I like how you actually show how you would keep the button pressed as you are focusing and use the shutter release when needed. other videos did not actually act it out. Your video is more comprehensive. Thanks!
First time I had this subject clearly and succinctly explained, covering both how to set it on my camera and exactly how to use it/how it plays out in use. Thank you.
I watched several other videos on how to set up Back Button Focus on my D500. I was ready to throw it against the wall. I found your video and you simply walked me straight through it first time . Thank for being an excellent, easy to understand instructor. !
I feel the same way! This was very easy to follow along. Question, can you program a button to go to single focus mode also so you can have both options at your disposal?
Thank you very much for this posting. I have a D500 and now it is set to BBF. I have just tried it out and it worked perfectly. Time will help me set muscle memory, so I'm on my way. Truly appreciated!
Thanks SO MUCH! I had a D7000 and had the AF button and had no issue setting it up. Since buying my D810 and had the AE-L/AF-L button I did not know how to set it up. Finding your video was FABULOUS! That was SPOT on! Great job!
Hi MIke, I like it how you explained the AE-L button on lower end cameras (near the end) There is one on my Nikon D5500 I have come to realise that one of the advantages of larger higher end cameras is that they have more buttons, which means less having to use the menu to change various modes.
Terrific walk through Mike - I'm sure this takes a lot more than 8 minutes to plan and deliver, and everything in that 8 minutes shows how well you know what you're doing without you even needing to say it. Nice style.
Thank you for making this so understandable. I viewed various videos on the subject elsewhere on UA-cam and your tutorial here was the only one that explained it in "common English." Much appreciated!
Thank you for clarify the back button focus on Nikon ! I watched over 7 different videos and still not understand the last part, until you said No need to focus on the subject as long as the location (distance) is not changing. That is the key words"the distance not changing. Thanks again !
The best explanation. He didn’t even show us about activating the AF-ON only but also how to disable the half shutter focus as well unlike the other’s , thanks 👍🏼
This technique works very well when you get familiar with it. However, it assumes you will use your right eye to look through the viewfinder. When I have had problems with my right eye, I have needed to switch to my left eye for the viewfinder, but in that case I can’t put my thumb on the AF-ON button because the right side of my face blocks access. Fortunately there is a workaround. If you have a model that includes a vertical grip, or for which you can buy one (I have the MB-D11 for my D7000), you have an AF-ON button on the vertical grip too (or can assign the AE-L/AF-L button on the vertical grip using a menu item similar to what Mike showed in the video). You can view with your left eye and press the AF-ON button on the vertical grip instead, even in horizontal mode while supporting the camera with your left hand. It works!
Thanks! I just bought a barely used (shutter count 1,956) Nikon D7000, and have a lot to learn about it. This really helps! (My "Nikon D7000 for Dummies" should be here tomorrow. That will help, too!)
Thank you for showing the back of the camera and the menu steps on how to change the programme. I have just changed my D7100 to do this now. Thank you very much Mike.
Rather an old video, true, but as not everyone has the latest gear, I just wanted to say that this technique also works on 'non-pro' models, too. 🙂 I have a lowly D3300 with the bog-standard AF-P DX 18-55mm kit lens, and setting up back-button focus was easy. It's a very useful modification.
Great Video! All of these arm chair experts complaining/commenting about your reference of the D750 as a "lower end" DSLR is so funny. Life in the Nikon FX lineup is brutal. The D5 is arguably the best photo-journalist DSLR on the market, but spends at over $6K. Then we have the Mega-megapixel D8XX that is a very high end commercial landscape, fashion and architectural beast. Not a cheap piece of kit either. Yeah... With that in mind the D750 is very much a lower end of it's fancy big brothers. Cheers
Your are awesome sir....you helped me to get out of a frustration of my focus lock, am also a Nikon user so, it's really really helps me alot.....thank you so much sir, now I can capture my Idole one...!
Excelent explanation with example in real case of use. So many times, the cameras are designing for so many ocation diferents and inveronments to use, and the oportunities of explore this tipe of use, maybe never you use it. Is great how other people allways take diferents ways to win time and dont loose the shot. This is one of this case. thank you so much
Great video! I just bought a D5500 for my wife this Christmas. Actually our first entry level DSLR camera ... We still need to read, practice and learn a lot. This is a real science.... lol.
