Back button focus

[blackadder]

Just thought I would pass on a technique I use for fast action shots of re-enactments, I use Canon gear but most other brands have the required controls to do it.
I set the focus to A1 servo, this causes the focus to continuously adjust if you have the shutter half pressed, however if you have an AF button on the back of your camera you press that with your thumb and it keeps the focus sharp.
You can then concentrate on your timing to release the shutter to "catch the moment".
This is similar to the technique using the AE button that's lets you meter from one area and re compose the image whilst keeping the same exposure.
Hope this is of interest to our starting out members.
Charles.

[wolfie]

Charles have been using this method for many years. I would think that this is common knowledge and used by most 'photographers'
There is a discussion here regarding the subject
http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...utton+focusing

[blackadder]

Me too Wolfie, just thought it might be useful to the newer members who are learning.
Charles.

[Birdsnapper]

Charles, you really are trying to confuse me: all I know about my camera is that I press the silvery button thingy on the top of the camera and a picture gets taken. I just make sure that I don't accidentally press any of the others.

[wolfie]

Mike, if that's the case then as a birder I'm totally amazed if you are not using this method you are seriously missing out by not using backbutton focussing http://blog.creativelive.com/back-bu...use-and-setup/

I've been using it for almost 10 years and can assure it really does make a massive difference. or where you just being a little sarcastic.

Harry

[Adey Baker]

I've used BBF since I got my first DSLR, a Canon 20D, back in about 2005 - can be a bit awkward for left-eyed photographers where the only available button is right next to the viewfinder but I wouldn't be without it now for any subject.