No one in the business is producing (or can produce) this level of useful, detailed guidance. If you can use just a bit of it, you and your images will improve.
I purchased your focus book for my 850 years ago. I just got the Z8 and very much looking forward to your book firmware 2.0 update to pull the trigger on this one. There are a couple of other Nikon guys I follow but you are the best/most practical for detailed descriptions of how to handle real world situations. Thanks for all you do!
I usually setup the AF just like you have shown over the years and it always works great. But recently I discovered a trick. I keep the Shutter AF-On and keep it on Auto Area AF with Animal mode. It works great after the 2.0 update. And i keep the back button Af-on button to Af Area+Af-on as 3D tracking and 1 front fn button to Af area+af-on with af area as Custom Area 1x1. Focus persistence is always on auto and movie button to switch af-areas. If Auto-Area not working well, i switch it using movie recording button to Wide area S/L and once subject is detected, I hand it over to 3d tracking set to Back button AF and still if doesn't work I press the front fn button as single point and focus persistence mostly works well and if it doesn't, I move it with the joystick while keeping the front fn button pressed. The AF Area+AF-On switches overrides the Shutter Af-on button. So, now I can use both Shutter Af-On & Back Button Af simultaneously. Will use it for sometime if it doesn't work, will switch back to as you said in this video.
Perfect timing Steve! I leave next week for a month in Kenya. While my main focus is the big cats, the birds are at times irresistible. Your books on Secrets to the Nikon autofocus system, and Nikon Z8 wildlife setup guide have prepared me (and my Z8 with 400mm 4.5S) to ensure that this the best trip ever.
I have a Zf and this is extremely helpful information. Probably for all the expeed 7 based cameras down the line as well. Thank you for producing this!
I wish Nikon would do this in the AF-Full: Replace multiple squares cluster as the AF system trying to locate the eye of the bird (bird detection mode) with a big box which occupies the entire sensor and a small white box to hunt for the bird's eye (as the camera is panning). As soon as the small white box nails the bird's eye, it turns green. This will make it easier to engage the rule of thirds and easy on the eye due to multiple squares jumping around. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorial.
I watch quite a few photographers for settings, and I definitely get the best tips from you, which is why I bought your guide a while back. Thanks for this update! Hopefully that Z8 area-af button will come to the Z soon.
Thank you Steve, Cycle AF Area is dope...I find in team sports small dynamic works well as the main and I hand it off to auto subject, (to many people). I'm very experienced in fast moving subjects and so use to the legacy modes. I realize birding is different and your way seems like it works great. Auto area mode/subject detect works great with the latest firmware on isolated subjects. I use it a lot. My hit rate is 99%+ I use most of the modes over a lot of situations and always trying to find shortcuts like the cycle mode.
Z9 is a beast, a piano lesson + lot of practice , what i still need to invest. TBH as of now i think D500 worked better for me, as there was 2 well usable AF mode and happy dayz. Here you need to know what is usable and when. ( I need to try out the complete Auto AF as most of the time i used wide (size depending on the bird) - than switch to 3d) However i bet if i finally get enough practice z9 will yield way better results. And for that i really recommend Steve's e-books. Anno the DSLR was a gamechanger for me. With a bit big head i thought i learnt the tricks and z9 will be business as usual. I was so wrong, but Steve's book saved me again. I know most what i need to, just need to put in the field experience, making those settings core reflexes.
Steve very well explained, I am using pretty much all your settings it works very well with all the firmware up to date on my Z9 & Z8 thank you very much for sharing!
Hi Steve, I have a wish 🥰 I, many of your followers, would like to request you to make a detailed video on how you do maintenance of your camera, lens, memory cards ....like cleaning of lens, camera and how to handle memory cards for enhancing its life and health...like- quick formatting or full formatting of CF Express cards etc. The trust and loyalty that we have on you keeps us demanding more and more from you in terms of knowledge and learning 😊. I am also very keen to buy your digital books but in India the dollar equivalent amount is bit too much 😅....hope some special offers in the form of discount comes out way someday ❤
Hello Steve, admire your indepth knowledge and patience in sharing your knowledge. I am happy to be a Landscape Photographer with all of this. How do you manage to shift the AF modes in the same speed as a flying subject baffles me. I have saved all your Videos and maybe one day😇😇😇
Programmable buttons :) I'm in one mode and just press when I need to switch to another. I'm not actually pressing button and turning a dial to get into a different mode in that scenario.
Steve, Thank you for taking the time to provide such in-depth guidance. Great help! What type memory card are you currently using in your Z9 for capturing bird stills & video clips? Thanks!
I have just got the Z8 and 160-600 z Lens and I use Auto Focus Wide C2 and Bang it works well so far on Coastal fast fliers Like Sandwich Terns here in S Africa
Steve. I have purchased your guides and I use the Z8 and Z7.2. I know you have changed some of your settings since the firmware update on the Z8. I am leaving in a few days for Borneo and would greatly appreciate if you would let me know what you have changed. It would be helpful for some additional keepers. I really enjoy your material. Thank you. Paul
I have recently moved to the Nikon Z8 +180-600 combination from a Nikon D850 + 500mm f4 AF-SII combination. While I am really happy with the move, but for some reason my birds in flight keeper rates are much lower than the old D850 combination. I haved used Single sop, Wide area AF in combination with and without 3D tracking. But still struggiling to get shots with sharp focus on the eye. It would either focus in wings or not focus at all.
