Back Button AF With Mirrorless: AM I CRAZY?
Once upon a time, when DSLRs roamed the land, Back Button AF was the automatic go-to for many - even most - photographers. However, with mirrorless taking over at a blistering pace, things are changing. Many are questioning the wisdom of using BBAF and, indeed, many have switched back to shutter release AF.
Should you?
In this video, we'll discuss why BBAF is less important for mirrorless shooters than it is for DSLR fans. We'll also talk about why it still might be the best option for some shooters - myself included.
Should you use BBAF with mirrorless? Let's find out!
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I can't imagine ever not using BBF. I don't care how good the focus system is, being able to decide when the camera focuses and when it shoots, separately, is a level of control I will never give up!
Good points...
If 90% of the time you are engaging af and shooting, youre better off slaving a function button to af lock and hitting that when you dont want to focus.
you can decide when the camera focuses by half pressing and when it shoots by fully pressing
@@truthseeker6804 'separately', not 'consecutively'
@@bikefreek why sacrifice 2 fingers for 1 function, when you can do it with one finger, and just left it there when you don't want to refocus? The af lock button itself it an unnecessary function for bbaf shooters.
For me, a big part of it would just be muscle memory. I have used BBF for a long time and to the point where I don't have to really think about it, my thumb just knows what to do. I still use my D850 and D810 a lot and keeping consistent methodology makes using different bodies easier.
I’ve always preferred using the AF lock button to actually stop focusing while leaving the camera in AF-C. Most of the time I want the camera to be constantly focusing, and in the instances where I want it to stop, I press AF lock. That’s just how my brain works. I also found it much easier to focus while moving the focus point with DSLR if my thumb wasn’t glued to the BBF button.
wow! once again an awesome video steve!!!!
I like the overall quality of your videos. The sound, the presentation, and the lack of visual distractions are great!
Thanks, Steve. I have never warmed up to back button focus, but you raise some excellent points. I think I'll give it another chance.
The only channel I give a like during the intro, because I know it's going to be good 👍
Great video! I always use back button focus.
Ever since I watched your BBF video almost 7 years I had switched to AF-ON for focus and I’m glad I made the switch. My success rate improved drastically. Even with mirror less cameras I’m continuing to use BB for AF. It works like a charm. Thank you Steve for sharing so many secrets like this that’s incredibly useful on the field. 😊
Wot he said!
Risking sounding arrogant, when I purchased my first ever camera, the first day I went shooting with it, I left home with stock setup and hour later I was on BBF, manual w autoiso and exposure correction etc. Just by wondering how I can operate it better. Love Steve's insights and ability to explain but sometimes feels like people can't figure out to aim the lens at the subject unless they are told to do so in an instructional video.
I've been back in the game for just over a year now and I can't believe I haven't stumbled across your channel yet. Really like the way you present information. Keep up the good work. I have so much of your stuff to check out now! 🙌
Used BBAF on my D500, D850, and now the Z9. For me, it's the way to go. Thanks for another great video Steve, and for the mentoring. I've come along way in the past few years !! Cheers.
I have been using BBAF since I started watching your videos, I just upgraded to a Z9 and I will continue to stay with BBAF. Your video is great and just confirms my thoughts. Thanks for everything you do, your videos have brought more enjoyment to my wildlife photography.
I totally agree with you when you say that the important thing is to find what works for you and go with it. Cheers
Your post processing game is next level!
Hello Steve, your so right. I love back button focus and am using it on both my Nikons and Hesselbeds. Yes it did take some time to get truly comfortable with it. But use it both on Mirrorless and DSLR's. thanks for all your tips some I use and other may be not but worth knowing about. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy life.
Excellent Steve, definitely will help!
Thanks Steve, great video, I will be trying out BBF in Brazil
This was a question I recently asked on the forum. I wasn't sure if I should go back to shutter af. Yesterday, I struggled with locking focus on a Harris's Hawk flying by me with a baby bird in its talons. From that struggling point on, I decided that BBF is here to stay! Thanks for reassuring my observations Steve!
Excellent video! The BBAF is still used for me on the Z9 for all the reasons you say. I had contemplated changing it but after a day of shooting and switching between different AF modes…. The BBAF is still king!
Great video Steve. I watched your BBAF video years ago and tried it on my Nikon DSLRs. I thought it worked great and I haven’t looked back. I now shoot with a Z9 but still use BBAF. I did try shutter release for several weeks but went right back to BBAF. Part of it is I still use a DSLR as a backup body and so try to keep some things as similar as I can. Plus it’s just works for me.
Great explanation I’m switching!
