Back button autofocus

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I was wondering if when using back button auto focus if you are reducing the effectiveness of your VR? From what I was reading my understanding is that VR is activated with a half press of the shutter. Does this mean that even when you're using back button auto focus that you need to use a half press on the shutter?
 
I was wondering if when using back button auto focus if you are reducing the effectiveness of your VR? From what I was reading my understanding is that VR is activated with a half press of the shutter. Does this mean that even when you're using back button auto focus that you need to use a half press on the shutter?

When setting up BBAF, the focus process should be detached from the shutter button so all it does is take the images with a single full press.
 
When setting up BBAF, the focus process should be detached from the shutter button so all it does is take the images with a single full press.
I understand that but sometimes the image will bounce a little bit in the viewfinder until I touch the shutter button. I only use bbaf. I have 3 different buttons set up with 3 different area settings. Everything seems to work fine except for once in awhile you'll see the image moving until you press down a little bit on the shutter.that's why I was asking if the VR is actually operated by the shutter even though the focus is no longer operated by the shutter.
 
So I have BBAF setup on my D500. Once I hit the AF-ON button for BBAF, BOTH the autofocus function and the VR function are initiated. If I depress the shutter button half way, the autofocus does nothing, but the VR function is initiated.
 
I'll keep experimenting and seeing if it isn't something else going on thank you for your comments
I need to retract my statement. I just noticed on my Z6II the VR activates the moment I turn the camera on, regardless of any buttons I press, and the VR remains active for as long as the camera is turned on. It worked differently on my D7500, but I do not have that body anymore so I cannot test it.
 
I need to retract my statement. I just noticed on my Z6II the VR activates the moment I turn the camera on, regardless of any buttons I press, and the VR remains active for as long as the camera is turned on. It worked differently on my D7500, but I do not have that body anymore so I cannot test it.
It works most of the time but there are times that it'll be jittery and I touch the shutter button and it stops.
 
So I just checked my D7500, and it is the same as my D500. Initiating BBAF will activate autofocus and VR. Depressing the shutter release half way will also activate the VR function. Autofocus is not activated with the shutter release.
 
So I just checked my D7500, and it is the same as my D500. Initiating BBAF will activate autofocus and VR. Depressing the shutter release half way will also activate the VR function. Autofocus is not activated with the shutter release.
I know the autofocus is not I've got three buttons program that way. I was just saying that occasionally it's like it's not working right. For the most part it does but not always.
 
As I understand it, VR should activate every time BBAF is initiated, as long as the VR is not in OFF on the lens. You do not need to depress the shutter. Have you thought about checking the camera/lens contacts?
 
I never asked myself that question. I always use the BBAF, AF being set to C (continuous). If I release the BBAF, AF returns to S mode (single). But is VR still active?
That could be the issue. Releasing the back button does not revert to S mode, it just acts 'as if' because autofocus is totally off when the backbutton is released so focus stays locked when you recompose but the timer is running if there is any timeout period set (Canon shooter talking so tell me if Nikon is different).
 
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I never asked myself that question. I always use the BBAF, AF being set to C (continuous). If I release the BBAF, AF returns to S mode (single). But is VR still active?
Yes, basically VR is activated in the camera body anytime the camera's metering is activated. So any function that activates exposure metering also activates VR which includes the AF-ON button the back panel or a half (or full) press on the shutter release. Also VR will remain activated in the camera body as long as the metering is active and the meter timeout can be set in the menu system if you want the meter (and VR) to remain active longer but it will also draw a bit more battery if you extend the meter timeout.
 
Yes, basically VR is activated in the camera body anytime the camera's metering is activated. So any function that activates exposure metering also activates VR which includes the AF-ON button the back panel or a half (or full) press on the shutter release. Also VR will remain activated in the camera body as long as the metering is active and the meter timeout can be set in the menu system if you want the meter (and VR) to remain active longer but it will also draw a bit more battery if you extend the meter timeout.
That's the answer I was looking for. Thanks.
 
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