Nikon Autofocus Setup for Wildlife Photography and Action - AF trick!

Setting up your cameras autofocus right, is of the upmost importance. Especially when you're reacting to wildlife in the field. In this video I'm going to be giving a walkthrough guide on how I set my Nikon Autofocus for wildlife photography, giving you fast access to multiple AF modes at your fingertips!
If you have any more questions about AF drop them in the comments below and if you have any other areas of camera setup you'd like some info on, let me know and I'll do my best to cover them all! More field guides and videos on the way!
This is how I have my AF setup on my D500 tidd.ly/5d205615 from Wex UK.
You can check out more of my work on my website : www.tommasonpho...
or over on Instagram + Twitter -- @TomMasonPhoto
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Music - Epidemicsound
#wildlifephotography #phototips #nikongear

[@Roxenjibe]

Those enhanced programming possibilities is actually one of the reasons I switched from D7200 to D500. Have programmed it a little bit different, I now have the AF ON button set to group AF and the Pv button to single AF point.

[@paparazziphotography6712]

Excellent information,nice job of explaining the process. Mr. Hopkins.

[@GarethDanks]

gutted this doesnt seem an option on my Z7!! looks a great hack too!

[@WhittyPics]

The only way to set up these cameras. I love that little joy stick

[@ianmackenzie8584]

On the D5 you use the button on the lens function function button (right at the end of the menu). Alternatively, you can configure the AF-ON button for this set up and move AF-ON to the joystick.

[@billjones8006]

Thanks for explaining this, Tom! Unfortunately, I cannot do this on my D7100. I’m just gonna play around with back button single continuous AF until I learn to use it properly. Then maybe think about an upgrade.

[@dodgecountyindependent1330]

Great video! I use my D500 for sports and the action AF trick is a tremendous feature. Thanks.

[@gusthompsonh2092]

Hi, Benefitted from your "Nikon Autofocus Setup for Wildlife Photography and Action - AF trick!", but I couldn't take it all in. Do you have a comparable set of instructions for a Nikon D7200? Thanks, in any case, Gus Thompson

[@Budfrog23]

I think this is the best Vid I've seen on the subject and as I'm due to upgrade to a D500 shortly it's very useful. So whatever focus mode I have the camera set up for I can program the pressing of the toggle button for 25 point inc activating the focus?

[@heymikeriley]

Hey Tom! Amazing videos! Are you switching between single and continuous or leaving the camera in continuous? I find it really cumbersome to hold the button and spin the dial to change between the two, certainly can’t do it whilst hand holding the lens.

[@jrose152]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the advantage of this. That was a lot of information really quickly on how to set it up, but wasn't very clear on why you want to have this setup. What is the advtange of this? Not sure I understand why having your focus button moved from half shutter press to the button on the back makes much of a difference? Isn't it just moving a function from one button to the other?

[@thomastuorto9929]

He explains it at the end. If you have ever experienced your camera hunting in & out for focus then you know once you acquire focus you want to keep locked in. Taking it off of the shutter & using back button AF helps with that & you can keep it pressed in continuously keeping it locked on your subject. Even for say something like a bird on a branch or taking off & coming back to the same branch. You acquire focus with the AF button & take your thumb off &, every time you push the shutter button , the camera doesn't try & refocus. BBF takes a little while to get use to but, once you do you will always use it. The joy stick was set up so that when he pushed it in it used a wider area for the focus point. I us Spot Focus for most of my wildlife shooting but tracking a bird in flight it is almost impossible to keep the single focus point on the bird(even more so with small birds), The wider focus area helps keep your subject in the focus zone. I use the nine point area mode shooting the D810 programed on to one of my programable buttons for birds in flight. Just press & hold the button(in this case the joy stick & it changes to 9 point back button auto focus. For these functions to work you need have continuous focus mode turned on. Hope this helps he should of gotten back to you a long time ago. Happy shooting.

[@mirandac1733]

Looks good... I have a d7500 and there is a different menu! Is that setup possible?

[@MrDgm80503]

Good vid. I have the same setup but use the front PV button as it feels more natural with my index finger vs thumb but same idea. Such a cool feature.

[@susanh.1985]

I wish you could do this same tip for the Nikon Z7II as the ways you are suggesting do not work as menu settings are different

[@KaylaFaithful]

Hey Tom! I am looking to invest in a Nikon camera and would trust your opinion on the best one for under $1000? I am mostly interested in wildlife and landscape photography but am still a beginner. Hoping to make the right camera choice so that it will last!

[@timwood407]

Love these settings.