Excellent discussion! With the vast improvement in auto focus technology, especially AF tracking, and eye detect auto focus, the buttons on the back of the camera can be used to activate specific focusing modes/cases in addition to turning auto focus on and off.
HI Steve, Thanks for the video. I still use the BBF but have also programmed some Function buttons on the front of the camera (Z9) in order to be able to switch the AF mode "on the go", as we now have so many different modes.
Your original video on back button focus changed my photography life forever. I could never go back.
Yet another useful video from Steve Perry. I began switch to mirrorless about 6 months ago with a Z6II then followed up with a Z9 a few months later. Never contemplated dropping the BBF technique I used for the past 7 years. I shoot scapes and that combined with my comfort level with BBF will keep me using the technique.
It's bbaf exclusively on my D500. With the the X-T5 it's a combination of both where I use a dedicated button to switch as needed to change menu functions. As always , great content Steve!
With you 100% Steve. You taught me BBF many years ago and, tbh, I never once considered changing when I moved away from a DSLR to mirrorless it’s just so intuitive. Manual with auto ISO was another fantastic tip you gave me - I never use anything else now. Excellent tips which have been game changers for me - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge Steve.
To be honest, i didnt even know full manual was a thing in anything beside astrophotography… Auto ISO and fast accessible EV correction was in manual always common sense for me
Terrific video! Being in coastal South Carolina, I shoot a lot of birds and animals in marsh grass environments. As you say in the video, BBAF allows me to lock focus on the bird or animal at a certain distance even though grass is waving in front of them. Same with small birds buried deep in live oak trees. Also, I had forgotten the turn the camera 45 degrees trick. Thanks for the reminder!
I am a D500 user and I always use BBAF, so as to separate AF from shutter release. it is so useful. Thanks Steve.
I love my D500! Happy Shooting.
I also never dropped bbaf. Tbh, sometimes a focus recompose is also quicker than moving about the focus point. And as a primarily landscape photographer, I also use the af like you highlighted at the end to get me close, then punch in and MF to perfection. No need to mess about flicking switches or going through a menu. It's just so much easier for everything imo.
For me the reason I struggle to change systems is the fact that I understand the Nikon ergonomics and over the many years have become so familiar with the BBF and general ergonomics, that I never have to "think" about the controls. BBF is ingrained as part of the process and I agree stil holds many benefits. Thanks great video again.
I believe it was one of your videos that got me started with BFF. I have never looked back and use it exclusively. It's like using my seatbelt -- done without thought. Find it works well for wildlife and especially Birds (BIF). Thanks for update.
When i got my mirrorless camera over if the first settings that i changed was seeing up back button focus. Once I started using back button focus i haven't gone back and don't plan to. I even have dual button to change from traditional focus to eye af and back again. Great video discussion about this topic.
Im still a DSLR shooter (Nikon D500), but I can't imagine why BBF wouldn't work on a mirrorless system. I started BBF about 5 years ago, and I couldn't imagine going back. I shoot primerily Wildlife (Moose / Caribou / Arctic birds) and sports (Football / Martial Arts / Hockey). When I eventually migrate over to mirrorless, I will stay with BBF unless there is a reason to switch to something different. Thank you again for everything Steve! I learn something new every time I watch a video, read a blog post, or study the books I'v purchased from you. Keep up the great work, and thank you for all you do.
Been using BBF ever since your vidéo and would not chang it !!!! thank you Steve
Another awesome video. I just got my Z9 and of course I ran to your Z set up to get up and running. Thanks Steve!
Thanks so much!
I have not used shutter release AF in years. Back button focus remains a constant for all my cameras and this is largely due to some of my event and street photography work. Nevertheless, I love hearing you elaborate on this, Steve. Knowing the details of the advantages is helpful.
Nice video again. For me AF-ON (BBF), I always have.
I'm glad I watched this. With my film and DSLRs I used BBF, but migrated to shutter only with mirrorless. After watching this (and realizing how often shutter button focus is irksome), I'm devoting just one or two of my custom settings to BBF; I will retain one shutter button focus setting for clean action without foreseeable difficulties, as sometimes I wish to keep my thumb on the joystick to keep the AF point moving--and I remember reading of at least one pro years ago who did the same on his D5. (I shoot Nikon Z 6 2 and Z 5.) On my Z fc, I will probably keep just the bbf, as that camera does not allow custom setting banks. Thank you for the excellent video Steve!
BBAF only for me. Great updated video. Thanks.
