Having worked as a professional photographer all my adult life and having taught photography and digital post-production at numerous universities and workshops with very favorable student feedback, I do believe that I have a good understanding of teaching photography. After having attended various presentations and mini-workshops by very established and great visual artist, I can tell you this; being a great photographer does not equal being a great teacher and there are even some not so great photographers that are very good teachers. I have only watched a few of Mark Smith’s videos and my impression is that he is in a league of his own, a great photographer and a great instructor, a pleasure to watch providing extremely useful information. I do plan to view more of his videos and possibly attend one of his workshops, as fast-moving bird photography is not my expertise.
@@MarkSmithphotography Your welcome, it is what it is, I am a hardcore teacher expecting only the very best of my students meaning I only give praise when praise is earned. Looking forward to meeting you someday.
You know you're stuff, from a real world perspective, and are very generous with your time and knowledge. It largely goes unsaid, but I'm sure many people, including myself, are very appreciative.
Mark I have to say your simple but complete approach to teaching me exactly how to change the setting ,but showing me step by step on the actual camera was extremely easy to follow.I'm a fan now !! thanks'
Mark - Bought my D500 for wildlife photography and have been frustrated ever since. I know this is an excellent camera for my requirements. My results just haven't been living up to expectation. Watched your series on Birds in Flight and now feel something for the first time. Confidence. Love the way you break it all down for idiots like me. Off to South Florida next week and really feeling optimistic regarding the quality of the bird shots I'll be getting there. Thank you! Tom
Mark; thanks so much for this series of videos on wildlife settings, never owned a pro level controlled camera before now; you've made this early learning process fastrack into the field in no time at all. Learned more in 24hrs from these than I have of weeks of going through some others on here. They are good but your whole approach is like a friend showing you how. Works a treat. Cheers.
Thanks for this video, Mark, I used your suggested autofocus settings with my D500 on a recent wildlife tour and got excellent results, especially for birds in flight. And the single point focus setting is very convenient for certain situations where group focus is not required.
Great video Mark, clear instructions, easy to follow even for someone new to Nikon. Forgive me if someone has already made this observation. For birds in flight. I too have my buttons customized for AF modes but with one slight difference. Since I always use back button focusing, with focus assigned to the af 0n button. I tend to have this button as my primary shooting mode. Group25. Then set the joystick to single point. In this way both buttons work as focus buttons and the shutter release is left to do just that.
Mark, This past Friday evening I watched many of your videos and then went out over the weekend with a friend and used many of the tips, techniques and setup options you suggest. Wow, total game changers in the learning curve to shoot in birds in flight with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. Thank you for taking the time to make the videos and share them with the world, they are well made and you make them entertaining to watch!
Just one comment... I have watched a lot of videos and I am a Nikon shooter. I currently own the D850. You are very special Mark.. You are a teacher and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.. Final Comment... YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!
Hey Mark - Thanks for going step by step with the D500. I am new with it & know it can do a whole bunch more than I am able to right now. Your videos are getting me to where I want to be with this awesome camera. Please do more - slow and simple for knuckleheads like me.
Hi Mark, just starting on photography. D500 and Nikkor AF-S 55-300 for the moment. Once I get the hang of this will upgrade to the big glass. You are truly an inspiration and of great help. Greetings from Sri Lanka.
I think over and above the like button, RUclips should add a love button on your channel ! Your vlogs are so informative and so interactive, I feel I am almost having a chat with you and accompanying you in field. Every video is superb ! Great job Mark
Great video with useful tips, one thing though, I prefer using the AF-ON button for back button focusing, then I use the PV (preview) button in front of the camera instead for a quickly switching to single point.
Many thanks for this video Mark! (and some others as well). I recently got a D500 with the kit 16-80mm lens, and I just set up the AF per your video. I'll be picking up either a 300mm f4 PF or a 200-500mm very soon. I live off of a river in Maryland with Bald Eagles and Ospreys around, and followed a fledgling Bald Eagle around this morning. Your videos are fantastic and very helpful!
I second UncleVinny's suggestion for video classes. I've never found tutorials, explanations, etc on any video that comes even remotely close to the way you teach and describe everything. SO grateful for your videos, and would definitely love to see you teach classes, either video or live stream.
That's awesome! I'm glad to know the videos are helping others get the most from their cameras. I need to think the whole teaching thing through. Not sure what platform would be best for that and I am open to suggestions.
So many options I wouldn't even begin to know which would be best. But I'll be waiting in line to sign up if you do decide to go for it. You have a great way of explaining things, which isn't always the case with many of the videos I've watched.
Mark, another fantastic and informative video. I bought my D500 and 200-500mm lens yesterday, all because of you. I feel my life improving already. Many thanks.
Great work...I have a question mark.. If Af on button is assigned the functions of setting to single focus point + AF activation means, when ever i press teh af on button for auto focus, then focus point will be changed from group to single point which defies teh entire purpose.. Can you explain?
I am about to have a crack at BIF. This appears to be fantastic advice. I have just set up a D500 and D850 based on this common sense advice and I am off to give it a try. Subscribed.
(Alan) .....Very handy tutorial Mark. I've had my D500 for a few months now, and am still learning things about it. I must try video at some time, that's something I haven't tried at all so far
Thanks. Filming with the D500 is really nice. The 4K looks great but it crops the image quite a bit. This can be really good for wildlife though. It gets you that much closer.
