The Advantages of Back-Button Focusing

I’m a fan of Back Button Focusing, BBF, although I know some photographers, both amateur and professional don’t agree. It works for me, and I’m surprised to find out that not every photographer knows that the control buttons on a DSLR can be customised to the individuals needs. The AF-ON button is probably the most worn on my camera as I’ve set that one to be the one that controls the auto focus facility, also if I keep it depressed, it continuously focuses on the subject I’ve selected even if it’s moving as every click of the shutter captures a moment in time, and the focus of that moment can make or break the final image.

Traditionally the shutter release button both focuses and captures the image. However, with BBF, focusing is assigned to a separate button on the back of the camera, freeing the shutter release button solely for capturing the image. This seemingly small adjustment in technique offers numerous benefits and I’ve detailed these here –

1. Enhanced Control and Flexibility

I believe that BBF provides greater control and flexibility over the focusing process. By separating focusing from the shutter release button, I can pre-focus on a specific subject and then recompose the frame without the camera refocusing. This is particularly useful in situations where the subject is off-centre or when using the rule of thirds composition technique. That means I can achieve precise focus on my intended subject without the fear of the camera refocusing on a different element in the scene.

2. Improved Focus Tracking

When photographing moving subjects, maintaining sharp focus can be challenging. BBF excels in this scenario by allowing me initiate continuous autofocus (AF-C or AI-Servo) using the back button while tracking the subject’s movement. This ensures that the camera continuously adjusts focus to keep the moving subject sharp within the frame. Whether photographing wildlife, sports, or even Strictly style dancers, BBF enables me to achieve consistently focused images, even in dynamic shooting situations.

3. Reduced Shutter Lag

Traditional autofocus systems often introduce shutter lag, the delay between pressing the shutter release button and the camera actually capturing the image. This lag could cause me to miss critical moments, especially in fast-paced or spontaneous shooting scenarios. With BBF, since focusing is decoupled from the shutter release button, there is typically less shutter lag. I  can react more quickly to decisive moments, resulting in a higher success rate of capturing the desired image at the perfect moment, this is especially useful when capturing candid moments at events as sometimes a smile can be brief.

4. Minimized Focus Recalculation

In scenarios where the composition changes frequently, such as during event photography or documentary work, traditional autofocus systems may continuously recalculate focus as the I  adjust the framing. This constant refocusing can lead to missed shots or delays in capturing the decisive moment. BBF mitigates this issue by allowing me to maintain focus on a specific point until I choose to reposition or recompose the shot. This not only saves time but also ensures that focus remains consistent throughout the shooting process.

5. Customizable to Individual Preferences

One of the greatest strengths of BBF is its adaptability to individual shooting styles and preferences. Most modern cameras offer customisable buttons, allowing me to assign various functions to the back button based on their specific needs. Whether prioritizing single-shot autofocus, continuous autofocus, or even manual focus override, BBF can be tailored to suit my workflow. This level of customisation empowers me to optimise my equipment for maximum efficiency and creative control.

6. Improved Stability and Ergonomics

Holding a camera steady while simultaneously half-pressing the shutter release button to engage autofocus can be challenging, especially with heavier camera setups or in low-light conditions. BBF alleviates this issue by separating the focusing function to a dedicated button on the back of the camera. This allows me to maintain a more stable grip on the camera while focusing, reducing the risk of camera shake and improving overall ergonomics. As a result, I can achieve sharper images, particularly when shooting handheld or in challenging shooting conditions, also my thumb naturally falls to this spot so it’s a bit of a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned.

7. Streamlined Workflow and Consistency

BBF can streamline my workflow by simplifying the process of focusing and capturing images. By assigning distinct functions to separate buttons, I can develop a consistent and intuitive shooting technique. This consistency not only enhances efficiency but also facilitates a deeper connection between me and my equipment. Over time, muscle memory has developed, enabling me to focus more on the creative aspects of their craft rather than the technicalities of camera operation.

Back-button has changed the way I use autofocus. By decoupling focusing from the shutter release button, BBF offers enhanced control, improved focus tracking, reduced shutter lag, minimized focus recalculation, and customizable functionality. Additionally, BBF improves stability, ergonomics, workflow, and consistency, empowering me to achieve sharper, more precisely focused images in a variety of shooting scenarios. As I continue to explore the capabilities of this technique, back-button focusing will remain a valuable tool in a photographer’s arsenal, enhancing both the technical and creative aspects of the photographic process which I highly recommend others to try to improve their work.