Back Button AF?

tonylong wrote in post #17835066
An interesting story:
I'm curious, though, as to what people do when shooting tethered, either from a distance or on, say, a tripod and using either a cable release or another remote connection? Can you use BBF or do you depend on the shutter release?

My 7DII is set for BBF with the shutter disabled. When I shoot real estate interiors I am always tethered (to my phone) via DSLR controller. The shutter fires just fine via the button on the phone's screen and focus is via touch screen. I do not have to reconfigure my camera, just plug in the tether cord and the phone.

I use a wired remote with my 50D when on a tripod, or using my shoulder stock support with a long lens. To use that you have to go with standard shutter button only.

I plan on getting a couple of press buttons and wiring it ip so that I can still separate out the AF and shutter. I'll probably just incorporate them into the front grip of the shoulder pod.

Alan

I tried it for a couple of months shooting birds with a 60D, but found that I was shaking the camera too much. I also had difficulty finding the BB with a gloved hand in winter, so I reverted back to the shutter button.

When I moved up to a 7D2, I learned that AI Focus mode allows for recomposing and the camera automatically switches to AI Servo when you track a moving subject. I thought that was the answer until I read that AI Focus doesn't work well. Now, if I need to focus anywhere other than the center point, I simply shift the focus point with the joystick. I can do it on the fly and rarely move it more than two positions.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #17835691
I tried it for a couple of months shooting birds with a 60D, but found that I was shaking the camera too much. I also had difficulty finding the BB with a gloved hand in winter, so I reverted back to the shutter button.

When I moved up to a 7D2, I learned that AI Focus mode allows for recomposing and the camera automatically switches to AI Servo when you track a moving subject. I thought that was the answer until I read that AI Focus doesn't work well. Now, if I need to focus anywhere other than the center point, I simply shift the focus point with the joystick. I can do it on the fly and rarely move it more than two positions.

So based on your listed gear I'm guessing this would be with your 7D2 and the 100-400? What do you do when you put the 1.4x TC on and are locked to the centre point? Or do you bird without the TC?

I guess same or similar to what I do, set the AF on button to one shot or AF off. Focus and recompose.

Philihase wrote in post #17836252
I guess same or similar to what I do, set the AF on button to one shot or AF off. Focus and recompose.

That doesn't solve the issue of the difficulty of finding a back button with a gloved hand in winter.

nqjudo wrote in post #17836278
That doesn't solve the issue of the difficulty of finding a back button with a gloved hand in winter.

Gloves with flip down fingertips?

I can find the af on button just as easily, or more, than I can navigate a half press while wearing gloves.

rgs wrote in post #17836313
Gloves with flip down fingertips?

Definitely an option but it wasn't a question. I was referring to a scenario posted above.

I've been using Back Button Focus ever since I figured out how to use the * button on the 30D for BBF.
The first thing I do when I get a new camera is TURN OFF the annoying focus beep sound, then turn off focus for the shutter button.

The only time I ever revert to kindergarten mode, is when I hand the camera to someone else, or if I'm taking a selfie.

Jared5 wrote in post #18116019
The only time I ever revert to kindergarten mode, is when I hand the camera to someone else, or if I'm taking a selfie.

So true. Autofocus, light meters and LCD screens are for amateur babies.

I completely disagree. I use AF on most photos, alternative to light metee is... shoot and chimp? LCD displays important information not displayed elsewhere.

It's fine if you don't use these tools, but labelling everybody who does is kinda harsh.

Jared5 wrote in post #18116019
I've been using Back Button Focus ever since I figured out how to use the * button on the 30D for BBF.
The first thing I do when I get a new camera is TURN OFF the annoying focus beep sound, then turn off focus for the shutter button.

The only time I ever revert to kindergarten mode, is when I hand the camera to someone else, or if I'm taking a selfie.

Do you take lots of "selfies"?

JWdlft wrote in post #18116517
So true. Autofocus, light meters and LCD screens are for amateur babies.

Lol The hilarity ensues....

ptcanon3ti wrote in post #18116639
Do you take lots of "selfies"?

Not really. Only when my wife talks me into taking one together. That's why I almost never take it off of BBF.