Nikon D850 Bird In Flight - Wildlife Autofocus System Setup

Bird Photography Workshops: photoworkshopsandtours.com
NIKON D500 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY:
photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
NIKON D850 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY : photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MASTERING THE ART OF CAPTURING STUNNING IMAGES OF BIRDS: photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
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[@mattthomas1547]

Five years later.... Thanks Mark. I just got a D850 and this video was invaluable to understanding the menu and functions of the things therein.

[@gavinheyink1133]

If you were a school teacher when I was a student, my grades would have been substantially better. You explain everything so well, which makes it easier to retain what is being said. Well done, Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@valerielemke6571]

I totally agree!

[@dr.breath8008]

I know I'm late to the party but this is the best video I've seen re bird photography and how to setup the D850. GREAT WORK! Thanks

[@tobeetwo]

I've been moving through D850 tutorials for some time, but finally feel that this is the best for me. In 15 minutes of your video, i've already learned much more than the others. Also the style of your teaching is practical and easy to understand. I don't intend to use this info for bird photography but much of it can transfer to concert photography which is what I like. You are a great teacher.

[@leod1671]

I have had my D850 for 4 months now. I had seen this video before but saw it again today and again found it very valuable helping me get more comfortable with my camera.

[@joedean3263]

Hey Mark, I just wanted to thank you for explaining things to me like I am a complete idiot and not making me feel like I am a complete idiot. You're Awesome! Love your tutorials!

[@warwickpeatling]

You are the BEST teacher Mark, and you leave the amateur photographer community a better place with stuff like this mate! You really know your stuff and convey it well

[@rockin5428]

Mark of all the Help videos on D850, your instruction is the only one who goes into the detail to understand the settings

[@RockyS1945]

You are a genius. Takes several views to begin to understand what you are teaching. Now to practive what you taught. Thank you very much.

[@sfern3700]

Holy. Smokes. What a FANTASTIC instructional video!!!! Not only for the D850, but I tweaked settings on my D7200 as well! Learned a TON! You have an excellent teaching style. I'm an instant fan!

[@dsorx]

Holy cow was that informative! I watched the whole thing with my D500 in hand and make several changes along with you. I've been using back-button focus for years, but never knew I could do front-focus too with different AF settings. Genius. Thanks so much.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are very welcome. I'm glad you got some use out of it and I'm glad you knew how to mirror the settings for the D500! Thanks for watching!

[@InCountry6970]

This has to be the most informative video I have seen on the D850. You hit on specific and usable features that every D850 owner should know even if they don't always use those features. It is better to know something you don't need, than not know a certain feature, Thanks again and thumbs up !!!

[@edwinmaldonado8761]

Mark that was an extraordinary video where anyone can follow your steps with no hesitation. I was able to do a few changes on my Nikon D500. I appreciate the time you have put on all your videos; this one was like someone reading the manual from the camera with voice activation and demo examples which made it so easy to understand. You are a natural teacher and you speak so calmly that anyone can understand. Awesome thanks again.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much and yes you can pretty much mirror most of these settings for the D500. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and were able to apply the info to your D500.

[@scarface1961]

I just received my D850 this week. This was a very informative video. I have watched several other vids on several of the same topics, but seeing it again with your explanation further drove home functionality benefits of several of your option choices. Thanks

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Good to hear!

[@jordyflynn7365]

This is the single most informative video that I’ve watched in the three years that I’ve owned the D850. I wish I’d seen this forever ago.

[@richiestu1]

Thank you so much! Just today, my D850, and two amazing lenses arrived, and this new camera is both intimidating and exciting (I've been shooting on a D3400-which, feels like a toy compared to the D850). This video was not only informative but also encouraging. You spoke my language, made it easy to understand, and helped me get the fundamentals set up for shooting birds! I'm even more excited and confident in taking pics in Alaska this year!

