Back Button Focus: Still Necessary or Outdated?

Back button focus was once the default choice for photographers shooting fast-moving subjects, but advanced subject detection technology has some questioning its relevance today. Is it still useful?

Coming to you from David Bergman with Adorama, this practical video addresses why back button focus remains valuable despite the advances in autofocus technology. Bergman explains that traditional autofocus methods combined focusing and shooting actions into a single shutter button, which often led to frustration when trying to capture movement or maintain sharpness. He clearly outlines how separating these functions through back button focus significantly improves handling and responsiveness, especially when capturing action-packed scenes or making precise composition adjustments. Instead of juggling a half-press shutter action, you press the dedicated AF button on the camera’s back, giving you consistent control over when the camera focuses.

Bergman acknowledges the appeal of modern mirrorless cameras that offer impressive subject detection capabilities. Advanced cameras intelligently track subjects by identifying eyes, faces, and bodies. While these advancements do streamline focusing tasks, Bergman stresses that relying solely on automation can limit your control. He highlights scenarios like concerts, where subject detection might prioritize a prominent figure rather than someone less obvious you intentionally want to focus on. Bergman explains how back button focus lets you lock onto your chosen subject without interference from the camera’s automated choices.

The video goes deeper, providing practical advice on how to configure your camera for back button focus. Bergman walks you through the simple process of reassigning the autofocus function from the shutter button to a dedicated button under your thumb. He also introduces a more advanced dual-button setup—one button for tracking moving subjects automatically and another for using a fixed, stationary focus point. This dual setup provides flexibility, letting you effortlessly switch between automatic tracking and manual control as needed, greatly enhancing your capability to adapt on-the-fly to various shooting conditions.

Bergman’s insights make a compelling case for why photographers—even those comfortable with automated subject detection—should consider adopting back button focus. His approach encourages photographers to take control, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in capturing high-quality, precisely focused images, especially under challenging conditions. The video is particularly valuable for those frequently photographing dynamic subjects like sports, concerts, or wildlife, where rapid, reliable autofocus control significantly impacts image quality and consistency. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bergman.