I request you to do similar training RUclips for Nikon Zf. I am lately using it to get the old feeling of Nikon FM2. I understand that the camera has Expeed 7 processor and many of autofocus functions like Z8, but not all. It will be nice to know how Nikon Zf can be used for bird photography.
I tested the new bird subject as well as auto-subject quite a bit in Costa Rica last week on my Z9, and i'm a bit underwhelmed... It works for some birds, but has a LOT of trouble with others. Pelicans and similarly shaped sea birds are apparently a tough subject for it. Frigate birds also cause issues - something about their pouches freaks the AF out. Definitely a YMMV kind of thing. I ended up falling back to dynamic area AF quite a bit. Very small number of keepers, mostly static birds. I'm chalking it up as a "scouting trip" and will definitely follow your AF settings guide next time.
The Z8/9 can struggle with long necked or unusual birds, no question about it. Although, I've seen my Sony a1 have struggles with them as well so it's not just a Nikon thing. That's why I get so adamant about shutting SD off when it's not working - it's can cause more harm than good. Sometimes, you just gotta drive :)
@@backcountrygallery Yeah, i keep dynamic area AF and auto area AF on front fn buttons (and pinpoint on joystick press for good measure) just for cases like that :)
@@backcountrygallery SD worked really well on spider monkeys though - i guess the flailing limbs don't confuse it as long as there's a humanoid face attached to them, hah!
Agree 100%. It completely changes the AF workflow in the field. I'm heading to Africa in about 6 weeks and I'm thinking of getting a second Z8 and leaving the Z9 at home!
I have a 5 day shoot with the US Ski Team at then end of March and keeping my fingers crossed Nikon release a "small" FW upgrade for the Z9 which I have 2 of them. I had a Z8 and for me I Just didn't like the smaller body.@@backcountrygallery
Thanks for another great video Steve. I hate having to use my fn2 button like you do. Wish Nikon would put af area change on one dial and subject detect on other. Then it could be on one function button. Seems like simple firmware. My other objection has to do with renaming lens function buttons. But that’s another story. Thanks again friend.
I really like the way Sony implemented acquiring/tracking focus - letting you choose w/e size box for initial acquisition, but then tracking the subject al over the frame and continuing to track it as a "generic" target, even it loses subject recognition. It's like if Nikon would let you choose the size for 3D, instead of defaulting to a "single point." Also I find Sony to be better at recognizing a "thing" to focus on when I see a bird approaching from very far away and I want to start focusing on it, to track as it approaches. Sony will recognize even the smallest dark-ish point against a blue sky as something to focus on, while Nikon will just hunt if the subject isn't large enough in frame.
I agree 100% - I prefer the way Sony does tracking. No handoffs, just pick and AF mode you want to start with and then let tracking takeover once a subject is identified. I wish Nikon would do something similar. However, I'm not so sure I agree with the recognition part, at least not fully. Although Sony may have an edge with tiny subjects (I haven't compared recently), when it comes to initial locks when the target is out of focus, Nikon does a better job, at least between the Z9 and a1.
You are a great teacher and explain things well, Thanks! Random question but what's the name of that song in your video intro? I know its song called "Back in Time" but is there an acoustics version you used?
It was just something I made using Garage Band on the Mac - not even sure I could do it again if I had to. I kind made it on accident by playing around :)
Do you ever share your banks settings for download to a SD card. I have your Nikon Z8 And Z9 Widllife Setup Guide-v170. Still struggling to get everything into my Z8 camera.
Hi Steve Great Video. Question I set up my Z9 for BBF with Wide area-S and my F1 button to Auto Area. I then programmed by Video button to cycle through area modes. Problem is when I cycle through the area modes it only affects the mode on the shutter button which I am not using. How do I get it to cycle throuh area modes and the back button AF-ON? Thanks.
Hi Steve need help!!!! I have the Z8 set up to “Cycle AF” on FN2. It works, but as soon as I push my “Back Button AF”, the Z8 jumps back to “Auto Area AF” mode, & ignores where I had “Cycled” the AF MODE?????? Please help
Hi Steve...Question, so if I'm covering a dance or a play (Using the z8) where people are moving around would you recommend the c1/c2, continuous with people selected? Thanks!
Steve, I have Firmware 2.0 on my Z8. In programming my video button to cycle through my selected focus areas, the camera will not include Auto Area AF in the cycle even though I have it selected. Anyone have any suggestions on what I might be doing wrong. Great video with invaluable suggestions. Thank you, Steve.
You have to have it checked in two places - the Cycle AF Area option AND under a8, Focus Mode Restrictions. Check that spot - I'll bet Auto AF is unchecked.
