BACK BUTTON FOCUS A GAME CHANGER

Back Button Focus

I’m addicted to learning and have a tendency to dive all in when a subject interests me. To that end I spend a lot of time on LinkedIn’s video based educational website Lynda.com watching their fantastic photography courses. Recently I watched a video called “Nikon D800 and D810: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques” from photographer Steve Simon. This video has become a photography game changer for me.

What is Back Button Focus?

Back Button Focus is an alternative method of camera control that separates the functions of shutter release and focus from a single button to two buttons. The shutter release is used solely to activate the shutter and take a picture. The function of focus is transferred to a button on the back of a camera hence the name “Back  Button Focus” or “Back Button Autofocus“.

What is the benefit of Back Button Autofocus?

 By separating the function of focus and shutter release it allows you to use a camera in an entirely new way. Pressing and releasing the focus button causes the camera to single focus on the subject similar too half pressing and releasing the shutter release. Pressing and holding the focus button allows the camera to continuously focus. This means that you can switch from single focus to continuous focus simply by how you press the focus button. No changes to the camera required for action or still images. You are always ready.  Another benefit is your not pressing the camera down to focus. The result of all this is many more sharp images.

For me Back Button Autofocus has been a game changer. Try it yourself and thank me later.

Follow this link for the Nikon D810 Back Button Focus Setup Guide