New Video: My Z8 And Z9 Autofocus Setup Guide (For Wildlife Photography)

[Cameron T]

Thanks so much!

My wife and I were talking about the YT titles just yesterday (LOL, again), and when I said they were a little "click baity" she disagreed. She pointed out (as you have) that click bit is more about video that don't actually deliver what they promise. She feels that although I do try to use aggressive titles from time to time, they are still representative of what's in the video. So, hopefully others see it that way as well.

The bigger issue with the titles is the way YT boosts to the video. The thing is, I have a lot of people tell me that they would watch the video regardless of how I title it. And I appreciate that, of course. However the problem is if YouTube isn't seeing enough traffic on a video it doesn't get boosted as much, so it's entirely possible that although somebody would want to watch that video, and would watch it with a normal title, they will never see that it in their feed because there was not enough overall interest in it.

So, it's tricky finding a balance

As the phrase goes, don't hate the player, hate the game.

I think you're doing what you need to in order to get views, but the videos themselves are full of good content and information, so it's not click bait to me.

It is annoying to have to play the game this way though, and I'm sure nobody really enjoys it

 

[Steve]

As the phrase goes, don't hate the player, hate the game.

I think you're doing what you need to in order to get views, but the videos themselves are full of good content and information, so it's not click bait to me.

It is annoying to have to play the game this way though, and I'm sure nobody really enjoys it

Yeah, I really miss the days when I could just put what the videos were about in the title with the affectations.

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

Watch this vid if you really want to see how to test Wildlife AF

 

[RichF]

@Steve how about a video on each section of the book That would be very handy but probably destroy book sales.

 

[RichF]

Yeah, I really miss the days when I could just put what the videos were about in the title with the affectations.

Perhaps we should have a thread on best words to create interest (click bait) in your next video

 

[joe43]

Steve great job. I like both the book and the video.

For those who may be partially color blind, like me, read and look at what Steve says about these "A " custom settings. I have tried to remove the red "box" color whenever possible as I can barely see it.

A11 focus point display
Manual—set to ON
Dynanmic area—set to ON
Afc—set to ON
3d--- set to white

Af 13 focus peaking. Color yellow, most of the time

A15 manual focus ring in af mode. set to ON

 

[Viseguy]

Thanks for the guide. I was viewing it with a Z8 in hand, and thought it odd that mine does not have the a15, Manual Focus Ring in AF mode option. Mine has firmware version 1.00.

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the guide. I was viewing it with a Z8 in hand, and thought it odd that mine does not have the a15, Manual Focus Ring in AF mode option. Mine has firmware version 1.00.

a15 only shows up if you have a supported lens attached. If not, it disappears. And I really wish Nikon didn't do that, it makes it confusing. Although, it would probably be equally confusing if people tried to use it with an unsupported lens and it didn't work. Still, seems like there should be a better way.

 

[SteveReid]

Thanks everyone

Also, if you know someone or some place that would benefit from it, please consider sharing it. This video isn't doing so hot out of the gate. Probably due to the length.

Thanks, we new Z owners need a complete tutorial on the Z features. I can't figure out how to get 20 FPS. I know, I know, I'm a tech dummy!

 

[radinski]

I just received my Z8 yesterday and I'm trying to set my FN1 and FN2 buttons per your e-book and also tried following the video. Its probably something in my earlier setup but I can't figure it out. When in the f2 customer controls (shooting) menu and I have FN1 selected and press ok I get AF/(+) Focus mode/AF-area. When I press OK I don't any of the separate options such as 3D etc... goes back to the AF/(+) Focus mode/AF-area screen. Now if I do press the FN1 button I can scroll through the options using the command dial but I was thinking the FN1 button would always change the mode to 3D if that's what I'd set it to.

 

[SNEDDERS6666]

Hey Steve amazing. I am brand new too mirrorless and I have also just set up my new Z8 here in Glasgow, Scotland. I have your book on the Z8/Z9 and find it absolutely fantastic and invaluable. I know I said I would never go mirrorless but the Z8 is too good to miss so I traded in one of my D850s and joined the ranks. Due out tomorrow to try it out, can't wait.

 

[radinski]

I just received my Z8 yesterday and I'm trying to set my FN1 and FN2 buttons per your e-book and also tried following the video. Its probably something in my earlier setup but I can't figure it out. When in the f2 customer controls (shooting) menu and I have FN1 selected and press ok I get AF/(+) Focus mode/AF-area. When I press OK I don't any of the separate options such as 3D etc... goes back to the AF/(+) Focus mode/AF-area screen. Now if I do press the FN1 button I can scroll through the options using the command dial but I was thinking the FN1 button would always change the mode to 3D if that's what I'd set it to.

I guess I figured it out but not sure what was the original issue. I reset my settings and now I can select the different modes on FN1.

 

[Steve]

Thanks, we new Z owners need a complete tutorial on the Z features. I can't figure out how to get 20 FPS. I know, I know, I'm a tech dummy!

