Is Back button Auto Focus Better?

I share my thoughts on why I prefer using the shutter button for focus and the one advantage I personally find using it.

[shmacro]

I absolutely agree. I used BBF for over a decade and switched back to shutter focus a couple years ago and love it. Definitely leaves your thumb free to do other important things.

[WAPhoto]

Very good point made in the video. Thanks.

[brandt_bennett]

Good points. This has been a common knock I’ve heard on BBF. I’ll have to give it a whack and see how I like it. Thanks for sharing!

[gharpure]

Makes sense! Will try next time I am in the field.

[ruley]

I think with tracking and mirrorless going back and using shutter as a focus method makes sense. The whole or at least main purpose was focus and recompose, now the composing can be done while maintaining focus in most circumstances. But I do also understand for people that are so used to it, it's ingrained... particularly for canon users with the ability to have a couple of BBAF assigned close together.

[knightryderbelow]

I use triple back button focus. I have 1 button for standard focus, 2nd button for subject tracking and 3rd for high shutter speed for birds in flight. If I used the shutter button, I would constantly have to change shutter speeds and tracking when seconds matter but I do see your point.

[tobiasyoder]

Yeah not being able to use the thumb to do other important things is not something people talk about enough with this. I mainly focus with the middle finger having the Pv button as single point and then have AF-on set to group focus. That way I can still effectively have 'back button' focus but my thumb and index are still both free, but still have the option to quickly switch to group AF if needed using my thumb and AF-on. I switched to using middle finger for focusing after running into the exact same issues you're describing with AF-on focus locking up your thumb from adjusting settings or focus point.

I tried out some of the AF lock and AE-lock, but for whatever reason never was able to make it feel comfortable for me. Once you get used to something that works its hard to switch haha. The mirrorless tracking def makes shutter button seem better then the AF-on, but I'd prob still use middle finger just cause I'm used to it.

[isotechimages.]

Thanks Ray l always used back button a no brainer but you got me thinking that l am wasting a button if l just use it for shutter l mean you can set up so many configurations on these mirror less rigs, done so will test out new configuration in morning tar.

[Mr]

I only use Shutter Button in Africa where I live wild Life Shoot and 50 Yrs Nikon >> Have you sold your 400 2.8 ??

[lukemedcraft]

Hello ray, I’ve set my z9 to the AP mode and auto iso but don’t seem to be able to use the back wheel for the exposure compensation…currently my af-on is set to 3d…so would I need to change this on the custom controls to something ? Thanks, Luke

[doderiolarkisso]

For wildlife BBF doesn't make that much sense i see now. But as a landscape photographer, i kinda like it.

[mjd]

I've tried back button several times and can never get it to work to my advantage. I always resort back to shutter button focus and have never had any issues capturing the shot I want.