Thanks for making this video. This is a great help , especially when you consider how deep within the menu structure these settings are found. I love to use the back focus button on my D7100!
Great! I so hope you are still there and able to help. I have a D750 and use bbf assigned to the AF-L/AE-L button just as you describe. Works a treat. My question is about how the camera then meters the exposure (recent sport photo session with players in focus but sky completely blown out). Does the bbf focus button also meter for the exposure when pressed? in the same way half pressing the shutter button would do? No mention of AE when assigning the back button. Thanks for your help (fingers crossed)
I have to try it still but once I have something in focus but want to move my composition, I then hold the back AF-Lock then I can simply fully press the shutter and it takes the photo. Has always worked well for me. I guess it does mean you're pressing two buttons in one go.
They are both capable cameras which are used for all manor off things. Nikon D750 is what I am purchasing next and then the Nikon D500. Along with the Panasonic GH4 and XT2. Not long ago purchased the Nikon D5500 great for street photography.
Gr8 tutorial. First time I was able to understand the BBF thing. Can you please make a video on AE-L/AF-L usage please with example ? I shoot Nikon D7200 and fairly new to photography. Thanks!!
Excellent video! Very straightforward explanation and I actually get it now. I have watched a couple others and while the techy part was explained in great detail, I wasn't quite sure how to practically apply it. But now I do! Great work!
WOW! Coming from a D300 to a D750? Your video couldn't have done a more examplary job in explaining the subtle differences between the utilization of the Back-Button Functions between my two Nikons given that we have similar configuration... Thanks a lot for such a great video. I may have finally solved my problem shooting flowers in windy conditions...Cheers!
Thank you for a very clear explanation. Two questions: 1.) on the Nikon D7500, if I assign the ae/af button to BBAF, do I have to keep that button pressed as long as I’m shooting, or just press it once and release. 2.) how do you set autoexposure using BBAF? What should the setting be for the shutter release? Now I have it set so a halfway press on the shutter sets the autoexposure. Is this the correct/ best way? Thank you in advance.
Trying to understand the BBF more. At 7:38 while the BBF was pressed down during the AF continuation mode, you can still trigger the shutter button simultaneously to take photo? Will this affect the image sharpness while the AF is still hunting?
Thank you. A After sometime I shall again watch. It will guide me; I personally feel purchasing a camera takes more than months to learn - as I have been suffering, not being able to click good pictures. Thank you. It will help me to learn more as you have examined elaborately Question: Will clicking birds or ducks in water be the same as you have said, or clicking birds needs other tips. If you have not explained, then please give us tips like this.
Wow thanks for giving such a amazing awesome example of back button focusing I totally appreciate your hard work that goes into making these types of instructional informative and educational videos for us newbie photographers. So again thanks a million
Thanks for the explanation! I just changed my D750 to BBF and I'm sure at first it may take some getting use to, but I'll definitely give it a good long time of usage!
In BBF on AF-C can I recompose after I hit the button once and let go? AFTER I Shot I saw that the original subject was not sharp anymore. But sharpness had moved at the point behind the new position of single point focus square. The original subject was not sharp anymore. And the distance to the subject had not changed. I presumed that I can only recompose when at AF-S. Thank you for your time and help
Thanks for your useful tutorial. I set the joystick to 9 dynamic point. When I press it on view finder I can see dynamic focus point but it not sensitive to objects! When I press it nothing changed. Could you help me what is my problem? By the way I have a D850
Great explanation. Only one question. When I use back-button focus on a D3300, the photos come out with a black screen, while holding down AF-L button. Is there a reason for this, and how can I rectify it? Thanks
This explained BBF better than others on YT and it only took 1 guy to do it. Can't wait to try it out if my camera is capable of it.Thanks a lot.
Thank you so very, very much! You video is clear and concise and I was FINALLY able to get my back button focus set up properly.
I like how you actually show how you would keep the button pressed as you are focusing and use the shutter release when needed. other videos did not actually act it out. Your video is more comprehensive. Thanks!
First time I had this subject clearly and succinctly explained, covering both how to set it on my camera and exactly how to use it/how it plays out in use. Thank you.
Exactly what I appreciated about this tutorial!
