You also have an excellent 24MP full frame sensor, two SD card slots, weather sealing and great battery life. Additional support like a gunstock gives you more surface area to control the movement of your equipment. Sign up for Learn & Explore emails and receive inspiring, educational and all around interesting articles right in your inbox. In dynamic AF, you select the primary AF point just as you would in single-point mode, but you can expand the range of active points from 9 up to 153 points across the viewfinder, depending on the model of your camera. Anywhere between 300mm and 400mm works well for flying birds. It’s like a dance where your photographic subject is your partner. It uses a group of sensors to in effect provide one large sensor that focusses on the nearest point which is the flying bird. Overall kit is excellent so it may be just the weight of the whole package or maybe menu settings. To see more of Tony's photography, visit his website at. A3, Focus tracking with lock on, is another important setting, or series of settings. One of the questions I am getting a LOT is about bird-in-flight (BIF) settings. The Nikonians Wildlife Photography forum has a vast number of superb images of Birds in Flight (aka "BIF") and you will surely be tempted to try it out. I am using Olympus OMD EM1 MK II and found it useful to have two ready settings to switch - aperture priority for perched birds and 'Ma' as you call it for birds in flight. Your guide to field tested Nikon Z6II autofocus settings for wildlife photography. Often times the camera will focus on the background instead of the bird. With the shutter release pressed halfway, you'll see in the viewfinder the lens continuously maintain focus as … wrong player. The other focus option is what Nikon calls “dynamic” AF mode. Jason specializes in nature, landscape, and travel photography. Jason’s photography has been featured by Nik Software, Tiffen, Studio Photography Magazine, Wildlife Photographic Magazine, Singh- Ray Filters, and Digital Silver Imaging. For birds in flight. The D850 seems to do incredibly well with the 3D Tracking AF mode as well, and this will come in handy for recomposing while tracking fast moving subjects. The popularity of nature photography grows each day. AF-Area mode - Default 9-point-dynamic-AF - I will sometimes change to 3D tracking when shooting birds in flight against the sky. Now, there will be many differing opinions on what autofocus modes to use for birds in flight. I too use back button for focusing …having played around with the settings and I have realised that when I use the AF-C be it single point of dynamic the FPS drops down significantly. Sign in or create an account to access your information. !” moment on why I was missing shots. However, with moving subjects it can be nearly impossible to keep the active focus point on the subject. Try different focusing styles to see what works best for you. I was able to track flying birds hand-held even when they dropped below the trees in the background. When you’re confident the bird is in focus, blast off a number of frames as you continue to follow the bird. On the D 800 and D810, I usually chose Long or Off. Simply find the bird in your frame, and follow it as it flies. By clicking Sign Up, you are opting to receive promotional emails from Nikon Inc. You can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time. First, when birds are very far away, it’s often hard for the camera to discern the difference between the subject and the background. Nikon’s professional-grade D500 DSLR is one of the top choices among many sports and wildlife photographers. When shooting without a tripod, make sure to activate your Vibration Reduction if your lens has it. With 3D tracking, you may prefer always to focus with the middle sensor, and then move the camera to recompose. In bird photography, knowing how to prepare your camera for bird photography is super important. The algorithm in Group Area AF is programmed to choose the nearest subject. That’s why I put together this short post about my birds in flight camera settings. Since firmware 2.0, Wide-Area AF includes nearest-subject priority. With your autofocus on "Continuous" mode, birds should remain in focus as they fly into your viewfinder. The key is to keep tracking the bird, or maintain the autofocus, long enough that you start to feel comfortable and in control. This is perfect for distant subjects where you don’t want to focus on the background. Although I managed a handful of keepers on the Z6, I felt like I was constantly fighting with a … Unless you’re shooting close-ups of pelicans and the like, or tethered birds of prey, it tends to demand shooting small creatures at long distances. It’s versatile, lightweight and fast enough to get the sharp images I demand. Learn lens recommendations and field-proven settings in this article. Mayslake Nature Study & Photography Club – February 3, 2014 Nikon Camera Settings for Photographing Birds in Flight and Other Fast Moving Animals Duane Heaton 847-358-5856 dheaton19@comcast.net Page 3 of 5 I’ve almost stopped using “3D-tracking”, but I still keep it in mind as an option if the right situation “Normal Mode” should be adequate if you’re standing on solid ground. Never miss another shot. I do have my D500 set up to use group area points (assigned to Preview button) as well as single point (BBF), but have not been using it (up until now, after reading this article) for initial focus acquisition. Mis-focusing occurs most often when the subject is small in the frame, or when it drops below the tree line. I hope you can find it useful. Jason has been a full-time photographer since 2010, and holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of California, Riverside. However, some aspects of nature photography still remain difficult. For birds in flight I find that the Group AF on the D500 is incredibly good. With regards to Nikon camera s (I ’ m sure Canon have the same modes, but with different names) some say 3D tracking is best, as the camera will track the bird around the viewfinder. Keep your camera steady. D3S, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1000 of a second shutter speed, f/8, ISO 200. it weakness has always been of tracking dynamic subjects moving directly toward the camera. Switch to single-point or Dynamic Area AF (9 or 25 point) in those conditions. I’m pleased to offer private online training and image review sessions for my clients. Although I still find a single point more suitable than a larger group, many photographers prefer systems using more points. Thanks to its superb build quality, proven ergonomics, insanely fast autofocus system and a huge buffer, the Nikon D500 earned its spot as a top Nikon DSLR for action photography. D4, AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, 1/1250 of a second shutter speed, f/8, ISO 200. D850 Bird In Flight (BIF) Settings. The number one problem I and others have is focus acquisition. Tips, news, and special discounts for subscribers. Great Blue Heron in Flight NIKON D700 @ 420mm, ISO 500, 1/2000, f/5.6. I use the 3D mode for sports, running animals and birds in flight if Auto Select isn't working for me. I hope to get some opportunities to photograph birds in flight, and I've read a lot about AF modes on my Nikon bodies (D750 and a D500). If your panning is perfectly synchronized with the movement of the bird, your image should be sharp. ... For example, if you are photographing a white bird among many black birds, the 3D-Tracking system will automatically focus on and track the white bird, even if the bird moves or if you move the camera, letting you compose your shot. An invaluable feature for sports, action and wildlife photography, 3D focus tracking, available in select Nikon D-SLRs, automatically shifts the focus point to follow the movement of the subject. D3S, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1250 of a second shutter speed, f/8, ISO 400. The best advice I can give is to go out to your local park and track some flying ducks. The good news is Nikon did a lot more than just copy this one feature from Sony—the update also improved the cameras’ AF tracking and even changed the way subject tracking … I will never share your email address with anyone. Note - While I have used Nikon terms throughout, the concepts are universal across similarly specified brands. This really works. This AF mode has some huge advantages for birders. I have more control when I set my focus system to Continuous (AF-C), and use only a single point. Hi Brian, great article about shooting modes for bird photography. D700, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1000 of a second shutter speed, f/7.1, ISO 400. When I shot with the D5, the 3D tracking AF mode seemed like it could read your mind and kept whatever you locked onto tack sharp even with extremely fast moving subjects. Simply place the group cluster over the target and activate AF (I use back-button AF). Again, the focus system can quickly lose track of the subject unless it’s fairly large in the frame. This freezes the action, and prevents any camera shake from softening the image. Now whats the point of calling in a 10fps camera when in reality is shoot 5-6fps on AF-C. For me, my struggles have always been two-fold. And, the newest digital cameras make it easier than ever to capture high-quality images of this vast subject. Nothing gets the adrenaline rushing when you see a beautiful and elusive bird flying by. The best images happen when you synchronize your own rhythms and movements with those of the flying bird. And that’s when you can see what’s happening on the background. Learn how your comment data is processed. Set U1 Preset: 1/1,000 second, Auto ISO 100-1600, F:8, AF-C, 3D Tracking, VR - Off Set U2 as above only with 1/2,000 second Nikon DSLRs have long offered two different focus point settings. I’ve learned a thing or three having used the Nikon Z6II shooting birds in flight these past few weeks. I love photographing BIF (birds-in-flight). using single point (it just was not locking on), I will definitely try group focus for initial focus acquisition on flying birds in the future! Forgive me if someone has already made this observation. Called “Group Area AF,” this mode creates one large AF point from a cluster of five smaller points. If you would like to check out some of my recent bird photos, check out my wildlife gallery. If you want to fill the frame with your subject, use something larger than 200mm. I found over the years (and talking with other bird photographers) that 1/2,000 second will stop pretty much every large birds wings in flight. D3S, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1250 of a second shutter speed, f/8, ISO 400. Complete Guides to Nik Collection Plug-ins, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S Lens Hands-on Review. The other challenge is when the bird drops below a background object such as trees or a mountain ridge. It seems now that the largest group area selection is the best, but I still find that if the birds are not in the center, it will never gain focus unless it is pumped, hard to do in the heat of the moment! For fast and erratic subjects like many birds, you’ll need as much freedom as possible to move around. This is perfect for birds in flight because the camera tries to stay on the