Back Button Focusing May Be The Best Thing That Happen To Your Shooting Process. Ever.

Many photographers, me included, focus by half pressing on shutter release. Then we re-compose. Then we complete the press.

Photographer Steve Perry shares a great improvement to your workflow by decoupling the autofocus button from the shutter release, and relocating it to button on the back of the camera.

This decoupling allows for several great benefits:

1. You have more control over the camera. The camera does not have to re-focus every time you lift your finger from the shutter release.
2. You can instantly switch between AF-single and AF-continues by deciding how long you are pressing the AF-ON button.
3. You get great control over stationary objects and landscapes as the camera does not try to autofocus once you recompose.

Some high end cameras like the D800 have a dedicated AF-ON button on the back. The great news is that you can reassign some button on the back of almost any camera.

For the full tip, head over to the full post.

[How to use Nikon’s AF-ON and back button autofocus via ISO 1200 Magazine]