Press the little frame rate button on the top (looks like a stacked series go boxes) and you can select your frame rate with the command dials

Also, check out my setup guide if you haven't yet - it covers a lot of what you'll want to know

 

[Steve]

I guess I figured it out but not sure what was the original issue. I reset my settings and now I can select the different modes on FN1.

It sounds like maybe it was set to normal AF area changes and not to a specific override. Sounds like you have it now though

 

[KishoreBhargava]

In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.

Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.

Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!

Also, I just got a brand new B&H affiliate link. If you're gonna get one, using that link helps support this site and won't cost you any more to do it., Thanks for your help

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1765622-REG/nikon_z8_mirrorless_camera.html/BI/20051/KBID/13675/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x1235659/SID/DFF

Steve,

Excellent job on the content that you create and share. I don't think I would be able to shoot without your guidance. Your books and videos have been invaluable.

I just upgraded from a D500 to Z9 and of course, the first thing I did was to get your guide. But in the past, I had also picked up the "Secrets to The Nikon Autofocus System" while the book does cover the Z9, my question to you is, do I need both books? I had read the Autofocus book earlier and was revisiting it when you launched the new "Ultimate" guide. I am primarily a bird photographer and use many of your tips and setup options. I do change a few things around to suit my shooting style but the adaptations are minor.

I think anyone from this forum could pick up my camera and start shooting without any hesitation ;-)

If you do come to India, please do connect. I am sure we can show some birds and mammals that you may not have seen before.

Cheers…Kishore
—
BTW, love the humour in your books, I normally read through once just for that ;-)

 

[Steve]

Steve,

Excellent job on the content that you create and share. I don't think I would be able to shoot without your guidance. Your books and videos have been invaluable.

I just upgraded from a D500 to Z9 and of course, the first thing I did was to get your guide. But in the past, I had also picked up the "Secrets to The Nikon Autofocus System" while the book does cover the Z9, my question to you is, do I need both books? I had read the Autofocus book earlier and was revisiting it when you launched the new "Ultimate" guide. I am primarily a bird photographer and use many of your tips and setup options. I do change a few things around to suit my shooting style but the adaptations are minor.

I think anyone from this forum could pick up my camera and start shooting without any hesitation ;-)

If you do come to India, please do connect. I am sure we can show some birds and mammals that you may not have seen before.

Cheers…Kishore
—
BTW, love the humour in your books, I normally read through once just for that ;-)

Thanks!

I tried to give the guide a good level of AF info so, depending on your needs, it constant alone. However, the AF guide does dive deeper into the AF system and really is as much about sharpness as it is the AF system. Kind of a one-two punch. So, it does have a lot more info in it.

I'll be updating it for the Z8, however, from an AF system standpoint, there's really no difference. Both camera's use identical AF systems and my recommendations for each are the same. So, for now, anyone with that guide can apply everything I say about the Z9. The update will basically be to change "Z9" to "Z8/9" throughout the text

 

[Whiskeyman]

Titles have a huge impact on YT and if you don't have something catchy, you wasted your time creating the video.

So is it better for you for us to watch from the link here, or to watch in youtube.com? Or is watching it from here the same as going to youtube.com?

 

[Whiskeyman]

Perhaps we should have a thread on best words to create interest (click bait) in your next video

It might get quite interesting, ya' think?

 

[Whiskeyman]

Hey Steve amazing. I am brand new too mirrorless and I have also just set up my new Z8 here in Glasgow, Scotland. I have your book on the Z8/Z9 and find it absolutely fantastic and invaluable. I know I said I would never go mirrorless but the Z8 is too good to miss so I traded in one of my D850s and joined the ranks. Due out tomorrow to try it out, can't wait.

Good luck with the Z8, David. I've found that now that I've gotten a bit familiar with my Z9, the rest of my cameras stay in the bag most of the time. (For reference, I'm mainly shooting B-I-F and sports.)

 

[SNEDDERS6666]

Good luck with the Z8, David. I've found that now that I've gotten a bit familiar with my Z9, the rest of my cameras stay in the bag most of the time. (For reference, I'm mainly shooting B-I-F and sports.)

One question if I may, Steve’s book is for firmware v1.05 for the Z8 my Z8 is v 1.0 and I can’t find v 1.05 on the Nikon website, any ideas?

 

[gdecamp]

Excellent job on the video Steve, thank you for putting this together!

 

[SteveReid]

Press the little frame rate button on the top (looks like a stacked series go boxes) and you can select your frame rate with the command dials

Also, check out my setup guide if you haven't yet - it covers a lot of what you'll want to know

 

[SteveReid]

Thank you, Steve, LOL, I am a dummy, I had the wrong setting. You're the best.

 

[John_DE]

One question if I may, Steve’s book is for firmware v1.05 for the Z8 my Z8 is v 1.0 and I can’t find v 1.05 on the Nikon website, any ideas?

Same as you, my Z8 is ver 1.0. However, I did not find any thing in my menu that differed from Steve’s e-book and video. Finally have my Z8 setup very similar to my Z9 (as close as I can).

 

[SteveReid]

I think Nikon's website has crashed. I keep getting the same message even after I sign in and registered my camera late last night.