AF-On / Back Button Focus Setting

Hi All,

New to Nikon and the D500 and although this question could apply for just about any modern system, I figured it would be best to ask and confirm.

I currently have my D500 set to AFC / Release Priority, with the following options:
- AF ON set to: Group Mode - AF ON
- PV set to: Center Point - AF ON

I also have AF Activation set to 'Off', decoupling the Shutter Button from the AF Focus system (eliminating the half-press Focus activation).

This is a very 'Traditional' setup for Back Button focusing, however being new to Nikon, it's a bit of an adjustment as the D500 does not have the 'U1/U2/etc' modes where I accomplished the following:

U1 - Stationary Wildlife
- AFS
- Center Point
- Shutter to initiate Focus

U2 - BIF
- AFC
- 9 Point AF
- AF Button Sets Focus / Shutter used only for Shutter (eliminating the half-press Focus activation)

I am not sure how much I like a fully decoupled Shutter and am only accustomed to using it really for BIF.

My Question, based on the below settings:
- set the Camera to AFC (Release Priority)
- set the primary AF to Center Point
- set AF-ON to Group Mode - AF ON
- Allow Shutter for AF Activation

My hope is this:
- when I use the Shutter (Half-Press), that is basically similar to my U1 (Stationary Wildlife), where I point and shoot
- when I hold down 'AF-ON', I am panning and tracking the BIF in Group Mode, that is similar to my U2 (BIF), where I hold AF-ON, track the subject and shoot

Although the Shutter is on for AF (when Half-Pressed), does holding down 'AF-ON' bypass the Shutter's ability to re-establish focus?

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

I am sure someone else that uses a D500 will be along shortly to help you out.

AFC sets to continues focus as long as you hold the Back button down. When you release the back button it locks the focus at that point until you press the button again or turn the power off. Best of both worlds. The nice thing about this is a bird is popping his head out of a nest and you want to catch him. Focus the spot where he will be and release the back button. Now you can even move the camera and the focus will remain exactly where the bird will be as you set it earlier
Just remember to set your camera to AFC and leave it there

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very helpful! I am not quite ready to fully move off of the shutter for single/stationary shots and I don't mind holding down the AF-ON for BIF as that was the method I used with my old Pentax K-3II.

I am taking the D500 plus 200-500 out to the field tomorrow for a few hours. I hope to spot a few Lazuli Buntings and some Juvenile Great Horned Owls.

sutherland said:

Very helpful! I am not quite ready to fully move off of the shutter for single/stationary shots and I don't mind holding down the AF-ON for BIF as that was the method I used with my old Pentax K-3II.

I am taking the D500 plus 200-500 out to the field tomorrow for a few hours. I hope to spot a few Lazuli Buntings and some Juvenile Great Horned Owls.

Click to expand...

One thing I keep forgetting when I'm using BBF and AF-C for stationary shots is that I have to let go of the back button after I've focused. I tend to focus and recompose for stationary images. That doesn't work when using BBF unless you let go of the back button.

Good luck with your outing today.

Welcome to the forum!

hark said:

One thing I keep forgetting when I'm using BBF and AF-C for stationary shots is that I have to let go of the back button after I've focused. I tend to focus and recompose for stationary images. That doesn't work when using BBF unless you let go of the back button.

Good luck with your outing today.

Click to expand...

Yup! It's an outstanding feature so long as the Shutter button's 'half-press' focus is deactivated. I was using it in its correct manner last night. The ability to set a focus and then recompose is great trick.