The Ultimate Nikon Z8 And Z9 AF Setup Guide For Wildlife Photography

In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.
Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.
Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!
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[@christaylor8410]

I can't recommend enough that ALL wildlife photographers pick up Steve's book "The Ultimate Nikon Z8 & Z9 Setup & Shooting Guide For Wildlife Photography". It has a fantastic amount of detail on how to optimize the Z8/Z9 for action and wildlife photography. Even as a photographer who does more landscape than critter photography, I gained a massively deeper understanding of my Z8. Steve always tries out everything and does not simply regurgitate the Nikon manual. Thanks, Steve!

[@BobJones-zw3ui]

I made the purchase today - z8 comes tomorrow - excellent Guide!

[@snowmanphoto]

You're the best. You actually know what its like to deal with the constant quick reaction changes and challenges of wildlife photography.

[@nancylightfoot4613]

Thanks so much for this! I bought the guide, but I'm anxious to get out with the new camera. :) I so appreciate your expertise, your humor and positive attitude, and this totally wildlife-focused channel! My Z8 is coming tomorrow! YAY!!!!

[@csabapapp8481]

Thank you Steve! It's so great to have this kind of content on youtube. By the time I get my Z8, I'll know how to set it up. AF system has changed a lot since the D500, but even the Z6 is way behind the new models. It is a lot easier to understand with examples, than reading the manual.

[@jimwlouavl]

Thanks for the intro, recognizing that despite all of your expertise, others' preferences are valid. I'm not a wildlife photographer but watched because I knew I would learn from your having thought seriously about these menus. Thanks.

[@sekaf4125]

Thanks Steve. I just got with my new Z8. I told someone else I can’t believe my little store had 3, well now they have 2. I got mine! Upgrading from D850

[@jdjohnston1960]

Thanks for all you do. Appreciate your work and your approach to teaching.

[@bobhart6160]

Top video again Steve. You are so good at explaining the focus system for these cameras, by far the best videos I’ve watched.

[@JDLVHIGHROLLER]

Once again - Amazingly useful and helpful information - even thought I own and have read your setup guide, I still enjoy and find good information in your videos. Please keep up the good work!

[@gregoryowain2073]

I must admit that in the past I was lazy and didn't dive deep enough into the options to customise my D850, but oh my word there are a lot of settings and customisations for the Z8! Thanks for clearing up some of them in this video.

[@IsabelRedondoCa]

Thank you again, Steve! You helped me set up and enjoy my D500 all these years (still going at nearly 400K) and now thoroughly explained the essence of what I need from the Z8. Started with the video, got the manual. I feel at least prepared for tomorrow's field test. So appreciate your down-to-earth approach!

[@garuda909]

Hi @isabelRedondoCa - how did you like the manual? I loved this video by Steve and I have one of these Z cameras. Just looking for some real world reviews. Thank you!

[@cpanbalagan]

You are a great tutor who dives into every detail... I appreciate your effort and the level of dedication you put on these videos!!

[@ziggyshea]

Some timestamps: 2:06 AF-C priority selection 3:43 AF-S priority selection 4:27 Focus tracking with lock-on 8:52 Focus points used 9:57 Store points by orientation 13:12 AF activation 13:47 Focus point persistence 15:50 Limit AF-area mode selection 17:37 Focus mode restrictions 19:32 Focus point wrap-around 19:51 Focus point display 21:39 Built-in AF-assist illuminator 21:47 Focus peaking 24:07 Focus point selection speed 24:53 Manual focus ring in AF mode 26:10 Controls 47:58 Conclusion (Great video as usual! Might have to pick up the e-book)

[@drewturnbull1]

Great timing, Steve. I picked up my Z8 this morning...thanks and next is to order your Z9/Z8 guide.

[@freddyacosta2358]

Got my Z9 yesterday. Going to a Wildlife Refuge here in Delaware to try it our with my 200-500mm and my 600mm F4, G, VR. My settings are pretty similar to yours. I set my Fn buttons the way I have them on my DSLR cameras like my D5, D850, and D500. I like having single point AF in one of them. Great video, thank you.

