Using the Nikon Z6ii to photograph birds and initial setup

In this video I use my new Nikon Z6ii to photograph birds and discuss how I set it up.
Please enjoy this video.
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In this video Darrell Oakden uses his new Nikon Z6II to photograph birds and talks about how he set it up.

[@richstroudwild]

Awesome vid m8, the magpie shot was amazing!! Love those birds

[@imsorrryhelp5525]

Fantastic video, Darrel! Thank you for sharing.

[@lassg.3047]

Love the work.

[@ZSLATSKY]

Enjoyed the video! Great ideas for setup.

[@jtes1442]

Great video and beautiful shots. I have a Z6 that replaced my D810, and now I also have the Z6II. SmallRig makes a great L bracket for the Z6/Z6II it even has an Allen wrench that magnetically stows underneath.

[@EdwardKilner]

Well explained. Some good advice I can apply to mine. Thanks.

[@jonwagstaff1879]

Excellent Video and great images thanks

[@paulkirk5760]

Great video! Already changed my delay timer and your other setting may be useful. Still getting to grips with the autofocus on mine but finding it comparable to my D500. I’m sure as I find the best settings it will be very similar.

[@vijaypakhare2105]

Very nice photos, and you explained your experience a nice way!!!

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thank you

[@mickbryan8908]

Great informative video. Experiencing the same issues with my autofocus. e.mailed Nikon to see if they're aware don't hold much hope.

[@adrianmoore4690]

great video and nice shots and happy new year

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks Adrian. Happy New year to you too.

[@jonblackburn5896]

Hi Darrell Some great shots, particularly like the blackbird photos. The 'L' bracket is a great useful addition to your kit. We find them very useful for tripod portrait shots. Your photos certainly look sharper with your new camera. Hope you had a nice Christmas, stay safe Jon & Sandra

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks. Yes we had a quiet Christmas (but that meant no dramas)

[@andreak4280]

beautiful clicks! fantastic blind too 👍🏼

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ivorgottschalk6432]

Darrell, great review of the Z6ii and I can identify with your comment about the mirror shock on the D850. Less of an issue for landscape, where I use exposure delay mode, but harder to manage with wildlife. Did you find there was minimum shutter speed above which mirror shock was reduced?

[@smkunder1]

Great video, I have Z6 Mark 1, I know the Mark ll is a bit quicker. I checked on trading up,but would take a really big hit.

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Nice work.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks for the visit

[@PatitoDiAnime]

nice video and beautiful pictures, can you do a comparison between z6 ii an r6?

[@NevadaScrubJay]

Great video... Excellent photography... Thank you... I have been waiting for a camera with a really fast (8000 +) shutter speed and automatic eye focus tracking for birding and wildlife photography. Sony seems to be two steps ahead in the technology. But, I have years of Nikon lenses. The price is right, but I am still not sure the z6ii is good enough. I would be very interested in what you use for software. And, how you use that software...

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Better sharpness is almost certainly because the AF system is on the same plane as the sensor. No more AF calibration ;) I bet similar improvements on my z6i. BTW, not sure if you noticed, but in the i-menu you can use the front and rear command dials to change between options. To boot, for settings like WB/ISO/drive/etc the behavior is consistent with physical button + cmd dial assignment such that front command changes one thing and the rear another.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

That is a great tip about the command dials. I hadn’t realised that. I will be making use of that from now. Thanks.

[@SolamenteVees]

The video I’ve been waiting for! It looks like you also shoot at 1/500 and slower for stationary birds, as do I. Same 200-500 f/5.6 Nikkor lens? A wealth of useful info! Cheers from Arizona 🌵(D7500 user)

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I try to get the shutter speed high and the iso low, but lighting conditions often scupper those plans.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

Here’s a sub and a comment for the analytics to support these videos. Thumbs up.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

It’s much appreciated Michael. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@matsudakodo]

