Is Back Button Focus Better? - Mike Browne

Back button focus is very popular with loads of photographers recommending it. But is it really better? And how do you find out if back button is right for you...

Let's take a look and I'll give you my take on it...

Mike Browne
#backbutton #focus

[barry]

It’s not a finger vs thumb thing. It’s about separating focus control away from the shutter button. Both on one button is simpler, separate gives more control for instances when you don’t want to refocus every time you take a shot.

[philipculbertson]

To each his own I suppose but I cannot imagine going back to shutter button focus. For me, BBF works a lot better. Better still is learning to focus manually. I shoot only landscapes and I rarely find autofocus gets the sharpness right where I want it. I may use AF to get close but I always zoom into 100% in live view and take control of the decision on where the true point of focus is. My opinion.

[ZommBleed]

Kudos for the ending, going against the grain. A true pro.

[ScottLaverPhotography]

It’s the Marmite of topics - you either love it or hate it! As always Mike a great video and for me well timed as I have just this week set my camera up for bbf and so far so good for me!

[bereantrb]

Once I learned about back-button focusing, I tried it and never switched back. I find it incredibly convenient. I don’t even think about locked or continuous focus; a press or release of my thumb does whatever I need intuitively without thought. And I personally like how I can concentrate on my exposure without refocusing; especially useful for focus/recompose technique.

[anthonyhazlewood]

Back button for me and has been so for a long while now... Faster to focus on moving things, and also when you let go it stays locked on what it was last focused on forever, without tiring your fingers out holding the button half pressed... I won't change back that's for sure... Good Vid Mike, thanks...

[tomlee]

For my photography, mainly wildlife, I do use BBF and find it really works. However, when I'm shooting landscapes or something which is static and for which I use a remote cable release I don't use it. As you say, use what works for you. PS Love the way you told us your opinion about it at the end and that you still have the capacity to surprise me! Cracking video and you surely must be one of the best teachers around. Thank you.

[derekwillson]

Hi Mike, I have tried back button focus but never really got used to it, I found it a little more awkward but it may be that I am so accustomed to half pressing my shutter that this method has become automatic for me, glad to hear that you seem to feel the same way, cheers buddy Derek.

[OZZIEMV]

Ive been using back button for a few years now and it has become second nature. It works very well when composing a photo with the subject off centre, in other words, focusing on the subject then recomposing the shot. As a lot of you will know, not all cameras have focal points out to the edges.

[Ryan_P]

I’ve been using back button focus for a number of years - I like keeping focus and exposure separate. I like it especially in the situation you were in where I’m isolating the subject from the background - lock the focus first, then I can recompose if necessary and not worry about accidentally refocusing on the background.

[GeneWaddle]

Within a month of getting my first DSLR I set it up to back button focus and have been using it since on all my cameras, both video and stills. It works for ME. The real question here is, how many thousand times do you think people will have to be told that the only answer to questions like this is, what works for THEM? 🙂

[RickMahoney]

I am glad you always say it is up to you and what you like. Everyone is different and we have different likes and dislikes, you make the decision the most honest thing anyone can say to you or me or anyone else Thanks Mike.

[MrCochise]

I've been shooting professionally for quite awhile. Yet still learn something new from your videos. Every single time! Your knowledge is brilliant!

[AnVoPhotography]

I’ve been using back button focusing for years and I find it a lot easier than shutter focusing. Thank you for the video. Interesting as always.

[alanm.]

I switched to bbf a few months ago and once I had gotten used to using it, found it much better, but like you say it is a personal preference. Always enjoy your vlogs and find them very informative. Thanks

[kenmorris]

You are very honest about your opinons a reason why I respect them so much... Love your channel...

[graemeisgreatohyes]

Most of my photography has been learned through this channel and the 7 Building Blocks of Photography, which could be why I rarely use BBF. Never found it to be of much use to me

[phynx]

When I first started using back button focusing I found it awkward and then as I got use to using it I found it very useful. It is great for locking focus, especially on someones eye and then recomposing the image and then when you push the shutter button to taking the picture the camera dosn't refocus. I will never go back to focusing with the shutter button, but that's just me, each to there own 📷 Oh, almost forgot to mention, nice bike Mike 🏍

[MrDoogs]

Mike I must say that you are so right on saying there's not one configuration for everybody we are all individuals everybody has their own unique Style and you learn as you go like you said to what's comfortable to you

[eravpl]

Without BBF you have 3 features to control focusing (I'm a Canon user, so forgive me if the features are different in your non-Canon camera):
- AF/MF switch on your lens;
- AF mode setting im menu (One Shot / AI Focus / AI Servo)
- AF activation by half-press of the shutter button.
Sometimes you have no time to operate the 3 features. With BBF you have it all under your thumb. You can:
- Shoot with or without AF (no need to switch to MF - newer lenses even allow to turn the focus ring without switching to MF first);
- Focus and recompose the frame as in the One Shot mode or focus continuously as in the AI Servo mode;
- Focus anytime you want as with the shutter button half-press.