The Complete Autofocus Guide! Nikon Z6 Nikon Z7 Nikon Z5 Nikon Z50. Best Autofocus Settings.

[@vasylgrebinnyk2285]

May be the best video on KZbin explaining how Nikon autofocus works. Even in 2024. Thank you!

[@nancygoldberg885]

Please never delete this video. I have referred to it multiple times already for one or another reasons. You explain the way I do to my little kids, so they would understand for sure. Thank you.

[@RicciTalks]

I don't plan on deleting it. Glad you find it useful. :)

[@FocusNoise-q8p]

This is by far the most complete and comprehensive video on the Nikon AF System. Every camera Nikon sells, should come with a link to this video. Thank you for the effort you have put into this. It finally let me fully grasp the potential and usecases of my Nikon AF.

[@dab7963]

FINALLY a great explanation of why the focus box does not turn green in AF-C

[@aussie8114]

I always knew that but would love to know it doesn’t turn green in AF-S on my D810 bodies 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@brettcook6376]

Thank you so much for spending the time to go through this in such detail. I’m so tired of just hearing someone say, “this is the best setting for …”, or “this mode works just like it’s done on the D850”. You actually explained how they work, and that is very helpful.

[@CarthageMcCarthy]

Having just purchased a Nikon Z6 11, and tried reading a 1000 page manual, and looking at various youtube videos on Focusing and using the Z6 to take some shots, I was at my wits end trying to come to terms with how to use it. I stumbled across your wonderful video and thank you for explaining everything in such detail, reminding me that I am still a photographer, and shutter speed, ISO etc still apply. In addition, you take nothing for granted, so everything is explained. I cannot wait to get out and remember that photography is my passion and joy. I really cannot thank you enough.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot ! I’m glad you found the video useful 😊

[@AllSortsOfScripts]

A year later I’m watching this video because i purchased a z6 last November. With a z mount 50 mm 1.8s lens, this camera is a monster. It’s still a great camera to buy. Thank you so much for the effort and time you spent doing this video. Kudos to you Ricci.

[@csc-photo]

This is basically a mini-masterclass in Nikon mirrorless AF. I wish I found this sooner - it is the most thorough & clearly presented video I’ve seen on this topic. Immensely helpful - thank you 🙏🏻

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear ! Thanks for watching

[@FlyingWingZing]

I had no intention of watching this video for over an hour. But I did thanks to the simplistic explanations, examples and personal preferences. As a new owner of a z7, frustrated by the number of missed images, this video is ideal. Well done, Sir!

[@ramchandrakhatiwada7430]

Very useful and important, also very clearly explained. Thank you so much Ricci. I normally attend Nikon's After school sessions so see your there. Ram

[@Alan-tz7lj]

This is without a doubt, the best tutorial I've seen regarding autofocus and what you can expect from each mode, how and when to use it. Absolutely brilliant. You've taken a complex subject and made it very easy to understand. I have learned so much from your video and thank you for your great contribution in helping others to understand and comprehend this topic.

[@AlanMilne-m9e]

As a relatively new user of a (second-hand) Nikon Z7 I found this video very useful to understand the functions, complexity and options available in the autofocus menu of the Nikon Z7. Thank you for putting this on-line.

[@psoon04286]

I must have watched this AF guide 3 times and I’m still picking up new tips and info. This is definitely a must watch for all new Z body owners…. and for geriatrics like myself that needs the refresher🤪

[@Ram.Saketh]

A super thanks for this informative video, helped me get to grips with the AF system. Your video should be the go-to resource for every new camera buyer!

[@jamesgranberry8801]

Outstanding! I’ve owned my Z6 for a year now and never understood autofocus. Long time DSLR shooter, and I’d treat my Z6 like a DSLR. This has been extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@VQ30TLJ]

Very helpful. Two things I learned here that I didn't get even from Thom Hogan's exhaustive guide are (1) why Nikon chose to keep the focus box red in AF-C (your explanation makes a lot of sense) and (2) turn off Apply Settings to Live View for better autofocus performance.