[@KobusGevelspar]

Thanks for putting in all the time to make this video. Really helpful!

[@davidsneddon2242]

Hey Steve amazing. I am brand new too mirrorless and I have also just set up my new Z8 here in Glasgow, Scotland. I have your book on the Z8/Z9 and find it absolutely fantastic and invaluable. I know I said I would never go mirrorless but the Z8 is too good to miss so I traded in one of my D850s and joined the ranks. Due out tomorrow to try it out, can't wait.

[@stanpiper8158]

Excellent, video. Your explanations are clear and concise, and your choices are logical and practical. Well done. I had overdone the use of function buttons, and literally created problems and complications. I have used your suggestions to simplify my Z9 considerably. I think these choices will stick for a while.

[@speed__pix]

Thank you very much for the 1:1 hack concerning W-C1 autofocus setting. Saved my day!

[@vincentvdb3151]

Thank you Steve for the video and the free update on the already excellent Z9 manual. An excellent e-book that I use when looking for some specific info.

[@thetechiephotographer]

Fantastic work!! I received my copy of Z8 last week and love it!

[@KickingupDust]

Thanks Steve. Crystal clear as always.

[@cy9nvs]

Just ordered a Z8 today, coming from a Fujifilm X-H2. Since the waiting time for new deliveries is 1-3 months, where I live, I guess I'll have a lot of time researching the system before getting to actually use it in the field. Super helpful video, I'm sure I'll be watching it a couple of more times, once it has arrived. 😁

[@rickchen6084]

Thanks .. It is still useful even I have using z9 for 2 years ... your video refreshs me everytime ....

[@ramachandraursh.s3903]

finally what i wanted is here. Thanks for putting this up! appreciate your time and effort...👍

[@anaphylaxis2548]

Thank you Steve. Most of my settings were already the same as yours. A few of your settings were really interesting and I'll try them out. Still learning about many functions of the Z9.

[@ernreeders5583]

Invaluable information as always, just like the ebook. Thanks Steve. The Z8/9 Custom Controls Worksheet on your website is a great idea! Investing time in your instructional materials has always paid dividends for me.

[@Jordiephotography]

Thank you steve , i got the z8 today and this video helped me a lot already .. I am just chilling and exploring what this machine can do ..

[@Goldmaxx17]

Got my Z9 yesterday, I dithered between Z8 and Z 9 but ended up plumping for the Z9, this video is absolutely perfect for getting me on the right track, so a big Thank You Steve. p.s. I have your guide but so much better to see than to just read.

[@hans6304]

Hello, may I know what made you decide to go for the Z9? Thank you

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

Perfectly timed by Seve for the shipping day of the Z8! 🙌

[@juju691]

Fantastic…..great clarity of thought as always !

[@carollynaugh4761]

Another excellent video from Steve Perry, thanks for the head start up the learning curve!

[@tw9535]

You are 100% the BEST. Straight up. Legit. Thank you!

[@MikeHeller]

Just picked up the Z8 yesterday, this video is awesome and I bought the book. Thanks Steve!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@marcusbraun8889]

Really like your intro, indeed there is no one setup that works for everyone - unlike some other know-it-alls, who say that their setting are the way to go and everyone else has it wrong. Good video, good explanations, should enable anyone to set the AF up for themselves, then practice - and adjust if needed.

[@angelawilkins3624]

Picked my Z8 up after work today! I’m too tired to get it out of the box after a mad dash to get to the camera store before they closed! My Z9 has a baby sister😂. I can’t wait to watch this entire video!

[@chrishayes4785]

Thank you Steve for shining a lot of light to setting up my Z8. As i am transitioning from a D850 to my first mirrorless camera, i am finding the transition complex. I bought your book on the Z8/Z9 set up, While its extremely detailed, the video cuts to the chase a little for me. Still confused in some areas, however i am sure i will get it in time. I love your work in all the areas that effect me. Your books make great reading on long airplane rides. Some i have read twice.

[@shaddring]

Very very helpful. Appreciate all you do!

[@IraWilner]

Good tips Steve. On my Z9 I've set AF Area Mode (3D)+ AF On to my Fn1 button as its really in the most comfortable place to hold it while poised on the shutter release. I've also put Recall shoot function (hold) press on/press off for AF-area mode using W-c2 as you suggested for the narrowest AF area. Camera default is smallest spot which helps reset AF to center when it locks on something you don't want. And I use Fn3 for Auto focus menus instead of the default button which is usually in a poor location, lower left front when holding a heavy lens. So far, it has been working for me. BTW, my favorite long telephoto lens for my Nikon camera is the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. I bought it prior to Nikon having similar glass for their Z series. With the Fringer EF-NZ active adapter it works perfectly with very fast focus. Image stabilization works best allowing only the Canon lens to do it, not the camera body. Also, since manual focus is physically connected to the lens elements, not fly by wire like the Nikon Z lenses, you can do an accurate focus pull. But the camera will not automatically give you manual focus guidance. Though I should add, if you choose manual mode, lens switch or camera menu, you will get focus guidance. Again, this is because only fly by wire controls let the camera know you're manually focusing on the fly. Physically linked focusing ring will give you manual mechanical override in the lens only. Thanks!

[@xiaomeisun7752]

Great detail setup guide, really appreciated. Thank you!

[@ShutterSnapMastery]

It was a quite helpful guide for Z8 AF. Thanks

[@mnyoupass]

Just got my email that they’re preparing to ship and ordered my first z lens and stuff. I’ll definitely be going through this!

[@oldpaddler1158]

Excellent vid, Steve! Your instructional vids are top notch. And this one is quite timely for those of us lucky enough to be getting a "first wave" Z8. I'll be using this vid and your book to set mine up when it gets here tomorrow.

[@middletonduff]

Steve, this video is brilliant. Thanks

[@sinetwo]

Steve, you're a legend. I'm awaiting my z8 soon. Can't wait to join team mirrorless ☺

[@NikonDave]

Great Video Sir. So many customized things I've set in my Z 9 that I'd forgotten about that I'm sure would have frustrated me when my Z 8 arrives. One Day we hopefully will be able to import and export settings banks between camera's. Thanks for the content as always. Look forward to setting up the new camera with your guide in hand.

[@paulkammen9744]

Great video. I kind of prefer Focus + Release myself, have not had any problems with that for my birds. I also tend to like 3D for birds as my primary go to; perched or in flight, though I have AF and Wide Area AF on a couple of the function buttons. I do like it slightly on "delayed" (4) as so often the bird does fly behind a tree or something.

[@AndyTychon]

Absolutely outstanding. Thanks very much.

[@jat33]

Thanks much Steve. Bought the book first, but this video provided some much needed oomph to my efforts!

[@gyalbobhutia2825]

As I am waiting for my z8, meanwhile purchased your guide book.I wish the book also have the audio form like this video. Thanks for the video.

[@SuomiFinland78]

Not a Nikon’s user, but I like to follow your videos. Great effort!

[@richardcohen8769]

Steve, you have a very soothing voice.... :) Another great video, I ordered a Z8 this morning.

[@JOSHL50]

that's a really nice start. thank you so much!!!

[@charlesw.959]

Thank you for doing such a valuable video.

[@Ohjoo]

Thanks Steve for all the work you do. My Z8 ships today:)

[@backcountrygallery]

Congrats!

[@mazenhamdoun8448]

Great video Steve as usual! I found that for me on my Z8, AF area is on 3D by default so whenever I am tracking I don't have to keep pressing on a button. I use Fn1 for Wide AF, and Fn2 for single point. So, I acquire focus usually with Fn1 and then remove to hand off to 3D tracking. It has caused me less finger fatigue !

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Excellent, Steve!

[@mikebartow9415]

Thank you. Very informative!

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗

[@mmz0810]

Thank you so much, Steve! very helpful

[@anatolykapinos4489]

Great video. A lot of useful stuff. Thank you very much

[@CareyP]

Great Video as usual! I have been watching your videos for a long time and they are always awesome! I usually don't buy books because I have been shooting Nikon for a long time and know the menus pretty well. I decided to buy your book because 1 I wanted to give back! 2 I figured since your free videos are pretty comprehensive that our book might be even better! 3 I figured since it was a good price I might be able to pick up one or two really good items! Well let me tell you I have barely hit ten percent and am finding some great information and tips! Well done Steve and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND any one who has a Z9 or just bought a Z8 to spend their hard earned cash to get this fantastic guide reguardless of what experience level you are!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you're finding the books helpful. I love doing the videos, but always feel like I can explain more in the books. :)

[@RonSkinnerPhotographer]

Great video!

[@brianlemke6017]

Pretty timely Steve. The Camera Store here in Calgary notified me my Z8 is arriving this morning. And I bought your book too.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much! I thought it would be a good time to put it out there :)

[@Mike-126]

Thank you for this great video.

[@georgetran1766]

Great tutorial. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thak you so much for sharing your experience and expertise.

[@akgakg74]

Thank you so much . Very helpful

[@mituldesai666]

Steven this video is very useful for me...Thanks Dear..

[@mm8276352]

Excellent video. I'm using a different config, but Steve makes some good points. I went ahead and configured a settings bank that adopts a few ideas around the button assignments and will try it out in a zoo or something. I think that's a good way to figure out what I really like and what not. One problem could be that my trusty old AF-S 300/2.8 only has an Fn button (which is at the front of the lens), but no Fn2, so I can set a focus distance but never recall it ;-) -- thats why I had both Fn and Fn2 configured the same (I also use an 800PF). I guess what I'll miss the most is my current RSF use, which is "emergency action" on those lens Fn/Fn2 buttons (1/3200 f/2.8 auto-ISO -0.3EV Wide-L 20fps). Otherwise, dialing in all those settings quickly enough is impossible when I was previously panning with 1/30 in shutter priority and single point or something. And I have Drive mode on the video button, which is otherwise also hard to reach. I don't want to shoot 20 fps all the time, but be able to change that quickly.

[@keiththomas7943]

Top Top tips. Thank you very much.

[@Anon-zl4ne]

There are some lenses that have only one Lens Function Button (LFB), so I set LFB1 to save focus position, and then I set the DISP button on my camera to recall focus position. This allows me to easily save and recall focus position while using lenses like the 105mm Macro and 24-120mm f/4.

[@hingng9772]

hi, Steve. thank you. for teaching the setting, it helped. just got the Z8, my 1st Z . :) 👍 u super

[@photography6777]

This is a wonderful addition to your Guide (which I’ve already purchased) because your oral explanation helps me to understand the “why” of the setting. Your instructional videos and books are some of the best available, Steve. Keep them coming.

[@SpotBentley]

Thanks a bunch

[@hishamosman4341]

May God reward Steve for all the tutorials for the Z system. Its priceless! Thank you. I only wish Z8 gets that auto capture mode? Still waiting for mine to arrive. Traded my Z6II for it. The Z8's various AF modes are the ones that made the decision for me. My only wish for Nikon is this....for godsake please provide an arca swiss plate as standard in the box! its easier on my tripod

[@KevinNordstrom]

Good info bro.

[@christineantoniuk]

This has been super interesting, and based on the advice in the video, I'm definitely getting the Ultimate Nikon Z8 & Z9 Setup & Shooting Guide for Wildlife Photography!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@christineantoniuk]

@@backcountrygallery No, thank you for creating the guide! Just one quick question - I also had purchased your guide to birds in flight last year, but through JoWP. Would you be able to add it to my account in your store, so I can keep track of it there?

[@backcountrygallery]

@@christineantoniuk Contact us via our site and we'll see what we can do :) backcountrygallery.com (Click the Contact link in the upper right)

[@tulankantesariaphotography5479]

Steven Thank you so much.. this video was helpful in setting z8 for wildlife photography which i will doing mostly for first time while 3 week trip to Kenya this sept 2023. I wanted to request to see if there was a video on continous burst setting for pics...

[@MrRudyc]

You are the best!😅

[@fsahouri]

Thanks!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@marc5279]

@20:05 in addition to the af range (this flower-mountain loading bar) that is shown in the viewfinder, it would be pretty cool if it also told you the field of focus based on the aperture and where the focus is, like old lenses do with its markings. Then, if you were to manually shoot something at 500mm, you could vary the aperture and you'd see in real time at which point you could fit the entire subject within what the lens renders in focus. It would be very usefull to guess the minimum aperture you should shoot a perched bird for it to be entirely in focus, for example, and it would be great for macro photography because that way you'd know at which point there'd be no use in geting closer to a 3cm frog that you want focused front to back (as getting closer shrinks the in-focus area, and the camera would show you). Modern lenses give plenty of info and i'm sure they are able to do that at this point. You could use focus peaking instead, but it i'm sure this is preferable in quiet some situations

[@Kakkoii_ne]

I like that shirt color. Nice.

[@yournemesis1969]

Thanx for all your great videos Steve. I really enjoy them and have learned a lot from you :-) Would love to see how you would set up your Z8 after the major FW update version 2,0 came out :-)

[@martharetallick1150]

I had to pause this video to go practice with my Z9. White-winged dove landed on my fence and, oh, was that guy showing off his plumage!

[@suzannegmirek1520]

Thanks much for the video. I have your book and have been reading it to prepare for my Z8 (coming tomorrow :-) The book is excellent and has much more than here and still the video is helpful in a different way. I would love if you sold a video tutorial to go along with your book :-)

[@johnmcnaughton6808]

Hi Steve, Another great video, thank you. I’m just an amateur sports photographer equestrian and hockey mainly, sometimes under floodlights. I use a D850 fast enough during the day but can be a bit slow in low light, luckily Topaz comes to the rescue with using 10,000 ISO. Seriously looking at the Z8 in your tests how does the Z8 perform at high ISO unfortunately, the weather in the UK is mostly cloudy and dull. The Z9 is out my price range. I have the Z6II and love it but not ideal for sport

[@WalterKleeven]

Excelent, thanks big time :thumbsup:

[@HeideMason]

Thank you, I'm setting up my Z8 as I watch this. I have the Set Up Guide on a second tab and it would be helpful to me (and maybe others) if you gave page references when you refer back to the Guide.

[@backcountrygallery]

That's a good idea for future vids - thanks!

[@Balajipb]

Great Video Steve! Loved it. I wonder what your default autofocus area mode would be.

[@backcountrygallery]

Depends on the situation. As I mentioned, I try to pick the most likely AF area for what I'm shooting and then override if needed.

[@2009kronos]

Very good guide on customisation your z8/9 but I often can’t remember what I saved where on my camera when I’m in the field and need to respond quickly.

[@randyschwager2515]

Great info Steve! I’m wondering if these cameras are too much for this 73-year-old to manage! I’m pretty good with my D500 and can run it in my sleep! I suppose with time…I will be able to figure it out! Just worried about tons of missed shots! Thanks for the info…I’m still weighing my options!

[@ashishgoel221]

Thank you very much. I got my Z8 2 weeks back and bought the book after watching this video yesterday. I love the way you explain each topic before giving your recommendations. Z8 menu can be overwhelming at times and you made it look simple with examples. As an amateur with technical background I find it easy to grasp the technical side of things in the photography, but i struggle with composition. Do you have a book on composition that can benefit people like me ?