On your Mark.........Grrreat video. I just purchased my D500 and this really helped me with birds in flight and my action sports. Till next video....Mick
I just recently found your RUclips channel and am blown away by your photos. I have been a Nikon shooter for 40+ years and am now in the market to upgrade. While I am primarily a photograph shooter, I am starting to dabble in video. I've watched your comparison video between the D500 and the D850 and am more confused than ever on which to upgrade to. I do mostly wildlife photos but have started doing astrophotography in addition to wildlife. Any additional suggestions you may have would be appreciated.
I'm planning to take a safari tour to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in October 2019. I'm trying to get closer to selecting what camera to carry on the trip. Currently, I have a D7100 as my only camera using an 18-300 mm lens. That has worked generally, but have noted two primary problems (photographing aircraft both static and in-flight:) 1) The camera seems to easily get dirt onto the sensor... I've heard that lens may be the problem as it is supposedly not tight enough. 2) The autofocus, while faster than my earlier cameras is not good enough and I am jealous of both the D500 and D850. I'm planning to keep the D7100 & lens as a backup, but to buy a new camera for the trip. I was very interested in the Z7 but am unhappy about the autofocus being less capable than the D500 and D850. So, I remain undecided especially after your comments about the buffer size in the D850 (which I think is similar in the Z7.) Any more suggestions?
I do similar things except I am a back button focus guy, so no AF from the shutter button for mine. I set up the centre of the joystick as the custom AF mode change. So I just move my thumb to change modes instead of changing from my index to thumb and find that easier for me.
This is a great video. I set up my d500 in the manner you described and I find it VERY helpful as I try to get some nice bif shots at Brigantine and Forsythe Refuge in NJ. very nicely done. thanks.
If i am getting this correct, we now have three buttons for focussing. Shutter release for GRP, AF-ON for AF-S and joystick for AF-25. Correct me if I am wrong.
At 10:30 into the video you did a very nice job explaining how to use the rear AF button for single point.However , what about those who use that button for ": back Button Focus " ? Thanks for your video .You thoughts appreciated.
just commented on this above, before I saw your question, I use the Preview (PV) button in front of the camera for quickly switching to single point, as your thumb is pressing the AF-ON button you need the switch to single in the front of the camera, PV button works great!
I have set my preview button "top right side button next to the lens mount, easily accessible by using the middle finger to press it while using the index finger for the shutter button" for 72 points "you can set it up to whatever points you want, I sometimes set it up for 25 points depending on what I will be shooting ", I have set the joystick button set for group focus, the AF-ON button is set for single point AF, I can also change it on the fly to 3D tracking by pressing the AF/M button selector switch and scrolling through the focus point selections which are visible in the viewfinder or the LCD screen on the back by pressing the info button.
Great Video!!!!....I just ordered a D500 and grip to go with my 200-500mm. Augmenting a 7100, D3, and D700. Love your channel thanks to the Angry Photographer for the referral to you!
Mark, Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance
It's good to see how you set up your D-500 for birds in flight. From your set-up, I assume you don't use back button focus. Do you ever use back button focus? If not, why don't you think it's useful. With continuous focus selected, I find it to be very useful when recomposing shots. I'd love to learn your thoughts on back button focus. Thanks.
No, I don't use back button auto focus. I have tried it and it seemed awkward to me. I know I am going against the grain here. I have watched several videos by Steve Perry and Tony Northrup explaining the benefits of this technique but unless I misunderstood them, they don't really apply to my style of shooting. From what I could tell, the only difference was using BBAF automatically switched to AF-C so you wouldn't have to think about switching between AF-S and AF-C. I only ever use AF-C on my D500 so I didn't see the benefit and using BBAF actually caused me to miss more shots simply because it seemed so foreign to me. It also keeps focus so you can recompose. With birds, I rarely ever recompose, especially when they are moving so fast. There just isn't time. If the image isn't composed properly, I will fix it in post. I have lost too many great opportunities trying to recompose a shot and make the composition just perfect only to see the bird fly away as soon as I find the perfect composition. I had the opportunity to shoot a D500 with a Nikon 500mm F4 that was setup for BBAF and it seemed to work exactly the same as my setup where holding in the AF button uses single point and is constantly acquiring focus and the shutter button does nothing but grab an image as long as I am still holding down the AF button. It seems to cancel out the shutter buttons original job of acquiring focus. I hope that makes sense. It may be easier to explain in an email. If you are interested, feel free to email me at marksmithphotos@gmail.com to discuss further.
Hey Mark, I have the same camera and I live in the Orlando area (grew up near Clearwater Beach. Thanks for these tips. I see how useful they are not only for shooting birds but also car racing. I hope to meet you one day. Jeff
You are very welcome and I'm glad you got some good info from the videos. I can see how this setup would work well for car racing. I was born in Winter Park and spent most of my life in and around Orlando! Maybe we will bump into each other one day out there!
Hi Mark, superb. Can you please update with a new video on this BBF subject? I also shoot Back Button and I am now confused with the 25 point Dynamic setting interfering. BTW what does this setting do differently , or why did you create a third focus option? Many thanks man.
Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul
Hi. I cant get my D500 to track focus while shooting video. I use back button focusing and it will get focus when I press it and when I start to record, if the target moves i need to press the AF button again to refocus. if i hold it in it wont automatically move focus when the target is moving closer or further away. I've tried the 2 AF modes while in video. both AF-F and AF-S with all kinds of tracking points and none of them works. Am I missing something or is this just a feature that is missing?
Great video easy to understand. Have you made a video for noise reduction buttons on the 500. I am having trouble with noise while shooting basketball. Small pics. look great but at 100% horrible.
Mark, I think you went over this but I can not find the video. I want to have the auto focus beep turn on. How do I do that? Thanks again. You are a wealth of information.