[@tedhall1476]

Mark, Clear and helpful technical insights. I'm a professional portrait photographer, but an intermediate wildlife photographer. I grew into the photo world with the mantra of of "always set it to manual." Watching your video and better understanding the power of an auto-iso range is very helpful. I was recently photographing birds and gators in the Florida Everglades. I had some hits, but also a lotta misses. I was also changing my ISO manually like a madman. And then those glowing Snowy Egrets, omg nuclear exposure blast. So the section where you describe how to use exposure compensation in conjunction with auto-ISO- YES!- I finally get it. Thanks much. I'm feeling more confident regarding my next birding photo adventures. Cheers- Ted Hall

[@ImTheBlade65]

My D850 arrives next week, you are a lifesaver! I’m going to have so much fun setting up my camera & learning all about how to manipulate the settings. Thanks again John

[@nikkiliedel960]

This truly helped me so much in the areas I was iffy on. Thanks so much for your insight, I really appreciate it!!

[@philshanahan314]

Thank you from England. You’ve found you’re calling as a photography educator. Infectious enthusiasm for photography and a great communicator too.

[@smooth6718]

Mark, this is absolutely your best instructional video yet! It was long, but that's what it had to be to get in all of the settings you use and the ones that I will now use. I don't own a D850 yet, but I do own the D500 and D750 - and the 200-500 - and I watched your video twice, once holding the D500 in my lap and then again holding the D750, with occasionally hitting pause and rewind while I looked at my LCDs. Of course, the D500's menu was almost identical to the 850, but I learned things about the 750's menu that I didn't know even existed. Up until I watched your video (about a year ago) on how you use back-button focusing and manual auto-ISO, I had never heard of either. Now, that's all I use. It was a little tedious and awkward making the switch, but it's now second-nature. All that said, I have a tremendous amount to learn, and you are my go-to instructor. Steve Perry is good, real good, but your slower delivery and your repeats of a detail or a concept that you know might be difficult for even the advanced amateur is very helpful. Most importantly, I will now change my laminated "pre-flight checklist" to simply pressing the Fn2 button. :-)

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear.

[@berniedigman6102]

Getting ready to head to Estonia and have watched this twice. Excellent. Just excellent!

[@MOJOVATOR]

Mark, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and knowledge! Just picked up a D850 as an upgrade from my D500 (which I set up for wildlife photography watching your D500 Setup video). I'll keep the D500 as my backup. Thumbs up! And I just purchased two of your ebooks. Onward & Skyward!

[@vanessaogle7837]

I received a 850 as a present today. You made the initial setup a breeze!! Thank you so much

[@jamiewelsh3177]

Just took delivery of my D850 your clear and concise narrative made me stick with the video and now my camera is configured as yours I am now a convert and subscribe to your channel Thanks Mark

[@stanpiper8158]

Nice vid. Clear, concise and helpful. You made it all seem intuitive, logical and practical. Thank you.

[@roxsta1113]

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! You are a LIFESAVER!! I have been playing around with mine all day and couldn’t get the AFC ON!!!! I almost lost my mind haha!! Thank you thank you!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rewildthewild]

Incredibly well done, thank you for the concise and easy to follow instruction!!

[@gordroberts53]

Hi Mark, for me this is the best D850 set up video yet. I shoot landscape and birds / other wildlife and you managed to cover both shooting requirements. Really enjoy your narrative style and have loaded the e-book on my tablet for in-field reference until I get the camera nailed. Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the compliments!

[@criegel42]

This is an awesome video and has really helped me get my D850 set up for birding. Mark is an excellent teacher.

[@kennethmaynard4911]

Mark , I have just watched a whole batch of your videos on my 50 inch so no comment, but your content diolodge and videos are supreme, as good as any I have seen ,don't change your ideas or attitude they are spot on and I have seen thousands ,stay as you are and you continue to make us all happy and be up with the best,km

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for the compliments and encouragement. I really appreciate it!

[@curtiswrigley]

One of the best, most practical videos on the interwebs! I shoot bald eagles once or twice a year and the advice here is spot on. I love the idea of changing focus modes with a button so you can switch from area to single point on the fly. Great stuff. The description of controlling auto iso with exposure compensation; also a great explanation. Useful for shooting eagles when that white head is so easy to over expose.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@johnnyrush3555]

Thank you so much. I have watched your video to setup my new D850. Your video is the best tool yet!

[@wattmad]

Thanks to Theoria for introducing us to you. I love how you take the time to explain the controls pro n cons with easy....Thanks

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching.

[@keithgrafton5006]

Clear, concise and easy to understand - and we know it works because we have seen your superb images. Just gone back to Nikon and I'm copying theses settings.

