How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus
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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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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!
Hi Robert - Thank you so much for the kinds words! I'm really glad you're enjoying the book and I appreciate your comments :)
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).
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
@@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
I'm very sorry about that. I just sent you an e-mail with your order info.
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!!
Indeed...! Same experience here..!
Ditto
Same here, this guy explains it brilliantly! :)
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.
I'd been trying to understand why I have a AF-On button on the back of mu Lumix S1. Now I know!
Every camera guy on KZhead tries to cover this concept... But here is one of the best explanations I have ever seen. Thanks, good show!
Totally agree with you!
Nine years old video but so so so relevant and helpful in 2023..amazing, thank you for the help..!!
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.
Best back button AF explanation on youtube. Thanks for the info!
Thanks from the UK! Finally an AF back button video that made sense!!
Putting afa to afc was the key I missed in so many tutorials!
There are tons of videos out there, on Back Button AF, and this one nailed it! With apt examples.
Thanks! Best explanation of BBF I've ever watched/seen. Teach us more!
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!
"How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus !" Excellent youtorial by Steve Perry. Thank you Steve ! best regards from cologne, andreas
Great job man. I was looking for such a tutorial all over the place. They way u explained was awesome. Thanks.
Beautiful explanation, perfect pace and intonation, good quality video and audio... For me it's a GO! 👏 Thank you.
Thanks for walking us through this so clearly.
You’re an awesome teacher who explains complex questions with simple answers!
You're the first person that I was able to learn from in an effective manner. You speak well, good pace, real advice, practical tips...kudos!
Cheers mate!! Best explanation to this feature on the web!
Concept explained clearly. YEA!
I just wanted to say THANK you for taking part of your time and doing this videos. They are amazing and very very helpful.
Yes, first explanation of back button focus that made sense!
Best explanation out there on the back button AF function. I enjoy your videos. Thanks Steve...
the best explanation of why you should use back button autofocus, well done, great video.
BEST video I have viewed (and that's over ten, watched multiple times) on the "real-life," how-to of this method. Thanks!
Omg! Why have I never heard of? I'm love. I watched you video and tried it in my house on my dog, and I fell in love instantly
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.
Awesome and thanks Steve......great instructional video and now I am in the know for Back Button AF on my Nikon d7100
Great explanation. Out of all of the videos I have watched related to this topic, yours is by far the best one. Keep it up !
Thanks Steve! You made it easy to understand why I should not go back to the standard technique for acquiring focus. I am just starting out with wildlife photography and this makes so much sense for so many reasons. Again, thanks so much!
Wow, why didn't I learn about this 10 years ago? Thank you for sharing.
Same feeling
dude this is huge, thanks so much! even more important in movie mode where shutter focus is a complete design flaw.
Will try
Had trouble understanding the difference of AF-LOCK and AF-ON on my Sony A77ii. This video helped me understand the difference, and how to use back button AF correctly. Thanks mate!
This was the best explanation for back button focus I've ever heard! I actually understand it now, and I'm excited to try it out! Thank you!!
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.
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.
Great video Steve.Thank you for reminding us that one must set the camera to AF continuous before assigning the AE-L /AF-L to AF-ON for back button focus
Thank you. This episode has proven to be one of the most helpful I've watched on You Tube. After I got used to the back button auto focus format, it's been great.
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!
oh my god - I finally get it! Thank You!
Crisp, clean. Explanation cant get better than this. You nailed it.
This is hands down the best explanation of back auto focus. I've recently switched over and I like it way better. Awesome video!
You did an excellent job on explaining this. Thank you
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.
Thank you so much. This is the first time I have been able to understand Back Button autofocus. Looking forward to trying it out now.
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!
Thank you!
Great video! I haven't heard back-button focus described so well before. THANKS!!!
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.
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.
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
this is great. perfect video. no extraneous information, straight to the point, quick guide on how to set it up. examples of how it works and why you want it. great
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
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 .
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
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: kzhead.info/sun/krKYkt6ggXOBoKs/bejne.html
Steve Perry A case of great timing. :-) From Australia, thanks again Steve
Dude I watched like 4 videos on this including ones from Tony Northrup and Pierre McKinnon and none of them were able to explain it in such simple and understandable terms. Thank you!
