Back-button focus or not on a7C (c, cii, cr) ?

[Meg4mi]

I use to rely on BBF with my previous camera.
And I am wondering if you are using Back-button focus with those compact bodies ?


If not how did you set your camera to handle the switch to af-s or mf ? what is your solution to handle landscape focus for example ?


I'm finding that the handling is way better with a thumb grip, but then it is quite hard to focus using the back button (af-on).
Plus if you want to shoot using only one hand, it is way easier to just use shutter AF.

Curious to see how you've set up your camera.

 

[vett93]

I use to rely on BBF with my previous camera.
And I am wondering if you are using Back-button focus with those compact bodies ?

I have been a Sony shooter since A7II. On my A7CII, I programmed the AF-ON as "Recog Target Select" so that I can quickly to select human, animal, bird, etc. Then on the C1 button, it is programmed as "Subject Recog in AF". This is so that I can turn on/off the subject recognition.

If not how did you set your camera to handle the switch to af-s or mf ? what is your solution to handle landscape focus for example ?

For landscape, I use either AF-S or DMF.

I'm finding that the handling is way better with a thumb grip, but then it is quite hard to focus using the back button (af-on).
Plus if you want to shoot using only one hand, it is way easier to just use shutter AF.

I have a SmallRig bottom mount plate for my A7CII.

Curious to see how you've set up your camera.

 

[AshleyMC]

Because you asked, I am going share my little story.

There is no right nor wrong — no wright nor rong — whatever. But be ready to get replies from two “opposing” camps, each of which, of course, knows better.

Same thing with questions about lens hood, protective filter, third-party battery…

My little story (regarding all my Sony Alpha bodies):

• I decouple AF from shutter release.
• I use AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking.
• I do not move the AF point from its default centre position.
• I place the center AF box on the spot of interest, press and hold down AF-On button. While I shift the camera to reframe and reframe and reframe, the subject may also be moving within the frame — or may not, if it is, say, a tree.
• I rarely, if ever, use burst. I usually capture a few frames for a particular “moment” by removing my finger from and pressing my finger on the shutter-release button multiple times (repeat: not burst) as I reframe. As I have decoupled AF from shutter release and hold down AF-On button to maintain dynamic sticky AF-C Tracking, I do not lose focus every time I remove my fat index finger from the shutter-release button — i.e. no need to re-initiate AF all over again.
• The above technique applies to all subject matters, including landscape.
• I do not wave my camera around and shoot with one hand as I am walking.
• I do hot shoot at arm’s length, looking at the LCD. I only do so with my iPhone.

Again, no wright nor rong. You do you.

Cheers.

 

[jhunna]

I used to use back button focus but now I have the following setup, and find I am really quick with shooting.

1. AF-C with center framing.
2. Focus is a half press of the shutter button.
3. AF-ON is used to lock exposure.
4. C1 is used to lock AWB.
5. This works for both photo and video and with ttl flash.
6. I will use the lens switch to move to manual focus IF I don't have enough contrast to pull focus, on an object that is behind another.
7. Start video is moved to the shutter button.

I look at a scene point my camera at the dominant source of light lock in AWB, then move the camera around to get the best exposure (if using flash I expose for th background) and press the AF-ON button to lock exposure, lastly I put the center on my subject, half press shutter, and recompose. Full press to capture the image or start video.

 

[wheresrunnicles]

I use to rely on BBF with my previous camera.
And I am wondering if you are using Back-button focus with those compact bodies ?

If not how did you set your camera to handle the switch to af-s or mf ? what is your solution to handle landscape focus for example ?

I'm finding that the handling is way better with a thumb grip, but then it is quite hard to focus using the back button (af-on).
Plus if you want to shoot using only one hand, it is way easier to just use shutter AF.

Curious to see how you've set up your camera.

I use BBF with my A7C. I’ve used BBF for a few years ago and would not want to go back.

I don’t know what you mean by your thumb grip, but if you’re struggling to handle the C body, I’d suggest something like the spider pro grip/strap or the peak design clutch. The spider is more comfortable but the peak design is more easily adjustable and and you don’t have to keep tightening the screw.

 

[Meg4mi]

I have the thumb grip (hot shoe) and the base grip too from smallrig.

You setup is very interesting.

I was really used to BBF on my a7riii. But i'm not so sure yet with the a7cII, handling(grip) is better just using the shutter.

 

[Derek 1906]

Because you asked, I am going share my little story.

There is no right nor wrong — no wright nor rong — whatever. But be ready to get replies from two “opposing” camps, each of which, of course, knows better.