[@albertteo759]

When i get my camera i will definitely use this as my go to guide to do all the settings. it will save me hours of trials and errors and make full use of the features available. Thank you for a very thorough tutorial. Nikon should package this tutorial with the camera, honestly.

[@charleshoward1475]

Rarely have I come across a tutorial on here which has been presented as well and as concisely as this one. I've been lucky enough to have owned a D850 for a number of Months now, sadly I have had precious little time to use the thing. Then this damn pandemic appears, and shortly afterwards I find myself out of work, and with time upon my hands. Your autofocus set up video has proven a delight to watch as I followed you through making changes to my camera settings easily. Biggest Thanks To You Mark Smith. Your one of lifes true Gentlemen, and an excellent teacher too.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! 👏👏

[@charleshoward1475]

@@MarkSmithphotography All thanks to You Sir. Your a generous person in sharing Your knowledge with us, and Your wildlife videos are such an inspiration to me, and I am sure so many others. No only this, but your films make us realize just how precious all species are within this human dominated World. Thank You.

[@johne.christensen7147]

Dude! Thanx for not rushing.....You Rock, I'm nearly 52yo and learning allover again, Boop fist bump....You present in terms I understand. I dig your style. Stay Safe, Stay Well & Happy Shooting.

[@Sailorman142]

Watched this three times now, great info! And now we have the D500 AND the new D850! Thanks Mark, love your videos :) Bob & Lorraine

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear. Have fun out there. I'm sure we will meet again!

[@job2k6]

Setting the AF area mode + AF ON to the PV and AF-ON buttons was a great tip. I've gone a step further and set another to the Sub Selector center button so now I have instant AF-On buttons for single point, 25 point and 153 point.

[@tfaunce626]

Thank you very much this was great and I appreciate how you teach. God bless

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I can't find words to praise this video highly enough. Although it is ostensibly a tutorial on setting up a D850 menu system, it is equally a detailed tutorial on how to use the D850 in this specialized and demanding genre of photography. There is also an equally outstanding setup video for the Sony A9. Neither of these videos are simple translations of one to another. Mark goes much beyond simply making an A9 look like a D850 or vice versa. I own and use both. I can easily see that Mark is probably one of the best people right now to understand and take advantage of the differences between the two cameras for birds in flight. Mark also has a similar video on configuring the D500. I would hope that he also puts one out on the Z6 soon. In addition, Mark has each video in PDF form for a ridiculously low download fee. Expect to watch this video several times, with practice days between viewings.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks again. Glad to hear you enjoy the videos and thanks for mentioning the ebooks!

[@williamstephenson5825]

Great job explaining the features of the d850 , the best !

[@whc389]

I'm also going to try the front and back button technique. You are a good speaker & teacher. Extremely thorough. I'll watch this video several times in the next few weeks. Thanks for the great job!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Glad you are learning from the video!

[@dragonshivu]

I just started photographing birds and this video comes out at the perfect time. Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome!

[@Marss13z]

I REALLY appreciate this video. It helped me set up the new camera and while there are quite a few things I still need to learn and practice, I've had fantastic results so far. Migration is on in South Florida and I'm having a blast trying to capture warblers.

[@RockyS1945]

Gotta say, this is a wonderful, brilliant, and very imformative video on the Nikon-D850 for any shooting on this camera. I am very appreciative on viewing this video. Thank you very much Mr. Mark Smith.

[@irabrucelevine]

Even though I don't own a D850, your explanations were very useful as they relate to my D750. Thanks very much, Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are very welcome and I'm glad to hear you could relate these settings to your own camera.

[@fraud1able]

I've only watched about 30 mins and found some many tips for my D850, Awesome

[@lesliejameson2444]

I found the speed and the demonstration of where things are and why you would use them extremely helpful. It is much easier to follow than many instructional products for someone who knows a bit about phtotgraphy but finds all the bells and whistles intimidating. Thank you.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

You are welcome.

[@giselawinter2267]

Wow, thank you ever so much. Best explanations I've come across. Very much appreciated. Learned a lot. Thanks again.