Your last 4 items in My Menu are the same as mine, good thinking. And we have the same L-bracket from Amazon which is a great design. But from a Z 6II shooter who's tried a few different custom controls: the Fn buttons are precious real estate for things like Silent Shutter and Subject Tracking which can ONLY be assigned to those buttons, so that is what I suggest to people to quickly toggle. Release mode has a button on the camera so don't put that on the i Menu. Set the Movie Record button to change AF Area mode and set your dials to only require a press instead of hold of a button. On the i Menu I put white balance, metering, picture control, ADL, shutter type, vibration reduction, monitor/viewfinder brightness, flash mode. Exposure delay is saved in the ON state in a custom user setting mode just for tripod work, which also defaults to f/8, ISO 100, silent shutter, AF-S single point. Wildlife user setting mode defaults to 1/1000, wide open aperture, auto ISO, apply settings to live view OFF for speed. All in manual mode.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

All good ideas. There are soooooo many possibilities.

[@HN-nu6ed]

Have you ever tried "interval timer shooting" on the Z6II? My setting is A, auto ISO up to 51200, over 1000 shots. I have a random issue, first 10 to 20 photos are overexposed (totally white) then it shows exposure back to normal gradually.

[@smkunder1]

Just subbed, enjoy your approach. Trying to decide if I would do as well as my D500 on birds

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I have a friend who uses a D500 for birds and he really likes it. if you get what you want stick with the 500 it has great specs and the crop sensor give an apparent extra amount of zoom.

[@richardayres2949]

You might find setting up the function buttons on the front to do what you are using the okay button to bring up the tracking box might be more intuitive and the other function button to change autofocus modes. Well done.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

There are lots of possibilities for the function buttons. It is personal and probably something that will evolve as I get more used to the camera.

[@hedgehog3900]

Some lovely images here. I am trying to decide between a D500 or the Z6ii. 2-500 f5.6 in the post on it's way to me and i was set to order a used D500 when my partner asked was i sure i didn't want to go mirrorless.....A can of worms opened. Birds in flight i think the D500 wins ? Mammals i see a problem with shutter noise. Thoughts anyone/everyone?

[@CraigNiesenPhotography]

Excellent sharpness on all of those bird photos. Plus, you’ve got great catch light in their eyes as well. Who is the manufacture of the L bracket that actually fits the Z6 Mark II?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks Craig. There is a link in the description for the L bracket

[@martincole6654]

I usually watch my KZbin on my 55 inch tv. On the tv I was really impressed with the mentioned sharpness and the colours were spot on. I doubt you will be using your old dslr anymore. Great video

[@knath100]

Can you pls share the dedicated plate you purchased for Z6ii

[@russellwebb3672]

Hi and Happy New Year When it arrives. Not a Nikon shooter but did move from Canon to Sony in July, I would assume that most mirrorless cameras are built around the same mould so my worry with your L bracket attached to the camera body is the weight of the what looks like a large lens in 200-500mm model would put a lot of pressure on that conection to camera body, in my case although not useing an L bracket attach to my tripod via the lens collar, on the bean bag maybe OK but even to lift the camera by the body with a large lens attached is IMO heading for trouble. As I say not a Nikon shooter so maybe they have a better connection. Russ.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Good point. But I only use the L bracket with smaller lenses. I would indeed use the lens collar if mounting the 200-500 on a tripod.

[@undeaddave]

Hi Darrell. Just got the Nikon Z6II. Great camera. Does the on bosy VR work with your 200-500 lens as I cannot activate mine with the Nikon 500 5.6 PF attched.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I do have the same problem that the VR doesn't work. I haven't found a solution - may be need to contact Nikon.

[@koolkutz7]

Nice video Darrell. Love the image quality, especially like the collared dove & bullfinch images. A couple of questions: how do you rate the AF performance whilst using the FTZ adapter? Also, have you compared the image quality between mechanical & silent (electronic) shutter? If so, have you noticed any 'rolling shutter' (wobbly jello) effect when using the silent shutter? Keep up the good work :-)

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I haven’t found any difference using the FTZ adapter with auto focus. The silent shutter issue hasn’t given me any problems. These would be interesting points to investigate in an up coming video as we are stuck at home due to lock down.