[@danjose313]

This is a superb video because it explains not just what the camera functions are, but when and why you you would use each of the several modes. By the time Ricci gets to the sample pictures, the viewer is silently making his or her own choices. This means that the viewer understands -- the key -- understands what the camera can, and will, do in various situations, and which mode can best take advantage of that. In most such explanations, the presenter just drops a lot of information, without any attempt to have the viewer understand. This is different -- to my very substantial benefit.

[@davidroberts6766]

I have been shooting for a long long time, but mostly landscapes. Now that I have a quick moving toddler granddaughter, I bought a Z6. This video was incredibly useful in understanding autofocus, as I have always been an AF- S, single point, kinda guy, and that needs to change...because she is fast!

[@thomasball6524]

Hey Ricci, the best detailed Video for the Autofocus configuration in the Z-Series, many thanks from Germany !

[@sharonwillen1068]

Wow! I just recently went to Nikon from Pentax crop sensor when I got my Z6 II and I was completely lost about all the focus options, buttons and other wonderful features of my new camera. But Ricci has saved the day!!! I've been glued to your KZbin videos ever since I found you yesterday. I have watched so many other videos but yours has by far been the best teaching video and most interesting. I can't thank you enough!!!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot 😊 Glad you found it useful hope you get some great images with ur Z6II

[@lightwhiff]

just stumbled upon this while researching for setting up a newly purchased Z 6.....this is the most detailed explanation of Nikons Autofocus systems.....regardless of whether you are upgrading from a Nikon DSLR or Nikons Z mirrorless. Bravo!

[@RicciTalks]

Glad you found it useful !

[@timber10able]

I learned more in one hour watching this video that I have during the last year. Totally comprehensive and logical. I am very grateful for the real work you put into this. Joe

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear Joe glad you found it useful !

[@hughmccomb8494]

This is one of the most useful videos I've watched as just got the Z7 II and struggling with all the setups and @ 83 a memory like the Bermuda Triangle! everything is going in ! but nothing is coming out! just an excellent presentation really well put together, easy to watch and listen to, you did a fantastic job explaining everything, its my go to bed BIBLE. Anyone new to the Z cameras should have this on their go to Tutorial. Many thanks for your time from all of us. Hugh

[@joehealeyphotography8263]

Thanks Ricci, great video! I've had my new Z5 for just 24 hours and have been doing trial and error with the AF settings. I searched KZbin specifically for a tutorial and not a review. This video explains it all. You have saved me hours of trial and error. I now know exactly the settings I need to perform best in all situations. Great work!

[@nickh3580]

As a new Zf user this is still very relevant to me. Thanks.

[@bitdancer1005]

First class explanation with examples! Well done!

[@martinsepion]

You explain it better than anyone else on KZbin. For me the key point you make is that knowing how your camera works, it's strengths and weaknesses, what it is trying to do, is more important than which camera system you have. It is not the person or the technology it is the interface between the two that we should all be concentrating on.

[@xainvanvooren3813]

I cannot overstate how helpful this video was. As a Nikon owner, I have always felt that the menus were very daunting. I have been watching how to videos and walkthrough videos for some time, with very little help. This is the single most helpful video I have seen. Thank you so much!

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you for watching

[@janetstacey3078]

I've been struggling to understand the focus system for years and wondering why I couldn't nail it. I now get it. Can't wait to get out now and practice. Thanks. A great explanation.

[@georgecharpentier6043]

I have watched this twice, the second after some time had passed. I remembered some of it, but not as much as I would have hoped. Watching it again did give me a much clearer understanding of more of the differences among the autofocus choices available. The examples made much more sense this time as well. I will probably need to watch it at least once more. This is a very clear and very informative presentation.Thank you.

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you for watching multiple times :)

[@Ducky441]

This is one of the most useful videos I've watched this year, really well put together and you did a fantastic job explaining everything.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much glad u found it useful

[@peterjoseph3839]

I totally agree Thomas! One of my best spent hours for a long time :😊

[@peterjoseph3839]

@@RicciTalks Thanks for Your total commitment 🙏

[@BKMonf]

Thanks Ricci, you have become my favorite on youtube period!! You are the BEST teacher because you go slow and explain everything with visuals. Your technique tells me you understand what you're talking about. Thanks so much for all your content, greatly appreciated. You are making people better photographers.

