Creamery Station performing at the Windmill Bar - St. John, USVI. ©2023 Chris Sidoruk
Last Update: November 3, 2026
Quick Jump
- What Is Back Button Focus?
- Why Back Button Focus Helps Concert Photographers
- AF-S vs. AF-C With Back Button Focus
- Real World Concert Photography Workflow
- Tracking Moving Performers and Shooting in Low Light
- Eye AF and Subject Detection
- Back Button Focus Setup by Camera Brand
- Common Mistakes
- Improving Autofocus Accuracy
- Back Button Focus vs Shutter Autofocus
- Building a Concert Photography Autofocus Setup
- Frequently Asked Questions
Concert photography puts autofocus to the test. Performers move constantly, stage lighting changes without warning, and microphones, instruments, smoke, and other objects can interfere with focusing.
Modern mirrorless cameras offer increasingly sophisticated autofocus systems, but how you control those systems matters too.
One technique that many sports, wildlife, and concert photographers use is back button focus (BBF). It separates autofocus activation from the shutter button, giving you more control over when your camera focuses and when it stops.
For concert photographers, this can make it easier to track moving musicians, hold focus on a stationary performer, and avoid unwanted refocusing when you're ready to capture a particular moment.
In this guide, you'll learn how back button focus works, when it's useful for live music, how to set it up on popular camera systems, and how to combine it with modern autofocus features.
What Is Back Button Focus?
Back button focus moves autofocus activation away from the shutter button and assigns it to a button on the back of your camera, usually the AF-ON button.
With traditional shutter-button autofocus, the two actions are connected:
Half-press the shutter button to focus.
Fully press the shutter button to take the picture.
With back button focus, the functions are separated:
Press AF-ON to activate autofocus.
Press the shutter button to take the picture.
This means the shutter button no longer needs to activate autofocus. You decide when focusing begins and when it stops.
Traditional Shutter Autofocus
The standard autofocus method is familiar and straightforward. Half-pressing the shutter activates autofocus, and the camera continues to adjust focus according to the selected autofocus mode.
This works well for many situations, but it can become frustrating when you want to hold focus at a particular distance or prevent the camera from refocusing between frames.
Back Button Focus
Back button focus gives you independent control over autofocus.
For example, you can:
Hold AF-ON to continuously track a moving performer.
Release AF-ON to stop autofocus at the current focus distance.
Continue taking photographs without triggering autofocus again.
Reactivate autofocus whenever you need to acquire a different subject or focus distance.
One important distinction: releasing AF-ON does not lock the subject in place. It simply stops autofocus adjustments. If the performer moves toward or away from the camera afterward, the focus distance may no longer be correct.
Why Back Button Focus Helps Concert Photographers
Concert photography involves constantly changing conditions. A singer might remain at a microphone for several minutes before suddenly moving across the stage. A guitarist might step into a spotlight, turn away, or disappear behind another performer.
Back button focus gives you the flexibility to respond without having to change your basic shutter-button behavior.
1. Prevent Unwanted Refocusing
One of the biggest advantages is being able to stop autofocus when you want to preserve your current focus distance.
Imagine a vocalist standing at a microphone. You acquire focus on the performer, release AF-ON, and wait for the right expression or gesture.
You can continue taking photographs without the camera attempting to refocus every time you press the shutter.
This can be useful when microphones, stage lights, or other objects might otherwise interfere with autofocus.
2. Track Performers When Necessary
When a musician starts moving, simply press and hold AF-ON again.
With continuous autofocus enabled, the camera can keep adjusting focus as the performer moves.
You can release the button when you want to stop focusing, then reactivate it when the action changes.
3. Recompose More Easily
Concert photographs don't always place the performer in the center of the frame.
You might want a singer positioned off-center to include stage lighting, another musician, or negative space.
With back button focus, you can acquire focus, release AF-ON, recompose, and take the picture without the camera immediately trying to focus on something else.
For moving performers, however, be careful about recomposing after focus acquisition. If the subject moves or your camera-to-subject distance changes, you'll need to refocus.
AF-S vs. AF-C With Back Button Focus
Back button focus does not replace your camera's autofocus modes. It works alongside them.