[@inverlane1939]

Really useful video and thanks Tom. I have had a D850 for 2 years and only used the toggle selector to shifting focus point, but have now customised it as per you recommendation.

[@No2theBS]

Thanks. I can't believe how many people still use shutter release to focus. Back button is so much better. No need to switch between single and continuous focus.

[@WhittyPics]

yep

[@josephnevin]

There are people who still buy dslr and shoot in live view..

[@fasongkim6762]

Hey. I'm new to DSLR's so maybe a silly question but can you explain why you think the back button is better than the shutter button? I personally find it a split second quicker to focus using the shutter button then using the same finger to press down to take the photo rather than toggling/coordinating with the back buttons. Perhaps it just takes practice. Also trying to understand the difference in end output from using AF-C on a 'single' point vs AF-C on a moving point. They are both continuously auto-focusing no?

[@michaelfuller8940]

Helpful video. Please mention saving your settings. If your camera goes to Nikon for repair, it’s returned in default. You can also transfer saved settings to other bodies. Settings menu > Save/load settings.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Great tip Michael, very handy for those of us setting up multiple cameras!

[@jameslane3846]

Hey Tom, been following your videos for a while and watched some of your old Wex ones too. Quick tip, boost your mic in your videos, you're quite quiet in most of them. I usually have to play at full volume on my laptop to hear you well

[@MDMiller60]

That's a great function. On my wife's D500, I have the middle button on the front set to the AF Mode (Group or a number of points). I explained what you said and that she has to (carefully) press the toggle straight in, and she wants to try it. But as importantly, with -my- D750, I do not have the D500 control screen and there is no toggle button. On my control screen, I can assign the ok button and give up 1:1 preview, but there is no AF mode available. Nor is there an AF mode in my Pv or Fv buttons. I use my Fv button, currently to display my camera level. Very useful. Do you know a custom setting that gives me a 'reachable' button to activate my AF Mode and AF, on a Nikon D750? Thanks.

[@sheetalnanda9270]

Wow! Can I do this sort up for D7200? It doesn't have that button below the AEL/AFON

[@sarajitsil]

Fantastic video Tom. Thanks for sharing your experience and making this informative content for the world. Appreciated!🙏

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@FlyingCanuck]

Thank-you Tom. Clear and concise. So helpful for BIFs in a hurry.

[@johnchien8599]

Most reviews call for AF-C S, but how do you recompose? Recompose would set the camera to focus somewhere you didn't want it to. Do you move the single focus square all the time with the joystick? That gets tiring after five minutes...face tracking lock doesn't work too well either!

[@eyewaves...]

Thank you. Very informative and useful...

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timbliss8777]

Great video. Just have to remember to put the focus mode in C or it sort of defeats the purpose of Back Button focus (maybe I missed that in your video if you said that or not).

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes Tim, of course being in AF-C is a must, I think I said that but yeah, I'm always in AF-C!

[@eduardodarde565]

Many thanks to both of you, you’re the best!

[@philipwatson2443]

I'm a Canon user, I use the centre with surrounding points for BiF, I can toggle points with the joystick. looking forward to more videos " in the field " especially if you can do one for Buzzards ( similar to the video you did for the Hares ).

[@TomMasonPhoto]

+Philip Watson I shall do my best for you, Buzzards arn’t on my shoot list at the moment but might go for some kingfishers and waders! I’ll have a think about Buzzards!

[@philipwatson2443]

kingfishers and waders will still be good :)

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Philip Watson might take a few episodes for any real images but it will be good to show the process!

[@philipwatson2443]

the kingfisher perch at the location I go to is useless at the moment because of the high water levels and Herons seem to have a radar and avoid me lol

[@eduardofreitas8336]

Thanks Tom! I'm assuming it also works if your defauld mode is 3D single point, right? Btw wich do you recommend more on the D500, good old single point or 3d?

[@spindrift1047]

Thank you Tom. this is exactly the info I was looking for.

[@josephwooten2014]

I have a few questions. So I have been doing photography for over a year now and mainly focusing on Wildlife photography currently in June I will be going to Costa Rica to do Wildlife photography there. What happen using and is my first camera is the Nikon D90 with a Nikon DX 55 to 200 lens and an 18 to 55 lens. I get good results, but I want to know what I need to do to get better photos. Like what setting' s i need and what iso I need.

[@ozmid40scouple]

Thanks Tom for that easy setup tutorial...........any chance you can do one on the in camera (D500 and other such cameras) "lens calibration"? Seems to be various schools of thought on the way you setup the camera lens distance to commence the calibration? I use the 200-500, having just upgraded from the D7200 to the D500 I am keen to calibrate this lens to the camera, although it seems to be giving pretty good sharp results straight out of the box!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I shall see what I can do! I know it's a topic lots of people are interested in - I consult the Nikon guys to get the best details of how we all should do it!