[@tangent5132]

Mr. Ricci, This is the video I've been waiting on for many months. I've had more "Ah ha !" moments watching this video than I can count. It confirmed many of my own field work discoveries and corrected many misconceptions I had developed while putting it all in order with a reason why. No voodoo or act of faith required. Also your manner of instruction is down to earth and practical with the simplicity that only the truly brilliant can provide. This was a great service to the Z community ! Thank you !

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much ! Helping the Z community That’s all I really want to do. I’m so glad it’s helped you and so many others

[@veloz7860]

Marvelous! I've watched auto-focus videos till my eyes bled and mostly just got confused. Yours was the best explanations, the best insight, and the best real-world examples of all of them. Hooray, and thank-you!!

[@williamcurran9290]

Finally! From the big picture to the fine details in a comprehensive, comprehendible presentation! At last, I get it. Just wish that this video had a way of standing out in the crowd to make it easier for people to find. "Complete Guide to understanding and Using Autofocus, A to 'Z' . . . " is more like it!

[@RicciTalks]

Hey everyone! I really hope you do find this video useful, I hope it helps some of you understand the Autofocus system inside the Nikon Z a little bit better, meaning you can get more out of the camera you have. any questions let me know !

[@JOHNCROCHE]

brilliant video Ricci thanks

[@Azabaxe80]

Thank you so much.This has been very, very helpful. I don't do subscriptions, but since you just saved me quite a bit of time if I wanted to figure all of this out for myself, or money if I paid someone to teach me how to do this, you just got my first and only subscription to a KZbin channel.

[@cliftonbyrd8681]

That was a great video and very, very helpful. Thank you very much, Ricci!

[@bobdecker8945]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

[@jhoang861]

omg i’m so glad i found you before my first new z5 arrives today!! Thank you so much!!

[@wazm]

I have always struggled with when to use what type of focus for each situation for my older DSLR. Just got the Z6ii and most of this still applies. Thanks for using real world examples and pros and cons of each. Great video.

[@philipandreicuk5356]

I have recently purchased the new Z6ii and this video was just what I needed to understand how to get the best results out of Nikons autofocusing system. This is by far the best video I have seen that explains the menus in detail that us mere mortals can understand, well done !!!

[@bmwohl]

Ricci, this video is so, so very good. I bought my Z7 26 months ago but I can't say I put the time into mastering it that I should have. For the past six months I've been working on getting the most out of the Z7. My biggest frustration has been poor autofocus use in shooting people and my puppy dogs. I ordered a Z9 on October 28th mainly because of not mastering autofocus on the Z7, but it looks like I may not get the new camera for a significant while. This video, which I've watched end to end more than once, gives me some great guidance for sharpening my skills. I love it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@aarontharris]

Question: 1:01:30 d8 "Apply settings to Live View". Great insight! I doubted you at first and even wrote a paragraph about how it didn't make sense. Then in doing so I realized how it did make sense. I am a software engineer, when I put my engineer-hat on, I realize that normally to obtain focus the sensor would be able to extend the shutter speed, extend the ISO and even widen the aperture as needed to obtain a bright image for fast focus. When d8 is "On" you are telling the camera to show you exactly what you will get when you take the shot. This means the sensor must leave the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture exactly what you've set them to and so it is unable to obtain that brighter image needed to prove faster AF. This was not a problem with DSLRs because they didn't use the sensor for AF -- when they did they were slow. What I'm confused about is: The very next logical step is to tell the AF system to obtain a bright image while focusing and once obtained, go back to the accurate live preview. I actually think I saw your camera do that. When you AF'd it got brighter then went back to dark. So that's probably happening, however, I would guess it means that you'd be limited to Single-Shot AF not Continuous since you can't be continuously flipping back and forth between the false-bright image and the accurate-dark image.

