Live mode settings menu on the camera LCD screen
Replace with a photo of the back button AF ON

bACK BUTTON FOCUSING

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Introduction 

Back Button Focusing (BBF) is a camera setting that separates the function of focusing from the shutter button, giving photographers more control over their focus. Instead of half-pressing the shutter to focus, back button focusing assigns focus to a separate button on the back of the camera. This technique is widely used by professional photographers, especially in sports, wildlife, and portrait photography, because it allows for faster, more precise focusing.

Why Use Back Button Focusing?

With back button focusing, you gain:

  • Better Focus Control: You can focus independently of the shutter button, which is ideal for situations where your subject may move quickly or unpredictably.
  • Continuous and Fixed Focus: You can quickly switch between continuous focusing (AF-C/AI Servo) and fixed focusing (AF-S/One-Shot) without changing settings.
  • Less Focus Hunting: By separating focus from the shutter, your camera won’t try to refocus each time you take a new shot, especially useful for subjects that remain at a fixed distance.
Back button focusing allows you to refocus quickly and easily

How to Set Up Back Button Focusing

Setting up back button focusing varies depending on your camera make and model, but here are general steps for most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras:

  1. Access the Camera Menu: Go to the settings menu on your camera and look for the “Custom Controls” or “Button Customization” section.
  2. Assign AF to a Back Button: Locate the AF-ON button on the back of your camera. If your camera lacks this button, you can usually assign a similar button (like the AE-L/AF-L button) to focus.
  3. Disable Focus from the Shutter Button:
    • For Canon users: Disable “Shutter/AF-ON” by selecting “AF-ON Only.”
    • For Nikon users: Set the focus option to “AF-ON Only” or disable shutter-based AF in the custom controls menu.
  4. Choose AF Mode: Set your camera to Continuous AF (AF-C or AI Servo). This allows the camera to keep adjusting focus as long as you hold down the back button, perfect for tracking moving subjects.
  5. Test the Setup: Practice half-pressing the shutter button to expose without focusing and using the back button to focus.

How to Use Back Button Focusing

Once you’ve set up BBF, you’re ready to experiment! Here’s how to apply it in different scenarios:

  1. Focusing on a Moving Subject:
    • Hold down the back button to continuously track your subject.
    • Press the shutter whenever you want to capture a shot. Since the focus is separate, you won’t need to refocus every time.
  2. Locking Focus on a Stationary Subject:
    • Press the back button to focus on your subject, then release it.
    • This locks the focus so you can move your camera for a creative composition without losing focus.
  3. Switching Between Subjects Quickly:
    • For instances when you need to focus on different areas quickly, hold down the back button for each new focus point.
    • This is ideal for situations with multiple subjects or moving objects, like a wildlife scene with several animals.

When to Use Back Button Focusing

Back button focusing is versatile, but it truly shines in certain scenarios:

  • Wildlife Photography: For tracking animals in motion without losing focus.
  • Sports Photography: Ideal for quickly locking onto fast-moving athletes.
  • Portrait Photography: Helps capture moments without refocusing for each shot, allowing for faster, more candid captures.
  • Landscape and Still-Life Photography: You can set your focus once and compose freely without worrying about refocusing.
A rush of action during the Fete Votive in France. Horses and Bulls
Back button focusing captures all the action

Pros and Cons of Back Button Focusing

Pros:

  • Faster and more flexible focusing, especially in dynamic situations.
  • Less hunting and loss of focus.
  • More precise control over focus and depth of field.

Cons:

  • Takes time to get used to, as it’s different from the default method.
  • May not be ideal for beginners who are still mastering basic focusing.
  • In low-light conditions, focusing can be slightly trickier since you’ll use the back button rather than half-pressing the shutter.

Practice Execise

  1. Start with Static Subjects: Practice focusing on still objects using the back button and moving your camera to recompose. This will help you get comfortable with focusing separately from shooting.
  2. Move to Moving Subjects: Try focusing on subjects that move, like pets or people walking, to practice continuous focus.
  3. Test in Different Lighting Conditions: Experiment with different lighting to get a feel for how well your camera focuses with back button focusing in various settings.

Conclusion

Back Button Focusing can transform your photography by giving you control over focusing, especially in challenging conditions. With practice, it can become second nature, giving you a powerful tool for sharper, more intentional shots.

Melanie Sharp is a photographer and zootographer, click on the link to fnd out more [link to about us]. These lessons are offered to our members for free. If you would like a copy of this lesson for reference, please email me and i will send you a digital copy for print or storage. Please do not share this content with social media or other people, reproduce it or distribute it. Contact me on [email] for more information and your download link.

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