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
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. :)
@@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 ??
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.
Sean Coyne I'm an ophthalmologist. Get cataract surgery!! Seriously.
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. ;-)
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.
Best descriptive video I have found so far, to help me properly understand the depths of these settings for my Nikon! SO HELPFUL
I have been trying to learn about BBF all day long and have watched SO MANY videos and ready even more articles. Your video was BY FAR the most detailed and informative. I truly can not thank you enough!!
This is the best explanation, by far, that I have heard. Thank you for your clear and concise tutorials. They have been a great help to me.
By far the best explanation of the Back Button Focus method I have seen. Many thanks Steve.
your right, and now I come back to thank you. this feature is very helpful.
Thank you Steve for your great teaching skills about photography. My keeper rate has improved greatly after practice using Back Button auto focus and reading your ebooks. God bless you!
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!
Thank you so much for the amazing explanation with the animations and everything. I was struggling to understand how to properly use the back button focus technique so this helped immensely!
Thanks Steve! this is the best video I've seen on back button auto focus and auto focus in general.
Thanks so much for the video Steve! I just started shooting sports and found it extremely frustrating to get great shots that were in focus. I'll definitely stick with this as I feel this will solve a lot of my autofocus problems.
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!
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
Wow. Thank you for explaining that so simply! I can't wait to start using this tip!!
One of the best explanations of the focusing and how it works. Thank you!
I'm just starting my adventure with wildlife photography and your channel is by far the most informative and practical. Thank you sir!
Hoooray!! Finally, an explanation of the function that makes sense - to me. I have watched many on this topic. Your graphics gave a good demo. thanks
Took me three years to get to this video - and I'm sure glad I did! Thanks a gazillion!
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!
Thank YOU for teaching me this a few weeks ago. You're RIIIIIGHT! There's NO WAY I would go back to shutter release-focus! 🙌
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.
You did a FABULOUS job explaining this with great examples!
Steve, thanks! less than 10min you have given a clear explanation how back focusing works.
This is by far the best explanation of back button focus that I have seen. Spot on, thanks.
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 KZhead algorithm
Very clear and concise instructions and a really helpful tip. I have been using auto-focus since it was invented (looooong time) and never thought to switch from the shutter release to the AF-On button. Will definitely try this out - sounds promising.
Nice tutorial. In addition to AF-ON back button autofocus, I assign the shutter release button to AE/L on half press and lock the exposure on my D800E separating focus and exposure. Works great.
This the best explanation of back button AF I've seen. I'm gonna try it. Thanks!
life saver. very thorough and easy to understand, unlike many explanations I've read
That's an awesome feature indeed, thx 4 convincing me ! Needed to configure the battery grip back button (on my Nikon D7100) as well...
Wonderfully lucid, economical tutorial. After reading multiple explanations and watching videos until they're coming out of my ears, this is the one that nails it. Thanks a million and I'm not even a Nikon user.
Awesome video, changed my D5500 and absolutely love the back button AF. Great videos and I've learned a lot watching these. Thank You for sharing them.
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
Great video. Thank you! This is the best explaination of back button focusing on KZhead.
Thanks Steve -- I had never heard about the AF-C mode and AF-On button press combination and how it works in conjunction with press and release for single focus with recompose and press and hold for continuous focus. That absolutely makes everything so much easier.
Thanks!!!! This has to be the best explanation of BBF that I have seen out there. Great video!!
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".
A few people have tried to explain this to me, this is the best explanation on the web...thank you !
Thanks this was so clearly defined. I watched several other videos on it yet somehow I connected with your description and instruction and understood it much better.
Great Information... I love that you gave different examples of when to use it! Thanks!
That was the best and most thorough explanation of BBAF I have ever heard, I have been meaning to switch over to this method for years but never really understood it, so just never did. I am definitely giving it a try now.
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
Divya Paul
Great tip Steve! I use the back button for AF only occasionally, but will now train myself to use it 100%!