I agree. This is the clearest explanation of back button focus I've seen. Now I understand (hopefully) and can't wait to use it.
Best description I've heard of this function, thank you.
I watched several other videos on how to set up Back Button Focus on my D500. I was ready to throw it against the wall. I found your video and you simply walked me straight through it first time
. Thank for being an excellent, easy to understand instructor. !
I feel the same way! This was very easy to follow along. Question, can you program a button to go to single focus mode also so you can have both options at your disposal?
This was the best explanation and visual of how to set up and use, thank you. Nikon Z7 user
Very simple method of explaining.Thanks you Mr.Mike hagen
Probably the best explanation I've seen on the topic. Great video.
Exactly
Agreed...!
Yes , it is,. He is a great teacher at photography...!
The best explanation I've seen so far!
I've been using this method for years on my Nikon D100, D200, 2 x D300, D300s. It's the only way to go! :)
Thank you very much for this posting. I have a D500 and now it is set to BBF. I have just tried it out and it worked perfectly. Time will help me set muscle memory, so I'm on my way. Truly appreciated!
Thanks SO MUCH! I had a D7000 and had the AF button and had no issue setting it up. Since buying my D810 and had the AE-L/AF-L button I did not know how to set it up. Finding your video was FABULOUS! That was SPOT on! Great job!
One of the best explanations on this topic I have ever come across so far.
Hi MIke, I like it how you explained the AE-L button on lower end cameras (near the end)
There is one on my Nikon D5500
I have come to realise that one of the advantages of larger higher end cameras is that they have more buttons, which means less having to use the menu to change various modes.
Thank. I finally insert this with the back button holding it down and releasing. You’re a good teacher
Terrific walk through Mike - I'm sure this takes a lot more than 8 minutes to plan and deliver, and everything in that 8 minutes shows how well you know what you're doing without you even needing to say it. Nice style.
Heard about back-button focusing on my camera so much but didn't have a clue how to set it up until I watched this. Thank you
This is by far the best explanation of why to use and how to setup.
I finally understand! Thank you!
All those other videos were not as clearly scripted and executed as yours is.
Thank you for making this so understandable. I viewed various videos on the subject elsewhere on UA-cam and your tutorial here was the only one that explained it in "common English." Much appreciated!
Thanks mo one explain like you do in the nikon sistem thanks
Thank you for explaining this - very valuable info for someone moving from a D610 to the D850. Not just how to do it - but why you want to do it!
Thank you for clarify the back button focus on Nikon ! I watched over 7 different videos and still not understand the last part, until you said No need to focus on the subject as long as the location (distance) is not changing. That is the key words"the distance not changing. Thanks again !
The best explanation. He didn’t even show us about activating the AF-ON only but also how to disable the half shutter focus as well unlike the other’s , thanks 👍🏼
This technique works very well when you get familiar with it. However, it assumes you will use your right eye to look through the viewfinder. When I have had problems with my right eye, I have needed to switch to my left eye for the viewfinder, but in that case I can’t put my thumb on the AF-ON button because the right side of my face blocks access. Fortunately there is a workaround. If you have a model that includes a vertical grip, or for which you can buy one (I have the MB-D11 for my D7000), you have an AF-ON button on the vertical grip too (or can assign the AE-L/AF-L button on the vertical grip using a menu item similar to what Mike showed in the video). You can view with your left eye and press the AF-ON button on the vertical grip instead, even in horizontal mode while supporting the camera with your left hand. It works!
Hands down the best video on back button focusing I've seen.
Thank you for a straight forward, no nonsense approach to your very informative tutorial!
Thanks! I just bought a barely used (shutter count 1,956) Nikon D7000, and have a lot to learn about it. This really helps! (My "Nikon D7000 for Dummies" should be here tomorrow. That will help, too!)
Great...Frist Time I Had This Subject Clearly Explained .How To Set It On My Nikon DSLR Camera And How To Use It .This was Really Helpfull Thank You.
Thank you for showing the back of the camera and the menu steps on how to change the programme. I have just changed my D7100 to do this now. Thank you very much Mike.
Rather an old video, true, but as not everyone has the latest gear, I just wanted to say that this technique also works on 'non-pro' models, too. 🙂 I have a lowly D3300 with the bog-standard AF-P DX 18-55mm kit lens, and setting up back-button focus was easy.