I was made aware of BBF by your video back then and have been happily using it ever since, even when I switched to mirrorless. I like having the fine-grained control and adjusting focus separately from the shutter button. The only times it's been a problem is when I hand my camera to someone else who doesn't know about BBF. 😄
Thanks Steve for your work. In my nikon i have a combination of BBAF and a digital zoom in viewfinder on the front buttons (near lens) , so usefull to focus small birds in the middle of thousand of leafs ands branches. "Old" techniques works fantastic in mirrorless too!!
Been reminded why I'm a BBF shooter as I've been shooting with the D6 over the past couple of months as the Z9 is in the repair shop. But even at that, I find BBF -- mirrorless or DSLR in hand -- and its one button one action functionality better; not to mention BBF is now so profoundly baked into my muscle memory switching back would be a disaster for process :) As always, great video, Steve. Thanks!
I am going to switch to BBAF for the first time. I shoot wildlife photography and would like to see if this strategy helps me capture more magic moments. We are going to Africa this summer so I am devouring all the knowledge I can before we go to up my game! 😊 I’ve been taking pictures for many years but still learn something new every time I watch a professional like you. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and knowledge!
Excellent overview and examples! I watched this twice to make sure I didn't miss any key points. I've gone back & forth with BBAF since switching to mirrorless, currently my Z6II setup is basically a "reverse BBAF": Shutter Release AF activation, with AF-ON set to AF Lock. I'm looking at my "most of the time" scenario - I'm keeping AF engaged more often than not, using just one finger. For the fewer times I want AF disengaged - that's when two fingers are needed. I also have my left my hand frequently occupied (holding a light or diffuser), and it's tricky using BBAF with one hand. I think if I shot wildlife / long lenses more frequently, I'd be in BBAF full time. And/or if I had the Z9 which offers more flexibility in button assignments (AND the mind-easing green focus confirmation in AF-C) 🙂
Steve, I tried BBAF with my DSLR for a little over a year and could never fully get used to it. After a year, I figured I would never fully embrace it and went back to shutter button AF. I just went to mirrorless (sold my main DSLR body) and haven't tried BBAF yet. I do have those back buttons set for different things now. I agree with you, a person should use what works for them and fits their personal workflow. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to BBAF vs. Shutter AF. Just what works. Another fine video. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Steve from another Steve across the pond here in the UK, I'm a relatively newbie in using bbaf but it's becoming second nature, I find it invaluable when I'm shooting kingfishers from a hide in Cardigan nature centre when I'm down in Wales. Using bbaf locking on the kingfishers when they are on a tree perch "fishing" then reconfigure the photo to capture when they dive for a fish is perfect. I'm a nikon z50 user with a sigma 150-600mm lens and have been pleased with the results, maybe one day when I win the lottery I can indulge myself and buy a nikon z7ii or z9 or even the z8. Thanks for your vlogs I find them extremely helpful. Keep up the great work Steve
😃I have used BBAF for years and still use it on the Z9, I have read that it takes some getting used to, and some people don't like it, but it was a no-brainer for me! Nice video, Steve.
Great video, I have my canon R7 set up that my eye detection is via AF on button, and single point AF is engaged via the shutter release !
I think I started using BBAF years ago because of your videos!
I went BBF with my DSLR and have stayed with it on my Z 6. I read a lot of folk went back to shutter release, so I tried for a few months. Nope. I’m firmly in the BBF zone, now and forever . Thanks Steve!
Pretty much my exact findings as well Steve. Been using BBAF for years on DSLR's but when I got the Z9 I tried going back to the shutter button. It seemed to work fine but there were always those times where the camera would try to re-acquire focus when I pressed the shutter when I didn't want it to. I have gone back to BBAF and so far am happy.
Same here … Now I have a Z9 but I used to have a D780 AND a Sony Alpha …. I Set the Sony up for shutter button focus….and I ran up against the exact same thing
On the Z9 it can be hard to change focus modes/areas then in my opinion, because of the lack of buttons. How do you change between 3D/AF-Area large etc. when using BBAF? Thanks
@@lupidorXVI The same way I did on the DSLR's. I use the front function buttons for an extra two different modes. Only one is available though in either orientation. I also set up the video record button to switch between 20FPS and single release mode. There are many ways to set it up those are just how I have mine now.
@@jerryfaircloth thanks for the reply! I don't love the front function buttons since they are kinda hard to reach imo. But i guess that's the most obvious way, maybe i'll try again. Thanks
You hooked me on BB Focus years ago and I can’t imagine living without it! I’m still saving $$$ for the right mirrorless camera…and while people give a lot of lip service to their focusing capabilities…I seem to hear just as much complaining! Right now my hit rate on my D500 is pretty amazing…and learning a new system at age 73 is scary. I’m sure the time will come, and when it does I’ll be thankful for all they help you provide!!