UPDATE I see in the Nikon updated reference Guide it is supposed to be on at A16 (Z9) which is a new added level. Same for the Z8 supposed to be at A15 which is a new level as well. anyone know how to report this to Nikon as this is on their website documentation and it is a key feature?
As always Steve, an excellent video. I find though that the control ring moves when the camera is hanging on my side with a strap changing either the ISO or EV or whatever I set it too.
Thanks! I always shut my camera off as I hike to keep that from happening - and to save my battery :) However, I know it can be a pain when the camera has to be on and ready. I've done the same.
Hi Steve, a quick question, I have read through your Z8 & Z9 Wildlife Set-Up Guide - when using AF Hand-off - onec you "hand-off" to say 3DAF do I continue to press my back-button AF or do I just hold the Fn button assigned?
Yes. This video was specific for BIF, but the book talks about general wildlife and action and when to use what AF area, how they work, way more about subject detection, etc.
Nice information.I just updated my Z8 and found that in auto capture mode I can not see bird ditection mode but i can see only auto,pppl animal and vehicle mode.. What could be the reason?
Hi Steve, setting mind up this way as we speak, so why is it necessary to add Auto Area Mode to the Fn1 button when it can already be selected as the primary in the the Cycle? Cheers from Downunder...
Looks like the firmware updates(5.0 and 2.0) have taken the "Manual focus ring in AF mode" option out of both the Z9 and Z8 menus or did it move somewhere else or what replaced it? I have "Focus Point Selection Speed" at A15 on the Z9 and the Z8 does not have an A15. Just A14 which is the same as the Z9 now. I did have a native Z lens on both bodies to check this.
Steve, as you cycle through your AF modes, since your Wide-area C1 is like a single point but with subject detection, why do you also need single point AF? Thank you!
Great video. A question. I set up the display button as you suggested but it keep jumping back bird after I take photos . Am I doing something incorrect?
Make sure you're using Recall Shooting Hold. Also, there are things that will cause it to go back - turning off the camera, changing AF areas, etc. Recall Shooting Functions is a temporary deal.
Thanks for getting back to me. I did everything correctly. I had a feeling it’s a temporary hold . Again always look forward to your educational videos.
I set my video record button to the focus cycle. It works in cycling thru but when I choose a new mode then press my back button it just uses what my BB focus is set to. Did I do something wrong?
@@backcountrygallery Waiting for it:) Could you please include an overview of the changes that are important for BIF and wildlife settings? :D much appreciated!
@@VNVZ-Zoetermeer Honestly, there's not much that applies to BIF. I have updated my control setup, so maybe that counts, but none of the new features are really directly targeted at BIF shooters.
Great video, thanks. I just bought the book, so for the next week I'm busy. The custom control 'DISPL' we program it for the viewfinder (histogram, level e.g. D19) and now switch into animals. Did I miss something?
@@57sapke D19 is just a display switch - I think you're trying to do recall shooting functions (which I assign to the DISP button) but it sounds like it may still be set to Display - although, if you're pressing the button and going to a menu, that sounds like you assigned it to something like Top Item Of My Menu. I think I need more info - none of this is really making sense to me.
@backcountrygallery Can you use DISP button for 2 functions? One you can switch between screenmode and the other to shooting function between 3D and auto area
But do we really need back-button AF anymore? With so many focus points and AF area mode options in these cameras it seems unnecessary to me. What am I missing?
Hey Steve, I was hoping you could tell me why you have a 1x1 custom area and 3d tracking both set up on that toggle through button. If they are both small areas capable of subject tracking isn’t that redundant? I ask because your settings are so optimized for speed and efficiency.
It's for when I want to pin subject down to a specific area. With 3D, the camera has run of the viewfinder and even though I tell it where to start, I've had it wander too far off with tricky targets (hippos come to mind), With C1 1x1, I can use it like single point AF with SD but SD can't wander very far. I've used this same toggle system with my Sonys for a few years now and I know how fast it is, so although this isn't an AF area I use very often, I still like to have it on tap. Plus, if I need to change the size of it - to like a long rectangle - I can press my and hold focus mode button to reconfigure it on the fly.
If you set the display button to hold to change from bird to animal, will it still toggle through the display options of you do a short press? I have my record button set to DX mode because there's time when I quickly need to switch back and forth. I found that helpful for me. But like you said, to each their own. I also have all 4 banks set up. One is for general photography with a single focus point set. It'll probably be used for landscape work. One is set for action like for ballgames. One is set to planes and cars because I like to take photos of planes. And the last one set to birds. There's a micro adjustment for the shutter speed and somehow I accidentally set it on the back for planes. When I change the shutter speed it changes it in tiny increments. It even has decimal points. I have no idea what I did. But on the touch screen the shutter speed is not a selection like the aperture and ISO. I had a helicopter flying over and I wanted motion blur in the rotors but when I changed the shutter speed it was in tiny amounts and I couldn't turn it fast enough to get my shutter speed lower.