Mark, I really like your videos. Just to make sure I get your system here(I realize you may do something different with your new D850), you have the focus on the shutter(GRP), the AF-ON button(Single), AND the joystick(D25)? I have something similar, but without the shutter button focus, it just releases the shutter. I wasn't honestly aware you could set it up the way you describe.
Hi Mark, I've just upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a D500. I mostly take pictures of my Wife and Dog performing in dog sports such as conformation, dock diving, obedience and field trials. For the field trials & dock diving, I use a 100-400mm/70-300mm lens and for the obedience and conformation, I use a 24-120mm/24-85mm lens. Will your settings for birds in flight work for my applications? please let me know.
If I'm understanding this correctly, you have to hold down the AF on button to be in AF-S mode, and move the AF point at the same time with the tiny joystick? It sounds awkward to do with one hand, are you using two hands when you do this?
No. I have my D500 always in AF-C mode. The AF button simply allows me to switch between group or single point. I don't move the joystick when I am actually trying to shoot an image. I might adjust it before a shot and then leave it.
Hi Mark, Have just discovered your excellent D500 settings RUclips video but I am tearing out what hair I have left trying to customise the joystick. I have set up AF-ON button as shown in the video and that works fine but when I follow your tips for the joystick I don't have the AF-area mode + AF-ON option in the list. I have reset all customisation twice but still don't get the same drop down options that you demonstrate. The list shows AF-ON, Disable/Enable, Bracketing burst, +NEF(RAW), matrix metering, centre weighted, spot, highlight-weighted, viewfinder grid display, virtual horizon, sync release, MY MENU, Top Menu , Playback and None.....Any ideas?
It is a siuri tripod and a Manfrotto Heavy Duty Gimbal head. I love the tripod but the head isn't going to be used for too much longer. It has a serious issue where one piece unscrews itself and this could cause the entire head to fall off the tripod.
Hello Mark, loved all your vids. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips n tricks. Recently (just about 10 days) I shifted to Nikon from Canon. And have gone with same D500 with 200-500mm. Surprisingly I am not getting those quality images you shoot. I dont know if I have messed up with my settings or I need to change my style or may something else. I have been hand holding all these days and I have been shooting at higher shutter speeds. May be if I can share a few of my images you can throw some light. Don't know how to go about it....! Need your help. Thank you in advance
How can you hold the AF-ON button down and move the joystick at the same time? I would think that would be very hard. If you press the AF-ON with your thumb, and your finger is on the shutter, I don't see an easy way to do it. Unless I am missing something
hi mark great videos . one question tho . what is the brand model type ect of your gimbal, never seen one like it before,except on a sailing boats stove .... please let me know it looks more durable than the traditional style of gimbals. thanks mark .
Well i never really used video. now with their dual pixel focus they should be state of the art for smooth video Focus. But 4 BIF even the 5D III was so terribble in following with AF Tracking. that i allways ended in useng single spot AF and single shot AF. Otherwise the bird is full in the Af Field and the camera didnt "see" him and the background with trees and so on was sharp. absolutely frustrating. thats why i change the boat and jump to Nikon. Maybee the 7d II was a little better than 5D III. But i didnt like the Metering indicator on the right side in the viewfinder it shoult be unter the pictue. Btw. thanx 4 ur Quick respond. So i gonna tell if im stisfyes with D 500 after a While. CU
Thanks again. I have never shot the D7100 but I hear its low light performance is stellar. I don't think my wife would like me bringing home another camera body either. Hawks of any kind are always loads of fun to shoot. I got a shot the other day with two Red Shoulder Hawks sitting on opposite sides of a small tree. They were practically touching shoulders. The only problem was that it was a midday shot and their faces were buried in harsh shadows. I haven't tried the RAW file to see if I can pull the face detail out of the shadows yet though.
Shot with the D7100 for 2 years with a Nikon 80-400 (newer version) got some really nice images Hints - Buffer is tiny shoot in bursts. Set the camera up for BBAF and get used to it. I sold mine so can't be too specific about settings but it works from the AE/AF button
I'm still using the shutter button at this time but I do set up the AF-ON button to allow for continuous focus using single point. I made a video explaining it all here: ruclips.net/p/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8
Thanks Mark. I have this camera paired with the Nikor 200-500mm Lens. My images are just not tack sharp. How do I check my AF System on the camera and how do I check the lens?
Sometimes I couldn’t get focus in group af. I did all settings as per video. Even though sometimes only I could not focus flying birds. Can you help me?
Hi mark, im thinking of upgrading my d5500 to a d500. I dont want a full frame because i want to use my current lenses. Can you tell me does the better fps and iso of the d500 make it worth the upgrade (I shoot wildlife and birds in flight mostly). Thanks.
The autofocus system and speed of the d500 ARE both just incredible. I'm not one to shoot high ISO on the camera though. I never went over 2000. If you shoot wildlife and birds in flight, the D500 will blow your mind.
Nice good video to fully utilized the D500 capabilities . I have a question regard that your video when set to dynamic 25 pts on joystick button, but the bird was on the left, should I press the joystick button to shift the 25 pts to the left before I shoot the image as I want to flame it in better composition? Another question if I set to autofocus 153 pts when the bird shift to right or left, did I need to press the red button to the bird position before I shoot. Some guy told me you don't need to do it that way, since within the flame of 153 pts it will be in focus. I am abit confused.
Not sure on the 153 points because I have never used that focus mode. I prefer group and single point. I do move the focus points so they are on the subject. If there isn't time to move the focus points, then I shift the camera so the focus points move onto the subject.