The two most useful modes for concert photography are AF-S (Single AF) and AF-C (Continuous AF), although Canon and other manufacturers use different names.
| Autofocus Mode | Best For | How It Works With BBF |
|---|---|---|
| AF-S / One-Shot AF | Stationary performers | Focus when AF-ON is pressed, then stop adjusting |
| AF-C / Servo AF | Moving performers | Continue tracking while AF-ON is held |
| Automatic AF Selection | Unpredictable situations | Camera chooses whether to use single or continuous focusing |
AF-S / One-Shot AF
Best For: Stationary performers
How It Works With BBF: Focus when AF-ON is pressed, then stop adjusting
AF-C / Servo AF
Best For: Moving performers
How It Works With BBF: Continue tracking while AF-ON is held
Automatic AF Selection
Best For: Unpredictable situations
How It Works With BBF: Camera chooses whether to use single or continuous focusing
AF-S: Single Autofocus
AF-S is useful when photographing performers who remain relatively stationary.
Good examples include:
Singers standing at a microphone
Seated musicians
Keyboard players
Acoustic performances
Speeches and stage presentations
Press AF-ON to acquire focus. Once focus is confirmed, release the button and take photographs without triggering autofocus again.
This is especially useful when you want to wait for an expression, gesture, or change in stage lighting.
AF-C: Continuous Autofocus
AF-C is generally the better starting point for moving performers.
Use it when photographing:
Guitarists moving across the stage
Energetic vocalists
Drummers
Dancers
Musicians jumping or interacting with the crowd
Hold AF-ON while following the performer. The camera continues adjusting focus as the subject moves, provided it can maintain autofocus detection.
For most live music situations, AF-C combined with back button focus is a useful starting configuration.
You don't have to stay in AF-C all the time, though. Stationary performers and predictable compositions may benefit from a different approach.
Real Concert Photography Workflow With Back Button Focus
The biggest benefit of back button focus isn't the button itself. It's the control it gives you over your shooting workflow.
Instead of allowing autofocus to activate every time you press the shutter, you decide when the camera should focus.
A practical workflow looks like this:
Anticipate where the performer will be positioned.
Select an appropriate autofocus area or tracking mode.
Place the autofocus point over the performer.
Press AF-ON to acquire focus.
Continue holding AF-ON if the performer is moving.
Release AF-ON when you want to stop autofocus adjustments.
Press the shutter when the moment is right.
Example: Singer at a Microphone
Imagine a vocalist standing at center stage. The lighting changes every few seconds, but the performer remains in roughly the same position.
With traditional autofocus, the camera may attempt to refocus whenever you half-press the shutter. If a bright microphone, microphone stand, or background light interferes, you could lose focus at an important moment.
With back button focus:
Acquire focus on the singer using AF-ON.
Confirm that the subject is sharp.
Release AF-ON.
Wait for the right expression or gesture.
Take the photograph using the shutter button.
As long as the singer remains at approximately the same distance, you can take multiple frames without autofocus trying to acquire a new subject.
Example: Guitarist Moving Across the Stage
An energetic guitarist requires a different approach.
Set the camera to AF-C.
Select an appropriate tracking or autofocus area.
Hold AF-ON while following the performer.
Keep the active focus area over the subject.
Capture short bursts during important moments.
If the guitarist stops moving, you can release AF-ON and hold the current focus distance while waiting for the next moment.
Tracking Moving Performers and Shooting in Low Light
Concerts are unpredictable. A musician might step forward into a spotlight, turn away, jump, or move behind another performer.
Back button focus makes it easier to switch between active tracking and holding focus, but it doesn't make the camera's autofocus system more sensitive or accurate.
That distinction is particularly important in low-light venues.
Use AF-C for Unpredictable Movement
For most moving performers, AF-C is a good starting point.
Hold AF-ON while following the musician and allow the camera to adjust focus as the subject moves.
Depending on your camera, you can combine this with:
Subject tracking
Face and eye detection
Zone autofocus
Dynamic-area autofocus
Flexible spot or single-point autofocus
The best choice depends on the camera, the performer, and how cluttered the stage is.
Know When to Stop Tracking
Continuous autofocus isn't always the best option.
Your camera may detect something other than the performer, especially when the stage contains:
Microphones and microphone stands
Guitar necks and instrument hardware
Bright LED panels
Stage lights
Smoke and haze
Other musicians crossing the frame
Sometimes the better approach is to acquire focus, release AF-ON, and wait for the moment.
The goal isn't to keep autofocus active as much as possible. It's to use it when it helps you capture a sharper photograph.
Back Button Focus in Dark Venues
Small clubs and theaters can be particularly challenging. Dark backgrounds, colored LEDs, haze, and strong backlighting can make it difficult for even advanced autofocus systems to identify a performer.