First question, nope. It can only be set for one thing at a time. The shutter speed is acting like that because High Frequency Flicker Reduction is turned on in the Photo Shooting Menu. Turn it off and it'll go back to normal. :)
Why not putting focus/AF mode on the record button? It does the same by pressing and turning the wheel. It's much faster than pressing that button repeatedly and you can go back and forth.
It's not faster. Not even close. As I mentioned in the video, my Z9 is still set with Focus/AF mode on the record button because the Z9 doesn't support cycling. However, having used both (I've use toggling / cycling like this in the Sony a1 for three years now), there's no question in my mind and in my experience that it's much faster than the push and turn method. Still, do what works well for you, it's all good.
Hi Steve, one more question - you recently had a video that showed how to quickly go from Bird to animal detect - I think using the WB button on a Z9 - I can't find that video to set it up?
Thanks so much Steve, all the advice you've given has been so solid in the past, I always look forward to when you post about new features/how to! I just updated my Z8 and I'm on my way to Kerkini tomorrow!
I feel like Nikon should release another firmware with imagine this... Steve Perry BIF camera preset where we just choose this preset and camera sets everything for us 😂 Then you want some portraits to shoot, switch to Joe McNally preset 😂😂
Great video! Just got my z8 so thank you. I learned how to use BBF thanks to your video from a few years ago. I'm still not sure which button to press when... I tried yesterday, somewhat patchy. Would you consider doing a video on how the setup would work in the field? Thanks
Could Nikon please try to make the auto-focusing a little more complicated and ineffective? It was kludgy with my D850, and I had hoped it would be great with the Z8. I rarely try to take a photo of a bird, but trying to remember all of this, makes my head hurt. For the first time in my life I am considering taking a leap over to Canon because of the AF capabilities.
I love your videos and training material. Why does the Menu in my Z8 look different than what you show on the screen? I was trying to follow your section on setting up F1 button for Focusing but could not get the same choices. I am sure I missed something basic..
Make sure you're in the "f" settings on the Custom Setting menu and not the "g" ones (those are for video). That's the only thing I can think of offhand.
No one in the business is producing (or can produce) this level of useful, detailed guidance. If you can use just a bit of it, you and your images will improve.
I purchased your focus book for my 850 years ago. I just got the Z8 and very much looking forward to your book firmware 2.0 update to pull the trigger on this one. There are a couple of other Nikon guys I follow but you are the best/most practical for detailed descriptions of how to handle real world situations. Thanks for all you do!
Most Helpful & Very timely Video with insights and "why" not found elsewhere. Steve continues to be one of the best!!
Just got the Z8 (had z7ii before) and gonna use it with my 180-600 nikon lens. Your tutorial is very useful for the beginning.
I just got my z8 for the past week I couldn’t figure out how to get the autofocus to work. This video helped me out so much, Great videos.
As always Steve, you have the most keen insight to the Z family of pro bodies and lenses. You’re top shelf in my book! Appreciate you!
I usually setup the AF just like you have shown over the years and it always works great.
But recently I discovered a trick. I keep the Shutter AF-On and keep it on Auto Area AF with Animal mode. It works great after the 2.0 update.
And i keep the back button Af-on button to Af Area+Af-on as 3D tracking and 1 front fn button to Af area+af-on with af area as Custom Area 1x1.
Focus persistence is always on auto and movie button to switch af-areas.
If Auto-Area not working well, i switch it using movie recording button to Wide area S/L and once subject is detected, I hand it over to 3d tracking set to Back button AF and still if doesn't work I press the front fn button as single point and focus persistence mostly works well and if it doesn't, I move it with the joystick while keeping the front fn button pressed.
The AF Area+AF-On switches overrides the Shutter Af-on button. So, now I can use both Shutter Af-On & Back Button Af simultaneously.
Will use it for sometime if it doesn't work, will switch back to as you said in this video.
You are the only one who helps me learn Sony a1 autofocus system
Perfect timing Steve! I leave next week for a month in Kenya. While my main focus is the big cats, the birds are at times irresistible. Your books on Secrets to the Nikon autofocus system, and Nikon Z8 wildlife setup guide have prepared me (and my Z8 with 400mm 4.5S) to ensure that this the best trip ever.
Great all the best for u trip.Give a feedback 😊 on the Z8 setup performance
I have a Zf and this is extremely helpful information. Probably for all the expeed 7 based cameras down the line as well. Thank you for producing this!
I wish Nikon would do this in the AF-Full: Replace multiple squares cluster as the AF system trying to locate the eye of the bird (bird detection mode) with a big box which occupies the entire sensor and a small white box to hunt for the bird's eye (as the camera is panning). As soon as the small white box nails the bird's eye, it turns green. This will make it easier to engage the rule of thirds and easy on the eye due to multiple squares jumping around. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorial.
Steve you are the best. You post the most helpful and relevant videos on wildlife photography
Took me a lot of time & rewinding a bit to catch all of this, but very glad I did. Great info & details.
I watch quite a few photographers for settings, and I definitely get the best tips from you, which is why I bought your guide a while back. Thanks for this update! Hopefully that Z8 area-af button will come to the Z soon.
