D800 focus - AF button vs. pressing shutter release button

Dave_W

The Dude
Has anyone else noticed that using the AF button on the back of the D800 tends to give much better and faster focus than using the shutter release button? I was playing around with it the other day shooting Harbor seals and found that using the AF button was much more reliable in quickly finding the focus than was a partial depression of the shutter release button.

I'm a little surprised to find a difference between the two so those of you with a D800, compare the two ways to focus and see if I'm just tripping or not.
 

Photowyzard

Senior Member
Dave, I noticed that it had a different feel, but never made this connection. I am going to have to test it and will report back, when I get the chance. Weather permitting, I will try it Wed.

Thanks!
 
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