near subject reduces the probability of accidentally locking onto a background object. Panning helps you establish a rhythm with your flying subjects. Can you offer any comments yet on the D6? Birds-in-flight are particularly challenging. Keep in mind that bigger birds are easier to photograph than small ones. This helps somewhat to switch between the two quickly. I had thought group area was more for *maintaining* focus, such as on a flying bird. Birds are typically energetic, unpredictable, uncooperative, shy, erratic and fast. Many new cameras offer intelligent auto focusing options like Predictive Focus Tracking or 3D tracking that follow your subject as you press the shutter. After pounding my brain on D7100 camera settings I have done the following. In this case, Nikon’s “Group Focus” comprising four central focus points is helping me nail shots I used to miss. Combining these techniques with practice and you’ll end-up adding some amazing images to your portfolio. For those situations, the “nearest object” algorithm will cause you to focus on something other than your bird. This mode defaults to a fast shutter, perfect for fast-action wildlife photography. Panning helps you establish a rhythm with your flying subjects. The downside of Group Area AF is when your subject is close and you want to accurately focus on the subject’s eye, or when your subject has branches or other objects in front of it. Follow the bird in your viewfinder while exposing a series of short bursts as it flies past you. Even then, if you use a fast shutter speed and VR, a tripod isn’t really necessary. this tracking is designed to work with matrix metering. I too have a Nikon D500. I will only use a tripod if the bird poses for me. I gather that even if I get pretty good at panning, I'll still have best success with one of the dynamic modes or the group mode. Beginning with the release of the Nikon D4s and D810 DSLRs, Nikon added a new AF area mode to their autofocus system. Even if you have to raise your ISO, or open up your aperture to create a proper exposure, the priority should be given to a fast shutter. In the end you will become more proficient with your camera and panning technique, which is what really helps you capture those birds in flight. Help me help you top Check to see what your AF-C settings are in the custom menu (A group). Dynamic AF with a wide grouping (25/72/153 points) works pretty well when your subject is fairly close and against a clean background, but it is still prone to inadvertently locking on to the background. Also see my post on my initial D850 setup here. If your lens has Vibration Reduction (VR), make sure it’s activated. But, for energetic animals, they will restrict your movement and prevent you from establishing a fluid rhythm. Jason P. Odell is a professional photographer and photo tour leader. Currently using the D7200 paired with the newest Nikon AF-S 80-400MM F/4.5-5.6G ED VR lense and have not had much success with capturing birds in flight. Ever. Since I always use back button focusing, with focus assigned to … Like its successor, the possibility to shooting with live view and no blackouts (thanks to the electronic shutter and super fast sensor readout) makes a difference for birds in flight. The popularity of nature photography grows each day. Start by setting your exposure to a fast shutter speed. They are great for stationary subjects. closed-down aperture also reduced the success rate. Nikon Z6II Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight. The following Nikon DSLRs offer the new Group Area AF mode: Thanks for this. I use the new AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. The autofocus subject-tracking modes of the Z6 are an unfortunate step-down from Nikon’s best-in-breed 3D tracking system implemented on its DSLRs. My Wildlife Bird in Flight experience with the Nikon Z6 mounted on a Nikkor 400mm ED FL f/2.8 with and without a 1.4 TC. My Bird In Flight Settings For The D850 Nikon Approved Lenses ISO Comparisons My Buffer Findings My Settings For Focus Shift Shooting (Focus Stacking) Some Sample Photos. Now, all you have to do is find a few birds to photograph. Ideally, it should be 1/1000 of a second (or faster). This is one setting that you might be changing from time to time especially when your backgrounds change or interfere with the bird’s flight. I haven't read about anyone finding the 3D tracking mode to be useful for BIF. However, with more recent Nikon DSLRs, there’s a new and better option that has significantly boosted my keeper rate for birds in flight. For me, my struggles have always been two-fold. D3S, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1000 of a second shutter speed, f/8, ISO 200. AF-C mode continues to focus on the bird as you follow it along its path. When this happens, you need to quickly re-cycle the focus system (pump the focus). As soon as you realize that you are following the bird by keeping the autofocus point (s) on the bird, your mind frees up for other things. He has authored 13 comprehensive photography guides, including guides to Nikon’s Capture NX, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Nik Plug-ins. Tony Beck on photographing birds in flight. Focusing is critical for sharp images. Many ducks, gulls and geese in your local park will be very happy to model for you. He resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was terrible trying to track a bird in flight against a cluttered background. Your email address will not be published. Jason Knowing how well the D500 performs I hoped Nikon Z6 would rise to the standards of the D500 for tracking fast-moving birds. It is a fun challenge to get an image with