It's a very useful modification.
Nice!
Great Video! All of these arm chair experts complaining/commenting about your reference of the D750 as a "lower end" DSLR is so funny. Life in the Nikon FX lineup is brutal. The D5 is arguably the best photo-journalist DSLR on the market, but spends at over $6K. Then we have the Mega-megapixel D8XX that is a very high end commercial landscape, fashion and architectural beast. Not a cheap piece of kit either. Yeah... With that in mind the D750 is very much a lower end of it's fancy big brothers. Cheers
Your are awesome sir....you helped me to get out of a frustration of my focus lock, am also a Nikon user so, it's really really helps me alot.....thank you so much sir, now I can capture my Idole one...!
AWESOME explanation....D750....not a lower end body tho...its an OUTSTANDING camera
with your video I now understand back button. Everyone else I have seen made it too confusing. Thank you so much
Best video about back button focusing... thank you!! No other video would detail if you have to hold down the button, when to let go, etc. Kudos!
I programmed a Nikon D7200 this "Back Button Focus" function do the Pv button, because for me it is much more convenient, and also works flawlessly.
Excelent explanation with example in real case of use.
So many times, the cameras are designing for so many ocation diferents and inveronments to use, and the oportunities of explore this tipe of use, maybe never you use it. Is great how other people allways take diferents ways to win time and dont loose the shot. This is one of this case.
thank you so much
Great video! I just bought a D5500 for my wife this Christmas. Actually our first entry level DSLR camera ... We still need to read, practice and learn a lot. This is a real science.... lol.
That's a perfect camera to start, i had it and i loved it, very good image quality, shoot raw (NEF for Nikon) Enjoy!
xell1969 Thanks.
One of the best explanation of BBF so far. Simple and detailed. Thanks.
Thanks for making this video. This is a great help , especially when you consider how deep within the menu structure these settings are found. I love to use the back focus button on my D7100!
Thanks !!! The last 30 seconds drove home the point for me ...
Best explanation of back button focus I have seen.
The most helpful tutorial I've ever found on this subject. (Nikon D300 user) Thank you Mike Hagen.
Explained perfectly so that me, an amateur can understand! 🙏🏼
Great! I so hope you are still there and able to help. I have a D750 and use bbf assigned to the AF-L/AE-L button just as you describe. Works a treat. My question is about how the camera then meters the exposure (recent sport photo session with players in focus but sky completely blown out). Does the bbf focus button also meter for the exposure when pressed? in the same way half pressing the shutter button would do? No mention of AE when assigning the back button. Thanks for your help (fingers crossed)
I have to try it still but once I have something in focus but want to move my composition, I then hold the back AF-Lock then I can simply fully press the shutter and it takes the photo. Has always worked well for me. I guess it does mean you're pressing two buttons in one go.
That's the best explanation I've seen so far. Thank you
Excellent description, explanation, and demonstration. Thank you.
Clear explanation compare with others. I still have difficulties to use ae-l / af-l button on my d750.
Thanks for the clear explanation. Been struggling to understand this concept and this is by far the best explanation.
you have no ideas what this explanation means to me. thank you so much. I was beating my head over this.
"...in English, that means..." :-) Great video, easy to understand the step by step. Thanks!
Very well explained. So easy to understand. Thank you
Thank you. Easiest explanation I have listened to thus far!
Cool...just getting into shooting digital with a D7100...this tip makes sense...great info...Will try that right now!!
They are both capable cameras which are used for all manor off things. Nikon D750 is what I am purchasing next and then the Nikon D500.
Along with the Panasonic GH4 and XT2.
Not long ago purchased the Nikon D5500 great for street photography.
Thank You, a simple and effective explanation. Now I'm using back Button focus on my Nikon D5200 !
Great video - thank you! Have now set my D800 exactly the same. Perfect.
Thank you for explaining that so well. I've been trying to figure this out for days.
Gr8 tutorial. First time I was able to understand the BBF thing. Can you please make a video on AE-L/AF-L usage please with example ? I shoot Nikon D7200 and fairly new to photography. Thanks!!
Excellent video! Very straightforward explanation and I actually get it now. I have watched a couple others and while the techy part was explained in great detail, I wasn't quite sure how to practically apply it. But now I do! Great work!