Thank you Steve, Cycle AF Area is dope...I find in team sports small dynamic works well as the main and I hand it off to auto subject, (to many people). I'm very experienced in fast moving subjects and so use to the legacy modes. I realize birding is different and your way seems like it works great. Auto area mode/subject detect works great with the latest firmware on isolated subjects. I use it a lot. My hit rate is 99%+ I use most of the modes over a lot of situations and always trying to find shortcuts like the cycle mode.
Z9 is a beast, a piano lesson + lot of practice , what i still need to invest. TBH as of now i think D500 worked better for me, as there was 2 well usable AF mode and happy dayz. Here you need to know what is usable and when. ( I need to try out the complete Auto AF as most of the time i used wide (size depending on the bird) - than switch to 3d)
However i bet if i finally get enough practice z9 will yield way better results. And for that i really recommend Steve's e-books. Anno the DSLR was a gamechanger for me. With a bit big head i thought i learnt the tricks and z9 will be business as usual. I was so wrong, but Steve's book saved me again. I know most what i need to, just need to put in the field experience, making those settings core reflexes.
I don't know what I'd do without your guidance! Thank you so much!!
Thanks for the kind words :)
Thanks Steve, here in the Netherlands we are also happy with your videos and books.
Awesome as always !!! You are without doubt the best tutor when it comes to photography!!
Steve very well explained, I am using pretty much all your settings it works very well with all the firmware up to date on my Z9 & Z8 thank you very much for sharing!
great video as always! Your explanation, presentation and rhythm are top notch, clear and enjoyable .
Another awesome and helpful video. I wanted to see this first and then go to the guide. Thank you so much!
Thank you Steve. I don't do much bird photography, but I come here for the best Nikon autofocus tutorials, period. You have helped me immensely.
Hi Steve, I have a wish 🥰 I, many of your followers, would like to request you to make a detailed video on how you do maintenance of your camera, lens, memory cards ....like cleaning of lens, camera and how to handle memory cards for enhancing its life and health...like- quick formatting or full formatting of CF Express cards etc.
The trust and loyalty that we have on you keeps us demanding more and more from you in terms of knowledge and learning 😊.
I am also very keen to buy your digital books but in India the dollar equivalent amount is bit too much 😅....hope some special offers in the form of discount comes out way someday ❤
Superb video Steve. I always look forward to your video tutorials . You are the best
Always very very helpful guidance Steve! Thank You for this kind of videos. 👍
Hello Steve, admire your indepth knowledge and patience in sharing your knowledge. I am happy to be a Landscape Photographer with all of this. How do you manage to shift the AF modes in the same speed as a flying subject baffles me. I have saved all your Videos and maybe one day😇😇😇
Programmable buttons :) I'm in one mode and just press when I need to switch to another. I'm not actually pressing button and turning a dial to get into a different mode in that scenario.
Great info and hope the the toggle detection option comes to the Z9 soon as you mentioned!! Great over view👍
Thanks for sharing those tips, your images are awesome.
Awesome bit of knowledge about Z8. Thank You Steve!!
Thanks, Steve, for the always-helpful information, as well as new methods that become possible with firmware changes! :)
Steve, Thank you for taking the time to provide such in-depth guidance. Great help!
What type memory card are you currently using in your Z9 for capturing bird stills & video clips? Thanks!
Thanks! I use the Delkin black series
I have just got the Z8 and 160-600 z Lens and I use Auto Focus Wide C2 and Bang it works well so far on Coastal fast fliers Like Sandwich Terns here in S Africa
Steve. I have purchased your guides and I use the Z8 and Z7.2. I know you have changed some of your settings since the firmware update on the Z8. I am leaving in a few days for Borneo and would greatly appreciate if you would let me know what you have changed. It would be helpful for some additional keepers. I really enjoy your material. Thank you. Paul
First class every time. Nice video.
I have recently moved to the Nikon Z8 +180-600 combination from a Nikon D850 + 500mm f4 AF-SII combination. While I am really happy with the move, but for some reason my birds in flight keeper rates are much lower than the old D850 combination. I haved used Single sop, Wide area AF in combination with and without 3D tracking. But still struggiling to get shots with sharp focus on the eye. It would either focus in wings or not focus at all.
I request you to do similar training RUclips for Nikon Zf. I am lately using it to get the old feeling of Nikon FM2. I understand that the camera has Expeed 7 processor and many of autofocus functions like Z8, but not all. It will be nice to know how Nikon Zf can be used for bird photography.
Thanks Steve, excellent advice as always
I tested the new bird subject as well as auto-subject quite a bit in Costa Rica last week on my Z9, and i'm a bit underwhelmed... It works for some birds, but has a LOT of trouble with others. Pelicans and similarly shaped sea birds are apparently a tough subject for it. Frigate birds also cause issues - something about their pouches freaks the AF out. Definitely a YMMV kind of thing.
I ended up falling back to dynamic area AF quite a bit. Very small number of keepers, mostly static birds. I'm chalking it up as a "scouting trip" and will definitely follow your AF settings guide next time.