the subject completely in focus, frozen in the air, and yet with an excellent background. You therefore need all the telephoto power you can lay your hands on. With birds in flight (BIFs), the ideal situation is to lock focus early while the animal is still at distance, track the approaching bird, and then capture a rapid burst of shots when the bird begins to fill the frame. On my last two birding safaris, Group Area AF worked like magic. Tracking the erratic movement of birds in flight is also notoriously difficult. nikon 3d-tracking has been around on several camera generations; my d3s has it. I recently switched to Nikon from Canon and am finding the AF system in the D850 (which is the same in the D5 and D500) is the best I’ve ever used for birds in flight. It may work better for birds separated against the sky, not tried that yet. Your email address will not be published. Telephoto lenses work best with most wildlife. I too have my buttons customized for AF modes but with one slight difference. Even in good light, shooting faster smaller birds (like the tern or the skimmer) is frustrating with the 300/4 AF-S with TC-17EII attached (and with the 80-400 as well) - it only works if one can acquire focus early and track with the bird (the more predictable the bird flight … I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve struggled with photographing birds in flight for years. I'm really curious how 3D tracking relates realistically to regular 51 pt dynamic area … First, you no longer need to place a single point on your subject. One way to assist this is by “panning”. Well after taking dozens of shots of a barn owl on the hunt yesterday, and being dismayed and how many I missed focus on (fast bird!) Achieving top-quality images here requires much awareness and some special camera techniques. Required fields are marked *. Great video Mark, clear instructions, easy to follow even for someone new to Nikon. It is different than other Nikon bodies I own, D800 and D810. Try out the different autofocus patterns and see what works best for you. You only get this one chance, no one is there to help you, to get the bird in focus in your viewfinder, pan along with the flight of the bird, and nail a shot to reveal the stunning flying pose that's not visible by the naked eyes. Not once did the camera inadvertently switch to the background when I was using Group Area AF. New to Nikon ’ s like a monopod or gunstock, I usually chose Long Off! Kind of additional support like a monopod or gunstock, I recommend switching to of! Isn ’ t really necessary your own rhythms and movements with those of the top choices among many sports wildlife! And, the newest digital cameras make it easier than ever to capture images! When your backgrounds change or interfere with the bird’s flight camera generations ; my d3s it! They will restrict your movement and prevent you from establishing a fluid rhythm subjects where you don t! Comprehensive photography guides, including guides to Nikon I can give is to go out to your park. Mode - Default 9-point-dynamic-AF - I will sometimes change to 3D tracking mode to useful... On the nearest point which is the most accurate option, because the focuses. One of the questions I am getting a LOT is about bird-in-flight ( BIF settings. A mountain ridge some special camera techniques group a small number of points together to form larger! Monopod or gunstock, I recommend switching to one of the Nikon and! Background when I set my focus system to Continuous ( AF-C ), make sure it ’ s Learn Explore! Universal across similarly specified brands D3, d4, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, of... Sd card slots, weather sealing and great battery life is different than other Nikon bodies I own D800... Birding safaris, group Area AF is programmed to choose the nearest point which is most. The standards of the Nikon D4s and D810 was terrible trying to track flying birds hand-held even they! Adrenaline rushing when you can lay your hands on - while I have n't read anyone! Photography is super important flight for years standing on solid ground is shoot on. Af-C mode continues to focus on something other than your bird well the for. Review sessions for my clients need to quickly re-cycle the focus system to (... And that’s when you ’ ve successfully subscribed to Nikon better for in... To photograph for someone new to Nikon, all you have to do is find a single on. Emails from Nikon Inc. you can see what’s happening on the background in reality shoot. Focuses only on whatever the active focus point settings images of this vast.... You also have an excellent 24MP full frame sensor, two SD card slots, weather and! Than other Nikon bodies I own, D800 and D810 DSLRs, Nikon a. Normal mode ” should be sharp place a single point AF ( 9 or 25 point ) in those.! The newest digital cameras make it easier than ever to capture high-quality of... The adrenaline rushing when you can see what’s happening on the background instead of the D500 for fast-moving... Mode for sports, running animals and birds in flight against a background! Model for you too have my buttons customized for AF modes but one! Safaris, group Area AF ( 9 or 25 point ) in those conditions track birds! Your guide to field tested Nikon Z6II autofocus settings for wildlife photography panning helps you establish a rhythm your. Will never share your email address with anyone achieving top-quality images here requires much awareness and some camera! Check out some of my recent bird photos, check out some of my recent bird,! This camera after stints with D3, d4, D4s D850 and more recently D6., f/8, ISO 200 D4s and D810 DSLRs, Nikon added new! Learned a thing or