Great video, great teacher, articulate, accurate and pleasant. Tx
WOW! Coming from a D300 to a D750? Your video couldn't have done a more examplary job in explaining the subtle differences between the utilization of the Back-Button Functions between my two Nikons given that we have similar configuration...
Thanks a lot for such a great video. I may have finally solved my problem shooting flowers in windy conditions...Cheers!
Tripod is Really Right Stuff...they are awesome with their Arca Swiss plates and camera attachments
Very well explained... now this doubt is cleared... thank you..🙏❤
Perfectly put... Thank You. That just help me a ton.
Thank you for a very clear explanation. Two questions: 1.) on the Nikon D7500, if I assign the ae/af button to BBAF, do I have to keep that button pressed as long as I’m shooting, or just press it once and release. 2.) how do you set autoexposure using BBAF? What should the setting be for the shutter release? Now I have it set so a halfway press on the shutter sets the autoexposure. Is this the correct/ best way? Thank you in advance.
Artist bro .. the best explaination .. i have the 750 you helped me a lot thanks
Great video, clear & concise. Thank you.
Thousand thanks for a very clear and informative instruction video !😀
Trying to understand the BBF more. At 7:38 while the BBF was pressed down during the AF continuation mode, you can still trigger the shutter button simultaneously to take photo? Will this affect the image sharpness while the AF is still hunting?
Thanks for the clear explanation and showing how it is done.
You made it very easy to understand. Thank you
Thank you. A
After sometime I shall again watch.
It will guide me; I personally feel purchasing a camera takes more than months to learn - as I have been suffering, not being able to click good pictures. Thank you.
It will help me to learn more as you have examined elaborately
Question: Will clicking birds or ducks in water be the same as you have said, or clicking birds needs other tips. If you have not explained, then please give us tips like this.
Thank you. I had been wondering what back button focus was and it helps seeing it on a Nikon as well.
Wow thanks for giving such a amazing awesome example of back button focusing I totally appreciate your hard work that goes into making these types of instructional informative and educational videos for us newbie photographers. So again thanks a million
The best button for passionate photographer. Thanks for sharing. Good luck.
Can you use this for normal portraits
Ever heard of Focus Lock ? and adjusting the focus traking ? among many options
, switching OK button to make focus back to center
This helped a lot and explained everything I wanted to know about back button focusing! Going to use it now!
Thank you for this video... I truly and easily was able to understand and make the change. I'm very happy with it!
merci beaucoup what an excellent presentation. question please: does automatic apply to the vertical AF button on a Nikon D4 ? thanks for your answer
Thank you buddy, your video is just excellent. I've just programmed my d7500 to back button focus! BTW, I love this camera!
very nicely explained. Helped me set up mine.
Thank you very much for explaining that in simple terms!
Clear and concise explanation of how and when to use. Thank you for making and sharing this video.
Clear explanation. I was not getting it till now.
Fantastic explanation, thank you 🙏
Awesome video finally figured how to set my camera with BBF.Thanks
Very clear, concise and great presentation.
This was really helpfull. I always wondered how to recompose in af-c mode w/out loosing focus on my subject...now I know it :) thank you!
Hi sir, Can I use this video in my blog for educational purposes? It is a humble request.
Thanks for the explanation! I just changed my D750 to BBF and I'm sure at first it may take some getting use to, but I'll definitely give it a good long time of usage!
So, what you using now?
In BBF on AF-C can I recompose after I hit the button once and let go? AFTER I Shot I saw that the original subject was not sharp anymore. But sharpness had moved at the point behind the new position of single point focus square. The original subject was not sharp anymore. And the distance to the subject had not changed. I presumed that I can only recompose when at AF-S. Thank you for your time and help
Thanks for your useful tutorial. I set the joystick to 9 dynamic point. When I press it on view finder I can see dynamic focus point but it not sensitive to objects! When I press it nothing changed. Could you help me what is my problem? By the way I have a D850
Awesome video and tutorial 👌 Short sharp and sweet 😋
Great explanation. Only one question. When I use back-button focus on a D3300, the photos come out with a black screen, while holding down AF-L button. Is there a reason for this, and how can I rectify it? Thanks
Super helpful and clear! Thanks.