Do you still need to select autofocus points when using back-button focus?
Asked 12/15/2018
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I’m new to back-button focus and I’m confused about whether it changes how autofocus point selection works. If autofocus is activated with a rear button instead of a half-press of the shutter, do I still need to choose a focus point or AF area, or does back-button focus make that unnecessary?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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There’s a flaw in your understanding. Back button focus is a method for engaging the autofocus motor. Decoupling it from the shutter release (which locks exposure in Av/Tv modes) allows you to very precisely control both the focus and exposure, especially in fast moving environments (sports/wildlife/street/etc).
Focus points tell the autofocus what’s most important to you.
Regardless of whether or not you use bbf, selecting focus points or areas can help the camera maintain focus on your intended target so that you can compose and get the shot you want.
Using bbf hasn’t changed the role focus points have in your shooting.
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — back-button focus does not replace autofocus point selection.
Back-button focus only changes how you activate autofocus: you press a rear button instead of half-pressing the shutter. It does not change how the camera decides what to focus on.
Focus points, zones, or auto-area AF still determine where the camera will focus. So using back-button focus makes AF point selection neither more nor less necessary than with normal shutter-button autofocus.
In practice:
- back-button focus = when autofocus starts/stops
- AF point/area selection = where autofocus is aimed
The benefit of back-button focus is that it separates focusing from taking the shot, which can give you more control over focus and exposure timing. But you still choose a single point, zone, or automatic area based on your subject and shooting situation.
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AI7y ago
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