Same thing with questions about lens hood, protective filter, third-party battery…

My little story (regarding all my Sony Alpha bodies):

• I decouple AF from shutter release.
• I use AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking.
• I do not move the AF point from its default centre position.
• I place the center AF box on the spot of interest, press and hold down AF-On button. While I shift the camera to reframe and reframe and reframe, the subject may also be moving within the frame — or may not, if it is, say, a tree.
• I rarely, if ever, use burst. I usually capture a few frames for a particular “moment” by removing my finger from and pressing my finger on the shutter-release button multiple times (repeat: not burst) as I reframe. As I have decoupled AF from shutter release and hold down AF-On button to maintain dynamic sticky AF-C Tracking, I do not lose focus every time I remove my fat index finger from the shutter-release button — i.e. no need to re-initiate AF all over again.
• The above technique applies to all subject matters, including landscape.
• I do not wave my camera around and shoot with one hand as I am walking.
• I do hot shoot at arm’s length, looking at the LCD. I only do so with my iPhone.

Again, no wright nor rong. You do you.

Cheers.

I do the exact same as you. My motivation is slightly different, I just find it way easier to mash my thumb on the back button than to maintain the half press to focus.

 

[wheresrunnicles]

I have the thumb grip (hot shoe) and the base grip too from smallrig.
You setup is very interesting.
I was really used to BBF on my a7riii. But i'm not so sure yet with the a7cII, handling(grip) is better just using the shutter.

Do you mean this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SMALLRIG-Ergonomic-Design-Built-Microphone/dp/B0DFMH28C9/

Doesn’t that make it hard to access all the controls on top like the mode dial and exposure comp dial? Personally I think that if an accessory that’s supposed to improve the handling is limiting your access to key controls to such an extent you’re considering changing your whole shooting style then I think the problem is with the accessory.

 

[dtc25]

Because you asked, I am going share my little story.

There is no right nor wrong — no wright nor rong — whatever. But be ready to get replies from two “opposing” camps, each of which, of course, knows better.

Same thing with questions about lens hood, protective filter, third-party battery…

My little story (regarding all my Sony Alpha bodies):

• I decouple AF from shutter release.
• I use AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking.
• I do not move the AF point from its default centre position.
• I place the center AF box on the spot of interest, press and hold down AF-On button. While I shift the camera to reframe and reframe and reframe, the subject may also be moving within the frame — or may not, if it is, say, a tree.
• I rarely, if ever, use burst. I usually capture a few frames for a particular “moment” by removing my finger from and pressing my finger on the shutter-release button multiple times (repeat: not burst) as I reframe. As I have decoupled AF from shutter release and hold down AF-On button to maintain dynamic sticky AF-C Tracking, I do not lose focus every time I remove my fat index finger from the shutter-release button — i.e. no need to re-initiate AF all over again.
• The above technique applies to all subject matters, including landscape.
• I do not wave my camera around and shoot with one hand as I am walking.
• I do hot shoot at arm’s length, looking at the LCD. I only do so with my iPhone.

Again, no wright nor rong. You do you.

Cheers.

That’s exactly what I do. It works for me.

 

[RaysJ]

I use to rely on BBF with my previous camera.
And I am wondering if you are using Back-button focus with those compact bodies ?

If not how did you set your camera to handle the switch to af-s or mf ? what is your solution to handle landscape focus for example ?

I'm finding that the handling is way better with a thumb grip, but then it is quite hard to focus using the back button (af-on).
Plus if you want to shoot using only one hand, it is way easier to just use shutter AF.

Curious to see how you've set up your camera.

For landscapes l use manual focus. You can use BBF and fine tune manually with assist enlargement. I don't use AF on the shutter button. I use a tripod and remote release.

On wide angle lenses focussing is not so critical of course. Hyperfocal distances can be useful.

 

[Meg4mi]

I have the thumb grip (hot shoe) and the base grip too from smallrig.
You setup is very interesting.
I was really used to BBF on my a7riii. But i'm not so sure yet with the a7cII, handling(grip) is better just using the shutter.

Do you mean this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SMALLRIG-Ergonomic-Design-Built-Microphone/dp/B0DFMH28C9/

Doesn’t that make it hard to access all the controls on top like the mode dial and exposure comp dial? Personally I think that if an accessory that’s supposed to improve the handling is limiting your access to key controls to such an extent you’re considering changing your whole shooting style then I think the problem is with the accessory.

Yes this is it.
While it reduce a bit the ease of access to exposure compensation and rear dials, it does not prevent it.


On the other hand, it bring really a lot of confort, and helps a lot to stabilise the camera when used with only one hand. Plus it also help balance bigger lance in a very nice way.
I've tried multiple time with and without it; and i always end up using it. It feels very natural.


In the end i will try to use AF with shutter, but i've configured "af-on" to af/mf toggle. This way i can quickly switch to mf once i've acquired the focus (for lanscapes for example)

Also it will help my wife and friends taking pictures with it.
I'll see how it works and i'll change this way of doing if it does not work for me in the end.