Hi Mark.It looks like you do not have back button focus activated, or am I wrong.Whats your take on using back button for BIF.Ive been using it per so many recommendations to do so, but seeing your fantastic results, I'm wondering if I'd be better off just using shutter release for focus
Mark, great video as usual. Question...... Are you using the AF-On button for back button focusing? If so, I'm not grasping why you would customize that particular button to switch over to single point focusing on demand. If you're using your shutter button, (half way depressed) to activate continuous focusing and then fully depress to capture the shot, I get it. I am so trained to use the AF-On as my back button focus location that I guess I'd have to assign a different button to move to single point focus on demand. Thanks for any comments or clarifications. Again, Great Video ! Gil aka SemperFiGuy Largo, FL
You got it! I don't use the AF-On button for back button autofocus. I'm so used to this way that trying to setup for back button auto focus caused me to miss too many shots simply because it was so foreign to me.
+Bisayang Laagan Thanks! You'll have to assign a different button for single point because you are using afon for back button focus. You can assign the thumbstick when pressed in to activate single point. I think there might be other buttons that can be assigned as well.
So, since you use AF-ON for Single point AF-C, the Joystick for D-25 AFC, how do you focus in group mode: Shutter release button? Thank you for the great videos
Since GRP (Group) AF mode uses all 4 points equally do you find any issues getting the bird's eye in focus; instead of d25, for example, that sets the middle box as the priority focus point and only uses the other surrounding pts. as needed if the middle point loses focus?
Having worked as a professional photographer all my adult life and having taught photography and digital post-production at numerous universities and workshops with very favorable student feedback, I do believe that I have a good understanding of teaching photography. After having attended various presentations and mini-workshops by very established and great visual artist, I can tell you this; being a great photographer does not equal being a great teacher and there are even some not so great photographers that are very good teachers. I have only watched a few of Mark Smith’s videos and my impression is that he is in a league of his own, a great photographer and a great instructor, a pleasure to watch providing extremely useful information. I do plan to view more of his videos and possibly attend one of his workshops, as fast-moving bird photography is not my expertise.
Wow, that is very. very nice of you to say. Thanks so much for that!
@@MarkSmithphotography Your welcome, it is what it is, I am a hardcore teacher expecting only the very best of my students meaning I only give praise when praise is earned. Looking forward to meeting you someday.
You know you're stuff, from a real world perspective, and are very generous with your time and knowledge. It largely goes unsaid, but I'm sure many people, including myself, are very appreciative.
found your channel 3 days ago after buying a d500 for 900 bucks. I bought your books and can't wait to start reading them.
Mark
I have to say your simple but complete approach to teaching me exactly how to change the setting ,but showing me step by step
on the actual camera was extremely easy to follow.I'm a fan now !!
thanks'
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and even more glad it helped!
Mark - Bought my D500 for wildlife photography and have been frustrated ever since. I know this is an excellent camera for my requirements. My results just haven't been living up to expectation. Watched your series on Birds in Flight and now feel something for the first time. Confidence. Love the way you break it all down for idiots like me. Off to South Florida next week and really feeling optimistic regarding the quality of the bird shots I'll be getting there. Thank you!
Tom
Mark; thanks so much for this series of videos on wildlife settings, never owned a pro level controlled camera before now; you've made this early learning process fastrack into the field in no time at all. Learned more in 24hrs from these than I have of weeks of going through some others on here. They are good but your whole approach is like a friend showing you how. Works a treat. Cheers.
Thanks for this video, Mark, I used your suggested autofocus settings with my D500 on a recent wildlife tour and got excellent results, especially for birds in flight. And the single point focus setting is very convenient for certain situations where group focus is not required.
Great video Mark, clear instructions, easy to follow even for someone new to Nikon.
Forgive me if someone has already made this observation.
For birds in flight.
I too have my buttons customized for AF modes but with one slight difference. Since I always use back button focusing, with focus assigned to the af 0n button. I tend to have this button as my primary shooting mode. Group25. Then set the joystick to single point. In this way both buttons work as focus buttons and the shutter release is left to do just that.
Mark, This past Friday evening I watched many of your videos and then went out over the weekend with a friend and used many of the tips, techniques and setup options you suggest. Wow, total game changers in the learning curve to shoot in birds in flight with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. Thank you for taking the time to make the videos and share them with the world, they are well made and you make them entertaining to watch!
That is awesome. Glad the videos have helped you. Have a great time out there shooting!
Just one comment... I have watched a lot of videos and I am a Nikon shooter. I currently own the D850. You are very special Mark.. You are a teacher and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.. Final Comment... YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!
Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say.
I'm a long-time birder, but a D500 newbie. This was clear and helpful in knowing what to do on the camera based on what you see. Thank you.
Hey Mark - Thanks for going step by step with the D500. I am new with it & know it can do a whole bunch more than I am able to right now. Your videos are getting me to where I want to be with this awesome camera. Please do more - slow and simple for knuckleheads like me.
Thanks for watching.
This was one of the best video's I've seen on the D500 and I've watched at least 100 of them. Thank you!
Wow! Thanks so much for the great compliments!
I’m renting a D500 in a few days and this video has been very helpful as I want to do some bird photography. You’re a very good teacher.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Mark, just starting on photography. D500 and Nikkor AF-S 55-300 for the moment. Once I get the hang of this will upgrade to the big glass. You are truly an inspiration and of great help. Greetings from Sri Lanka.
I think over and above the like button, RUclips should add a love button on your channel ! Your vlogs are so informative and so interactive, I feel I am almost having a chat with you and accompanying you in field. Every video is superb !