Back button focus can help prevent unwanted refocusing after you've acquired focus, but it cannot compensate for a camera that struggles to acquire focus in the first place.
For difficult lighting:
Use an autofocus area that gives the camera a clear target.
Try a smaller focus area if the camera keeps selecting background objects.
Use a fast lens when possible.
Choose a shutter speed appropriate for the performer's movement.
Check focus periodically rather than assuming it remains correct.
For additional advice, see:
Creamery Station at Winter Wake Up Music Festival
Eye AF and Subject Detection With Back Button Focus
Modern mirrorless cameras offer face detection, eye detection, and subject tracking that can make photographing musicians considerably easier.
These features can work alongside back button focus when configured correctly.
When Eye AF Helps
Eye detection can be especially useful when photographing:
Singers
Solo performers
Acoustic musicians
Front-facing portraits
Musicians positioned clearly against the background
Instead of manually placing a focus point over the performer's face, you can let the camera identify and track the eye.
When Eye AF Struggles
Concert environments can be difficult for subject detection.
Eye AF may struggle when:
The performer is heavily backlit.
Sunglasses or shadows obscure the eyes.
A microphone blocks part of the face.
Colored lighting makes facial detection unreliable.
Smoke or haze reduces contrast.
The performer turns away from the camera.
In these situations, a conventional AF area or manually positioned focus point may be more reliable.
A Practical Approach
You can build different autofocus configurations around the type of photograph you're trying to capture:
| Shooting Situation | Autofocus Approach |
|---|---|
| Performer portraits | AF-C with eye detection |
| Fast movement | AF-C with subject tracking |
| Stationary performer | AF-S or AF-C with focus held using AF-ON |
| Difficult lighting | Small or manually positioned focus area |
| Cluttered stage | Zone or single-point AF, depending on subject movement |
The best approach depends on your camera's capabilities. Experiment with these combinations before relying on them during an important performance.
Burst Shooting Strategy With Back Button Focus
Back button focus works well with continuous shooting, particularly when photographing fast-moving performers.
The key is to use bursts strategically rather than holding the shutter down throughout an entire song.
A useful approach is:
Track the performer using AF-ON.
Anticipate an important moment.
Capture a short burst.
Review the strongest frames when practical.
Continue tracking as the performance develops.
Good Times to Use Burst Mode
Short bursts can help capture:
Jumps and energetic movements
Drum hits
Guitar solos
Facial expressions
Crowd interactions
Dramatic lighting moments
Avoid Overshooting
Taking hundreds of nearly identical photographs creates more work during culling and editing.
Autofocus and burst shooting can improve your chances of capturing a particular moment, but they don't replace timing and anticipation.
The goal isn't to take more photographs. It's to capture better ones.
Back Button Focus Setup by Camera Brand
Most modern interchangeable-lens cameras offer some form of autofocus button customization. The exact setup varies by camera model and firmware, so the instructions below are general starting points rather than universal menu paths.
The basic objective is the same:
Assign autofocus activation to AF-ON or another convenient rear button.
Disable autofocus activation from the shutter button's half-press.
Confirm that the shutter button still operates the exposure meter and releases the shutter normally.
Test the configuration before using it at a concert.
Nikon Back Button Focus Setup
Nikon cameras offer extensive autofocus and button customization options.
A typical setup involves:
Open the Custom Settings Menu.
Navigate to the Controls or Custom Control Assignment section.
Assign AF-ON to the desired button.
Set autofocus activation to AF-ON only, where supported.
Disable autofocus activation from the shutter-release button.
For concert photography, a useful starting setup is:
AF-C for moving performers
AF-S for stationary subjects when appropriate
AF-ON assigned to the rear button
Subject detection enabled when reliable
3D Tracking, Dynamic-area AF, or another suitable autofocus area depending on the camera
Nikon Z cameras and many Nikon DSLRs provide customizable controls that make this workflow possible.
Canon Back Button Focus Setup
Canon cameras have supported back button focus for many generations.
A typical setup involves:
Open the Custom Controls or Customize Buttons menu.
Select the shutter button's half-press function.
Remove autofocus activation from the half-press assignment, where supported.
Assign AF activation to the AF-ON button.
Confirm that the shutter button still releases the photograph.
For concerts, consider:
Servo AF for moving performers
Eye Detection when useful
Subject tracking for unpredictable movement
An appropriate AF area for the stage and shooting position
Canon's exact button assignments vary by model, so consult the camera manual if the menu options differ.
Sony Back Button Focus Setup
Sony mirrorless cameras provide extensive custom key and autofocus settings.
