Best Nikon AF Modes and settings for Perfect Auto focus everytime.

[@csc-photo]

So many options for AF setups (I spend too much time thinking about this 😆). I've recently switched back to back-button AF, in Continuous AF 98% of the time. Then I mapped Fn1 to AF Area Mode + AF ON, set to Single point. So I can tap Fn1 in any mode for an instant single point override, which of course also shuts off Subject Tracking. I can let go for "locked" focus, or keep pressing for continuous. Then back to my set AF / Tracking mode with the AF-ON button. It's such a fast setup for virtually every scenario.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

That's an interesting setup, I might try that for a few days to see how it goes. I am a creature of habit though so it probably won't stick for me. Thanks for the feedback and advice, it's greatly appreciated.

[@NickErickson]

Exactly what I settled on. It works very well for me

[@kenhaley5450]

Excellent video and advice, having recently moved from a D850 I find the focus options on my new Z6iii a little overwhelming and really like your approach. I’d very much welcome any future videos on how to get the best results from the Z6iii - I predominantly shoot animal wildlife.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Ken, thanks for watching and glad it helped a bit. I am hoping Nikon send me out the Z6iii so I can do more videos about it soon

[@nadjauebach9381]

Another helpful video and all explained in terms that make sense. Thank you!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thanks for watching and glad it helped 🙂

[@jameskezman]

GREAT suggestions!!! I'll set up my Z7 like this tonight!

[@kieranhayesphotography]

It might take a small bit of getting used to and you might very well find you want to tweak it a bit but once you get used to working this way changing settings becomes automatic and far less distracting. Curious to know how you get on :-)

[@ken9576]

This is brilliant. Thank you. I’m working through the menu options on my Z50 right now 👍

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Delighted it helped a bit and enjoy the Z50.

[@colinfeilen988]

Thank you Kieran Hayes your tutorial for setting f1 for focus options has nailed my soccer action ! ⚽️

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi Colin delighted to hear that. Once you really get used to using it that way it just gets better and better. The real beauty is it just keeps it simple. Thanks for the feedback, that made my day.

[@WizardOfCheese]

i like your enthusiasm, also really great photos

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback 🙂

[@patneila2366]

Brilliant and detailed video Kieran very well explained really enjoyed it thanks

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Thanks a million, glad it helped, everyone probably likes a slightly different setting but I have found this combo to be amazing for everything I do. Thanks again for the feedback

[@caskraker]

One setting is obsolete: setting the Fn1 button to subject selection. The OK button does that too, with every mode that allows for subject tracking. I set my Fn1 to change shooting speed, so L or H or single shots. You can you both thumbwheels to change the required mode and for L you can change the fps.

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi, yes it most certainly does, but I like having the buttons super easy to reach and alongside, it just helps for muscle memory I find to have them closer and it disrubts me less when I am shooting then. I know that might sound weird but I find it alot easier to hit the Fn1 button with one finger than remove my thumb from the AF on button on the back. I know I am probabaly a bit weird about that which is why I said this might not be for everyone. Thanks a million for the feedback and for the insight on how you setup your camera. It's always great to hear how others use the same equipment. Have a great week and more importantly enjoy the photography.

[@leonfisher]

Good stuff, sir. I wonder if Nikon will have the ability (like another brand) to focus where you look in the viewfinder?

[@kieranhayesphotography]

That's probably coming soon alright. For me that would be a nightmare as I am constantly looking at every part of a shot. The poor camera would be shattered after 30mins 😂😂😂

[@1234buzza]

This gave me a migraine, it doesn’t have the options on the Z50ii as stated in this video- I ended up restoring my camera back to factory settings . This video broke my spirit .

[@daleshaw7662]

Hi you carnt do that on the zf there's no option to cycle focus plints

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Sorry, I thought that option was there in the ZF also. Looks like if you want this style of setup then you will have to go with the other way I show in the video, like for the Z6ii, Z7ii etc... Sorry about that, I had the ZF from Nikon for a few weeks and I was certain it had that feature, my mistake. I need to look at that again so.

[@mjr333]

Cycle AF-area mode is not available on the Zf

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Sorry, I thought option was there in the ZF also. Looks like if you want this style of setup then you will have to go with the other way I show in the video, like for the Z6iii, Z7ii etc... Sorry about that, I had the ZF from Nikon for a few weeks and I was certain it had that feature, my mistake. I need to look at that again so.

[@csc-photo]

This is a wish-list item for me, for the Z6III as well. But even more important in the Zf with its one function button. That said, for what the Zf was designed for (not necessarily speed), I'd still love it the same as-is.

[@JohnHavord]

Z8II, something you know, that we don't 😁

[@leonfisher]

😁

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Hi John, sorry that was my mistake. I really rushed the editing of that video and that one slipped through. Hey it's future proofed now anyway 😂😂😂

[@kieranhayesphotography]

Whoops, I need to pay more attention to the text 😂