Great job Mark
That is great to hear. Thanks for sharing. Your comment is exactly what I am going for. I want to bring everyone along for the trip.
Great video with useful tips, one thing though, I prefer using the AF-ON button for back button focusing, then I use the PV (preview) button in front of the camera instead for a quickly switching to single point.
Thanks and thanks for sharing more useful tips about the PV button.
Many thanks for this video Mark! (and some others as well). I recently got a D500 with the kit 16-80mm lens, and I just set up the AF per your video. I'll be picking up either a 300mm f4 PF or a 200-500mm very soon. I live off of a river in Maryland with Bald Eagles and Ospreys around, and followed a fledgling Bald Eagle around this morning. Your videos are fantastic and very helpful!
That's awesome. Sounds like you are in a great location
Excellent, Mark! You should teach a class. This is a must-see for wildlife photographers.
I can see the D500 is like a fine-tuned machine.
Thanks! The D500 is an awesome camera!
I second UncleVinny's suggestion for video classes. I've never found tutorials, explanations, etc on any video that comes even remotely close to the way you teach and describe everything. SO grateful for your videos, and would definitely love to see you teach classes, either video or live stream.
That's awesome! I'm glad to know the videos are helping others get the most from their cameras. I need to think the whole teaching thing through. Not sure what platform would be best for that and I am open to suggestions.
So many options I wouldn't even begin to know which would be best. But I'll be waiting in line to sign up if you do decide to go for it. You have a great way of explaining things, which isn't always the case with many of the videos I've watched.
Thanks so much. I am currently writing a how to book for bird photography. When it is ready, I will post a video about it.
Mark, another fantastic and informative video. I bought my D500 and 200-500mm lens yesterday, all because of you. I feel my life improving already. Many thanks.
+MrFreshbreeze50 Great! Thanks for the compliments!
Great work...I have a question mark..
If Af on button is assigned the functions of setting to single focus point + AF activation means, when ever i press teh af on button for auto focus, then focus point will be changed from group to single point which defies teh entire purpose..
Can you explain?
Mark. I really like this video. I just got a D500, moving from a D610. Your video helped me a lot.
+vorticity4 Great! Glad to hear it.
You did an awesome job of explaining and showing the features of this camera. Thank you!
Thanks!
Excellent! Fixed all the problems I had shooting at a wildlife refuge a few days ago.
Awesome. Glad to hear it.
Thank you so much I just purchaced a D500 and this video really helped me, I love birds and other wildlife thanks again.
Awesome. Enjoy the new camera. It is a good one. I'm glad the video helped.
Thanks to this setup my birds in flight photography has improved enormously . Thank you very much !!
I am about to have a crack at BIF. This appears to be fantastic advice. I have just set up a D500 and D850 based on this common sense advice and I am off to give it a try. Subscribed.
Great video, I just got my D500 and will be trying your recommendations this morning. Thanks.
Thanks!
Just come across your channel and love your video's. I have just purchased a D500 and find your video's very informative. Thank you.
That is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the videos are helpful!
Hi Mark, I've just purchased the D500 and really enjoyed your video. Very informative.
+Ray Brown Great. Enjoy the d500. It is a great camera.
Excellent and applicable to many other cameras, I appreciate your effort and your photos are par excellent
Wow. Excellent, simple and to the point. Well done Mark and thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Very awesome... Explained neat and elegant way. Lively and lovely demo for action photography. Great job. Thanks.
Thanks for this! I just got my D500 and was trying to decide on the best set up for birds in flight.
You are welcome.
Thanks a lot. Your enthusiasm is addictive. And your knowledge is helping me tremendously!
Awesome and you are very welcome!
Mark, I think you would make a fine Nikon Ambassador. Great videos. I'd love to bring you birding with me for a couple of days
.
That is very nice of you to say. Now nikon just needs to toss me the offera
Mark, great video thanks for posting. I like how you present your information, to the point and easy to understand!
u r simply great.i learn a lot from your video ,an Indian
Thanks!
(Alan) .....Very handy tutorial Mark. I've had my D500 for a few months now, and am still learning things about it.
I must try video at some time, that's something I haven't tried at all so far
Thanks. Filming with the D500 is really nice. The 4K looks great but it crops the image quite a bit. This can be really good for wildlife though. It gets you that much closer.
On your Mark.........Grrreat video. I just purchased my D500 and this really helped me with birds in flight and my action sports. Till next video....Mick
Excellent, a very helpfull way of changing focus points on the run. Thanks you.
Thank you!
Super easy to understand!!!! Thank you!!! Will be coming back to your videos again!!
You are welcome!
I just recently found your RUclips channel and am blown away by your photos. I have been a Nikon shooter for 40+ years and am now in the market to upgrade. While I am primarily a photograph shooter, I am starting to dabble in video. I've watched your comparison video between the D500 and the D850 and am more confused than ever on which to upgrade to. I do mostly wildlife photos but have started doing astrophotography in addition to wildlife. Any additional suggestions you may have would be appreciated.
I'm planning to take a safari tour to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in October 2019. I'm trying to get closer to selecting what camera to carry on the trip. Currently, I have a D7100 as my only camera using an 18-300 mm lens. That has worked generally, but have noted two primary problems (photographing aircraft both static and in-flight:) 1) The camera seems to easily get dirt onto the sensor... I've heard that lens may be the problem as it is supposedly not tight enough. 2) The autofocus, while faster than my earlier cameras is not good enough and I am jealous of both the D500 and D850.
I'm planning to keep the D7100 & lens as a backup, but to buy a new camera for the trip. I was very interested in the Z7 but am unhappy about the autofocus being less capable than the D500 and D850. So, I remain undecided especially after your comments about the buffer size in the D850 (which I think is similar in the Z7.) Any more suggestions?