A typical setup involves:
Open Custom Key/Dial Settings.
Assign AF-ON to a convenient rear button if it isn't already assigned.
Open the autofocus settings.
Disable AF with shutter, where available.
Test AF-ON and the shutter button independently.
A useful concert configuration includes:
AF-C
Real-time Tracking when appropriate
Eye AF or subject recognition
Flexible Spot for difficult lighting or cluttered stages
Sony shooters can combine AF-C, Eye AF, and back button focus for a flexible live-performance workflow.
Fujifilm Back Button Focus Setup
Fujifilm cameras also support customizable autofocus controls, although available options vary by model.
A typical setup involves:
Open Button/Dial Setting.
Assign AF-ON or an autofocus function to a rear button.
Disable shutter autofocus if the camera provides that option.
Select AF-C for moving performers.
Test the button assignments before shooting.
Useful concert settings include:
AF-C
Zone AF for moving performers
Face/Eye Detection when reliable
Custom autofocus button assignments
Fujifilm photographers should consult their specific camera manual for the correct button and shutter autofocus settings.
Practice Before Using Back Button Focus at a Concert
This is important regardless of which camera system you use.
Back button focus can feel unnatural at first because you're changing a habit that may have been part of your photography workflow for years.
Before relying on it at a show, practice with everyday subjects, moving people, or pets.
Give yourself time to develop the muscle memory to focus with your thumb while releasing the shutter with your index finger.
Creamery Station at Wormtown Music Festival.
Common Back Button Focus Mistakes
Back button focus can improve your control, but changing the setting without adjusting your shooting habits can create problems.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
1. Switching Without Practicing
Enabling back button focus immediately before an important concert is a recipe for frustration.
Your muscle memory expects a half-press of the shutter to activate autofocus. With BBF, you need to use a separate button.
Practice before using it in a demanding environment.
2. Forgetting to Activate Autofocus
With shutter autofocus disabled, pressing the shutter button won't acquire focus.
If you forget to press AF-ON, you may end up with a sequence of out-of-focus photographs.
Build the habit before shooting in difficult conditions.
3. Using the Wrong Autofocus Mode
Back button focus doesn't replace your understanding of AF-S and AF-C.
Use AF-S for stationary subjects when appropriate and AF-C for moving performers.
The button controls when autofocus operates. The autofocus mode determines how the camera behaves while it is active.
4. Expecting BBF to Improve Autofocus Performance
Back button focus doesn't make autofocus faster, more sensitive, or more accurate.
It doesn't improve lens sharpness, create additional light, or fix poor exposure settings.
It simply gives you more control over the autofocus system already in your camera.
5. Releasing AF-ON and Forgetting to Refocus
When you release AF-ON, autofocus stops adjusting. That can be useful, but it also means the focus distance remains where it was when you released the button.
If the performer moves toward or away from you, you may need to reacquire focus.
Don't assume that a previously focused subject will remain sharp indefinitely.
Improving Autofocus Accuracy for Concert Photography
Back button focus is most useful when combined with a well-configured autofocus system.
Here are a few other factors that can make a difference.
Use the Right Autofocus Area
Different stages and performers call for different autofocus areas.
Single Point or Flexible Spot
Useful for singers at microphones, stationary musicians, and situations where you need precise control over the focus target.
Zone AF
Useful when a performer moves around within a relatively predictable area. It gives the camera more room to identify and track the subject.
Subject Tracking
Useful for fast movement and modern mirrorless cameras with reliable subject recognition. It can be particularly effective during outdoor festivals and performances with plenty of light.
No single autofocus area works perfectly in every concert environment.
Choose an Appropriate Lens
Your lens affects how well you can photograph in low light and how easily you can frame performers from different shooting positions.
Fast lenses with wide maximum apertures, such as f/1.4, f/1.8, and f/2.8 models, are particularly useful for concert photography.
Popular focal lengths include:
35mm for wider environmental photographs
50mm for general performer coverage
85mm for tighter portraits
70-200mm for distant stages and larger venues
For more recommendations, see Best Lenses for Concert Photography.
Use a Fast Enough Shutter Speed
Some photographs that appear to have autofocus problems are actually affected by motion blur.
Even when autofocus has placed the subject in sharp focus, movement during the exposure can make the photograph look soft.
As a starting point:
Around 1/200 sec can work for slower performers.
Around 1/320 sec is useful for more movement.
Faster shutter speeds may be necessary for jumping, dancing, or energetic performances.
