Focus setup D500 & D850.

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Hi, I'm a new member to the forum which looks great! I wonder if you can help, my D500 is set up for back button focus (AF-ON) for static subjects and Pv at the front for moving targets. I have to release AF-ON and press Pv to activate for moving targets. My D850 is also set up this way but I have to hold both buttons down at the same time for moving targets, which I much prefer. I'd like to get my D500 setup this way but so far haven't figured out how to do this. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Hi, I'm a new member to the forum which looks great! I wonder if you can help, my D500 is set up for back button focus (AF-ON) for static subjects and Pv at the front for moving targets. I have to release AF-ON and press Pv to activate for moving targets. My D850 is also set up this way but I have to hold both buttons down at the same time for moving targets, which I much prefer. I'd like to get my D500 setup this way but so far haven't figured out how to do this. Any help would be much appreciated.
Not sure I understand exactly what is happening with you now, but you should be able to use the back button for both continuous focus (birds in flight) when you hold it down, and for perched birds when you release the back button, as the focus will then stay locked. Just go to the custom menu, controls, and choose AF-ON ONLY. It is much easier to do both with one button.
 
I'm not sure I 100% follow. Is the camera set for AF-C? That's a good place to start with BBAF.

Also, is the PV set for just changing the AF area or changing the AF area and focus? I'd recommend setting it for just the AF area and doing all your focus with AF-On (although, not everyone does). I think that may be why you need to release AF-On (if Pv is set for an AF area + focus).
 
I think Steve has the answer. Just check if on your D500 if it is set for AF+Area Mode or just Area Mode. For the way you want it to work you want just Area Mode. You then hold in Pv to switch to whatever AF mode you assigned and then still have to push the AF-ON button to engage AF and then the shutter to take the shot. I actually found the other way to be easier for me. I have the Pv assigned to AF+Area Mode and therefore I only have to push that and the shutter when switching to that alternative AF mode. But whatever way you prefer should be able to be setup the same between the two cameras.
 
I think Steve has the answer. Just check if on your D500 if it is set for AF+Area Mode or just Area Mode. For the way you want it to work you want just Area Mode. You then hold in Pv to switch to whatever AF mode you assigned and then still have to push the AF-ON button to engage AF and then the shutter to take the shot. I actually found the other way to be easier for me. I have the Pv assigned to AF+Area Mode and therefore I only have to push that and the shutter when switching to that alternative AF mode. But whatever way you prefer should be able to be setup the same between the two cameras.
Just did this yesterday after buying a second camera body. Put the two side by side, went into CUSTOM SETTING MENU, then CONTROLS, then CUSTOM CONTROL ASSIGNMENT and set the second body like the first one (the one you are trying to duplicate).
 
I have my D500 and D850 set up so Back Button Focusing works for both static images and images where the subject is in motion. I use one button, AF-ON , to focus in both situations. My cameras are usually set to AF-C, and the Dynamic area suitable for what I am shooting.

I program the PV button on the front of the camera to change the AF Dynamic Area to something different from the Dynamic area set the normal way.
 
Have a second question: If I go into a Autofocus and then to AF activation, then to AF-ON only, then into Out-of-focus release, do I want Enable or Disable hi-lighted if I am in Release under a1 AF-C priority selection?

I just programmed the PV button to GrP, so the 4 boxes come on in RED when PV is pushed and when I push the BBAF button, the Single Box comes on in Red. Is that correct? Or does the BBAF do both - don't understand how it does both, as I'd think it would have to be activated some way?

Steve - please respond to this, as I am confused! Went back through your Auto Focus book for clarification, but still need help. Thanks!

Just for clarification: I have a D500 and have AF set for Group AF on top display. I have BBAF programed in, so when I am taking a picture of an Eagle coming in, I use the Group AF Guide (3/6/9/12) as a guide (not RED) and then when the bird is close enough or I am tracking him, I push the AF-On BBAF and the red light comes on (Single AF box only) and great picture because the AF has switched to Single Focus! Thing I don't understand it appears that I am just using the AF-Group F as a guide (doesn't turn red). Do I have to program the PV button on the front and activate it to be focusing in the Group AF Mode on the way in and then hit the BBAF when I want to switch from Group AF to Single AF. I thought in Steve's video on BBAF, you could do both from that button, Maybe it is and I just don't realize it, as I am not seeing the 4 boxes turn red and nothing happens until I push the BBAF. My camera is set to AF-C. It sounds like you are able to do both from the BBAF? I have a 16-80 and a 80-400. Maybe it works differently on the two lenses. Still have a lot to learn with the D500. Hope you can help me out!
I bought all three of Steve's books - have half of the Exposure Book to go through yet. They are Great! Thanks
 
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