[@RicciTalks]

When I show the example of it getting brighter and going back to dark I’m talking about a setting called low light AF. This setting will boost exposure (gain) to the sensor temporarily allowing it to lock focus as soon as it does lock focus it will revert back to previous settings. When you have D8 off the camera will perform like an optical viewfinder, just show you an average exposure of the scene and you will rely on the exposure bar on the right to determine if the shot is going to be adequately bright or dark enough for what you want.

[@patrickmolloy6994]

after 6 years with the D7100 then D7500, I know all about AF ... and I loved Group and 3D modes. Now I have the Z6. But ... I loved this video because no matter how much experience you have, or think you have, you can always learn. I learnt a lot. Great video. Many thanks. Keep it up. Stay safe

[@mihaiul]

Great video, Ricci! Years after it was made, it is still the most comprehensive I have found on KZbin. Congratulations!

[@KyleClements]

This is the best description of the Z system AF I've seen. Especially the Wide Area breakdown. I've been trying to figure out exactly how that worked. I thought it was an average of all points in the square, but then a tiny thing by an edge would grab the attention of the focus box most of (but not all of) the time. A bias for closeness explains this behaviour perfectly. Thank you so much for this. Normally, I avoid the full area auto modes, because there are times I need to take over, but don't want to fully commit to MF. Now that I can set Fn1 to switch to subject tracking, and use AF-ON to engage tracking, I finally have everything I need for any situation outside the studio, off the tripod! It's just made shooting so much more fun.

[@RicciTalks]

Makes all the effort worth it ! Thanks !

[@TheBigbangguy]

What a great and very well explained video. If all Z cameras users would take the time to view this video they would not complain the misunderstanding of their cameras and would not be yelling that Sony Nurthrup said the A7 series are 'the best'. Thanks for sharing. You are the best!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot! There is a lot of misinformation out their !

[@RosalitaRox]

Me too. Setting up my Z9 and looking at your video to explain a lot of stuff I really didn't understand on my Z6 has made my life so much easier. Thank you.

[@steveh2268]

Incredible.... As someone who is transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless, I think this is a fabulous video. The explanations and sample images are the best available anywhere. I've watched it multiple times already and I'm sure I will watch it many more times as I try to get these auto-focus options ingrained in my memory.

[@amangrewal9526]

Had to watch this twice since moving from dslr to mirrorless- so detailed and a real deep dive into the autofocus modes again for a new system. Thanks Ricci. 🙏🏽

[@adgillis825]

This video is a textbook-lecture for every photographer. Every single point of autofocus modes are explained in an understandable manner with clearly practical examples. Best tutorial I've seen !! My compliments. Thanks a lot.

[@meldrian]

left photography 14 years ago and since then no longer have any camera. but still love to learn about something i always confused. thanks for the effort. gave a thumbs up and subscribed.

[@OriDattner]

Great video - thanks!

[@MrJanKarel]

Can only confirm the positive reactions: great work, will help me a lot being more satisfied with the results I get. Thanks a lot!

[@Hrishi1970]

Z users, look no further. This is the ONLY video you will EVER need on Autofocus. Every setting explained with sample shots. This is now the new gold standard for tutorials. Period.

[@joemikolic]

Wow! Excellent, organized, thorough presentation. As a novice photographer, having been gifted a Z6 for retirement, I have much to learn. I’m sure I’ll be viewing this presentation multiple times and taking notes. Additionally, I’ll definitely be looking for other videos that you have so thoughtfully planned and executed. Thank you!

[@roymiu9132]

Just took possession of a Nikon Z5. Since that is my first Nikon mirrorless, this video really helped me to understand and learn my new camera. I tried auto area AF and thought to myself what the hell is the focusing square jumping everywhere and not my intended subject. Thanks dude, you got a new subscriber from Singapore

[@khanhhuynh387]

I have already known exactly what you explained in this video but I was still watching the whole video at 12:00am because I want to support what you have done. Thanks for your time and your passion to make this video for everyone who loves Nikon but has been wavering because they do not really understand how the Z system works.

