Mastering Back Button Focus in Digital Cameras for Professional Photography

Back button focus is a powerful technique that can significantly enhance your photography skills, especially when working with advanced systems cameras. This article will explore how back button focus operates, its benefits, and how to effectively incorporate it into your photography workflow.

Understanding Back Button Focus

Back button focus refers to a technique where the camera's focus is controlled using a dedicated button located on the back of the camera, rather than the shutter button. This method allows for more precise and flexible focusing, which can be incredibly useful in a wide range of photography scenarios.

AF Modes in Digital Cameras

Digital cameras feature two main autofocus (AF) modes: AF.S (Single) and AF.C (Continuous). AF.S is designed for static subjects, while AF.C is suited for moving subjects. Once you configure your back button to activate AF, you can use AF.C to focus on moving objects with ease. Here’s how to set it up:

Set your camera to AF.S for stationary subjects. Configure the back button to activate AF. Switch the camera to AF.C to continuously focus on moving subjects.

Default Camera Behavior

Traditionally, cameras focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway before taking a photo. However, more advanced cameras allow you to change this behavior, making the shutter button solely responsible for taking the photo rather than focusing. So, if the shutter button is not triggering focus, what does it do? Well, it's often a button on the back of the camera used for back button focus.

Benefits of Back Button Focus

Back button focus offers several advantages:

Flexibility: It allows you to focus on a subject and then recompose without losing focus, which is particularly useful in portrait and sports photography. Speed: By activating the camera’s autofocus with the back button, you eliminate the need to focus each time you compose a shot, speeding up the shooting process. Control: You can pre-focus on a specific area and know exactly what will be in sharp focus when you take the shot. Consistency: Back button focus ensures that focus and shutter release remain separate functions, reducing the likelihood of missed shots due to focusing distractions.

Practical Applications and Tips

A professional photographer named Steve Ives uses back button focus almost exclusively on his Nikon DSLRs. He explains why and how this technique can be beneficial:

I use back button focus almost exclusively on all my Nikon DSLRs. It allows me to separate the shutter release’s dual functions of autofocus control and shutter release into two separate functions. By moving the focus freeze function to one of the camera’s programmable pushbuttons, I gain more control over my photography. Although it may take someone a few weeks to learn to use it efficiently, once mastered, you won't go back to the default setting.

For instance, if you are photographing a racing car circuit, you can focus on a specific part of the track and know that any car racing through that area will be in focus when you take the shot. This technique is invaluable in situations where precise control over focus is crucial.

Conclusion

Back button focus is a versatile tool that can greatly enhance your photography skills. By understanding how it works and how to configure your camera settings, you can take your photography to the next level. Whether you are a professional photographer or an advanced enthusiast, incorporating back button focus into your workflow can make a noticeable difference in the quality and consistency of your work.