I have been using BBF for a long time and now it is a reflex action. I also use D850, besides Z9. I will stick to BBF to avoid unlearning BBF only for Z9. Your perspective on why we should use BBF on mirror less is extremely useful 👍
I switched to back button focus and have kept it there ! Works great for me.
I too continue to use BB AF with my Z7II, mostly out of habit. Your points are utterly valid, though. OTOH, I find myself using manual focus with peaking a lot as a continual sort of depth of field indication.
I use both focusing methods and enjoy the ability to go between the two on the fly. I prefer BBF most of the time but find many situations photographing events where shutter release is preferable, which is why I have one of my User dial configured to include shutter focus so I can quickly go back and forth between the two focus methods.
uuh yes, i noticed this already with the nikon z6 while shooting people. Seemed wierd to me not to see anyone jumping out of the back button hype. Great as always steve!
I am used to BBF after years of using it. It’s a massive advantage in many situations, not all. But I use it for all my work just because I dont have to think about it any more.
Great video, thanks.
I love BBF, never stopped using it since I discovered it.
For my Fuji X-T5, I have my shutter release AF decoupled with AF-C and coupled with AF-S for my own wife when she wants to use my camera. This has been very handy for me since I prefer Back Button AF and I don’t have to fidget around in the menus for a camera hand off scenario. 1 switch in the front of the camera with no fuss.
Once I switched to BBAF I never considered switching back. When I first read about it in the manual for my Canon Elan 7, I couldn't figure out what the advantage was and why anyone would use that feature. When I got my first DSLR I decided to try it, and I'm so glad that I did. I'm shooting mirrorless now, but it was one of the first things I set up when I got the camera. I can't work without it. Over 17 years with BBAF and still loving it.
Great tip , thank you
Another great video. I use bbf.
Ive been using BBAF since watching you post years ago. Since going to the Nikon Z7ii i still use BBAF. It just suits the way I shoot. Thank you for helping me through my photography journey over the many years of following you 🙏
The thing is…. BBAF ALWAYS suits better as soon you are above beginner or casual level. I would even say a beginner just slightly more interested in most types of photography should learn/try BBAF if he/she/it doesnt. I bet with a chance of 90%+ they also will never „go back“
I have used BBAF since I first learned of it years ago and can't imagine going back. I suffer from Chemo induced peripheral neuropathy and half pressing the shutter button is hard to gauge since I have decreased sensitivity in my finger tips. But the examples you gave are very good for when to switch back.
Eagerly waiting for a Z9/Z8 autofocus settings guide please 🙏🏽
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, Steve can you make a tutorial on backlight bird photography? keep up with the awesome content
Steve I would like to see a video on the topic 600f4 vs 400 2.8 there is so much debate going on. Discuss things like if you crop a 400 to a 600 (signal to noise ratio) A 400 with TC vs a 600 without one. And also is the depth of field thinner on the 600 f4 vs 400 2.8
I have programed the AF On button" to be "AF-Off" in the rare cases I need to turn off AF-C in a difficult focus situation. This allows me to use my thumb for many of the other functions I have programmed to buttons.
BBF For me. Something I mentioned elsewhere is in most focus modes on the Z9, you can press the (+) button and zoom in and press your focus button and it will focus on it like a sniper scope. Good for shooting through gaps in brush, etc. Or you can just use as a spotting scope in very dim light.
BBF. Learned the technique from your original video. I am still a cross-over shooter. D500 and Z6ii. Not ready to rely on the AF tracking yet. Not to mention, old habits die hard. I usually do a focus and recompose shot first just to make sure I get a shot. Then I try to compose and get the focus point where I want it. Not always easy, especially if the critter is changing directions.
Shutter release on Sony mirrorless is what I learned with when I started. I always felt back button was so clunky and I missed too many shots by splitting my concentration between the subject and the camera. Now I use the A1 and it does a better job of finding the subject and locking onto the eye than I could possibly do on my own. I do use shutter release to focus on landscapes and then lock it in by switching AF off and into manual focus with focus peaking. That works better for me because turning AF off the camera automatically shows me my focus plane and helps me decide immediately on if I want to focus stack.
This is probably the best video I've ever seen advocating for back button focus. I tried it once but gave up on it, using AF/AE lock instead but, after seeing this video, I may go back and give it another try. Do you find some cameras you've tried are easier than others when using BBAF?
Great video. BBAF gets ergonomically awkward for low angle macros ("bees in flight"). Sometimes even have to use my thumb to press the shutter.
Back button focus everytime , mind you I mainly shot DSLR cameras . Thanks Steve. 👍
Good point! I stick to BBAF just because I have the normal AF and the animal eye AF in separate buttons so they don’t mess with each other when active simultaneously.