The Z8/9 can struggle with long necked or unusual birds, no question about it. Although, I've seen my Sony a1 have struggles with them as well so it's not just a Nikon thing. That's why I get so adamant about shutting SD off when it's not working - it's can cause more harm than good. Sometimes, you just gotta drive :)
@@backcountrygallery Yeah, i keep dynamic area AF and auto area AF on front fn buttons (and pinpoint on joystick press for good measure) just for cases like that :)
@@backcountrygallery SD worked really well on spider monkeys though - i guess the flailing limbs don't confuse it as long as there's a humanoid face attached to them, hah!
I hope Nikon Releases soon for the Z9 the Cycle AF-area mode. This can be very useful
Agree 100%. It completely changes the AF workflow in the field. I'm heading to Africa in about 6 weeks and I'm thinking of getting a second Z8 and leaving the Z9 at home!
I have a 5 day shoot with the US Ski Team at then end of March and keeping my fingers crossed Nikon release a "small" FW upgrade for the Z9 which I have 2 of them. I had a Z8 and for me I Just didn't like the smaller body.@@backcountrygallery
@@kuau714 Fingers crossed. It would be great to have it on the Z9.
Thanks for another great video Steve. I hate having to use my fn2 button like you do. Wish Nikon would put af area change on one dial and subject detect on other. Then it could be on one function button. Seems like simple firmware. My other objection has to do with renaming lens function buttons. But that’s another story. Thanks again friend.
You are a great teacher.
Thanks so much!
Hi Fly With Me!
Cool video my friend! Well done!
Very nice cut! Like nº 16 👍👍👍!!!
Congratulations!Thanks for uploading!
I really like the way Sony implemented acquiring/tracking focus - letting you choose w/e size box for initial acquisition, but then tracking the subject al over the frame and continuing to track it as a "generic" target, even it loses subject recognition. It's like if Nikon would let you choose the size for 3D, instead of defaulting to a "single point."
Also I find Sony to be better at recognizing a "thing" to focus on when I see a bird approaching from very far away and I want to start focusing on it, to track as it approaches. Sony will recognize even the smallest dark-ish point against a blue sky as something to focus on, while Nikon will just hunt if the subject isn't large enough in frame.
I agree 100% - I prefer the way Sony does tracking. No handoffs, just pick and AF mode you want to start with and then let tracking takeover once a subject is identified. I wish Nikon would do something similar.
However, I'm not so sure I agree with the recognition part, at least not fully. Although Sony may have an edge with tiny subjects (I haven't compared recently), when it comes to initial locks when the target is out of focus, Nikon does a better job, at least between the Z9 and a1.
You are a great teacher and explain things well, Thanks! Random question but what's the name of that song in your video intro? I know its song called "Back in Time" but is there an acoustics version you used?
It was just something I made using Garage Band on the Mac - not even sure I could do it again if I had to. I kind made it on accident by playing around :)
I need this for the ZF!
Do you ever share your banks settings for download to a SD card. I have your Nikon Z8 And Z9 Widllife Setup Guide-v170. Still struggling to get everything into my Z8 camera.
Great, very useful video, thank U
The best as always.
Hi Steve Great Video. Question I set up my Z9 for BBF with Wide area-S and my F1 button to Auto Area. I then programmed by Video button to cycle through area modes. Problem is when I cycle through the area modes it only affects the mode on the shutter button which I am not using. How do I get it to cycle throuh area modes and the back button AF-ON? Thanks.
Hi Steve need help!!!!
I have the Z8 set up to “Cycle AF” on FN2. It works, but as soon as I push my “Back Button AF”, the Z8 jumps back to “Auto Area AF” mode, & ignores where I had “Cycled” the AF MODE??????
Please help
Hi Steve...Question, so if I'm covering a dance or a play (Using the z8) where people are moving around would you recommend the c1/c2, continuous with people selected? Thanks!
Hi, does the book refer to some of your videos (links) thank you
Right on, Thanks man😊
I love your videos but I was wondering if you would do a review on the OM-1 M2 for BIF?
Awesome. Thanks Steve.
Steve, I have Firmware 2.0 on my Z8. In programming my video button to cycle through my selected focus areas, the camera will not include Auto Area AF in the cycle even though I have it selected. Anyone have any suggestions on what I might be doing wrong. Great video with invaluable suggestions. Thank you, Steve.
You have to have it checked in two places - the Cycle AF Area option AND under a8, Focus Mode Restrictions. Check that spot - I'll bet Auto AF is unchecked.
That fixed the problem. Thank you very much for the response. Heading out soon to practice.
@@backcountrygallery I hope Firmware 5.0 on my Z9 may now have the same capability of cycling through the autofocus area settings.
@@scottheppel8847It does.
UPDATE I see in the Nikon updated reference Guide it is supposed to be on at A16 (Z9) which is a new added level. Same for the Z8 supposed to be at A15 which is a new level as well.
anyone know how to report this to Nikon as this is on their website documentation and it is a key feature?
