The Ultimate Guide to How to Set Back Button Focus on Nikon D7100

Are you tired of constantly battling your camera’s autofocus system? Do you find yourself struggling to capture sharp images, especially when shooting fast-moving subjects? If so, then mastering back button focus on your Nikon D7100 might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
This technique allows you to decouple the autofocus function from the shutter release button, giving you greater control and precision. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of setting up and utilizing back button focus on your D7100, empowering you to unlock a new level of photographic mastery.

Understanding the Basics: Why Back Button Focus?

Traditionally, pressing the shutter button triggers both autofocus and image capture. This can lead to a frustrating experience, especially when you’re trying to track moving subjects or focus on specific elements within a scene. Back button focus addresses this issue by separating these actions, allowing you to focus independently of taking pictures.
Here’s why back button focus is a game-changer for many photographers:

• Enhanced Focus Control: You can continuously adjust focus without triggering the shutter, allowing you to track moving subjects with greater precision.
• Reduced Camera Shake: By removing the combined action of focusing and shooting, you minimize the risk of camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
• Faster Shooting: You can pre-focus on your subject, then quickly snap a shot when the moment is right, without the delay of the autofocus system engaging.
• Increased Creativity: You gain the freedom to focus on different elements within a scene without the pressure of accidentally taking a picture.

Setting Up Back Button Focus: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you understand the benefits, let’s dive into the practical steps of setting up back button focus on your Nikon D7100:
1. Access the Custom Settings Menu: Navigate to the “Custom Setting Menu” (the wrench icon) on your camera’s LCD screen.
2. Locate the “a1” Setting: Scroll down to the “a1” setting, which governs the function of the “AF-ON” button (typically located on the back of the camera).
3. Select “AF-ON for Focus”: Choose the option that enables the “AF-ON” button to activate autofocus.
4. Configure the Shutter Button: Return to the “Custom Setting Menu” and navigate to the “a2” setting. This setting controls the function of the shutter button.
5. Set Shutter Button for Release: Select the option that allows the shutter button to only trigger image capture, without activating autofocus.

Mastering the Technique: Tips and Tricks

Once you’ve set up back button focus, it’s time to practice and master the technique. Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of this powerful tool:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Take some time to practice using back button focus in different shooting scenarios. Familiarize yourself with the feel of the “AF-ON” button and how it interacts with your focusing system.
• Use the Focus Lock: The “AF-ON” button allows you to lock focus on your subject. Once you have achieved focus, simply release the button to maintain the focus point.
• Experiment with Focus Modes: Explore different autofocus modes, such as “Single-servo AF” (AF-S) and “Continuous-servo AF” (AF-C), to find the best fit for your shooting style and subject matter.
• Utilize the Focus Area: Experiment with different focus area settings, such as single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, and 3D-tracking AF, to optimize your focusing accuracy based on the scene you’re capturing.

Optimizing Your Workflow: Integrating Back Button Focus

Incorporating back button focus into your photography workflow can significantly enhance your shooting experience. Here are some practical strategies to consider:

• Focus on the Subject Before Composing: Use the “AF-ON” button to focus on your subject before you start composing your shot. This allows you to achieve accurate focus without the need to re-focus once you’ve framed your image.
• Utilize the Depth of Field Preview: After achieving focus, use the depth of field preview button (usually marked with a magnifying glass icon) to see exactly what will be in focus in your final image.
• Experiment with Different Focus Modes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different autofocus modes to find the best fit for your shooting style and subject matter.
• Take Advantage of Continuous Focus: For moving subjects, use continuous focus mode to keep your subject in sharp focus as it moves throughout the frame.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

For those seeking to push the boundaries of their photography, here are some advanced techniques that leverage back button focus:

• Focus Bracketing: This technique involves taking multiple shots of the same scene with different focus points, allowing you to create a composite image with a wider depth of field.
• Focus Stacking: Similar to focus bracketing, focus stacking involves combining multiple images with different focus points to create a single image with a greater depth of field.
• Manual Focus: Even with back button focus, you can still utilize manual focus for greater control over the final image.

Unlocking Your Photographic Potential: The Final Word

Mastering back button focus on your Nikon D7100 is a rewarding journey that can significantly elevate your photography. By decoupling autofocus from the shutter release button, you gain a level of control and precision that will empower you to capture sharper, more captivating images.
Remember, practice is key. Experiment with different settings and techniques, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your creativity. With a little dedication, you can unlock the full potential of your Nikon D7100 and elevate your photography to new heights.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use back button focus with all Nikon lenses?
A: Yes, back button focus works with all Nikon lenses that have an autofocus motor.
Q: How do I know if my lens has an autofocus motor?
A: Look for the letters “AF-S” or “AF-D” on the lens barrel. These letters indicate that the lens has an autofocus motor.
Q: Can I use back button focus with manual lenses?
A: While you can’t use back button focus with manual lenses, you can still use the “AF-ON” button to activate the camera’s autofocus system.
Q: Is back button focus essential for all types of photography?
A: Back button focus is particularly beneficial for photographers who shoot fast-moving subjects, require precise focus control, or prefer to separate the focusing and shooting actions. However, it’s a technique that can be adapted to suit any genre of photography.
Q: Can I switch back to traditional shutter button focusing if I want to?
A: Absolutely! You can easily revert back to the traditional shutter button focusing method by simply changing the settings in the “Custom Setting Menu” on your Nikon D7100.