 

[Craig Gillette]

I use bbf on my A6700. I have focus mode in the Fn button menu so fairly convenient to go to manual focus, etc., but probably not the fastest way? I haven't done a lot of button customizing, etc. I almost never try one handing it and checking it when thinking of an answer see that I could try to thumb bbf and finger press but seems even more awkward than just the shutter button only (one handing).

 

[wheresrunnicles]

I have the thumb grip (hot shoe) and the base grip too from smallrig.
You setup is very interesting.
I was really used to BBF on my a7riii. But i'm not so sure yet with the a7cII, handling(grip) is better just using the shutter.

Do you mean this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SMALLRIG-Ergonomic-Design-Built-Microphone/dp/B0DFMH28C9/

Doesn’t that make it hard to access all the controls on top like the mode dial and exposure comp dial? Personally I think that if an accessory that’s supposed to improve the handling is limiting your access to key controls to such an extent you’re considering changing your whole shooting style then I think the problem is with the accessory.

Yes this is it.
While it reduce a bit the ease of access to exposure compensation and rear dials, it does not prevent it.

On the other hand, it bring really a lot of confort, and helps a lot to stabilise the camera when used with only one hand. Plus it also help balance bigger lance in a very nice way.
I've tried multiple time with and without it; and i always end up using it. It feels very natural.

In the end i will try to use AF with shutter, but i've configured "af-on" to af/mf toggle. This way i can quickly switch to mf once i've acquired the focus (for lanscapes for example)

Also it will help my wife and friends taking pictures with it.
I'll see how it works and i'll change this way of doing if it does not work for me in the end.

Fair enough. I almost never shoot one handed, except on my tiny Ricoh GR cameras. For interchangeable lens cameras I’m always using two hands for better stability.

 

[AshleyMC]

While it reduce a bit the ease of access to exposure compensation and rear dials, it does not prevent it.

On the other hand, it bring really a lot of confort, and helps a lot to stabilise the camera when used with only one hand. …

Fair enough. I almost never shoot one handed, except on my tiny Ricoh GR cameras. For interchangeable lens cameras I’m always using two hands for better stability.

Just chiming in with my little story.

I shoot any camera — compact, large, fixed lens, interchangeable lens — with two hands bracing and right eye looking through the viewfinder. The LCD, when the design allows, is usually in the close / face-in position.

Cameras without viewfinders are not for me. My iPhone is the only exception.

 

[dcstep]

When you have Tracking focus mode, a real-time EVF and pre-capture, I see no point in BBF. I always use a Tracking AF mode and recompose if I need.


If you had years of BBF, then that may be more comfortable for you; however, from what you say, it doesn't seem comfortable, so I'd suggest ditching it, at least for a trial.

--
Dave

 

[RaysJ]

When you have Tracking focus mode, a real-time EVF and pre-capture, I see no point in BBF. I always use a Tracking AF mode and recompose if I need.

If you had years of BBF, then that may be more comfortable for you; however, from what you say, it doesn't seem comfortable, so I'd suggest ditching it, at least for a trial.

Why use that for landscapes?

 

[wheresrunnicles]

While it reduce a bit the ease of access to exposure compensation and rear dials, it does not prevent it.

On the other hand, it bring really a lot of confort, and helps a lot to stabilise the camera when used with only one hand. …

Fair enough. I almost never shoot one handed, except on my tiny Ricoh GR cameras. For interchangeable lens cameras I’m always using two hands for better stability.

Just chiming in with my little story.

I shoot any camera — compact, large, fixed lens, interchangeable lens — with two hands bracing and right eye looking through the viewfinder. The LCD, when the design allows, is usually in the close / face-in position.

Cameras without viewfinders are not for me. My iPhone is the only exception.

That’s going too far for me. Back panel displays can be really useful for photographing things which would be difficult using the viewfinder, particularly if you need to get down very low or lift the camera higher up. Either way I’m still using two hands though.

 

[AshleyMC]

That’s going too far for me. Back panel displays can be really useful for photographing things which would be difficult using the viewfinder, particularly if you need to get down very low or lift the camera higher up. Either way I’m still using two hands though.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Craig Gillette]

A7C series have pre-capture?

 

[Impulses]

There's tons of ways to switch AF areas quickly (arguably more critical IMO) or to switch to AF-S or MF... From mapping it directly, to lens switches, to custom recalls or even the use of DMF. I mostly use the shutter button to focus but I can see the benefit of BBF when you may want to keep tracking a subject after you've taken a shot or in between shots. Using the shutter button in those situations would re-initiate subject recognition or lock on rather than just keeping it throughout.

TBH I rarely bother with AF-S anymore unless I'm using a tripod, AF-C is good enough that it's beneficial even when taking shots of static stuff, and if I truly want fine control over it I can use MF. I like STC Optic's L plates/grips because A) they're some of the most minimal plates and vertical dovetails you'll find (though there's also the option to switch to a traditional hollow large rectangular one) and B) the fold away grip to give a pinky/palm a firmer hold is just so cover.