your cameras RGB histogram and adding or subtracting more light. And with todays mirrorless R5, a color histogram can be displayed in your viewfinder, making this easier than ever. Something no other Camera manufacturers offer, other than Canon. "Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase"
Your ten minutes of video summarized my ten years of trial and error. I like the idea of assigning different situations to two buttons for still and action. I will be going out in the field to experiment. Off topic, I have watched many of your videos and find many ah-ha moments like I was one step away from getting it, but you helped me find the elusive tip. Thank you.
This video is a game changer for me. I was always frustrated that I only had centre focus when I have an extender on my 400mm lens. Thank you so much for all these great videos. I love your photography work.
Thanks Simon, I've always ignored this setting because I just didn't understand the benefits. Finally this makes sense to me! I'll incorporate it into the C2 settings on my 6D, which I use for photographing subjects that move around quickly...
Amazing, this is the first video (of many!) that I’ve watched which actually shows you back button focus scenarios in action - rather trying to explain it in words. At long last, I get it!
I've been shooting like this for some time now on my α6700 and works great for me. I woulnd't even have know about this without this video. Metering works well with the shutter button and I use another button for the preview because I also do macro and there the camera uses other settings for auto focusing. When taking pictures of insects I also don't want the focus to change. The "AI" AF is good to quickly get the focus on the subject. Then I can move the camera to get a good composition and it won't focus on some grass or anything else that might get into frame.
Just watched this almost year old video. You're definitely more engaging in the newer videos. Keep up the great work! This beats reading about those buttons in my manual.
Even tho I practice as hobbyist photographer for quite some years... in these 2 weeks since I discovered your channel I learned and comprehended concepts that I struggled before to put in practice. Your tutorials are so well explained and in a manner that the information is easy to assimilate. I feel like I am starting a new journey with better perspectives in photography. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I have watched many videos instructing about back button focusing, finally I get it, understand it from this video. Thank you 🙏
My camera is D7200 with lenses: sigma 18-35 f1.8 Tamron 16 -300 f3.5 - f6.3 Sigma 10-20 f3.5 Nikkor 50 f1.8g Do you have the very basic video regarding all these numbers on the lense?
This explanation of the usage of back-button focus was amazing. For some reason I never understood why you would do this, but it's so practical. Awesome explanation and examples!
Brilliant ... this has been driving me crazy as a new photographer when even the simplest and smallest movement was shifting focus ... infuriating. Thank you for such an easy to follow explanation Simon .. Mike
Hi Simon, thank you for the knowledge of how to properly use the af back button. I have been having difficulties with using this button in the past. You really save my day.
I recently found your chanel and the way you explain things seems to make sense to me. I've subscribed and now going over each of your video with an intent to go back and review them again. I just wanted to thank you for putting all of the efforts to create and produce these videos, they are very helpful to someone like myself who is starting to learn photography. Thnak you
Very informative … I ALWAYS shy’ed away from my Nikon AFC mode because of extremely poor results! Well not anymore, I switched to Back Button Focus and it all makes sense! Thank you …
This is quick to set up on my Nikon by re-assigning the AF/AE lock button. Breaking a years long habit and getting used to the new setup will take a little longer. This also helps with lenses that are a little slow to autofocus or are likely to "hunt" through their entire focus range like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro.
Great explanation and demonstration of BBF. I have my R5 set up just as you described and love it. I wish I would have had your episode when I set that up. I had to watch several others that got me there, but not as efficiently as your walk thru. Thanks!
I am completely new to photography. This video was incredibly helpful breaking down this feature which assists in the actions shots I have been anxiously trying to figure out. Although my camera was not covered, I knew what I needed to look for and what to change.
Just realised I have been doing this wrong ! Kept my finger in the BBF button thank you so much . Time to re-educate myself and my Z7ii brilliant video as always
Great video Simon! I have been using back button focus for years now and this was probably the best explanation of how and why using it can be so nice. Yes, takes a bit of getting use to but once you do it's great. Just picked up my new R62 two days ago and setting it up now. Thanks!
That's a great explanation Simon, and congrats for applying the concept to multiple brands at once ! While I was still using my 70D, I tried BBF but never liked it. Last fall I switched to the R6, and now I just love the dual BBF. Compared to you, I have swapped both buttons, and on the button right of the *, I programmed the toggle between AF zones which can adapt the zone on which the *-AF is applied. One of my concerns on the new R7 is that Canon placed the extra below the * instead on the right. And I strongly fear it might be tricky to train the dumb to distinguish between both buttons .. Like you I'm using the 100-400Lii, but I'll need to train hard to ever come close to your truly awesome action shots !!
