D7200 Back Button Focusing

[06Honda]

I am going to try back button focusing with my D7200 and understand their are 2 steps to do this under "Custom Setting Menu":

(1) f Controls - f4 - AF-ON

(2) a Autofocus - a4 AF activation - AF-ON only

Before shooting using BBF I mostly used AF-C and switched between the Release & Focus options. Does it matter if a1 AF-C priority selection is in Release or Focus when using BBF.

 

[Palouse]

Release is what I use most often, but I don't think it matters unless you are in need of maximum shot rate.
I assume you've read/viewed Steve Perry's primer:https://backcountrygallery.com/af-on-and-back-button-autofocus/

 

[nuclearjock]

I always use release for AF-C. Focus for AF-S.

 

[CAJames]

I always use release for AF-C. Focus for AF-S.

Interesting. I use focus for AF-C so I'm not shooting at high frame rates with nothing in focus, and release for AF-S so I can focus and recompose when nothing is moving.

 

[06Honda]

Release is what I use most often, but I don't think it matters unless you are in need of maximum shot rate.
I assume you've read/viewed Steve Perry's primer:AF-On And Back Button Autofocus - Backcountry Gallery

I had a look at that but was curious about the specifc choices between focus and release, not sure if BBF would work better on one over the other once setup.

 

[Butlerkid]

For BBAF I always use AF-C and Release. Trust the camera.

 

[nuclearjock]

and release for AF-S so I can focus and recompose when nothing is moving.

??? Set to "focus" for AF-S, you focus, and focus locks when you hear the beep (if turned on). then you can recompose and shoot with the original focus locked. With focus for AF-C, you might miss shots which may be marginal. I've always used release for AF-C, especially with the D5, D850, and D500 whose AF systems are very quick and reliable.

 

[CAJames]

?...especially with the D5, D850, and D500 whose AF systems are very quick and reliable.

Maybe that's the difference. I'm using a D3 and D7000. OP is referring to a D7200, I don't know whether that is closer to your gear or mine.

 

[M.J.]

When I got my D7200 few weeks ago the first thing I changed was BBF. Why? I used to shoot the D5100 and the D7000 and I loved it.
I watched this VDO to help me to do it correct

 

[Mike Buckley]

Interesting discussion. I've used AF-C so little and only when the subjects were moving so slowly that I actually forgot to even consider using the release mode.