[@albertlo2140]

Would you please show me step by step slowly how to use it AF-ON button on displayed in the viewfinder looks like when shooting. Because I still confused how to see in the viewfinder looks like and how to auto focus on by the Nikon dslrs by themselves. Please help! Thanks.

[@jaspalsingh2045]

Hi Tom I have seen your Vedic regarding Nikon autofocus setup for wildlife photography and action. After going through your tutorial at least 15 times I am unable to get how you explained the setup. Would you please show this tutorial slowly and explained in the camera menus closely in front of the Vedic camera when shooting. I HAVE D5 NIKON CAMERA.Plese help me in settings

[@griffithbowen4590]

Thank you so much for this, what a great shortcut. Great!

[@ianh8396]

Hi Tom, I have done these settings but in the viewfinder I cannot see the difference in the focus points. Am I missing something? Cheers, Ian

[@annethompson2932]

Hi Ian, did you sort it as I have done exactly as in the video but mine doesn't seem to work either and I have checked and double checked !!!

[@dougedwards7570]

brilliant -- thank you

[@ale.r26]

may I ask if the "Face detection Matrix" works successfully on wildlife photos? I am approaching right in this period wildlife and I used the D500 mostly for Nature/Landscape and Portrait projects, I found that this feature indeed during portrait sessions nail the exposure in difficult conditions that normally would be challenging. Any thought about the real usefulness on wildlife?

[@pjb5700]

Any chance of a tutorial on Metering modes, and the best for wildlife E.G. Birds in flight, would be brilliant thank you. P.S. Great videos

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Cheers Phil, Ill try and get this into the schedule at some point. Currently in there Amazon rainforest for another few weeks, but Weill have lots of new content for you all when I'm back as well as much planned for end of 2018 into 2019!

[@ponymoore6140]

@@TomMasonPhoto Is it done yet?

[@tristanstringer7892]

I do something similar on my Canon 7d MkII, though the buttons are slightly different than the Nikon’s. I use shutter button AF, so I can keep my thumb on the joystick AF point controller at all times, as I am usually in single point AF (I don’t like to have to focus and recompose with back button AF, just personal preference though). I then have the DOF button as an AF stop (if I need it). I then have the AF on button set up like your joystick button as AF on with center group expanded AF and then I have the * button as AF on with all AF points. This way I can activate three types of AF configurations without leaving the view finder and only a quick move of the thumb. Hopefully this will be of interest to any other Canon shooters. I think that with the modern cameras there is so much unused potential in the custom AF configurations and custom buttons that most people don’t utilize. Glad that you are helping spread this knowledge as it has really helped my photography.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Tristan for adding the Canon setup ideas, really awesome of your to share with the community! Cheers, Tom

[@janhofland6606]

I have tried to follow your instructions. Find it difficult to follow. I have given up. Perhaps it says more about my age than anything else but if you could slow down a bit?

[@olofwettermark882]

Hear, hear! Why has he got to speed up his instructions to this level? I guess that his aim is to teach us something or is it just to impress???

[@bigbartbass]

@@olofwettermark882 Can't figure out what he's talking about. Followed all the instructions about 5 times and camera won't focus with back button!

[@berniestang2616]

Same …. too fast ….Slow down , please redo the video … thx .

[@mrj234]

Great video, couple of questions: after this setup and u press the multiselector centre button to initiate autofocus on a moving object, do you have to keep the button pressed in while u track the target, and does pressing tate button place you in continuous focus from AF-S and again do you have to keep the button pressed in during tracking. Thx.

[@57strub]

Keep the button pressed to auto focus.

[@aaronleepdx]

Hi Tom - I'm a professional shooter. It scares me to turn off auto focus on the main shoot button. I might panic during a shoot and miss focus right?? There's a learning curve to hitting back button focus right?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

As with all photography skills there is a learning curve, I would advise that you change over in your spare time shooting to begin with in order to get used to it, but in reality when you change over you'll have a few...oh why wont it focus moments, but then instantly work out and remember, however again, its all about practise in order to get it nailed down. Cheers, Tom

[@berniestang2616]

I’ve been shooting BBF for years … I would never go back . I highly highly recommend…. It took less than one day to be hooked forever … no regrets !

[@50deserteagle]

Thanks for sharing.