On your suggestion, I’m using back button autofocus on my Nikon D7500 and I am still getting used to it, but I definitely see the benefit of separating the focus and the shutter
On my R5 I have my AF button set just the same as you. My asterisk/star button is set for animal and eye tracking. On my 5D4 (DSLR) I have the Af Button set for single point supported by four (Cross shape) and Case 2 AF Mode. The asterisk star button set for nine point AF (centre supported by surround points) and Case4 AFMode to instantly lock on a subject. For a bird in flight I will sometimes start with the asterisk button to engage with the bird and once in focus will swap my thumb to the AF button to track focus ignoring possible momentary obstructions such as the bird flying behind a branch etc.
Thanks for this clear explanation. I’m going to go set up my camera right now and try it. I was having trouble in lower light getting my camera to stay focused on the bird and not on the foliage behind it.
Thought I knew everything about this topic, but no. Had no idea about the "register/recall shooting functions" options. Great explanation. Another tip: I have all three of my back buttons set up for custom operation. Fewer options with the third, but works nonetheless. Canon R5. Also still use a 5D Mark III.
That was awesome. I've used back button focusing before but didn't realise just how useful it is. I've set up the 2nd one as well and will give it a try. Thank you for an informative and detailed tutorial
My wildlife and bird photography with the D850 became more fluid when I switched to BBF years ago after watching Steve Perry's videos. It's great for moving kids and also for recomposing as you suggested. Whenever someone hands me their camera to take a shot of them it feels restrictive when I realize it's focusing with the shutter button. Great information Simon!
Hello Simon... just found your site and am thoroughly impressed with your art and the knowledge you share. I subscribed right away. Thank you so very much. Best to you and your circle of influence in 2023. Stay healthy everyone.
I set it up on my Canon R7. When I press and release the BBC button on a target, it refuses to stay focused on the target plane. It atomticallay refocuses on other parts of the frame. Thus, I cannot repostion my BBF subject to anywhere in the view frame.
There’s a separate setting called “continuous focus” on Canons (they should change the name) which makes the camera always hunt for subjects. Turn that off.
When a friend gets a new camera, this is the #1 trick I teach them right away! When you are in control of your focus, you master the camera to another level and the work improves right away!
The Most intimidating thing about back button focus for a lot of users is, how the hell do you turn it on? Where is the back button AF setting? Well, it’s not really a mode you turn on- rather, if your camera has a rear AF button it’s usually already on, you actually ***turn the shutter AF off*** to achieve “back button focus mode.” This is explained well in the video, but for people hunting in the comments for the TLDR version, that’s it ;-).
Are you reading from some script prompt as you make these, or are you actually this well-spoken, clear, concise and well-planned? So much information, presented with minimal dead space or wasted filler - amazing!
This channel is one of my favorites, it’s quality content👌Recently bought my first camera and have learned and continue to learn much from you. 🙂 Btw this hack is a game changer! Thank you.
Thanks for the info Simon. I've got an old Canon 450D and usually use AV for still life images. For the longest time I wondered why auto focus didn't work in AV mode. Now I know that I can press the BBF button to focus. Although weirdly the BBF doesn't actually focus, but now allows the shutter release to focus as per normal. Cheers.
I watch all your videos for fun even if they don’t apply to me but I’m revisiting this to setup back button focus on my new canon 70d!!! Waiting on my 55-250mm is stm lens and I’m happy to jump back into DSLRs after awhile with a bridge camera! Hoping to move to mirrorless this fall!
I use an Sony A6000 with back button focus on. When the subject is off center. I still use the center AF point. I just focus (subject in center) then pan a little left or right. I have no problem with the focus changing. I don't think I'm taking my finger off the back button focus. I think my just says "Beep! Got a lock, keeping this focal distance".
So with me shooting landscapes and using back button auto focus and my 5DSr camera set up for FlexiZone, 1- Point AF and One Shot, if I assign spot AF, AI Servo,etc to the star button, will it return to my normal and most used (landscape) settings as soon as I push my back button? TY
Thanks for your great videos! Being a beginner birder, I have just recently switched to back-button focus on my Sony Alpha 1. Unfortunately This is giving me so many more out-of-focus images than I previously had. Any idea what could I possibly be doing wrong, and how to fix that? Would this topic even be worth a follow-up video? I am using AF-C, wide AF field, shutter speed 1/1600s or less, auto ISO (up to 25600), and bursts up to 30 fps. I am also now a gimbal user (Benro GH-2) on a Rollei Lion Rock M.