[@koolkutz7]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography Great. You should give it a try in your garden. I am waiting for Nikon to release the Z 200-600mm lens before I fully commit. I hope it's a constant F5.6 like the 200-500mm f-mount but I suspect it will be F6.3 like Sony's at the tele end.

[@Tilburger72]

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Z6 II. The 200-500 seems to work great on the camera. Is the AF speed good enough to easy get results with flying birds? Do you use the DX mode on the Z6II too or are your pictures cropped?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

They are cropped. The birds are fairly close but I do still need to crop in.

[@Tilburger72]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography Do you then still keep a decent resolution with the Z6?

[@johnsparkes8963]

Super sharp images Darrell beautiful coloured shots.One question Darrell, do you honestly think the Z6ii takes better quaility images than the D850 sounds like it does . Take care.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I have been really impressed with the results. I am sure the lack of mirror makes a difference. I can honestly say it is not a drop in quality.

[@johnsparkes8963]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography Thank you Darrell just watched a WEX video on it and i am getting quite impressed.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I did watch quite a few videos before I committed.

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Hey Derrall, how do you like the z6ll for video, I. Have the D850 and D500 and use both for video and as most know the autofocus is terrible. Greg

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I do a little review of the video in my unboxing so far I am very pleased with the auto focus. It is in another class from the D850. It is not perfect, but much much better.

[@dust1415]

the main problemo mirrorless is size ie too small do have any plans get battery grip this why stay with D810 with grip

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

It is smaller but feels fine in the hand. Picking the D850 up afterwards feels huge in comparison. No plans to get the grip yet.

[@darrenprobert1831]

Hi Darrell, great vlog, I have similar equipment and have to agree with you on the results, the z6ii is a great camera. I also am frustrated by the powering down function but after seeing your tip will change that before my next outing. Great images and look forward to seeing some more. In your experience do you think the silent shutter has gained you more shots of birds? I have always found the shutter attracts their attention, obviously with mammals it may be different.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

It depends on the birds. Some don't seem to notice or care about the shutter. Some of the more nervous birds seem less affected by the silent shutter.

[@sunrise_sunshine]

Thank you so much for the video. I’m planning to purchase my very first DSLR which is Nikon D750 along with 85mm 1.8 + 50mm 1.8 G lens. I’m wondering is it still worth to buy this camera considering 5 years old?. Purpose of buying a camera is for taking Portraits, Still, Landscape, Bird, Product photography (learning) and of course my kids. It would be really great if you throw some lights on my concern to make a wise decision.... other options I have considered is Nikon D780 with one of the lens and Z6ii with the kit lens... apart from D780 and Z6ii I have been suggesting to go with D850 with the kit lens. Thank you and looking forward to your recommendation.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Hi Shashidar. Thanks for you question. I have just sold my D750 and have the 1.8 lens. It is a great camera - I took it with me to Iceland (see this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/emfaeYGZYpt2eLs). The D850 and the Z6ii are also great cameras. If money is not an option I would go for the Z6ii for the benefits a mirrorless camera gives. The other cameras would serve you well. I am going to do a comparision video in a few weeks between the D850 and z6ii.

[@sunrise_sunshine]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography Thank you for quick reply and suggestion.

[@mikek601]

Hi thanks for all the videos they are great I'm new to photography but wildlife has been in me all my life only just now I can afford a camera. My wife really enjoyed the bloopers 🤣. Please can I have the link to your shop?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Glad to have inspired you. I've started to release bloopers in a compilation rather than at the end of all vids. I released #4 at Christmas. My shop can be found at darrelloakdenphotography.creator-spring.com/

[@mikek601]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography thanks very much. We've watched most of the wildlife and garden bird ones. The Mrs watched all the blooper ones 🙂

[@agrs1974]

Great video. How does this compare to the D850?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

My video this coming Sunday is a comparison of the Z6ii to the D850. It goes into loads of detail comparing the two.

[@parthasingharoy4]

Hi, Pl suggest me a camera for bird photography with Z6 II.

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I use my Nikon D850 for bird photography. Any of the D800 range is great or the D500. More important than the camera is the lens the more you spend generally the better the quality is. I use the Nikon 200-500mm which is a mid level good lens.

