Joystick centre push for back button focus.

[JimL]

So, I have programmed my D500 (new user) for back button focus (group) on the AF ON button and dynamic area (21) on the joystick centre button. I have use Nikon for years and only just discovered back button focus- seems dim of me, it makes a lot old sense now!

Anyway my question is particularly about the feel of the joystick centre push. The 2 back buttons is a great idea, but I find the the joystick button is a bit fiddly to push in just the right way - it needs a firm push down in just the right direction. I wonder is this the normal way it operates? Have others found this? I guess maybe that’s just the way it is and it just requires a little practice? It has quite a different feel to the AF ON button. I’d be interested to hear others’ experience.

 

[nikonbill]

Yes it's a weird "push" when I set it up I would have some misses with the joystick

After making myself use it I'm much more consistent

I program a focus mode for that button that requires a bit of "concentration" when used - this helped me. For the more used modes I use the AF-ON and the front fn buttons

PS - sorry for the late reply to your post (I just noticed it)

 

[JimL]

Thanks Bill
Yes I am finding I am gradually being able to push it more reliably. Still experimenting- currently I have group mode on the AF button and dynamic 21 on joystick - I am also playing around with using the Pv button and buttons on the lens (500 pf)

 

[nikonbill]

Good to hear you are getting better at it - there are a lot of options for sure

I still experiment sometimes (with different focus modes/button assignments), as I improve my personal technique some modes become more useful than when I first tied them. I also think it helps me adapt to different shooting environments as I learn more, and gives me flexibility when setting up for a shooting day (I don't shoot the same subjects all the time).

Main thing is - have fun and take photos, you are doing great

 

[JimL]

Thanks Bill! Wise words .. haha - I only have eyes for birds! I was trying with swifts and (barn) swallows yesterday - just got a few distant smudges !

 

[nikonbill]

Swallows will beat you up they are so fast moving

If you get them up above you they get easy due to the angle versus speed - at the same height as the camera they are a huge challenge.

Swallows for practice are great, remember they are very hard in flight due to the way they fly so don't be discouraged