Nikon Z50 Bird Photography | My Settings & Technique!

In this Nikon Z50 bird photography video I explain my settings and technique. Recently I had made another video using the Z50 for bird photography, but was having troubles and issues with certain factors, including focus. I made some changes and adjustments on the Nikon Z50 and now I can capture birds more efficiently and have a higher keeper rate.
00:00 Introduction
00:24 Nikon Z50 Bird Photography Settings
03:24 Nikon Z50 Bird Photography Out In The Field
09:28 Summation & Never Stop Creating!
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All video footage and photographic images are
© Adrian Alford.
#NikonZ50 #NikonZ50BirdPhotography

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I think where I was mainly having problems in my last Nikon Z50 bird photography video, I was using things like Wide Area Small on birds perched on branches. The focus area was too broad (for smaller birds especially) and the camera kept flicking between the bird and immediate background. My settings are by no means perfect, but I find with this more efficient set up. I can now switch quickly between focus and metering modes. Also I forgot to mention I turn Silent Photography “ON” so I don’t scare away the birds. I also turn the Image Review “OFF” so I can keep photographing without my viewfinder or back LCD screen getting clogged with images I’ve just snapped. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@user-gi5ti2wj8y]

Nice find on the Bronze Cuckoo. Very helpful video for Nikon dslr users scouting for Z cameras. Hope Z50 upgrade is on its way.

[@TheStephenHaley]

I have a D500 and a Z7II, but find myself carrying the Z50 + 500PF for birds lately. The setup is so small and light it is just a pleasure to carry.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. I agree, the lightweight and portability makes a huge difference. Just like you, I find myself reaching for the Z50 for the same reason (plus I get extra reach with the 1.5 crop). Have a great weekend 📸🙏

[@adambourque1209]

@@adrianalfordphotography how does 500PF compare to 50-250 kit lens for birding ?

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

@@adambourque1209No serious comparison can be made. The 500pf is so superior in image quality, AF speed, reach, bokeh and it’s many times more expensive. You’re talking about a low-cost walk-around zoom (good for what it is) versus a premium, professional telephoto lens. You wouldn’t ever be in a position where you are choosing between the two

[@brianleecy]

My go to camera for BIFs and Mammals the silent mode is a game changer, especially for Owls Mountain Hares ,Foxes,which the D500 was way to noisy .the Z50 paired with Ftz adapter and Nikorr 500mm pf is so portable,to carry around,great video Thanks.

[@susanwalker2861]

Thanks Adrian, that was really helpful

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Glad it was helpful Susan. Thanks for watching 📸🙏

[@wingsofaustralia]

It may be no Z9 or Sony A1 but you made that Z50 sing man! Awesome shots! I'm sure a lot of Z9 and A1 owners would be happy with those shots you got with such a cheap camera, unbelievable.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks 👍

[@g00nther]

Great tips. Thanks!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Glad it was helpful 🙏

[@peternicholson2147]

Thanks for this follow to your last video on the Z50. have always used back button, never met a wildlife photographer who doesn't but the rest of your settings I will certainly give them a go. specially assigning red video button, didn't know that could be done. again many thanks for these tips.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Peter and glad you enjoyed the video. Happy shooting, cheers 📸🙏

[@slimbirdy]

Thanks for sharing all your settings, there is such a lot to it! Just gorgeous video and shots. Working your magic again, no matter which camera is in your hands. The pigeon shot looks surreal against the bright blue. Hard to pick a favourite though as there are so many good ones.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks heaps for watching. Glad you enjoyed the vid. Was a lot of fun to make with so many birds species around this year. Have a great weekend 📸🙏

[@radinnasir8933]

Thank you so much for the tips. Been waiting for this video for a couple of weeks now! There are some adjustments I need to make to suit my style of shooting. Great video! Now to make a landscape video using the z50!! =)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video. Enjoy your weekend 🙏

Another great review and information on the Nikon Z50. Great tips Adrian, great capture of the birds. Many thanks for sharing your work and info :)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching Shaun. Cheers mate and have a great weekend 📸🙏

[@PhilThach]

Great work, Adrian!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks Phil cheers 🙏

[@smkunder1]

Wow, super results from that Z50, might have to reconsider that little camera!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Steve. It has its limitations but I am amazed you get this relatively cheap camera that has great 4K. Enjoy your day, cheers 🍻 🙏

[@CeritaFandaVancouver]

Gorgeous images with engaging and captivating story telling in explaining the techniques. I'm hoping to get Z50. Good day from Canada.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterviragphoto]

Some awesome species & captures mate. Glad you managed to finetune your settings and got some really sweet results! So much action😍 How massive was the nest of those kingfishers wowowow😮 Thanks for sharing your adventure!🦅🦉🐦

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Cheers Peter. That was just one nest of about five I found in that area. The Kingfishers were everywhere! Spring here this year has been the best I've seen for birdlife. It's slowly backing off now with the nesting season finishing. Be back to landscape photography soon. Have a great weekend mate 📸🙏

[@ele4853]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Interesting set up. I wonder how the black out is when you are shooting at 11fps. Can you "follow" the bird when shooting AF tracking or the black out gets in the way? thanks in advance.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Some great shots! Thanks for the tips. You've got some really colorful birds there down under (writing from the U.S.).