[@jeanlucbednar3006]

Bravo pour vos explications claires et la méthodologie à mettre en pratique avec toutes ces astuces des touches pour un accès rapide pour un changement de réglage

[@tuduvu]

I have a Sigma 150-600 (C-version) on my D850, that produced soft, unclear images at 600 mm. I tried all kind of settings, most of which you also discussed in this video, and the ones on the lens (via the USB dock). Could not figure out what was wrong. Until I changed [a3/Blocked Shot AF Response] to Quick. Did not know about this setting. And, as if by magic, the combo of camera and lens settings hit the sweet spot. I guess this is what you get when combining Nikon camera and third-party lenses. Thank you for explaining with such clarity what all the settings do. Has been a great help!

[@donross7820]

Thank you! I learned lots of pearls for my new D850. I really liked the one about activate focus point in the playback menu. Excellent and cogent teaching style.

[@rickmorris9024]

Thank you Mark! I just bought a new D850 so this was super helpful!! 👍

[@amandaprouty3484]

That was fantastic. I can't wait to try this now!

[@valerielemke6571]

Thank you so much! This was the best tutorial I've seen on this. Finally, I feel like I have a grasp on this and will have more consistently quality wildlife shots. Your teaching style is awesome! I'm going to get your ebook and I subscribed. Looking forward to more videos!

[@debbiewnukoski4651]

Thank you so much . I just bought this and feel way overwhelmed . This sure helped.

[@seatechfoto]

Mark, thank you again for another well made and informative video. I enjoy your journey thru the many techniques, cameras, lenses, shooting situations you present here. I've learned quite a lot from watching your videos and then putting them to practice to see how it works for me, which usually is really good and a game changer! Thank you!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching. Always good to hear people are enjoying and learning from the videos.

[@davishall3]

This is a very useful video for anyone shooting moving subjects. Lots of information. Thank you, Mark, you are a very good instructor.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@riverdancefarm8061]

Wow! Thank you so much! This is a fabulous course - so well explained! THANK YOU!!!

[@jackiedibert7043]

This video was awesome! So easy to understand..and super helpful in setting up my new D500 for bird photography! Thank you!

[@idahomountainlover754]

There is a separate video specific for the D500

[@ronaldcoulter7896]

Mark, thank you for that video and being so meticulous and how to use the control buttons. I really appreciate you when I listen to you and I like the examples that you display, not just say but you show it, again thank you.

[@clairebower1843]

Loved your video. I live in South Africa so have many opportunities to visit the bush. You have made wild life photography so much easier for me - must just remember to say boop each time I change a setting.

[@dreamworker3789]

Hello Mark, thanks for this brilliant video, I have changed many of my settings and I am very satisfied with it. My menu is also great. Stay healthy and have a nice weekend! Best regards from Germany

[@donnajoyce5710]

Great video. Now I’m confident how to set up ‘My Menu’ button. Your videos are always clear and concise. Thank you!

[@michaelsyoutubechannel5857]

Had a lot of great takeaways after watching this video. Much appreciated!

[@rianmaze]

Dear Marc, I love your videos. The stories that you tell about the birds are awesome. Accidentally I found you doing a D850 introduction. Learned a much, but my D850 is not shipped already. So I bookmarked it to look it again, when it will be delivered. My D810 was stolen, with the 24-70 and the BS-910. I could cry! So finally I have to upgrade, don’t tell my wife! From your videos I learned I need a 200-600 or something else to make pictures of birds. That is another objective that I beg you not to tell my wife. I am writing you from Chile, the opposite end of the world, and my dream is to shoot a condor: I had a condor 5 meters away flowing in an spectacular environment, but after arming the tripod, changing the lens, putting the settings etc. the condor was already in Argentina. As sailors say: “length speeds” or, with birds, “span speeds”. In photographic sense, these birds are faster than sound. So, till now, I had to accommodate with sea gulls and pelicans. If someone wants to see them, would to have scrawl down a bit on my Flickr acount: www.flickr.com/photos/149732740@N05/

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks for watching. You will love the d850. It is a great camera.

[@michelrochon-ti4817]

Very useful tips Mark, you even got me to try and switch to back button focus. I wonder why I never tried that before. So much more effective. And I have to say, your sense of humour adds an amusing touch to your videos!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much for the compliments. Back button is more effective and it takes some getting used to.

