Back Button Focus

Back Button Focus is a technique that separates the autofocus function from the shutter button. This allows the photographer to focus using a dedicated button.

Most cameras refocus when the shutter release is depressed half way. You continue to depress the shutter release when recomposing the shot.  When the focus point is where it should be,  the photographer presses the shutter release all the way activating the shutter. If the subject moves forward or back the picture may be out of focus.  Every time the shutter button is depressed the camera has to find focus slowing down the picture taking process.

Back button focus is so much better and faster.  Back button focus is ideal for sports, wildlife, or busy grand children.

How does back button focus work?

The setup of back button focus disconnects your shutter release from the focus mode.  No longer will the camera focus when the shutter release button is depressed. 

Many DSLRs have a separate button for focus style labeled AF-ON or AEL.  By learning to use this button or other reprogrammed function button for focus you may never go back. 

Focus Modes on most cameras: 

• Single Shot  (AF-S on Nikon cameras or Servo AF on Canon cameras)

• Continuous Focus (AF-C on Nikon cameras or AI-Servo/Servo AF on Canon cameras)

• Automatic Focus

 How to set up Back Button Focus:

Back button focus is slightly different for every camera and every camera manufacturer. Check your camera manual for specific directions or google your camera model and “back button focus”. 

Most cameras require you to change two or three settings.

1.       Select continuous auto focusing

2.       Disconnect autofocus from your shutter button

3.       Enable back-button autofocus

Once set…

For single focus – press and release the AF-On button -> press shutter release button.

For continuance focus – press and hold the AF-On button ->press shutter release button.

 Why use back button focus?

1.        Portrait photography.  Lock the focus on the subject eye by pressing the button mapped to back button focus.  As long as the distance between the subject and the photography does not change you can recompose and reshoot many times without refocusing.

2.       Wildlife.  Continuously press the button mapped to back button focus while pressing the shutter button and following the animal.  The camera will quickly focus on the subject while rapidly taking pictures.  If you didn’t have back button focus setup you would have to stop to switch your camera from single to continuous focus which would waste seconds.

3.       Very useful when using a tripod for landscape or night photography.  Focusing a building or trees can be difficult at night.  Use you back button focus to lock focus on your subject and recompose as much as you want.

4.       During a wedding someone steps in-between the bride and the photographer during the wedding photos.  Every time the shutter release is pressed the camera will refocus more than likely focusing on the intruder and leaving the bride out of focus.

 Should everyone use Back Button Focus?

Back button may not be for you if you are not comfortable with your camera or if you aren’t sure how focus works.  This method of focus will make your camera more complicated.

But…if you’re ready to try more advanced techniques that can improve your photos….retrain your muscle memory and welcome to back button focus!