[@keithdriverphotography]

Just looking to move from landscape to wildlife so these vids are great, thanks! One question if you click the AF button again after the toggle option for multiple AF selection does it go back to C or do you need to manually change it back?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hey Keith, the moment you stop pressing the toggle the camera will revert to your standard AF mode, so straight back to single point or whatever you have set as standard for when initiating AF with the AFON button. Thanks for watching and I hope that helps! Cheers, Tom

[@Budfrog23]

Just a quick Q - what do you recommend for AE L when using back button focusing on the D500. Can the shutter release button be used for this? Or another Fn button?

[@elshaesevoets7531]

Can you show us the display menu. It was way to fast. Did not understand it.

[@fotostock1]

Els Haesevoets totally agree. I watched it 5 times and still couldn't see what he was doing with his thumb on the back of the camera.

[@margsfooddiaries9687]

How to have many square point tracking face. i got D 810 when i took photo for example flower the red square focus on first flower then background flower is flu why? how to fix it? please

[@musicismylife7718]

I have a Nikon d7500 and my custom control assignment doesn’t look like that so I can’t find the thing he said to choose...

[@tonyshipley8936]

HI Tom, Will that system work on my D7100, If not could i use any other button.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Sadly I don't think you can program the D7100 to do the same a this! A shame for sure!

[@MSchumacherfan]

Great tip

[@alinla7094]

Is there a way to switch focal area with pushing the joystick on the Nikon Z 6?

[@ramirocastroxiques6535]

Hi, can you tell me the best start set up for action/sport on my d810? tvm

[@eduardodarde565]

I love your tutorial Tom. Though I have a question. For AF-C (D25) do you press once the joystick or keep it pressed while you're shooting?

[@jamesw4445]

If you press once, AF would lock on your subject; if you keep it pressed, AF would focus continuously. Static subject -- press once; moving subject -- press down and hold it.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Just as James has said, single press will initiate AF however holding down will keep it tracking! Cheers, Tom

[@JULIENVANCAMP]

Thanks Tom !!!

[@DeanAllman]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@chrisnewfie]

This is an awesome tip, I didn’t know. Can you do with a d750?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Sadly as the D750 doesn't have the additional toggle it cant be added in the custom menu, sorry!

[@chrisnewfie]

Can you explain in another video how to do this with a d750 please?

[@MDMiller60]

I tried to set it on the D500 and the toggle center push button and when I OK the OFF, and then OK the NONE, it simply selects OFF. I do not get the choices menu for the center toggle. Halp!

[@MrDAVIET]

Does this work for the D750

[@Kostov591]

hi Tom Mason I would like to as you an question about my nikon d7100 how can i remove light meter and which option in the menu is it? Regards Kostov

[@arunashamal]

so..Where is the ae-l button if u do that?

[@umesht.s6387]

Hi I Am not getting back focus what to do Sir

[@corlissmedia2.0]

What camera is that?

[@crt1802]

Great info! Thanks.... with the set up, is the camera set to AF-S or AF-C... or does it matter?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

You'll want to be in AF-c as in AF-s it will find and lock focus but not continue to track when your finger is on the button. AF-c will enable continuous tracking for moving subjects. Cheers, Tom

[@AlistairBeckett]

With back button focus, always have it in AF-C. For single shots, just take your thumb off AF-On to stop the focus.

[@ausbassman]

Hi Tom, I have a Nikon D7500 and would like to set up the quick change option for the AF area modes as you describe. As the D7500 does not have a toggle, how would I set this up on my camera?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hi Steven, I’ll have to double check but I don’t know if it’s possible with you only having one available button for back button focus. I’ll double check to see if there are other options but sadly I don’t know what other button you could use to program. Maybe the video on but I’ll have to double check!

[@ausbassman]

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the help. It is a great option to have available, I hope it is available on my camera.

[@parvezchowdhury1737]

How can switch from Af-c to Af-s simultaneously.. Please?

[@DroneOptix]

Thanks Tom, Great Tips-

[@pete-r51]

Great info. Thankyou

[@eduardodarde565]

How about the stick programmed with 25 points?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes that can also be done easily, just select from the groups with the AFON + 25 Point. Cheers, Tom

[@Red35Photography]

Keep it up mate! Nicely explained

[@eddiedeane7769]

Red35 Photography ,,

[@eddiedeane7769]

Mm

[@eddiedeane7769]

Mmm

[@eddiedeane7769]

😜

[@eddiedeane7769]

M

[@JimboP-Outside]

Very helpful!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you found it useful Jim!

[@grantking4681]

Tom, do you have something similar for a D810?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Sadly not, the D810 doesn't have the extra button so its not programable in the same way for a second press, unless I'm overlooking something and that you might be able to reprogram the AE-L/ AF lock button to do the same - might be worth diving into the features and having a look - I don't have the D810 any more sorry!