Exactly why I still use it.
I found your e-book great and it translates well to the A7 IV. I like BBAF too :)
Thanks so much!
I used to use BBF on my dSLR all the time. With my mirrorless I have never used it. I switch to manual focus in tricky situations. Works like a charm for me
Always used BBAF on my Nikon D3100 and it was great so now I am trying it out on my Nikon Z6 so far so good.
3D tracking on Z9 but on Z7ll I'll try BBAF. Still learning the best way to use AF on Z7ll. Thanks for your advices 👍
So I have taken the punt and just set my camera up to do BBF for wildlife photography. I'm Looking forward to seeing how it goes.
Your old video converted me to using BBAF some six years ago, and I have never looked back. I have now switched completely from DSLR to mirrorless (except for some sentimental bodies I have kept over time... the D850 should have been one of them, but alas, I had to sacrifice it to partially fund the Z9). I am sticking with BBAF for exactly the same reasons you mention in this video. In fact, I do not consider the original limited focus-point availability to have been the main reason I switched to BBAF in the first place; it was the other, more durable ones.
Even though my Nikon Z7ii has more usable focus points than my D850, for the time being at least I’m going to stick with BBAF because I find it faster to focus and recompose than to find the joystick or multi-selector with my thumb and move the focus point. As I get more experience with the Z, I may change my mind. We’ll see. Thanks, Steve, for all the useful videos.
Steve, I am a hobbyist photographer and a user of the Nikon z50 with its kit lenses. I mainly use my camera for travel, family events and general photography. I really don't do much of wildlife photography, so I don't use the BBF button. The other reason for not using BBF, once in while a family member will use my camera to talk a picture of me/family, so BBF will not work for them. As always great tips on using your camera.
Thanks for sharing . 💯💯💯💯💯💪💪💪💪💪 .
BBAF was always a challenge for me since I am left-eye dominant. Thanks to Steve’s tip of assigning the fn button on the front of the camera to accomplish this, I am totally sold on “front BBAF”!
Great way to adapt. Happy Shooting.
I am also left-eye dominant but use the AF-ON button for BBAF. I guess there is enough room between my face and the AF-ON button on my OM-1.
I bought my Z6ii the first setting I changed was to add BBF for the way I shoot it works far better
For wildlife/action -- AF-ON is initiated with the shutter button and I use BBAF to enable/switch to 3D-tracking on my Z9.
To answer your question: Yes you are crazy, but in a good way😂. I started BBAF because of you and after about two weeks using it I was totally convinced. All the reasons you name apply for me too plus I don't have to switch between AF-C and AF-S. Maybe I'm crazy, too 🤣
I have recently changed my bbaf button to switch between auto and manual focus. Essentially given me bbaf and manual focus with one button.
After years of BBF I find it strange to use the shutter release focus when picking up someone's camera. When I move to mirrorless, I doubt that I will change, for the reasons you described and because my muscle memory is locked in for BBF. Thanks Steve!
I've been a BBF since I got my Nikon D750 like 7 years ago. I tried to go back to shutter release AF with the z9 once, but it was horrible for the issues you mentioned on the video and I went right back to BBF. Is hard to go back after you are so used to it.
As mentioned, shooting different genres (wildlife, sports, landscapes) benefits from different autofocus setups. On my Canon, I have 3 back buttons - one for single shot, point focus, one for animals, continuous, and one for people, continuous. Overkill, I know, but works for me.
same here
Switched to BBAF in continuous mode and it became very natural after a short time. It's not for everyone but it certainly has its advantages.
I have considered using BBF, but don’t want an extra thing to think about in rushed action situations. I have that back button assigned to AF/MF toggle- if I want to lock focus I can press and then have option to make further manual adjustments to fine tune focus if subject is in bushes, etc. Has so far worked for me.
I used to use BBAF on Nikon DSLRs before I migrated to Sony mirrorless. I don't use BBAF anymore. In fact I use AF-ON button for Play to make chimping easier (to reach and to zoom with second press). But I also use AF/MF toggle on a button (joystick button) to cover remaining useful usecases of the BBAF.
After 4 decades of exclusive front button focus, I found it very difficult to transition because of muscle memory. In part, this may have been because I kept one custom mode for front button focus, and the temptation was often too much. So about 6 months ago, I decided to try again, this time removing the option to use the front button to focus. It was a difficult transition, with shots lost when I would forget. But now, I would never go back. This is even more true with dual back button focus, where I can customize one button with a narrow focus area for perched birds and assign the second button with a wider focus area and faster shutter speed to capture birds in flight.