[@peterwilliams3246]

What a gem! Everything you need to know about auto focus but were too scared to ask

[@robbieallcock]

Get that I'm 18 months late here but have been watching you for a couple of years Ricci and just got myself a Z7 and couldn't;t be happier! Thanks for effort in the vid, helped me out a lot 👍

[@KnightsandWeekends]

I know this is an older video, but it was great to re-visit and really listen to the detailed explanations. I have learned a few things I had wrong in my head - thank you for the time and effort! There isn't another Nikon-centric content creator out there that does better work!

[@davewarren7693]

I have watched a number of videos regarding Z cameras AF. Yours simply is the most intelligent discussion, bar none.

[@TheBottBoys]

Wow! THE most clear and comprehensive explanation of these settings. (Even better than Nikon’s own video tutorials.)The visual examples are spot on. Well done! Thank you Ricci. I look forward to exploring more of your videos.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much ! Glad you got some good info out of this video!

[@CoffeeloversMY]

The best ever video on Nikon auto focus system ever made on Planet Earth. Thank you, sir. I learned a lot from about Nikon focus system just from this one video. 🙏

[@SriramHariPalakkad]

thanks for providing clarity on AF with Z7. Much appreciated

[@albyscott33]

Just a short note to say I really appreciated this tutorial it was set at the right pace for me. Thank you.

[@1337likethat]

I think this might be the best Nikon Z Autofocus system explained video on youtube, period. Brilliant work.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks !

[@leeinnes7127]

As someone who has just bought a used Z6, this was really helpful.

[@SaikatRoy99]

Day after tomorrow I will buy the Z6 II to replace my D750! Must say this video has taught me most of the new things already!

[@lizr9499]

Extremely useful video for a new Nikon Z7 owner. It answered all my questions about getting the best use out of the autofocus function and taking full advantage of my mirrorless camera. The examples were terrific!

[@drnic01]

Just bought a Z6ii after years of using the D600 and D610. Thank you so much for this video and the effort you put into it. I learned a lot of new stuff about focus. Ciao from Italy.

[@1940liam]

This is the best informative and easy to understand explanation video of Autofocus that I have seen. I have a Nikon Z6ii which I've had for 18 months & thought I had the Autofocus nailed. Your video explained in easy to unterstand terms items that I was not using correctly and affecting my shooting. Thank you on a excellent explanation of Autofocus.

[@Alpha6.31]

Just bought a Z5 and this video is very very helpful in finding my way through all the AF possibilities and making my own choices. Thank you so much!

[@user-cz8gm6sy4u]

Best Nikon AF vid ever!

[@RicciTalks]

Ahaha thanks a lot !

[@dcspaniel]

I have watched this more than once and will refer back to it. You have one of the very best, easy to understand, clear explanation of the focus modes for Z Nikon. Thank you so much!

[@flemingnemo2650]

Thank you so much for such a long and detailed video. Still looking forward to a detailed comparison review for the Z 24-200 lens

[@martindemanable]

Yes please! Realy want to know how it performs for video with dual IS :)

[@tdalton854]

Thanks so much for all of your effort here. It's July 2022 as I viewed this and write the comment. Ive had a Z6II for about 6 months and this finally makes sense to me. Really has helped me immensely. The way you talk through the various options and at the same time show why and your results was great. Now I have to put it to practice

[@CRYSTALKMACEIRA]

Thank you, Ricci, for putting this in-depth video together! I am not a photographer, but am an Iridologist, taking eye pics. I just purchased the Z50 so I could still use my old special adaptors. This video really helped me to learn to use the setting so that my eye pics are clearer. Thanks again! Crystal

[@joebroyles5680]

OUTSTANDING instructional video! You've explained autofocus in a way that is easy enough for beginners to grasp, yet with enough detail that advanced users will appreciate.

[@RicciTalks]

Glad you found it useful!

[@QuanTranVisuals]

This is the best explanation of how Nikon Z camera autofocus system is and how it works.

[@paulburnett8866]

Just bought Z6ii and watched this - brilliant, so easy to follow.

[@Mark-te7mc]

Thank you Ricci for being so generous with your expertise. I now finally understand all the auto focus options on my Z7.

