Clackers' Beginners Tip 26: Back Button Focus

**ehrwien** · 06-18-2022, 01:39 AM - **1 Like**

I don't trust AF-C to be as accurate for stationary targets as AF-S. And I don't trust myself to manage focus separately from the shutter button. With the K-3 III, the difference between AF-C with differently sized areas and AF hold statuses, and AF-S with single spot is just a flick of the third wheel away. I think I sometimes use the back button to cancel AF if it's just for once, and theres the switch to MF if I don't want focus changed for longer.

I think it's nice that there are several ways for us to achieve the same thing. Choice is nice.

**photogem** · 06-18-2022, 10:29 AM - **1 Like**

Back-button focus has become standard for me.
But all my Pentax DSLR are then set for AF-C as well.

Normally I don't like AF-C at all but together with BBF it is smart:
- You press the AF button, then let go (focus sits)

- Then the shutter-release button (AF-C is not affected by pressing it, it won't re-focus)

**clackers** · 06-19-2022, 06:30 PM

Originally posted by photogem

Back-button focus has become standard for me.
But all my Pentax DSLR are then set for AF-C as well.

Yes, all mine are set for AF-C too, Photogem, that's how I shoot anything moving or stationary.

**photogem** · 06-20-2022, 12:00 AM

Originally posted by clackers

Yes, all mine are set for AF-C too, Photogem, that's how I shoot anything moving or stationary.

With the KP and shooting birds or insects with the 55-300PLM I had more success with AF-C the normal way, i.e. not BBF.
Quick moving objects are not my main "objects of desire" but sometimes I love to do it. Then BBF with AF-C is often too slow, the bird, bee or humming-bumble-bee already has moved. Sometimes "focus trap" (is that the right word in English?) is perfect of course. Of course

insects need macro and not the PLM. If I would do it more often I would love a 200mm macro but it is too rare.

But for birds feeding their offspring the PLM is really great but BBF with AF-C too slow. I guess the same will apply to sports (but I have zero experience there (taking pics though)

Jonathan Mac · 06-22-2022, 05:11 AM - **1 Like**

I've tried BBF and honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Every now and then I think "people go on and on (and on) about how great it is, I should give it another try" but I've yet to do it. I've seen numerous explanations of why it's so great but none of them really apply to what I do.

Oooh and look - my 9000th post!

**Mooncatt** · 06-22-2022, 07:34 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Oooh and look - my 9000th post!

"Over 9000" memes locked and loaded for your next one.

**rogerstg** · 06-23-2022, 03:21 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

I've tried BBF and honestly don't see what the fuss is about.

First - congrats on 9000+ posts!

Like any technique, there's no point to BBF if the benefits don't apply to what or how you shoot. I find it most useful in an active and cluttered situation like wildlife moving in the brush.

Below, the deer were walking perpendicular to us. I focused on one through a small clearing just before the shots. When they arrived at a better position, I gave a faun call and they stopped briefly, looking my way. This was the best composition of the 9 shots taken (probably three quick 3 shot bursts). The deer are in focus despite being behind trees and branches.

My wife doesn't use BBF. Her shots all looked like this, with the trees nicely in focus:

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06-18-2022, 01:39 AM - 1 Like	#16
ehrwien Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2,784	I don't trust AF-C to be as accurate for stationary targets as AF-S. And I don't trust myself to manage focus separately from the shutter button. With the K-3 III, the difference between AF-C with differently sized areas and AF hold statuses, and AF-S with single spot is just a flick of the third wheel away. I think I sometimes use the back button to cancel AF if it's just for once, and theres the switch to MF if I don't want focus changed for longer. I think it's nice that there are several ways for us to achieve the same thing. Choice is nice.

06-18-2022, 10:29 AM - 1 Like	#17
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,522	Back-button focus has become standard for me. But all my Pentax DSLR are then set for AF-C as well. Normally I don't like AF-C at all but together with BBF it is smart: - You press the AF button, then let go (focus sits) - Then the shutter-release button (AF-C is not affected by pressing it, it won't re-focus)

06-19-2022, 06:30 PM	#18
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397 Original Poster	Originally posted by photogem Back-button focus has become standard for me. But all my Pentax DSLR are then set for AF-C as well. Yes, all mine are set for AF-C too, Photogem, that's how I shoot anything moving or stationary.

06-20-2022, 12:00 AM	#19
photogem Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 3,522	Originally posted by clackers Yes, all mine are set for AF-C too, Photogem, that's how I shoot anything moving or stationary. With the KP and shooting birds or insects with the 55-300PLM I had more success with AF-C the normal way, i.e. not BBF. Quick moving objects are not my main "objects of desire" but sometimes I love to do it. Then BBF with AF-C is often too slow, the bird, bee or humming-bumble-bee already has moved. Sometimes "focus trap" (is that the right word in English?) is perfect of course. Of course insects need macro and not the PLM. If I would do it more often I would love a 200mm macro but it is too rare. But for birds feeding their offspring the PLM is really great but BBF with AF-C too slow. I guess the same will apply to sports (but I have zero experience there (taking pics though)

06-22-2022, 05:11 AM - 1 Like	#20
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,911	I've tried BBF and honestly don't see what the fuss is about. Every now and then I think "people go on and on (and on) about how great it is, I should give it another try" but I've yet to do it. I've seen numerous explanations of why it's so great but none of them really apply to what I do. Oooh and look - my 9000th post!

06-22-2022, 07:34 AM	#21
Mooncatt Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2020 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,373	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Oooh and look - my 9000th post! "Over 9000" memes locked and loaded for your next one.

06-23-2022, 03:21 PM - 1 Like	#22
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac I've tried BBF and honestly don't see what the fuss is about. First - congrats on 9000+ posts! Like any technique, there's no point to BBF if the benefits don't apply to what or how you shoot. I find it most useful in an active and cluttered situation like wildlife moving in the brush. Below, the deer were walking perpendicular to us. I focused on one through a small clearing just before the shots. When they arrived at a better position, I gave a faun call and they stopped briefly, looking my way. This was the best composition of the 9 shots taken (probably three quick 3 shot bursts). The deer are in focus despite being behind trees and branches. My wife doesn't use BBF. Her shots all looked like this, with the trees nicely in focus: