Nikon Mirrorless AF Modes And Settings

[@heyheyphilip]

Hands down and still the best explanation of the AF system for Nikon's mirrorless cameras on KZbin. Thank you!

[@tonylofrese8861]

This is a great addition to the book. Start here and then go into detail with the book. The book is well worth it, thanks Steve.

[@jeffostroff]

Thanks Steve, nice compliment to the Z6 auto focus book I downloaded from you this week. One thing you need to point out that I have not seen other videos mention is the fact that Eye Auto Focus only works in PHOTO mode, not in VIDEO mode. When Nikon introduced it in the Firmware update last December, I was frustrated trying to figure out how to get it to work, since it appears that every reviewer on KZbin was showing us a video of it working on live subjects, but failing to inform us their camera was not in video mode! Instead, we were simply watching a video of the live feed off their viewfinder screen! Still pretty frustrating Nikon cannot give us eye detect in video mode, but they do give us face detect which I use for self narration in my videos on my channel.

[@backcountrygallery]

Good point. I seldom do videos other than what you see here so I never mess with it.

[@x4g1706]

The best video for detailed information and really explaining the differences between options and when to use. I am new to Nikon mirrorless, and waiting for the Z9 to arrived and this video has provided the most info to get me up to speed. I ordered three of your books!!

[@Marco_Wildlife]

At the time of my like 189 like and zero, I mean zero dislikes...you must be the only photographer on youtube with such a ratio! Absolutely deserved great content.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! I'm confident we'll see a dislike soon - there are always a few LOL!

[@christaylor8410]

Now up to 415 likes and still ZERO dislikes. And well-deserved. I have not seen anyone explain all the AF stuff on Nikon Z cameras as well as Steve does. I can highly recommend the ebook for even better, deeper, explanations.

[@Marco_Wildlife]

@@christaylor8410 First dislike is there....sad day for photography :-)

[@franciskwok3515]

I've purchased both of Steve's books on the Nikon autofocus system on DSLRs and mirrorless. Both go into much deeper detail than the (excellent) videos. Highly recommended.

[@jonc8561]

There is so much handy information here. You did the lords work with this, thank you so much!

[@brianwhite2405]

Brilliant explanation of the AF system. Best ever! Off to look at the book now. Thank you.

[@nancyrevelle1552]

Your videos and book have been invaluable in getting me started with my new Z6 - much appreciated!!! What a steep learning curve for this older film shooter! 😳😵‍💫

[@PostColorGear]

That person running away from the buck at the beginning was a nice touch haha great video, as always

[@pauldanesiphotography]

Another great video to help me use the different focus options. Bought your first ebook to learn the options for the D500, now I bought your second book so I can learn more about the Z6 and Z50 focus options. Haven't read it yet, waiting for a day when I can read without any interruptions and can have both cameras right in front of me. Love all your videos, so happy you use Nikons. You're the best.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!!

[@matthewbell1968]

I'm sticking with my d500 Steve but this was really interesting thanks

[@minusinfinity6974]

Wise choice, even Nikon admit the Z6 and Z7 can't match the D500/D850 for AF for action.

[@matthewbell1968]

@@minusinfinity6974 the mirrorless will catch up but my d500/200-500 combo beats the xt3/100-400 hands down esp for tracking bifs.....

[@christophersmith4171]

Same here! Love the D500

[@obitum]

@@matthewbell1968 Yeah im waiting christmas to see which way i will upgrade my d7500, either a d500, d850, z7s or z8 (if they're announced I will wait) if price isn't too crazy high, I'm not sure tho if i realy want to go mirrorless since my mom use nikon f lens and we share them and if i upgrade my dad would use the d7500 and we'd all share f lens.

[@robinbregman7540]

I learned so much from this video! I probably need to watch it a few more times 😊. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@andersoncheong8123]

Thank you so much Steve! This is the best explanation of Z series AF settings I come across on KZbin. It was a mess when I first changed from Nikon DSLR to mirrorless but now I am quite confident with it

[@conniechristenson4833]

Amazing! Done! Thank you. didn't think I needed a custom setting but discovered from your video how it will make shooting easier.

[@alanmichael4225]

Thanks Steve, love my Nikon d850 and Z7 combo. Always learn something new from your videos even when I think I have a handle on the cameras. You’re awesome, thanks for all you do!

[@mindra5404]

Thank you! I just recently got the z6ii and as it's my first Nikon camera, this was very helpful! :)

[@razerone49]

You explain things extremely well. Thank you for the video

[@mvedda77]

Thanks Steve - great video. Appreciate the knowledge sharing. Any suggestion on which AF mode (on Z 6ii) is best for airshows?

[@dmac5x1]

Excellent video, Steve. This was a great help coming from a D750 to a Z7 II.

[@kerriechandler1174]

Thank you this has provided a great insite to the focusing options. I trying to transition from Landscape to portrait photography, and this has answered alot of queries I had.

[@ianross5299]

Thanks for the learning opportunity with this video . was a big help

[@andersglantz980]

Thank you so much from Stockholm Sweden. Just a new Z6II user so this video have help me a lot.

[@jimwlouavl]

This was so helpful as I move from a D810 to a Z6. Thanks.

[@ianbachanek2538]

Just bought a Z6 last week. As always your videos are so informative. It was an upgrade from my D7000. Feel a bit like a caveman so much to learn.

[@zsozsousa1]

Thanks Steve, This is very informative. I own two Z6's and using them mostly for wedding and events ands I am very happy with it. How ever in my free time I am shooting macro which is a completely new era and also shooting wildlife and sport time to time. My experience is that the good old D500 out perform the Z6 in every angle when it comes down to fast action shooting. I already sold my D500 back in 2018 so I have to deal with what the Z6 can offer and it's very frustrating the fact is the focus tracking system is garbage and that's what you have to rely on most of the time when you shooting fast action. I really hope so Nikon will invest a bit more time and effort to fix the tracking system so we can use the Z6 for fast action as well , at least on a descent level with out having a major tracking issues. I believe that that's not much to ask in 2020 especially if you look around and see what the competitors are offering .

[@michaelarter4795]

Thanks Steve. Trying to step up my game, having moved from a D5300 to the Z6 and D500, your content and website hits the bullseye for me. Just getting into BIF and wildlife, and your videos and books are helping me immensely, more than any other site I've found. Keep 'em coming.

[@franktherabbit42]

Thank you! I was using dynamic focusing and missing some shots as the object was often to small to detect. I’ve now swapped to a mixture of wide area animal for when the animals are close or on a clear background and single point for the rest with dynamic as a backup the bird moves too fast. Great advice!.

[@reneedmonds9899]

Thank You Steve! Just bought the Book. So glad to now have it in my back pocket! on my phone in ibooks ;)

[@JLTPhotog]

Thanks Steve. I find your content super easy to watch and trust the info. Just ordered your e book for my new z6. 👍

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!!

[@64BBernard]

I purchased your new AF book for the Nikon Z-series cameras. It's very informative and I'm leaning towards buying a Z6 this year. For my Osprey photography, I'll continue using my wonderful D500. How do you like the Z6 for macros, Steve. I have the 105mm 2.8G VR, and occasionally use the TC14E II with it.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! Macros and landscapes are my favorite uses for the Z cameras :) I too sometimes attach a 1.4TC to the 105 - it's a great way to increase working distance or magnification.

[@sadasiva4u]

Hello Steve I have been following your tips & brought previous books for Wildlife & Nikon auto focus system ... Thank you for the updated version of them recently you have provided. I am curious to know 1. the tools you have used to record what your camera is viewing 2. how to record Nikon menu to showcase the settings

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words :) You can use an Atomos Ninja V for both - but it is pricy. You need the unit, an SSD, battery, etc. I think I had to sink over $1000 into it. I also use a HDMI capture device that has to be hooked to a computer called an "Elgato game capture". It's not as expensive, but it's not very handy for field work since it requires a computer.

[@jeremyn6726]

This is a very well done video. Love the examples. So straight forward and logical to follow. Thanks!

[@lindseymccutchan2734]

Steve, I just purchased a z6ii and this video was just great to get started with the amazing auto focus options on the camera. I learned a bunch of stuff I didn't already know and have just purchased the more informative book on the subject. Thanks for the great content and happy holidays!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!

[@aw1159]

By far the best video covering this topic. Thanks! Just bought the e-book as a backup/thank you.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!

[@snap-n-shoot]

Just purchased the Mirrorless Autofocus book...cheers.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!

[@nicklloyd9165]

Your videos are like drinking from a fire hydrant... in a good way! So much helpful information.

[@Mixfou]

Ty Steve for all your fantastic videos that you share with us.Question..What focus settings should we use for video?

[@mdhaif]

wonderful video I have ever watched for the focus settings. Thank you very much

[@Julio1962]

Very well documented and explained video. Thanks for your work

[@Mikesagara]

Thank you Steve. I am heading to your website to check out the AF book. Very iinformative.

[@josemenendezguerra5435]

Steve, magnífica la ayuda que aportas a los amantes de las mirroless Z, pero ¿para cuando alguna publicación o video en Español?. Gracias

[@sunking9050]

Thx Steve ! Great video. Informative and easy to follow. As a fairly seasoned Z6 user I’m still learning about those nuances 😀 for any new Z user I imagine the book would be a sound investment

[@jibsj2100]

Thank you Steve. This was very useful.

[@baburao786]

Your explanations are Awesome!!! - i love it

[@seantomlinson3320]

Great as usual, thank you Steve. I'm delighted with the book as usual too. I really appreciate your style.

[@conniechristenson4833]

You are my new favorite! Thank you. I noticed at 14.41 in you information panel, you had a live view option replacing flash. I would love to know how to have live view as an option as it is awkward searching with my thumb on my Z7 when live view shooting macro.

[@backcountrygallery]

You can set up that menu with Custom Function F1. It allows you to swap out any of the options :)

[@andreak4280]

very much appreciate all your vids Steve, cheers!

[@carolelabrecque2799]

So interesting as usual! As well as very useful! Thank you!

[@jbairdexp]

A well presented video as always Steve. I was happy to purchase your Mirrorless AF book but it's also handy to have a video to go along with it. Thanks :-)

[@krisztinabakos4496]

Perfect handy information! Thanks a lot!

[@christaylor8410]

Hi Steve. Great video. I had already bought the ebook, but this is a great companion. There is so much information to absorb when it comes to AF on my Nikon D6. Although the book covered everything in great detail and clearly explains things, I found it was good to review it all by watching the video. It is a great way of zooming over the main points and then I can go back to the book for those items that, while I understood them because they were explained so well, they didn't really sink in because there was so much to cover.

[@christaylor8410]

Ooops, make that "my Z6" :-)

[@martinfish4079]

Hi Steve - I have a video request! I'm working through the new mirrorless book now. It's great and thanks for the tips. But early on, you mention how you take your camera with you in your kayak. I've considered doing that, but I don't have the guts. I'd love to see a video on how you work from a kayak and how you keep your gear as safe as possible. I think that would be a great video. Thanks a ton for all you do!

[@backcountrygallery]

I'd probably mortify you with how I handle it :) I wasn't kidding in the book when I said it would probably end up on the bottom of the lake one day. However, I'm willing to roll those dice to get the shot. Still, I don't take any extra precautions other than having a towel over it when I'm not shooting. And I try not to dump the kayak :). Still, good idea for a video.

[@martinfish4079]

@@backcountrygallery Haha! Your honesty is admirable. I would've believed a custom harness that you fashioned yourself! :)

[@backcountrygallery]

@@martinfish4079 I've thought about a strap / harness system, but they always get in the way - gave 'em up years ago and so far, no breakage (or sinkage) :D

[@martinfish4079]

@@backcountrygallery Here's hoping for many more dunk-free adventures

[@oorcinus]

The improved tracking mode UI is pretty sweet, and seems to work better for animals than 3D tracking does (for humans, it's the other way around, at least in my experience). My only gripes with it are: - the stupid little "press OK" text that blocks the lower part of the frame when you don't have it triggered - the fact that in AF-S, for reasons only known to Nikon's engineers, it re-couples focus with shutter half-press, in a way - as long as it's half-pressed, the box sticks to a part of a frame and you need to let go to get it to continue tracking - having it always track a subject *but not focus and not stick to the frame until you press AF-ON* would make it more usable in AF-S for some recompose scenarios (if what i've said makes sense)... the way it is now, it's completely useless in AF-S, just like you've said - the fact i can't set up tracking AF and other AF modes + AF-ON on custom buttons like i can on the D500 - it's absolutely infuriating when i'm lugging around both and switching from body to body... WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! And one bonus unrelated gripe - the record video button on the Z6/7 can be reassigned to useful things - i have it assigned to grid overlay in my landscape U mode, and to metering modes in my action/wildlife U mode (so i can quickly jump to highlight-weighted metering when sun hotspots under foliage get nasty). Unfortunately, on the D500, that same button is near useless - the best you can do with it is set it to shooting mode selection.

[@backcountrygallery]

I agree with everything you said :) They still need to do some work. Oh, and I use my Movie Record button for swapping AF modes / area modes :) I show it in my Nikon Z series control setup video.

[@krisnacater]

Really helpful tutorial, thank you Steve

[@BrooklynJimmie]

Always informative. I think I should hit that subscribe button already.

[@johnnyViDeO]

Outstanding.

[@kirkmaclean8309]

Very informative and very well stated

[@neilmackey9626]

Great job, Steve...always appreciate your insights and teaching style! This is a little out of the realm for the video topic but I couldn't find any of your videos that address "photo stacking:, so asking here. I learned how to manually photo stack when I first got a D7500, with a pretty decent return on the efforts. Not a "cure all" or something to be done each and every time by any means, but for deep landscape shots, it allowed me to get sharp(er) photos front to back. I have now changed ("upgraded", "downgraded", "lateral movement", depending on one's point of view) to a Nikon Z5. That has the nifty "focus shift shooting" feature in the menu. I'm curious as to your take and experience with this feature. While manually doing things the "old fashioned" way is a more ingrained process at this point (and makes one less dependent on technology), what, in your opinion and experience, are the plusses and minuses of letting the camera do it for you instead? Maybe you can address this in a future video with some suggestions for settings? There are numerous options within the sub menu, like number of shots, focus shot width (narrow to wide), interval to next shot and whether you should save those stacked shots in the main folder (along with any other non-stacked shots) or in a separately-named folder within the card storage file system. Lastly, I was (initially) led to believe that the camera created a finished photo, "in camera", from all the combined shots. However, it appears that these stacked photos STILL need to be processed in PS/LR or one's photo editor of choice, correct?

[@backcountrygallery]

I actually like the focus shift shooting feature quite a bit and find it better than the manual method. I actually made a video workshop for it: bcgwebstore.com/product/focus-shift-shooting-digital-workshop-for-nikon/ It's not free, but it's very reasonable. And yes, you do have to stack yourself, but that's really the better option. There are multiple ways to stack images and a one-size-fits-all approach would yield poor results much of the time.

[@MyChino305]

Thank you for the video. Will single point AF only focus within the point (red box) or the entire image?

[@chrismarksbury]

Great information. Thank you!

[@rayx9981]

Thank your for your video. I just wonder how to set up "AFC" info on right now of the screen ?

[@ToddMitchell62]

When you get to the 8 minute mark. This has changed significantly in the Z6ii model. This is now set using the "i" button on the back of the camera.

[@asimchatterjee2567]

very good guide sir

[@swarnabhagoswami5559]

This was really helpful. Thank you! Also, sir could you please compare the dynamic area AF with 3D tracking and which one's better for shooting birds in flight.

[@tectorama]

I wondered if I'd done the right thing in swapping my D500 for the Z7ii, but having taken a load of sports photos in low light with the 70-200, I think I made the right choice. In low light the focus isn't as snappy as the D500, but it let me take pictures with a higher shutter speed, with the ability to crop without losing any quality. I just need to experiment with wildlife now.

[@aravindanr7942]

Nice video. I have one doubt Nikon Z30 -custom setting menu - AF-C is set to release and AF-s is set to focus. Is it correct or need to change ?

[@markmontana7863]

Great Video

[@adeshsingh8213]

thus is just fantastic...thanks

[@faviflako]

Thank you

[@toddmino9487]

Great video!! Thank you!!

[@loihpatli]

Thanks for the info, Steve!

[@CelsoMollo]

Hey Steve, How are you? Thank you for the video but I have a question, I don’t have in ny menu the a4 option of Auto-area AF face/eye detection on my Z6II. Would you know why?

[@heidyh.8739]

I don't either. I just purchased the Nikon z 6ii and I'm wondering if it's different because the firmware update has been added to it?

[@FastPawz]

Subscribed for sure. Really enjoy the way you explain. I ran across this trying to figure out what the problem is with my z6ii. I cannot get more than one person in focus. I tried all of these different focus modes, different lenses, and a ridiculous aperture as high as 16. Any suggestions as to what the problem could be??

[@melissam731]

This is a great tutorial with lots of good information! Question: I have my Nikon Z7ii set on High Dynamic range and it is always red. I can tell things are in focus but it never turns green like other Nikon cameras. Is this normal? Thank you so much!

[@thalessouto4327]

Excellent video. Nice stuff.

[@andrewship2410]

Will you do a video o the Z9 settings as they are a little different

[@marclabro]

hello Steve, just switched from d750 to z6II+z 24-70 2.8. did you release your courses for Z6II, slightly different than Z6. I hope Nikon will update firmware soon because eye detection looks weak and erratic.

[@backcountrygallery]

I did update my Nikon Z series AF book. If you already purchased, it's a free update. If not, you can find it here: bcgwebstore.com

[@marclabro]

Thank you Steve, I purchased only the dslr ebook because I just bought a Z6II. I am going to buy this mirrorless version ebook. I just see a tuto from hudson henri and he seems able to keep focus when AF is lost, by using wide area with face+eye detection, and add subject focus on FN2 button but I have not understood 100% how to activate the yellow and red boxes to help AF and keep it focusing in AF-C.

[@therealchickentender]

New to the Z system here and have a question (for which I have a suspicion the answer is "no", but I'll ask nonethless).... I've shot Pentax for digital for many years primarily and one life-saving feature is the Pentax catch-in-focus (which works for both AF as well as manual focus). Is there any sort of mode that has this sort of functionality? Quite simply the camera fires the shutter when the focus system detect focus lock in your chosen field or point. Amazing for anticipating a bird in flight's trajectory (or any subject really) and tracking manually. When the system detects lock the shutter fires, obviously faster that you can. I know bursts can achieve this, but it's really not the same and results in a scores of non-useable shots and a lot of wasted space. Thought I'd ask. I feel like all the options well presented here by Steve have a workable solution, but am interested in opinions from those that have used the Z focusing system a great deal, from this 'catch-in-focus' use case scenario. Cheers.

[@mchjubjub6915]

Another great video👍

[@clementlakra5465]

Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!!!

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Steve, just found this video, thank you. Just a question. Is your related book updated to also cover the recently released Z9? Is there also a video that discusses the updates now available in the Z9? If so please let me know.

[@juanvenegas278]

Hi Steve, This video is to see it over and over again, to get used to the tons of settings you could select in one's camera. I have a question and it has to do with the part of the video where you talk about back button AF, with AF-C selected. You said that if there's a need to lock in a set focus distance, just simply focus at that distance and let go of the AF button. How do you know you have a perfect focus if there's no aim in the viewfinder to tell you that, since AF continuous is set to release instead of focus ? Thanks, Juan

[@renaes5262]

Steve. Ordered the Z Fc to dip my toe into the Z pool. I love my D850 with my 500PF teamed up with a TC14eii. If i move to the Z9 I will need a FTZii also. Have you been shooting your 500PF/TC14e mounted via FTZ on your Z bodies? If so are you losing any sharpness or speed? I have not heard it mentioned. Ive got a lot invested in my glass. Always thought this WAS a safe investment. The F mount has been around since the 70s.

[@backcountrygallery]

This should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2GqcnZ_qambock

[@mdp581]

Hey Steve, just got myself a Z7ii. Is your Secrets to Autofocus for Mirrorless ebook still relevant in May 2024?

[@tonnyhoevers1847]

Thank you so much!!! Do you have this Book also as pdf, I have bad eyes and cannot read from A Book anymore

[@backcountrygallery]

Actually, it's PDF only, so yes :)

[@arupkumarchanda3302]

Nice Explained. One question is it possible to switch from Single Point to Subject Tracking option under AF-C in mirrorless ? OR I CAN USE SUBJECT TRACKING for bothe Static and Moving subject ?

[@panatela001]

fn1 for tracking is key!

[@mellsc766]

Do you have any videos on how to focus on moving dogs? I really want the Z6II but I'm worried about focusing on dogs. Would it be Single point?

[@altonloe5829]

I have a question. I own a Nikon Z7ii. If I am in autofocus-C, and have the back button enabled. Do I have to hold down the back button (AF-ON) to have the camera focus, or does it just continually focus? Thanks for the great video! I just bought your book too and am looking forward to reading it.

[@marclabro]

nice review and apparently the new z6II tuto updates this one. i never see in tutos we use finger on touchscreen. don't you use it ? doesn't it help placing focus point quickly somewhere and then fine tune with selector. dos it help to zoom 100% at the right location ? i would be very interested with live shooting where we see how and why you use your AF modes in different stuations. If i understand, what is the replacement of GRP mode on d750 ? dynamic ? wide-s ?

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thank you, Steve!

[@jurgenvanhest9913]

Steve, great and informative video, helped me a lot. The tracking mode, is it the same as the (oldskool) 3D-tracking?

[@backcountrygallery]

It act a lot like it. It's a little different looking, but performance is about the same.

[@jurgenvanhest9913]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks you so much!

[@Lon1an]

I almost never use the joystick. The D-Pad is always my main tool for selecting stuff. I wish that I could assign the joystick to fast switch to singelpoint or eye autofokus just by hiting left or right.

[@anils.rkumar6551]

AGood Help.Thankyou

[@JaseEvoX]

Are you planning on doing some stuff for Sony cameras in the future?

[@backcountrygallery]

I would like to, but I have to get more field time with them.

[@helmut7878]

Top Video 👍👍👍

[@malidu7]

Hi , can you give me recommendation for lenses for portrait , events .please . Planing to buy z7 .basically I am going to do parties, couple shoots in outside .

[@RichardEllaPhotography]

Is there any way to assign the face detection to a button in the custom button set up?

[@photonsonpixels]

Great tutorial Steve. When you use tracking, do you need to keep the back button focus pressed all the time? Thank you.

[@backcountrygallery]

Yes, keep pressing for as long as you want to track.

[@photonsonpixels]

Steve Perry Thank you! 😊