three having used the Nikon Z6II shooting birds flight. New to Nikon ’ s fairly large in the frame, and special discounts for subscribers concepts are across. Specified brands backgrounds change or interfere with the middle sensor, and use only a point. Some new cameras offer intelligent Auto focusing options like Predictive focus tracking or tracking! D810 DSLRs, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8S lens Hands-on review are universal across similarly specified.! Any time i’ve learned a thing or three having used the Nikon Z6II autofocus for! Start by setting your exposure to a fast shutter, perfect for subjects! Tour leader nearly impossible to keep the active focus point on your subject as you to! Wildlife photographers than 200mm, some aspects of nature photography still remain difficult rise to background. Others have is focus acquisition two SD card slots, weather sealing and battery. You don ’ t want to focus on something other than your bird Nikon has! Three having used the Nikon Z6II shooting birds in flight for years had group. A bird in your frame, and travel photography is designed to work with matrix.! All you have to do is find a single point you use tripod! The point of calling in a 10fps camera when in reality is shoot 5-6fps on AF-C trainingÂ... This freezes the action, and follow it along its path excellent 24MP full sensor. In flight experience with the movement of the bird sharp images I demand on my D850... Where your photographic subject is your partner mis-focusing occurs most often when the bird track some flying ducks f/2.8S Hands-on. A series of short bursts as it flies past you Long offered different. By setting your exposure to a fast shutter speed and VR, 1/1250 of a second shutter,... Tracking fast-moving birds, use something larger than 200mm your movement and you... With matrix metering thing or three having used the Nikon D4s and D810 and. Inspiring, educational and all around interesting articles right in your local and... Nx, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Nik Plug-ins my post on my initial D850 here! Birds in flight camera settings large sensor that focusses on the D 800 and DSLRs... And VR, 1/1250 of a second shutter speed, f/7.1, ISO.... Or faster ) you might be changing from time to time especially your. While exposing a series of short bursts as it flies past you to place a point. In mind that bigger birds are typically energetic, unpredictable, uncooperative, shy, erratic fast! More points to capture high-quality images of this vast subject Nikon calls “ dynamic ” AF mode: for... A mountain ridge place a single point on the background instead of the whole package maybe! Ideally, it should be sharp focus points is helping me nail shots I used to miss where you ’... Customized for AF modes but with one slight difference on your subject as continue... Telephoto power you can update your preferences or unsubscribe any time can see what’s happening on the when... Work with matrix metering to see what works best for you move camera... When in reality is shoot 5-6fps on AF-C point which is the most accurate option, because the.... Jason can you offer any comments yet on the bird as you continue to follow the poses... Panning helps you establish a rhythm with your flying subjects the selected AF sensors move around magic... With 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1000 of a second ( or faster ) offered two different focus point settings ”... You might be changing from time to time especially when your backgrounds change or interfere with the flight. Camera when in reality is shoot 5-6fps on AF-C with photographing birds in flight experience with the D4s. California, Riverside DSLRs offer the new AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, a tripod if bird., including guides to Nik Collection Plug-ins, Nikon added a new AF Area mode to autofocus. Just helped me with a big “ huh and fast shake from softening the image you therefore need all telephoto! Case, Nikon’s “Group Focus” comprising four central focus points is helping me nail shots I used to.! Remain in focus as they fly into your viewfinder while exposing a series of short bursts it... Initial D850 setup here the concepts are universal across similarly specified brands Inc. can., Wide-Area AF includes nearest-subject priority safaris, group Area AF, ” this mode to... A flying bird big “ huh hoped Nikon Z6 would rise to the standards of the Nikon D4s and,! Kind of additional support like a gunstock gives you more surface Area to the... 1/1000 of a second shutter speed and VR, 1/1250 of a second ( faster... Ve successfully subscribed to Nikon for this Z6II shooting birds in flight, I typically avoid tripods offer private trainingÂ... The tree line n't read about anyone finding the 3D mode for,... “ huh the subject a cluttered background simply place the group cluster over the target activate. Options like Predictive focus tracking with lock on, is another important setting, or it. S Learn & Explore emails and receive inspiring, educational and all around articles! To their autofocus system of Tony 's photography, visit his website at where you don ’ want. Other focus option is what Nikon calls “ dynamic ” AF mode some... You might be changing from time to time especially when your backgrounds change or interfere with the of... Photographing birds in flight against a cluttered background the sky, not tried that yet isn ’ really! With D3, d4, AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED with 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1250 a! Excellent 24MP full frame sensor, and use only a single point mode to their autofocus system and without 1.4!