Adjust your settings according to the available light and the movement you're photographing.
See Best Camera Settings for Concert Photography for more detailed guidance.
Back Button Focus vs. Shutter Autofocus
Both focusing methods can work well for concert photography. The better choice depends on your preferences and how you use your camera.
| Feature | Back Button Focus | Shutter Autofocus |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus Control | Independent button | Linked to shutter half-press |
| Learning Curve | Higher | Lower |
| Focus Lock | Easy to control | Requires a separate technique or focus lock |
| Moving Subjects | Excellent with AF-C | Excellent with AF-C |
| Recomposing | Convenient after releasing AF-ON | Convenient when using focus lock or another method |
| Everyday Photography | Good once familiar | Simple and familiar |
| Professional Use | Popular with many photographers | Also widely used |
When Back Button Focus Is Useful
BBF is particularly useful when you frequently switch between tracking moving subjects and holding focus at a specific distance.
It can be helpful for:
Concert photography
Sports
Wildlife
Weddings
Events
Other fast-paced situations
When Shutter Autofocus Is Perfectly Fine
Traditional shutter autofocus remains an excellent option for:
Casual photography
Travel
Family photographs
Everyday portraits
Situations where you prefer a simpler workflow
There is no requirement to use back button focus to become a better photographer. Many experienced photographers continue to use traditional shutter autofocus successfully.
Choose the method that allows you to work comfortably and consistently.
A reliable concert autofocus setup involves more than assigning AF-ON to a rear button.
The following configuration is a useful starting point for many live music situations.
Camera Settings
Autofocus mode: AF-C for moving performers
Focus activation: Back button focus
AF area: Subject tracking, Zone AF, or a smaller focus area depending on the situation
Subject detection: Enable face or eye detection when it works reliably
File format: RAW for greater editing flexibility
Drive mode: Continuous shooting for important action moments
Lens Selection
Choose a lens that provides enough reach and light-gathering ability for your shooting position.
A useful starting selection includes:
24-35mm for wider stage photographs
50mm for general coverage
85mm for tighter portraits
70-200mm for distant performers
Practice Your Timing
Even the most advanced autofocus system cannot anticipate every important moment.
Learn to recognize when a musician is about to jump, when a vocalist is approaching a microphone, or when a dramatic lighting change is about to happen.
Back button focus helps you control the technical side of capturing the photograph. Timing, anticipation, and composition are what help make the photograph memorable.
Final Recommendations
Back button focus is a useful technique for concert photographers who want more control over their camera's autofocus system.
Its biggest advantages are the ability to separate focusing from shutter release, switch between tracking and holding focus, and avoid unwanted refocusing when a performer remains in position.
For most live music situations, a good starting configuration is:
AF-C + Back Button Focus + an appropriate autofocus area or subject-tracking mode.
Use AF-S or stop autofocus adjustments when photographing stationary performers, and reactivate AF-C tracking when musicians start moving.
Give yourself time to practice. Once the button assignments become second nature, you can spend less time thinking about autofocus and more time anticipating the moments that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is back button focus better for concert photography?
For many concert photographers, yes. It provides more control over when autofocus activates, which is useful when performers move quickly and lighting changes constantly. However, traditional shutter autofocus can work just as well for photographers who prefer that workflow.
Does back button focus improve autofocus?
No. Back button focus does not make autofocus faster or more accurate. It improves how you control your camera's existing autofocus system by separating focusing from the shutter button.
Should I use AF-C or AF-S with back button focus?
AF-C is generally the better starting point for concert photography because performers frequently move. AF-S can work well for stationary musicians and predictable compositions. You can use either mode with back button focus.
Do professional photographers use back button focus?
Many professional photographers use back button focus, particularly in sports, wildlife, weddings, and concert photography. However, some professionals prefer traditional shutter autofocus. Both approaches are valid.
Can I use Eye AF with back button focus?
Yes. Many modern mirrorless cameras allow Eye AF and subject tracking to work with back button focus. You may need to assign the appropriate autofocus or tracking function to a button, depending on your camera model.
How long does it take to learn back button focus?
Most photographers need several practice sessions before back button focus feels natural. The adjustment period depends on your previous experience and how frequently you use the camera.
Is back button focus useful for video?
Back button focus is primarily used for still photography. It may be useful in certain video workflows, but video autofocus controls and recording behavior vary by camera. For continuous video autofocus, the camera's dedicated movie AF settings are usually more relevant.
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All images © Chris Sidoruk. No use, copying, or redistribution without license.