So I finally moved to back button focusing

[BrickR]

Originally Posted by neil_r

edited for accuracy

LOL! *thumbs up*

[elrey2375]

Originally Posted by MakisM1

As far as I know, the AF system uses the light path from the lens through the mirror to the viewfinder.

Once you trigger the shutter, the mirror lifts, the VF goes black, it stands to reason to interrupt the AF at the last known position.

But maybe the AI Servo operates in a predictive mode during the blackout and corrects upon 'landing' (when the mirror goes back down again).

Then how do people who don't use it ever get a shot in focus?

[crumbleton]

Originally Posted by Bill Boehme

... Nobody, and especially not myself will think that I am being cool if I shoot manually. More than likely the reaction to shooting manually will be more like, "how much longer do we need to wait for you to take this shot, anyway".

When I got my first DSLR (450d in 2009) I resolutely stayed on manual settings for everything until I felt I had an understanding of what I was doing, the choices I was making and how they affected the final shot.Now if I use Tv or Av I know why the camera (a lovely new 7D) chooses the shutter speed or aperture it does.

I still take most of my shots in manual though.

[Mashimaro]

i tried bff before and also failed miserably at it.

does it only work well when you're in Servo Mode?

[MakisM1]

Originally Posted by elrey2375

Then how do people who don't use it ever get a shot in focus?

Don't use what?

Are you talking about Manual Focus?

[elrey2375]

Originally Posted by MakisM1

Don't use what?

Are you talking about Manual Focus?

Did you read the post I quoted in my post?

[MakisM1]

Originally Posted by elrey2375

Did you read the post I quoted in my post?

Yes, as a matter of fact I quoted it... Why are you getting aggressive?

[timnosenzo]

Originally Posted by Razeus

There are certain signs that a photography grows into as he gets more experience:

1) Uses full-frame sensor (because of the better image quality)

2) Uses primes (cheaper, lighter, smaller, faster and merely just tools for composing - lenses should cost more than $1k quite frankly)

3) Uses back button focusing (a sign that one has learned his camera and does what works for him, not doesn't rely on green box or default settings - no room for lazy photogs who can't be bothered to dive into their own menu settings).

4) Exposing manually.

This is nonsense.

[Tom Reichner]

Originally Posted by tete

Everything has its purposes. Use what works for given scenario.

Yes, I agree. And the reason I use BBF with AI servo all of the time is because I have found that it is what works best for every scenario I ever shoot. It's great to have one setting that is ideal for every scenario!

[Overkill-F1]

Originally Posted by hockeyplaya13

There is one thing that drives me crazy though, and that is everyone else's apparent inability to understand the concept. Anytime I'm at an event and decide I want to transition from photographer to participant and give someone my camera to at least try to capture the action, I explain to them that they focus using the * button, and they just kind of look at me. Usually I just end up with a bunch of blurry photos and them telling me my camera sucks lol. Sigh. I wish there were a quick way to switch it without having to go into the menu.

All of my focusing is BBF. I have set up one of my Custom Modes with the AF on a half-press of the shutter button. Before I hand over my camera to someone else, I switch to C1 and they have no trouble using my camera. No menu setting to change.
...Terry

[Bill Boehme]

Originally Posted by crumbleton

When I got my first DSLR (450d in 2009) I resolutely stayed on manual settings for everything until I felt I had an understanding of what I was doing, the choices I was making and how they affected the final shot.Now if I use Tv or Av I know why the camera (a lovely new 7D) chooses the shutter speed or aperture it does.

I still take most of my shots in manual though.

That's a very good point about getting to understand what exposure means. Learning how shutter speed, aperture, and film/sensor sensitivity interact as well as which to adjust for the desired result go a very long way in making us smarter photographers.

For those of us who started way back when the photographer had to make all of the decisions, all of this is just second nature and it is easy to forget that those who are just starting out do not have the "advantage" that we had back then of being forced to learn about exposure.

The world of photography has changed so incredibly much and very rapidly to where now there is unbeatable autofocus, reliable auto exposure, and the ability to change ISO at the press of a button. Understanding exposure enables me to assess the lighting in a scene and augment the camera's automatic exposure when I see the need to do so. However, you probably won't find me shooting manually just for the fun of it. I am having too much fun with all of the automatic whiz-bangs.

The thing that has me really excited about digital photography is shooting raw and doing my own post processing because it is the new digital equivalent of the darkroom -- on steroids.

[hockeyplaya13]

Originally Posted by Overkill-F1

All of my focusing is BBF. I have set up one of my Custom Modes with the AF on a half-press of the shutter button. Before I hand over my camera to someone else, I switch to C1 and they have no trouble using my camera. No menu setting to change.
...Terry

You sir, are my favorite person right now. I can't believe I didn't think of that! Thanks!

[dharrisphotog]

Originally Posted by timnosenzo

This is nonsense.

I make stuff up as I go along.

[panicatnabisco]

Tried BBF a few weeks ago. Now everytime I borrow an SLR, I get startled when the shutter engages the focus.

I can't see myself going back ever again. I've converted my newbie friend after remapping his 60D controls and he's been hooked ever since.

[elrey2375]

Originally Posted by MakisM1

Yes, as a matter of fact I quoted it... Why are you getting aggressive?

Simple question, no aggression... not yet. Actually you didn't quote it, but that's cool.