Focus plane shifting shutter vs AF-ON?

Kellynikon

I was curious to know if there is a difference in aquire focus using the AF-ON button.

As far as I know it is like this:

1. When you put the camera in AF-continuous mode you can press the AF-ON for single focus, or hold for continuous focus. With the shutter button you have to change it first in the camera.

2. Now is there a difference in the focus shifting in using AF-ON or the shutter button? Or is fast changing between single and continuous focus the only benefit?

3. I'm asking this because I am having trouble getting the right focus with focussing and recomposing. Would moving to AF-ON help me focus better, than the shutter button set to AF-continuous?

Ironheart

It's the same autofocus mechanism, and whether activated by the half-press of a shutter or the AF-ON button it will behave the same. Unless I'm not understanding your question, it is more a personal preference thing. We have a couple of AF-ON threads/discussions. Feel free to light one back up.

Ironheart

Check this one out:
http://forum.nikonrumors.com/discussion/140/using-af-on-vs-trigger-button-for-auto-focus/

And this:
http://nikonrumors.com/2014/01/25/how-to-use-nikons-af-on-and-back-button-autofocus.aspx/

funtagraph

@Ironheart I must say, you have a real good style in helping others

Ironheart

Why thank you! I try and make up for the times when I'm giving someone a hard time :-)

Kellynikon

ok i will read those thoroughly before asking my question again perhaps ill understand later!

FlowtographyBerlin

Apart from the different preferences that one might have, as @ironheart mentioned, there isn't much to "understand", as @ironheart also mentioned: It's the same mechanism you're triggering with both buttons.