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! I've been working on a book that deals with the more artistic side of wildlife photography (composition is a big part of it, of course), so it's coming eventually :)

[@markusmarschall6643]

Great Video! As for a15 (manual focus ring in AF mode): With my Z9 set to off, it only turns off focus peaking (a13), but bumping the manual focussing ring still changes the focus. This is with FW 3.1 and Z 70-200 for example.

[@1Donmonte]

a15 is not available yet on Z9, maybe with the next firmware update.

[@markusmarschall6643]

@@1Donmonte it is on mine, FW 3.10

[@markusmarschall6643]

@@1Donmonte it shows with all my Z zoom lenses (14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and 100-400 f4.5-f5.6). it does not show with frmount or Z 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 or 85mm f1.8. but a15 set to off does not disable the focus ring.

[@1Donmonte]

Ah yes, I’ve had the 50mm Z attached, it should appear while attaching a zoom lens.

[@1Donmonte]

On my Z 24-120mm with a15 off, it completely disables manual focus. So it’s working as it should with this combo.

[@popiemac4579]

Great video. Always learn a lot from your videos and books. Need a clarification - since you have area mode conveniently located on the video record button and can easily change it there, I don’t understand the need for programming the fn 2 button for area mode W-C1 which has to be continuously depressed.

[@backcountrygallery]

Mostly because it's faster to override when you're in a hurry than it is to scroll though a menu of AF options. The idea with overrides is you want to use them as an instant way to jump to a better / more appropriate AF area. In addition, when I release the button, I'm back to whatever AF area I was using before. So, I can jump from action to static, single point work very quickly. However, I prefer not to constantly press an override button, so if I have the time I would use the video record button to change AF areas.

[@popiemac4579]

@@backcountrygallery thank you. That makes perfect sense and understand much better.

[@SachinSawe]

Great video as usual!! Your content and teaching style is great! You are able to explain concepts in easier fashion. Plus a lot of work you put in your videos is beyond words. It takes gigantic efforts to make even a few minutes of video let alone these you make which will involve hours of hard work! Btw, quick question, I am a Sony user with a1 and super teles like yourself and surely you know how we are used to Sony dials with double back button focus AF and AF + Tracking .. etc many more other goodies that we program on Sony buttons. Z8/9 seem very attractive as overall solid camera bodies with competitive AF and with TC super teles make it even more compelling options. How easy was it for you to adapt to these bodies though knowing that you have been comfortable and have found Sony bodies very fast in the field (as indicated and demonstrated by you in many videos). In other words, in terms of ergonomics related to configurability of buttons etc does Z8 or Z9 still stand good compared to say a1?

[@RealChrisinAZ]

Great tips on setting this up, Thank you!

[@mattilarborn]

Thank you for the walkthrough. I'm not able to select 3D on the function button. That selection is not available on my Z8...? Any ideas how to select it?

[@berniestang2616]

Book or e-book ? Thx ! Appreciate your videos !! Love them !

[@janielawson6553]

Thanks for the video Steve they're awesome. I have a question about wanting to find the setting that was on my Z62. It's the setting that when you take a photo, the photo pops up inside the viewfinder so you can look at it through the viewfinder in my zoom in on it how do I find that setting on the new Z8 thank you

[@tc6912]

Thank you very much! I am a new Z8 shooter coming from a D500. Shutting of the M an AF-S focus modes and using the record button to select the Focus Area Mode is a winner for me. I also reversed the control dials for focus modes. Index finger on record and thumb on the rear wheel. Is there a way to set a button to get at the Subject Selection options? I have not been able to find a clear explanation of the uses and limitations of the Custom Shooting Banks and the Custom Controls Banks. I would like to have an action bank and a portrait bank. I would like to take advantage of the skin softening features in the portrait bank, but they won't work in high fps mode. Between the banks and the recall shooting functions, I can't seem to find a way to control both the skin controls and the release mode with a single change. I can set it all up in the "I menu", but I was hoping for something more direct.