D850 buffer seems better than the Z7. You can't go wrong with either the D500 or the D850.
I do similar things except I am a back button focus guy, so no AF from the shutter button for mine. I set up the centre of the joystick as the custom AF mode change. So I just move my thumb to change modes instead of changing from my index to thumb and find that easier for me.
I've since moved to back button focus too.
This is a great video. I set up my d500 in the manner you described and I find it VERY helpful as I try to get some nice bif shots at Brigantine and Forsythe Refuge in NJ. very nicely done. thanks.
Great! Glad to hear it.
Hi Mark I have just bought a D500 and I thought your video was just great
+stuart andrews Thank you very much!
If i am getting this correct, we now have three buttons for focussing. Shutter release for GRP, AF-ON for AF-S and joystick for AF-25. Correct me if I am wrong.
Yes!
At 10:30 into the video you did a very nice job explaining how to use the rear AF button for single point.However , what about those who use that button for ": back Button Focus " ? Thanks for your video .You thoughts appreciated.
Thanks. You can assign the center joystick or thumbstick (pressed in) to do the same function.
just commented on this above, before I saw your question, I use the Preview (PV) button in front of the camera for quickly switching to single point, as your thumb is pressing the AF-ON button you need the switch to single in the front of the camera, PV button works great!
Excellent video. Nice and clear with good tips
Thanks
I have set my preview button "top right side button next to the lens mount, easily accessible by using the middle finger to press it while using the index finger for the shutter button" for 72 points "you can set it up to whatever points you want, I sometimes set it up for 25 points depending on what I will be shooting ", I have set the joystick button set for group focus, the AF-ON button is set for single point AF, I can also change it on the fly to 3D tracking by pressing the AF/M button selector switch and scrolling through the focus point selections which are visible in the viewfinder or the LCD screen on the back by pressing the info button.
Great Video!!!!....I just ordered a D500 and grip to go with my 200-500mm. Augmenting a 7100, D3, and D700. Love your channel thanks to the Angry Photographer for the referral to you!
Thanks to you and the Angry Photographer! Glad you are enjoying my videos. I am having a great time making them.
Mark,
Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance
It's good to see how you set up your D-500 for birds in flight. From your set-up, I assume you don't use back button focus. Do you ever use back button focus? If not, why don't you think it's useful. With continuous focus selected, I find it to be very useful when recomposing shots. I'd love to learn your thoughts on back button focus. Thanks.
No, I don't use back button auto focus. I have tried it and it seemed awkward to me. I know I am going against the grain here. I have watched several videos by Steve Perry and Tony Northrup explaining the benefits of this technique but unless I misunderstood them, they don't really apply to my style of shooting.
From what I could tell, the only difference was using BBAF automatically switched to AF-C so you wouldn't have to think about switching between AF-S and AF-C. I only ever use AF-C on my D500 so I didn't see the benefit and using BBAF actually caused me to miss more shots simply because it seemed so foreign to me.
It also keeps focus so you can recompose. With birds, I rarely ever recompose, especially when they are moving so fast. There just isn't time. If the image isn't composed properly, I will fix it in post. I have lost too many great opportunities trying to recompose a shot and make the composition just perfect only to see the bird fly away as soon as I find the perfect composition.
I had the opportunity to shoot a D500 with a Nikon 500mm F4 that was setup for BBAF and it seemed to work exactly the same as my setup where holding in the AF button uses single point and is constantly acquiring focus and the shutter button does nothing but grab an image as long as I am still holding down the AF button. It seems to cancel out the shutter buttons original job of acquiring focus.
I hope that makes sense. It may be easier to explain in an email. If you are interested, feel free to email me at marksmithphotos@gmail.com to discuss further.
Hey Mark, I have the same camera and I live in the Orlando area (grew up near Clearwater Beach. Thanks for these tips. I see how useful they are not only for shooting birds but also car racing. I hope to meet you one day. Jeff
You are very welcome and I'm glad you got some good info from the videos. I can see how this setup would work well for car racing. I was born in Winter Park and spent most of my life in and around Orlando! Maybe we will bump into each other one day out there!
Question about AF changing from Group to Single, I use the AF button for back button focus, does your suggestion eliminate back button focus?
Yes, but I have made a few changes since this video. I need to make a new video on this subject.
Hi Mark, superb. Can you please update with a new video on this BBF subject? I also shoot Back Button and I am now confused with the 25 point Dynamic setting interfering. BTW what does this setting do differently , or why did you create a third focus option? Many thanks man.
Okay.... I''m must be all thumbs. Question: how does one press both the AF-On button and move the sub selector focus point selection?
Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul
Hi Mark, wow a fan from India....great photography and tips....thanks a lot...
Thank you!
Brilliant video and excellent for finding out more with all of the deeper settings within the D500.
Thanks
Excellent tutorial Mark keep up the good work .
Thanks!
Hi. I cant get my D500 to track focus while shooting video. I use back button focusing and it will get focus when I press it and when I start to record, if the target moves i need to press the AF button again to refocus. if i hold it in it wont automatically move focus when the target is moving closer or further away. I've tried the 2 AF modes while in video. both AF-F and AF-S with all kinds of tracking points and none of them works. Am I missing something or is this just a feature that is missing?
2 thumbs up for the Manfrotto 393 gimbal head. I love mine. Best bang for the buck in the gimbal world!
Agreed. It is an awesome piece of gear.