[@corrbox2]

Thank you for your review, and all the great information. Do you recommend the Nikkor 200 - 500 mm lens for bird photography? Have you ever tried the Sigma 150 - 600 or the Tamron 150 - 600? I am just wondering how they compare. That was very helpful and important information on the L bracket. I just bought one, now I have to take it out of the box and make sure it does not interfere with the FTZ adapter. Next I have to ask you what Z lenses you have or plan on purchasing in the future? Good job! 👍

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

All of my bird shots are taken with the 200-500mm and I am really happy with it. I have no personal experience with the 150-600, but the reviews seem good. The only Z glass I have is the 24-70 that I bought as part of the kit. Not really thought about my next Z purchase I am waiting for the bank balance to recover and my F lenses work great with the FTZ adapter.

[@mortenthorpe]

The Tamron G2 150-600 is really good. Sigma in general produces inconsistent lenses, I’ve had several,prob,elms with their expensive lenses, attributable to poor build quality

[@roderickwho1983]

Hello Darrell. How does the evf look in burst mode ? Is there any flickering/blackouts/lag ?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

I done a test and the blackouts are very similar to what you would see in a DSLR. I wouldn't call it a lag just the shutter working.

[@roderickwho1983]

Sounds good. I'm still dancing 'round buying a Z6II or a Z7II plus adapter. I'd like to hang onto my Tamrons. Thanks for the reply.

[@FayadHameed]

@@DarrellOakdenPhotography great Video.. but I have a question about blackout.. one of my friends who used D500 recently moved to Z6ii and very disappointed that he is not able to keep track of a flying bird because of the evf blackout. He advised me not to go to Z6ii if I have plans to shoot birds in flight, sports and actions where you need to track subject while firing.. but he really likes the image quality of static birds. Have you tried to shoot birds in flight with Z6ii and if you do how would you compare it with a DSLR? I am also a D500 user and a sports photographer. Blackout is the only thing which stops me from moving to Z6ii.. no budget to move to Z9

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

There is a brief blackout. I don't find it any different to what you see on a DSLR.

[@roderickwho1983]

Thanks. I panicked and bought the Z7II ;-)

[@E_House]

how do you set up the diopter?

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Use the rear screen to focus on an object. Get it in the sharpest focus possible and take a shot. View the shot through the EVF. Rotate the diopter back and forth until the image is sharp in the view finder. This was a real issue on my Canon M50 the EVF was way out for my eyes. The diopter on that is a slide button rather than a rotating button other canons or makers might be the same, but it did the same function.

[@rjpg]

Seen other videos where this camera loses tracking, which is probably more often the case. Nikon is letting their BIF fan base down by not having a mirrorless w/out this capability.

[@sinhafamily]

EOS R5 and R6 animal eye autofocus and tracking is insane. Hope Nikon can catch up.

[@HHTV60]

Why 200-500 f/5.6 works better on Z6 ii -- Mark Smith talked about this on his channel. D850 has too much resolution for this lens, so it's. not going to be as sharp as on a 24 MP camera. Smith used that lens only on D500 body most of the time. D850 requires expensive glass -- 500 mm f/5.6 or similar. Good video!

[@seanhennessy57]

Lasted 10 seconds. Why do people think they have to basically shout and go all high pitched??

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

Thanks for the feedback on this three year old video.

[@recreationalplutonium]

I trust you. You look like a bird yourself.

[@bobk704]

still subject. Man don't polute YT. If you not showing how the camera performs on flying subject you don't have to talk about birds, you can focus on the shit too

[@DarrellOakdenPhotography]

All comments gratefully received.

[@lassg.3047]

Love the work.

[@paulkirk5760]

Great video! Already changed my delay timer and your other setting may be useful. Still getting to grips with the autofocus on mine but finding it comparable to my D500. I’m sure as I find the best settings it will be very similar.

[@paulkirk5760]

Meant to mention I have Nikon en-el A&B batteries which all work in the Z6ii and bought an EN-ELb from onbuy.com for £25 recently if you need to replace your 3rd party batteries.