[@AndreMalanUK]

Thanks Mark. Very helpful setup tips for when my D850 arrives and also been able to apply some on my D750. Your videos are the best!

[@bartabplanalp6458]

Thank you for such a thorough and easily understandable tutorial. I've signed up for more!

[@KivuoS2060]

Very useful video...Thanks for demonstrating so vividly.

[@ninoliberatore1491]

Mark I have to tell you this video is VERY well done. This has been one of easiest for me to follow Thankyou

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much. Glad you were able to follow along.

[@johnehrenfeldphotography6024]

Terrific thank you. Watched it twice with my D850 in hand.

[@andrewkay3276]

Your videos have been so helpful as I adjust to a pro-level body. Even coming from a D610 there's so much to learn and and functionality to unlock, amazing channel

[@explorewithrwd8907]

Mark... thanks man! You are very informative! Great stuff!

[@janh6639]

Just working through my d850 again working with a very different genre in lock down. Brilliant and so helpful thank you

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Glad it helped!

[@tonymorrison6875]

same here!

[@christianponce1888]

This was so awesome. This made me so much more comfortable with the d850. Can't wait to take it out shooting.

[@ScottyA56304]

Thank you Mark. Very informative and helpful.

[@raja-gautamkar4699]

Just awesome video on D850

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

Yet another excellent video. Well done, thanks!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@peterjackson2632]

Very helpful video. Great tips and very easy to follow. The pace is just right so you have time to change camera settings as you are watching. Thanks

[@loco240]

Thanks for the excellent video. A few comments that might be helpful to some users. Changing camera settings: There is a setting that allows you to change selections without holding down the button for the function being adjusted. Custom Settings Menu - item f6, Release Button to use dial. Set this to "Yes" and you don't have to hold down the button. Just press it once and release the button, then use the front and/or back dial to make your adjustments. Exit the adjustment mode by half press of the shutter button. This is described on page 269 of the D850 User's Manual. This option is also available for other current Nikon bodies like the D500, D750, Z6, Z7, etc. Photo Shooting Menu: Auto Distortion Control - setting this to "On" allows the camera in JPG mode to use the Lens Distortion Control firmware (currently L 2.018) downloaded from Nikon Support which reduces barrel, fisheye, and pincushion distortion only for specific Nikon lenses included in the firmware set. There's no harm in turning this on as it doesn't affect RAW files and it's very helpful when shooting in JPG with Nikon zoom lenses, which can have some pretty extreme ranges of barrel to pincushion distortion with increasing focal length.

[@jbarson6671]

Great video. Thank you Mark. Very helpful.

[@carolschultz1058]

So glad I found this! I think your tips are really going to make a difference next time I'm out shooting! Thank you!

[@billyp2384]

Nice details Mark. Very helpful in the learning curve department!!

[@martinrylander4090]

Great video with plenty of really helpful tips and tricks👍👍👍👍👍

[@syan3283]

Great video❤ explains in detail of what I will needed to shoot wild life. Thank you Mark

[@BrianStechschulte]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank yo so much Mark. I really appreciate the time and effort.

[@addick675]

Congratulations on your 10K subscribers Mark. Love your video's

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@garybrenner2801]

Thanks for this video, I'm thinking about getting a D850 & this helped a lot! Great explanations of menu functions, it will really accelerate the learning curve for me!

[@marcosriano56]

Excellent teacher !! Thanks

[@user-id4iw1yp1r]

Very clear tutorial, probably one of the best. I am still struggling with getting clean birds in flight pictures. Looking forward to put your recommendations in practice.

[@rauljohns6005]

Thanks for the info, you have a great talent for teaching !! Keep on shooting !!! 😊

[@TnM99]

Superb way to simplify and break down the complex issues. Just like the eagles do in your photography. 🙏

[@michellehoag6134]

Very informative and helpful video. Thank you 😊

[@elgortho]

Great tutorial. Thanks very much New D500 owner shooting Nikkor 200-500 F5.6. Great fun.

[@alexskoz1]

Fantastic! Easy to understand!

[@jerseycasull4546]

Thank you brother for all the tips, I just received my new D850 early this afternoon.

[@adibadash7064]

This was amazing Mark. Thank you!