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

[Martin_99]

Personally, I see no reason to use BBF on modern mirrorless cameras in general, regardless the body size. It's because AF become so good and quick.

I remember, that somebody here described some specific examples, where BBF provide better results though. So probably for some demanding scenes it could be beneficial.

For the context, primarily A7cII user, started with A6000, never owned DSLR.

 

[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.

If you hold the shutter release halfway down in AF-S, then you can turn the manual focus ring to get DMF?

Not something l use myself.



l would not shoot one handed, 2 hands or a tripod. I prefer DSLRs also, but you have to make some compromises. The EVF is still some way off a DSLR.

 

[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.

Why use that for landscapes?

Why not? It's my Default.

 

[jhunna]

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?

Why not? It's my Default.

That's what I was thinking, why wouldn't you use it for landscape? I know there are multiple ways change focusing, but I try to keep it down to two: Tracking from center>recompose and Manual focus.

Seems to work for all situations...

 

[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?

Why not? It's my Default.

Landscapes tend to be static subjects, so why have tracking?

l use manual, can adjust it very precisely.

 

[AshleyMC]

Why use that for landscapes?

Why not? It's my Default.

Landscapes tend to be static subjects, so why have tracking?

Are the trees and the mountains move, or is the car moving on the highway while I look at the scenery?

I put my center AF box on, say, a tree (static, usually), press and hold AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking, drag the camera multidirectionally (left, right, up, down, forward, backward) to reframe and reframe and reframe, then press the shutter-release button whenever I am happy with the composition of the elements within the frame.

This works identically if my subject is, say, a model who constantly shifts her poses as per my directions. This case is “trivial” to most people.

The beauty of decoupling AF from shutter release is that I do not lose dynamic sticky focus when I press the shutter-release multiple times as I wish (not high-speed bursts).

Just my little story. You do you.

 

[RaysJ]

Why use that for landscapes?

Why not? It's my Default.

Landscapes tend to be static subjects, so why have tracking?

Are the trees and the mountains move, or is the car moving on the highway while I look at the scenery?

I put my center AF box on, say, a tree (static, usually), press and hold AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking, drag the camera multidirectionally (left, right, up, down, forward, backward) to reframe and reframe and reframe, then press the shutter-release button whenever I am happy with the composition of the elements within the frame.

This works identically if my subject is, say, a model who constantly shifts her poses as per my directions. This case is “trivial” to most people.

The beauty of decoupling AF from shutter release is that I do not lose dynamic sticky focus when I press the shutter-release multiple times as I wish (not high-speed bursts).

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

 

[AshleyMC]

…

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

I explained because you asked. I also concluded: You do you.

There is no right nor wrong, no good nor bad — personal habits and preferences.

 

[RaysJ]

…

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

I explained because you asked. I also concluded: You do you.

There is no right nor wrong, no good nor bad — personal habits and preferences.

I did not understand "you do you", is that American?

 

[AshleyMC]

…

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

I explained because you asked. I also concluded: You do you.

There is no right nor wrong, no good nor bad — personal habits and preferences.

I did not understand "you do you", is that American?

= You do as you wish

 

[RaysJ]

…

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

I explained because you asked. I also concluded: You do you.

There is no right nor wrong, no good nor bad — personal habits and preferences.

Does it go wrong? If a wave went over the focus point what would happen then?

Focus point on moving water, what would happen?

I use strong ND filters so l don't want AF on.

 

[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.

Why use that for landscapes?

Why not? It's my Default.

Landscapes tend to be static subjects, so why have tracking?

l use manual, can adjust it very precisely.

With Tracking, you can recompose on the fly. I hand hold my landscape shots.

 

[dcstep]

Why use that for landscapes?

Why not? It's my Default.

Landscapes tend to be static subjects, so why have tracking?

Are the trees and the mountains move, or is the car moving on the highway while I look at the scenery?

I put my center AF box on, say, a tree (static, usually), press and hold AF-On button to initiate and maintain AF-C with Tracking, drag the camera multidirectionally (left, right, up, down, forward, backward) to reframe and reframe and reframe, then press the shutter-release button whenever I am happy with the composition of the elements within the frame.

This works identically if my subject is, say, a model who constantly shifts her poses as per my directions. This case is “trivial” to most people.

The beauty of decoupling AF from shutter release is that I do not lose dynamic sticky focus when I press the shutter-release multiple times as I wish (not high-speed bursts).

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

Why not? Are still stuck on a tripod?

 

[dcstep]

…

Just my little story. You do you.

That is one way to do it. Would not work for me.

I explained because you asked. I also concluded: You do you.

There is no right nor wrong, no good nor bad — personal habits and preferences.

Does it go wrong? If a wave went over the focus point what would happen then?

Focus point on moving water, what would happen?

I use strong ND filters so l don't want AF on.

Okay, ND so strong that AF doesn't work at all.



I don't do that smooth wave stuff. I DO shoot surf, but it's realistic Waves are not a problem with AF.







--
Dave