Great video easy to understand. Have you made a video for noise reduction buttons on the 500. I am having trouble with noise while shooting basketball. Small pics. look great but at 100% horrible.
Thanks. I have made a video showing how I use noise reduction in Lightroom. You can find it here. ruclips.net/video/EGO4bPg-F6M/видео.html
I liked your video. I have my AF-On button being used for my focusing. Can I set the Fn2 button to change to single point AF?
I don't think FN2 can be set to single point but FN1 can.
Mark, I think you went over this but I can not find the video. I want to have the auto focus beep turn on. How do I do that? Thanks again. You are a wealth of information.
Hmm I'm not sure on that one, sorry.
Go to SETUP MENU (wrench on the side bar) then to BEEP .. there you can make your choices.
Mark, I really like your videos. Just to make sure I get your system here(I realize you may do something different with your new D850), you have the focus on the shutter(GRP), the AF-ON button(Single), AND the joystick(D25)? I have something similar, but without the shutter button focus, it just releases the shutter. I wasn't honestly aware you could set it up the way you describe.
Yes but I have now disabled the focus system from the shutter release button.
Cool, thanks for the reply!
Hi Mark, I've just upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a D500. I mostly take pictures of my Wife and Dog performing in dog sports such as conformation, dock diving, obedience and field trials. For the field trials & dock diving, I use a 100-400mm/70-300mm lens and for the obedience and conformation, I use a 24-120mm/24-85mm lens. Will your settings for birds in flight work for my applications? please let me know.
Should be just fine!
If I'm understanding this correctly, you have to hold down the AF on button to be in AF-S mode, and move the AF point at the same time with the tiny joystick? It sounds awkward to do with one hand, are you using two hands when you do this?
No. I have my D500 always in AF-C mode. The AF button simply allows me to switch between group or single point. I don't move the joystick when I am actually trying to shoot an image. I might adjust it before a shot and then leave it.
nice job, this was very helpful, clear and understanding. thnx for sharing
You are very welcome!
Hi Mark, Have just discovered your excellent D500 settings RUclips video but I am tearing out what hair I have left trying to customise the joystick. I have set up AF-ON button as shown in the video and that works fine but when I follow your tips for the joystick I don't have the AF-area mode + AF-ON option in the list. I have reset all customisation twice but still don't get the same drop down options that you demonstrate. The list shows AF-ON, Disable/Enable, Bracketing burst, +NEF(RAW), matrix metering, centre weighted, spot, highlight-weighted, viewfinder grid display, virtual horizon, sync release, MY MENU, Top Menu , Playback and None.....Any ideas?
Hi Mark, I have sorted it out now thanks. I hadn't realised there were two areas where I needed to reset the camera!!!
Hi Mark, can you tell me a little about your tripod set up? I am looking for a new one that is easier to move quickly for bird shots.
It is a siuri tripod and a Manfrotto Heavy Duty Gimbal head. I love the tripod but the head isn't going to be used for too much longer. It has a serious issue where one piece unscrews itself and this could cause the entire head to fall off the tripod.
Thanks for the great info! Visited your website absolutely stunning photographs
Thanks
I am concentrating on action baseball and birds so this video was perfect....
Awesome. Glad it helped.
Hello Mark, loved all your vids. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips n tricks.
Recently (just about 10 days) I shifted to Nikon from Canon. And have gone with same D500 with 200-500mm. Surprisingly I am not getting those quality images you shoot. I dont know if I have messed up with my settings or I need to change my style or may something else. I have been hand holding all these days and I have been shooting at higher shutter speeds. May be if I can share a few of my images you can throw some light. Don't know how to go about it....! Need your help. Thank you in advance
No problem. Email me a couple of images. marksmithphotos@gmail.com
Mark Smith oh that will be great.... thank you very much
How can you hold the AF-ON button down and move the joystick at the same time? I would think that would be very hard. If you press the AF-ON with your thumb, and your finger is on the shutter, I don't see an easy way to do it. Unless I am missing something
I don't move the joystick while I am holding down the AF-ON button. I setup the focus points first and then use the AF-On for single point auto focus.
hi mark great videos . one question tho . what is the brand model type ect of your gimbal, never seen one like it before,except on a sailing boats stove .... please let me know it looks more durable than the traditional style of gimbals. thanks mark .
I no longer use that gimbal. I know a lot of people who still do and love it. It is a manfrotto heavy duty lens support.
Mark Smith thanks mark. I shoot with a D500 and a 200-500 mm Nikon aswell.
Can i ask why you don't use it anymore???
Great videos. Thanks
Mine had an issue where a small screw would work its way out and then the entire top portion of the gimbal would come off. Not good.
I use it with no problems (yet). Automotive threadlock would solve the problem. I hate that you can't lock the pan function.
thanx a lot, gonna set my new D500 cam just like that when it arrives. i just cant wait to get it and go out shooting. Keep doing that video Stuff.
You are very welcome and have fun with your d500. It is a great camera.
Yes thats what all say. I switched from canon to nikon 4 wildlife. Canon AF suxx quite a lot. So i hope i dont get disappointed.
I have never used Canon. I thought they had great AF for tracking and video? I guess I was wrong on that one?
Well i never really used video. now with their dual pixel focus they should be state of the art for smooth video Focus. But 4 BIF even the 5D III was so terribble in following with AF Tracking. that i allways ended in useng single spot AF and single shot AF. Otherwise the bird is full in the Af Field and the camera didnt "see" him and the background with trees and so on was sharp. absolutely frustrating. thats why i change the boat and jump to Nikon. Maybee the 7d II was a little better than 5D III. But i didnt like the Metering indicator on the right side in the viewfinder it shoult be unter the pictue. Btw. thanx 4 ur Quick respond. So i gonna tell if im stisfyes with D 500 after a While. CU
The D500 locks really easy and stays locked for the most part. It is an awesome camera.
