I get asked quite regularly about this technique so here’s what it is, why you might choose to use it and why I don’t!
Back button focusing involves using a feature of your camera that enables you to split focusing and shooting from one button to two.
Why is this useful?
- It can help produce sharper images
- It can be useful if shooting moving subjects
- It prevents the camera refocusing when recomposing your shot
- It stops those accidental shots whilst you try to focus
How to use it
- Quite simply your camera will have a button on the back that is assigned to back button focusing. Depending on your model/brand this might be labelled differently.
- Find it quickly using your manual and check whether you also have to disable the focusing ability of your shutter button.
- Now all you have to do is press the button to activate focusing
– stationary subjects – press and release to lock focus
– moving subjects – press and hold (make sure your autofocus is set to continuous)
- Compose your shot and shoot.
This will either come naturally to you or will require a bit of practice – depending who you talk to this could be hours or weeks or maybe longer. It does mean a bit of muscle memory learning to shoot differently and for your thumb to be in the right place.
Why don’t I use it?
- In my professional work I haven’t seen the need for it – museum objects tend to stay put and I’m shooting in a controlled set up with a tripod usually.
- I have found it clumsy – but that could be that I’ve not spent enough time learning it!
It’s a feature of your camera but it doesn’t mean you have to love it or use it but it’s worth a try!