Thanks for confirming
As always Steve, an excellent video. I find though that the control ring moves when the camera is hanging on my side with a strap changing either the ISO or EV or whatever I set it too.
Thanks! I always shut my camera off as I hike to keep that from happening - and to save my battery :) However, I know it can be a pain when the camera has to be on and ready. I've done the same.
Mr. Steve, I ask if the guides sold on your page already include firmware 2.0
They do :)
Thank you Steve
Thanks!
Thanks so much!
I don't have a15 Manual Focus Mode on my Z8 menu, it stops a a14
thanks Steve Brilliant
Hi Steve, a quick question, I have read through your Z8 & Z9 Wildlife Set-Up Guide - when using AF Hand-off - onec you "hand-off" to say 3DAF do I continue to press my back-button AF or do I just hold the Fn button assigned?
Thanks for the purchase!
Keep pressing AF-On as you hold the Fn button.
Steve, does your Z8/9 setup guide also show settings for perched birds, or do these BIF settings work well for perched birds too?
Yes. This video was specific for BIF, but the book talks about general wildlife and action and when to use what AF area, how they work, way more about subject detection, etc.
Nice information.I just updated my Z8 and found that in auto capture mode I can not see bird ditection mode but i can see only auto,pppl animal and vehicle mode..
What could be the reason?
AC doesn't have Bird as an option in the Z8 or the Z9. Not sure why.
Now i have started to get that nikon just imported this directly from Z9 4.0 and they jave not from 4.10
Hi Steve, setting mind up this way as we speak, so why is it necessary to add Auto Area Mode to the Fn1 button when it can already be selected as the primary in the the Cycle? Cheers from Downunder...
So you can do a handoff if needed. If that's not something you do, I'd use Fn1 for something else. :)
@@backcountrygallery Thanks Steve
Dude, you gotta update your other video. Haha. I was using 3d and now I'm jumping to auto! :P
Looks like the firmware updates(5.0 and 2.0) have taken the "Manual focus ring in AF mode" option out of both the Z9 and Z8 menus or did it move somewhere else or what replaced it?
I have "Focus Point Selection Speed" at A15 on the Z9 and the Z8 does not have an A15. Just A14 which is the same as the Z9 now. I did have a native Z lens on both bodies to check this.
It has to be both a Z series lens and one with a dedicated focus ring. (not just a control ring that allows you to focus)
Steve, as you cycle through your AF modes, since your Wide-area C1 is like a single point but with subject detection, why do you also need single point AF? Thank you!
Mostly because there are times I want single point without SD and that's a quicker way to get there than trying to shut it off via the menus.
Great video. A question. I set up the display button as you suggested but it keep jumping back bird after I take photos . Am I doing something incorrect?
Make sure you're using Recall Shooting Hold. Also, there are things that will cause it to go back - turning off the camera, changing AF areas, etc. Recall Shooting Functions is a temporary deal.
Thanks for getting back to me. I did everything correctly. I had a feeling it’s a temporary hold . Again always look forward to your educational videos.
I set my video record button to the focus cycle. It works in cycling thru but when I choose a new mode then press my back button it just uses what my BB focus is set to. Did I do something wrong?
It sounds like your AF-On button is set to another AF area + Focus. Set it to just AF-On and see if that works (it should).
@@backcountrygallery You're the man. It worked. Thanks very much!!!!!
Thankls Steve
please for Z7II or below too please :)
Hi Steve, are you into the new firmware for the Z9? Any specific news which will effect the 160 version of your wildlife book?
A few things - I'll have an update out soon :)
@@backcountrygallery Waiting for it:) Could you please include an overview of the changes that are important for BIF and wildlife settings? :D much appreciated!
@@VNVZ-Zoetermeer Honestly, there's not much that applies to BIF. I have updated my control setup, so maybe that counts, but none of the new features are really directly targeted at BIF shooters.
Hell yes, they included the AF cycle in the new firmware!!!
Great video, thanks. I just bought the book, so for the next week I'm busy. The custom control 'DISPL' we program it for the viewfinder (histogram, level e.g. D19) and now switch into animals. Did I miss something?
Thanks for the purchase! That's one of the changes I usually make - I'm not sure what you would be missing though?
@@backcountrygallery Hi, it has now 2 functions D19 and switch from bird to animal. How to activate the last function, so I do not get menu D19.
@@57sapke D19 is just a display switch - I think you're trying to do recall shooting functions (which I assign to the DISP button) but it sounds like it may still be set to Display - although, if you're pressing the button and going to a menu, that sounds like you assigned it to something like Top Item Of My Menu. I think I need more info - none of this is really making sense to me.
@@backcountrygallery Thanks for reply. I stick to disp button for display switch and use now joystick button for switching between bird and animal.
@backcountrygallery Can you use DISP button for 2 functions? One you can switch between screenmode and the other to shooting function between 3D and auto area
But do we really need back-button AF anymore? With so many focus points and AF area mode options in these cameras it seems unnecessary to me. What am I missing?
I have a video that goes over why I still use it:
ruclips.net/video/OF1Ur1r2yBE/видео.html
@@backcountrygallery Thanks, Steve! Love what you do!