[@shlawchablaas]

Wow. You know, I sat down to watch this thinking, hey, I’ve been shooting with my Z6 for about a year now, I know how to use it and I always get the results I want, so maybe I’ll find one or two useful things but generally I already know this. I’ll just watch because Ricci always puts out good content so I’ll give it a go. To my surprise, there were tons of things all the way through that were incredibly helpful. Again, it wasn’t as though I felt I was having trouble with the Z6 before but these were just better ways of doing things, clearer explanations of how the systems work, and suggestions that I feel confident will improve my experience with the camera going forward. Thanks for always making such informative and helpful videos!

[@RicciTalks]

that's great to hear ! glad you found it useful

[@mountaintreks]

Just returned to Nikon after a spell away, a very useful video to help me get up to speed even though my Z7ii camera is on 1.4 firmware Thank you

[@elmono3939]

Very informative video. You do what Nikon should have done with release of Z series cameras. Nikon throws out new camera systems, but forgets to explain how they work. If not for people like you, we would be struggling with figuring out the focus. Hope Nikon pays you for all your work. Thank you !

[@BijiTGeorge]

Thank you Ricci, for all the time you have put into creating this video. Since mirror less is new to Nikon, this helps a lot. Looking forward to your video on the exclusive 3.0 update.

[@mikehirst3294]

Ricci, I can always depend on your videos to help me gain knowledge for my Z6 and lenses. Thanks a lot.

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you for watching them 🤗

[@ChrisWesselman]

Agree - best video on the subject that I've seen. I may finally understand Dynamic-Area, and why even Wide Area Small doesn't always work. Thanks!

[@ngnoreen]

a big thanks to you, Ricci, u save my life, having no clue at all, when trying to learn about this camera.

[@NICojUanes]

really glad I came across this. as a new photographer, the AF system is something I don't fully grasp yet

[@philmtx3fr]

Best video for autofocus for Z cameras ever. Exhaustive, clear and good examples. Thx for that.

[@ForevermoreVibe]

Great detailed explanation. I have to thank you very much because I learned in manual mode knowing that AF mode looked complicated. I stayed in manual mode and avoided looking at AF until I stumbled on this video and I was finally ready to learn AF. Couldn't have asked for a better explanation so thanks so much, I appreciate it, and don't understand the thumbs down.

[@arisultanik]

This is one of the best photography videos I have ever seen. I have learned so much. Thank you very much.

[@druidsflame]

Wow... I mean, WOW! That was one of the best most informative AF videos I have ever watched! Never had I even though about using AF wide until now. Found your channel from an article that Nikon Rumors posted yesterday with your comparison of the 20mm 1.8S Z mount versus F mount, and you definitely have a new subscriber!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot !

[@kuruma10]

Wow, that is the best video regarding that topic I have ever seen. No questions left. Great work, thanks a lot!

[@RicciTalks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandraflickstein4377]

Best video and explanation of autofocus. I have been reading about this but watching and listening brought everything together. I will watch again with camera in hand to make sure I have the correct settings for my next photography adventure.

[@BillAckerman]

This may be the most useful video I have ever viewed. Thank you!

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear!

[@waltduddington3829]

Without a doubt, the best video on autofocus for Nikon mirrorless I have seen! Thanks!

[@georgecharpentier6043]

This is the third time I’ve watched this video. I think it is finally sinking in. Very good presentation, with so much content. Thank you. I’m sure I will be back when I need a refresher.

[@janetsanderson7996]

Thank You a great tutorial. I am lucky enough to see kingfishers from my window so you have inspired me to have a go at capturing them!

[@RicciTalks]

Hope you get some good photos 😊 lots of practice!

[@smog57]

I think this is one of the most helpful Z videos I have watched - great to have you talk thro the logic of your mode decisions. Thank you.

[@alanbudge]

Absolutely brilliant video. Explains everything clearly. I thought I had the best settings for me but now I have changed half a dozen to give me better focus. I found the "apply settings to live view" particularly interesting as I use the evf 95% of the time.

[@JesusAlleineRettet]

By far the most helpful Video I have seen on YT