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All MILC's have this issue, some lenses/cameras worse than others. Longer FL lenses usually suffer more because the near field with be so far OOF there's no contrast/detail to detect. One strategy as you outlined is to hit the MF, another is to stop trying to AF, point the camera at something closer than the subject and then reacquire. We still don't know the OP's issues as he hasn't provided all of his settings/techniques.
It's interesting because I can't recall having the issue a single time with Canon, but I experience it every single time I shoot with Nikon lol.
It happens almost as frequently with my R5/R7 and telephoto lenses. Additionally, these cameras are challenged AF'ing with strong side/backlit subjects. In general, I found my R5 acquired the subject quicker than the Z8 though that has changed with the FW 2.0. My experience has been that the R5 continues to have more reliable AF for BIF and better AED. Additionally, it follows diving birds better through the strike. The R7 is terrible in this regard and it frequently loses focus or focuses on the background. The Z8 is generally pretty good though it struggles with diving birds, inexplicably losing AF when they near the water. I've tried every AF mode, type, and parameters without affecting the oof images. It's really weird shooting osprey/eagles/pelicans diving with the Z8. It will keep the AF on target through the dive and just before the strike the AF jumps off the bird and FF'es on nothing for several frames, misses the strike, and then catches up to the bird afterwards. This has not improved with FW 2.0. Is it the fewer AF points, lack of dual pixel, algorithms, or some other factors? I do know that the Z8 worked extremely well when I was shooting spoonbill landings a couple weeks ago and nailed almost every sequence.
havecamerawilltravel.com
Chappy, what you are describing is my main issue and it is very frustrating! I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one struggling with this! I've recently had this issue with Kestrels and Brown Creepers with no obstructions in front. I just could not get a focus lock on the bird! So I really appreciate the time you took to respond and provide some workarounds that I will most certainly try. I used to have a F 200-500 and also had this issue with that lens. I too have the latest FW 2.00 on my Z8. Again thank you!
Sounds very similar to what I'm experiencing!! Glad I'm not the only one. I will continue to practice and come up with workarounds, including tips already provided in this thread. Again, Thank you for your response!
Joe, I have checked my focus range switch on the lens and it is set to 'Full' (no limiter), so that should be okay. I haven't programmed the Control Ring, however, I will check to make sure there isn't anything with it causing my problem. Thank you for the link and for your response!I also think the problem might be the switch on the lens that controls its focus range. Make sure your lens is set for all length (no limiter).
And also check the Control ring setting. It might be set to something that is causing or contributing to your problem. I found this to be the case with my Z9 when I first started to use my Z mount 100-400mm S lens. I was touching the Control ring on the lens that set or reset something. I fixed it by disabling it in Custom Controls in my Z9. Check your Z8 manual to see what it says about lens Control Ring settings.
This link might help:
How to Customize the Control Ring on Nikon Z Lenses & What You Can Do With It
My aim in this post is to walk through how to adjust the control ring settings, explore the default settings, and dive into the various options available so you can set it up for your own style of shooting.
Eric, I'm currently at FW 2.00 which now includes the bird SD. Thanks for your response. I will try Auto Area AF with Bird SD and see if that makes a difference for me. Again thanks!