Hey Steve, I was hoping you could tell me why you have a 1x1 custom area and 3d tracking both set up on that toggle through button. If they are both small areas capable of subject tracking isn’t that redundant? I ask because your settings are so optimized for speed and efficiency.
It's for when I want to pin subject down to a specific area. With 3D, the camera has run of the viewfinder and even though I tell it where to start, I've had it wander too far off with tricky targets (hippos come to mind), With C1 1x1, I can use it like single point AF with SD but SD can't wander very far. I've used this same toggle system with my Sonys for a few years now and I know how fast it is, so although this isn't an AF area I use very often, I still like to have it on tap. Plus, if I need to change the size of it - to like a long rectangle - I can press my and hold focus mode button to reconfigure it on the fly.
@@backcountrygallery Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. That makes sense I appreciate your reply.
If you set the display button to hold to change from bird to animal, will it still toggle through the display options of you do a short press? I have my record button set to DX mode because there's time when I quickly need to switch back and forth. I found that helpful for me. But like you said, to each their own. I also have all 4 banks set up. One is for general photography with a single focus point set. It'll probably be used for landscape work. One is set for action like for ballgames. One is set to planes and cars because I like to take photos of planes. And the last one set to birds. There's a micro adjustment for the shutter speed and somehow I accidentally set it on the back for planes. When I change the shutter speed it changes it in tiny increments. It even has decimal points. I have no idea what I did. But on the touch screen the shutter speed is not a selection like the aperture and ISO. I had a helicopter flying over and I wanted motion blur in the rotors but when I changed the shutter speed it was in tiny amounts and I couldn't turn it fast enough to get my shutter speed lower.
First question, nope. It can only be set for one thing at a time.
The shutter speed is acting like that because High Frequency Flicker Reduction is turned on in the Photo Shooting Menu. Turn it off and it'll go back to normal. :)
@@backcountrygallery thank you.
Why not putting focus/AF mode on the record button? It does the same by pressing and turning the wheel. It's much faster than pressing that button repeatedly and you can go back and forth.
It's not faster. Not even close. As I mentioned in the video, my Z9 is still set with Focus/AF mode on the record button because the Z9 doesn't support cycling. However, having used both (I've use toggling / cycling like this in the Sony a1 for three years now), there's no question in my mind and in my experience that it's much faster than the push and turn method. Still, do what works well for you, it's all good.
I do love the cycling om mine Z8 (set to fn2) and when it come to Z9 i will put it on fn3 @@backcountrygallery
A93’s AF is much less complicated. One mode does it all.
I've always said Sony's AF was easier to use with more overlap :)
❤❤
Nervously watching because I don't want to reconfig all my buttons again 😬😆
Lol
Steve. ar you ok. no new vid.
Thanks Steve. I have every book that you have published. Please continue providing excellent Nikon tips and tutorials.
Hi Steve, one more question - you recently had a video that showed how to quickly go from Bird to animal detect - I think using the WB button on a Z9 - I can't find that video to set it up?
Thanks so much Steve, all the advice you've given has been so solid in the past, I always look forward to when you post about new features/how to! I just updated my Z8 and I'm on my way to Kerkini tomorrow!
Thank you 🙏 Steve for sharing this vital information; i only own a Z7ii ,8&9 are out of budget nevertheless i’m listening to what you say 😊
I feel like Nikon should release another firmware with imagine this... Steve Perry BIF camera preset where we just choose this preset and camera sets everything for us 😂
Then you want some portraits to shoot, switch to Joe McNally preset 😂😂
Great video! Just got my z8 so thank you.
I learned how to use BBF thanks to your video from a few years ago. I'm still not sure which button to press when... I tried yesterday, somewhat patchy.
Would you consider doing a video on how the setup would work in the field? Thanks
Could Nikon please try to make the auto-focusing a little more complicated and ineffective? It was kludgy with my D850, and I had hoped it would be great with the Z8. I rarely try to take a photo of a bird, but trying to remember all of this, makes my head hurt. For the first time in my life I am considering taking a leap over to Canon because of the AF capabilities.
Hi Steve can you help my priorities viewfinder button seems disabled not sur what I have or have not pressed,any ideas please
Operator error. my lenses all have a control ring not a focus ring.......
Mr. Steve, would it be possible to have a Portuguese version of the guide for Z8? Please!
Absolutely fantastic Steve ❤ I keep counting days waiting for your tutorial video. ❤❤
I love your videos and training material. Why does the Menu in my Z8 look different than what you show on the screen? I was trying to follow your section on setting up F1 button for Focusing but could not get the same choices. I am sure I missed something basic..
Make sure you're in the "f" settings on the Custom Setting menu and not the "g" ones (those are for video). That's the only thing I can think of offhand.
Can we assign custom button for 3D focus and tracking?. I heard that 3D only works for Shutter button focus. Please explain
Sure, it can go on any supported button, which is quite a few. An no, it's not just for shutter release, I use it with BBAF all the time :)
You really are the best imho for explaining the functions. Thanks so much!