[@rolandrick]

Which AF-C settings do u use? Default?

[@lescobrandon3047]

Roland Rick - Me: 3D focus tracking.

[@HampshireHog63]

Cool tip, hadn’t discovered that custom setting yet!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The custom settings are highly useful to help maintain full external control - meaning less menu time and more photography time

[@photographerswithoutborder7302]

YOU are great

[@philwhiteley4704]

Can this be done on a d7200 please?

[@aussie8114]

Phil Whiteley He won't answer you , he's in too much of a rush 😂

[@twiztedzero1685]

Oi Tom, missing captions yoikes! Always remember to flip that switch, Thanks :) -- And when are you heading back into the field and doing some more vids out in the actual wild?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I will add the captions now! I'm going to be doing some more field videos in the next few weeks, Ive had a busy month with other work so stay tuned, I'm going to be out looking for a few subjects on the shoreline + some others - any particular subjects you'd be keen to hear about - I'm also getting a few bigger trips organised for 2018 so some exciting things on the way next year - This channel is certainly going to keep me busy! Cheers, Tom

[@GagandeepChahal4life]

When I try to take a photo with my nikon and in the viewfinder the focus is on right place and when I check the photos and I missed the focus sightly. For example when I focus on eyes and ear are in focus. And when I view the image and check the force point it's on the eyes. My settings are AF-S S and on Single shooting modes please help here are the images from my camera www.screencast.com/t/m1XP8k1bExm

[@lesleyh2007]

I believe your Nikon is back focusing a bit. From viewing your link that would be my guess. The lens cap appears to be on a bit of an angle. I agree your focus point and what is actually in focus is off. The only real culprit would be back focus. Your lens is an 85mm f1.8 and you are shooting at f1.8 so likely you are seeing a very shallow depth of field with back focusing issues. Hope this helps.

[@dudley206098]

what about a D750...

[@ekkatari]

You are very fast. show us the display menu when explaining. Thank you.

[@chocloditelensman]

Doesn’t apply with the D4

[@irishvoyageur]

Need to slow down and show close up on LCD.

[@daviddowling9830]

Slow down.

[@aussie8114]

David Dowling definitely.

[@pgo2372]

Listen faster.

[@mediocreman6323]

This is why KZbin implemented that speed setting I guess, so you can slow him down to 75% speed.

[@iyzyz]

keep up.

[@jeremymullins1294]

you know there's a pause button, right?

[@vy4648]

If you slow down 50%, thumbs up.

[@aussie8114]

Me understandy none of that. Were you in a rush to go to the loo maybe. Not sure what the rush was.

[@alhepburn837]

Thanks but a little bit to quick for me ..

[@zipperwax8372]

too fast tom - jesus man!

[@keawoodturningstudiohawaii1183]

Best tip ever!! Thank you, now I can follow Tom, LOL I think he drinks more coffee than me@Proton1

[@alanyarwood5369]

Can't follow you. I have a d7500. You lost me.

[@daviddowling9830]

Helpful but slow down,difficult to follow

[@silveryjake]

Too fast for newbies,thanks.

[@ahyungrocks5509]

I am not able to follow the instructions after watching this video multiple times.

[@ponymoore6140]

Do one little step at a time, as you pause video, you will get it

[@stevenj2380]

So the view of menu is too brief. Your face on too long! I am trying to follow along on a D750. Menu and body are different. I also have a D7500,. the menu and button controls are almost the same as what you show but tghat "joystick - subselector - bullseye must be somewhere else. I am new to Nikon in November from 4 years of Pentax. Nikon is great but menu layout is confounding, but powerful and useful with a steep learning curve. I have SONY a6000. My first DSLR was in 2005, a Olympis E500.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hi Steven, Sadly the D750 and D7500 both lack the toggle joystick that is really needed to make the most of this feature. You can still access the other AF modes but you'll need to press in the AF button - located on the left hand side of the camera close to the lens mount on the side and then turn the dials to assign a new mode. Sadly you can have the second button set up as you can with the D500, D5 and D850 as talked about in this video. Welcome to Nikon by the way! Yes the Menu can seem overwhelming but with time its easy to access everything you need! - I might do a full menu walkthrough one of these days! Thanks for watching!

[@jacksonmacd]

Same question here... Sad to see your answer. Bought a d7500 last summer, but did not realize about the extra joystick on the d500. Might have been with the extra $1000. Oh well...

[@imnumber2276]

Talk too fast how to understand!