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching Craig. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@leod1671]

Adrian, your video makes me think about the z50 possibly being my first mirrorless camera. Excellent video thank you!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching Leo. Really appreciate your kind comment. Just hang off for a little bit on the Z50. I have another video coming out in a couple of weeks, then make up your mind about buying then. Cheers and have a great weekend 📸🙏

[@leod1671]

@@adrianalfordphotography question for you; any thoughts or experience on the Z5?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@leod1671 haven’t used one Leo. To my understanding it is a very good camera for the price. This review says it all. www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-z5-review/7

[@tanmay110]

Nice tutorial.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@christian.irmler]

A great video, Adrian! Your bird photography videos always make me motivated for doing bird photography by myself. And then there always comes that moment where I hear myself think: "Oh no, not possible. There are not that beautiful birds around me than in Adrian's area", haha :) I will stick to landscapes and enjoy birds photography through your videos :) Enjoy your weekend, Christian

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks very much for watching Christian. We've had so many birds this Spring, just amazing. Hence why I have not done much landscape photography of late. I'll be back into soon though. I still am in awe of the photos from your Dolomites trip. Some of your best work. Enjoy your weekend, cheers 📸🙏

[@briandurell]

Thanks for this video, Adrian. I am strongly considering the Z100-400 to replace my Tamron 150-600. The Tammy is the first generation and will not autofocus on Nikon Z bodies. I’m hoping the 100-400 will also be lighter to carry than the 150-600. The Z50 is an under-rated camera IMO and you have shown that it can produce very good bird photos.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Brian. Yes, the Z 100-400mm would be a good choice. It would then be a 150-600mm on the Z50. Good for birds and wildlife.

[@paulcookphotography]

Great tutorial Adrian for anyone using this camera for bird photography. Actually, some great tips no matter what camera you are using. I liked how you adjusted your thought process to capture the King Fishers - those guys are so fast! Of course some really great images in this one. I really liked the birds are 4:12 that looked like they were having a bit of an argument, the pigeon in-flight was spectacular, and that Shining Bronze Cooker was a beauty! Great stuff as always mate. Hope you are doing well, have a great week down there!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching Paul and your kind comment. Really appreciated mate. It can be a good little camera if you work within its limits. I love the 4K video out of the Z50. Hope you have an awesome week over there. Mid terms? Did I get that right? Stay safe my friend after the last elections 🙏📸

[@paulcookphotography]

@@adrianalfordphotography yeah mid-term elections...House of Representatives, Senate, and state governor. It could get crazy if it doesn't go the way the Republicans want it to 😳

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@paulcookphotography stay safe mate. Wow what has happened to democracy? It’s getting the same here, they start with a lie, stick to the lie, until people eventually believe it. And people wonder why I chose to live my life looking through a viewfinder 😂

[@adamjoshuahughes3971]

@@paulcookphotography Kia Ora from the place thats always missing from the map lol, Well thank goodness he's just been indicted. America (and its always miniscule semblance of Democracy) still has a long long way to go though unfortunately. Could learn a thing or two from those that have been there before like in Peru which arrested and ousted within a day or Germany who've been screaming for ages (and Hitler did get his inspiration from America which to me says as many words as a photo usually does).... Nga mihi

[@AnushkaYohan]

I got a Z50 recently and was wondering how good it would be in photographing birds. This video gave me both excitement and confidence to explore bird photography on my Z50, so thank you!

[@dbtv7112]

Hello there, what lenses are you using, and can you make closer pictures of small animals like spiders

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I'm using the Nikon 80-400mm lens via the FTZII adapter. Yes, you can use it for close ups of small animals and spiders. Here is my review on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXLdpqKPrc-soM0si=ZCgONtK06l7R-I85

[@vsta004v6]

great video, may I know which lens you have used here

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. FTZII adapter with Nikon AF-S 80-400mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

[@vsta004v6]

@@adrianalfordphotography thank you for sharing the info👍

[@itsmee9991]

Can I use Sigma 150-600 mm lens with Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera For birds photography or should I use Nikon D7500 with 200-500 mm lens which gives the best result?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

You can use the Sigma (Nikon F mount version) on the Z50 via the FTZ or FTZII adapter. Personally I think the Nikon 200-500mm is better. I made a video using it for bird photography 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYeWl4usjMeXe68si=onS7dFc-Dw5nncZX

[@daltonwoodward5577]

What lens do you use for wildlife photography?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I use this one for wildlife 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXLdpqKPrc-soM0

[@woodpeckersTravelStory]

Woww it's a nice video.. Your shots are awesome.. I have the same gadgets. Tomorrow I will definitely change my settings like you showed.. Last 1 month i am using z50 and 200-500 with ftz adapter. Till now i didn't get even a single sharp photo😔 I think my cam or lense had something complaint And i don't understand that you said about metering. What is the actual use of that

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. The best way for you to use the metering is try changing the light metering settings on a static object and see the differences they make. For example centre weighted metering mainly highlights the main subject your photographing (wedding photographers use that for bridal portraits). The best way to get better is to get out there and keep practicing. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@woodpeckersTravelStory]

@@adrianalfordphotography thank you sir

[@cpclisa]

What kind of lens is that and how heavy is it?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

I did a video on that lens. Hope it helps 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXLdpqKPrc-soM0 🙏

[@harshasuraweera]

4:02 how did you enable auto tracking here? I applied the same settings but tracking is not working bit confused

[@adrianalfordphotography]

It's not auto tracking. I'm following the birds eye handheld keeping the box on or near it.

[@harshasuraweera]

@@adrianalfordphotography Oh thank you, I got it. That’s after clicking the AF/ON button once right?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

no - hold down on AF/ON so the focus changes as bird moves@@harshasuraweera

[@harshasuraweera]

Thanks man!! I’m pretty new to this 😃

[@ig_bunnyftw]

Which lens you using with z50 for birds photos

[@adrianalfordphotography]

This one kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXLdpqKPrc-soM0si=c6GY_MtgoqE3oXAC