Nice work Mark. Tried to follow a hawk today with D7100.....not the greatest glass....older Nikor 70 300 zoom but a few could be cropped and be so so.
Thanks again. I have never shot the D7100 but I hear its low light performance is stellar. I don't think my wife would like me bringing home another camera body either.
Hawks of any kind are always loads of fun to shoot. I got a shot the other day with two Red Shoulder Hawks sitting on opposite sides of a small tree. They were practically touching shoulders. The only problem was that it was a midday shot and their faces were buried in harsh shadows. I haven't tried the RAW file to see if I can pull the face detail out of the shadows yet though.
Shot with the D7100 for 2 years with a Nikon 80-400 (newer version) got some really nice images Hints - Buffer is tiny shoot in bursts. Set the camera up for BBAF and get used to it. I sold mine so can't be too specific about settings but it works from the AE/AF button
Mark when you use your default group focus points are you using back focus the AF on button or your shutter button. Please digress. Nice video Mark
I'm still using the shutter button at this time but I do set up the AF-ON button to allow for continuous focus using single point. I made a video explaining it all here: ruclips.net/p/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8
Thanks Mark. I have this camera paired with the Nikor 200-500mm Lens. My images are just not tack sharp. How do I check my AF System on the camera and how do I check the lens?
Well there are so many things that could be giving you issues. Email me and I'll see if we can figure something out. marksmithphotos@gmail.com
Going through your video again as a refresher with my NEW D500.. I traded the old one in and you know the story why...
Yep!
Great video would love a D500 someday. Still shooting my D7000
It is a great camera!
Sometimes I couldn’t get focus in group af. I did all settings as per video. Even though sometimes only I could not focus flying birds. Can you help me?
Really liked your video Mark!
Great! Thanks for watching!
Hi mark, im thinking of upgrading my d5500 to a d500. I dont want a full frame because i want to use my current lenses. Can you tell me does the better fps and iso of the d500 make it worth the upgrade (I shoot wildlife and birds in flight mostly). Thanks.
The autofocus system and speed of the d500 ARE both just incredible. I'm not one to shoot high ISO on the camera though. I never went over 2000. If you shoot wildlife and birds in flight, the D500 will blow your mind.
Just got my D500, thanks for your great information.
You are welcome. Enjoy!
U r simply great sir.an Indian follower
Thanks
Nice good video to fully utilized the D500 capabilities . I have a question regard that your video when set to dynamic 25 pts on joystick button, but the bird was on the left, should I press the joystick button to shift the 25 pts to the left before I shoot the image as I want to flame it in better composition? Another question if I set to autofocus 153 pts when the bird shift to right or left, did I need to press the red button to the bird position before I shoot. Some guy told me you don't need to do it that way, since within the flame of 153 pts it will be in focus. I am abit confused.
Not sure on the 153 points because I have never used that focus mode. I prefer group and single point. I do move the focus points so they are on the subject. If there isn't time to move the focus points, then I shift the camera so the focus points move onto the subject.
Great video and so easy to follow along. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks for watching. I'm glad to share.
Outstanding!
Thanks1
why do you use the 25 point instead of more points? thanks for the video!
For me, a smaller focus area seems to get better results on moving subjects likes birds.
Hi Mark.It looks like you do not have back button focus activated, or am I wrong.Whats your take on using back button for BIF.Ive been using it per so many recommendations to do so, but seeing your fantastic results, I'm wondering if I'd be better off just using shutter release for focus
I didn't in this video but now use it and another button on the front as well.
Mark, great video as usual. Question...... Are you using the AF-On button for back button focusing? If so, I'm not grasping why you would customize that particular button to switch over to single point focusing on demand. If you're using your shutter button, (half way depressed) to activate continuous focusing and then fully depress to capture the shot, I get it. I am so trained to use the AF-On as my back button focus location that I guess I'd have to assign a different button to move to single point focus on demand. Thanks for any comments or clarifications. Again, Great Video !
Gil
aka SemperFiGuy
Largo, FL
You got it! I don't use the AF-On button for back button autofocus. I'm so used to this way that trying to setup for back button auto focus caused me to miss too many shots simply because it was so foreign to me.
Great tutorial Mark..thanks a lot.
Thanks!
Very helpful tutorial sir👍 quick question can I still back button focus while changing my af area from group to single? Thanks
+Bisayang Laagan Thanks! You'll have to assign a different button for single point because you are using afon for back button focus. You can assign the thumbstick when pressed in to activate single point. I think there might be other buttons that can be assigned as well.
Mark Smith thank you sir!
You are very welcome!
So, since you use AF-ON for Single point AF-C, the Joystick for D-25 AFC, how do you focus in group mode: Shutter release button? Thank you for the great videos
How would you do a boxing match from ringside?
Not sure. I've never been to a boxing match ringside.
Mark Smith I just purchased a D500 I have another match Aug 28th to do I should have it mastered by then.
Since GRP (Group) AF mode uses all 4 points equally do you find any issues getting the bird's eye in focus; instead of d25, for example, that sets the middle box as the priority focus point and only uses the other surrounding pts. as needed if the middle point loses focus?
No, I found group to work best with the D500.
Really nice job, well done
Thanks!
do these save to the camera so when you turn camera off when you go back all your settings will still be the same ?
Yes!
Thanks for your video really helpful what would you use the last joy stick mode for?
I'm after settings for dog photography