Nikon Z9. Bird Photography Autofocus. I finally see what I've been missing!
How well does the Z9 perform when focusing on birds. I don't really know what I was expecting but my expectations were....well, you'll have to watch and see.
Photographed with the 500pf and Nikon Z9.
#NikonZ9 #Nikon #birdphotography
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Here is a list of the equipment I use.
Nikon 500mm PF amzn.to/3GwTfys
Nikon z mount 105mm 2.8 MC amzn.to/3ye0M2b
F-Stop Backpack amzn.to/2Wykvuv
Drone DJI Air 2S amzn.to/3jnSwXJ
Nikon Z6II amzn.to/2SntkFK
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3wy1IgC
K&F Concept Variable ND amzn.to/3gXMmf6
Wimberley gimbal amzn.to/3s2ABqE
Tripod Benro Mach 3 amzn.to/3uobYWE
Memory cards xqd amzn.to/3uygzG7
Rode video video Mic NTG. amzn.to/31R2bzm
Nikon 20mm 1.8. amzn.to/3h1bSjG
Zoom H4N amzn.to/3kX0TJh
Tape wrap for tripod amzn.to/2Vobzb8
Thanks for stopping by. Visit me on Instagram:
/ bayou_josh
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
All Aerial Photography and video was captured by me. I am a Part 107 UAV Pilot. Feel free to email with inquiries.
For someone that wasn't sent a Z9 from Nikon, you've made the most useful video on the autofocus. Good job Josh
Still figuring it out. I'm sure I overlooked a few things. 🙂
S/O to the Gremlins. I've had the chance to use a Z9 over a weekend and I felt the same way. It's like black magic.
Just now found this channel. Where have you been hiding during my hundreds of wildlife photography searches?? Let the binge watching commence
Oh Yay!!! you just made my day. KZhead and that dang search algorithm. they get it right sometimes. 😄
Well Josh, your game is moving on up. I can't wait to see some of your new photos and videos with the new Z9.
I'm not a Nikon shooter and I'm not a subscriber.. but maybe I will be.. a subscriber I mean.. lol.. because I just watched one of the most honest not in your face camera reviews I think I've ever seen on KZhead.. Thanks for that! Enjoy your new camera! I hope you continue to show in your videos how much fun photography can be.. Great Video!
thanks so much Billy. It is a fun hobby!
@@BayouJoshYes.. It certainly is a fun hobby!
Nice, this is the video I've been waiting to see. Glad you finally got the camera. You have some great images on your instagram account buddy!!
thank you so much. I appreciate it.
Good, honest review! 👍
Awesome. Happy for you Josh.
Congrats with camera Josh. Man I want to visit you, what a magnificent birds.
When shooting birds - Put in bird detection mode. Then the camera knows what you want 👍🏻 You had it in auto detection. I think that’s the reason
thanks a lot for sharing this all the best for you and subscribed already
Impressive gear! Thanks for taking to the time to share. Insightful
Glad your enjoying your new Z9 Josh! Keep making good shots. 👌🏾👌🏾
Love this ❤ great video as always josh
Hello from MANHATTAN, I wanted to tell you I just finished watching The Vahagraphy KZhead video of Jan 2, 2022, where my buddy Vahagan praised you, your work and your channel..all I can say, he's correct..kudos to you Josh for great content..Carmine 👍
You are very kind Carmine. thank you so much. Vahagn is a good friend and a great ambassador in the Nikon community.
So cool Josh, that your really happy with Z9 camera. Looking forward to your next video.
This is great
Awesome to see your excitement about it
Thanks Josh. The more "in the field" reviews of any piece of equipment is leagues better than any "on paper" or "out-of-the-box" testimonials. I appreciate your honest review of the Z9, especially when it comes to in-flight shots.
Bayou Josh - I like your channel, and your honesty/directness. - Subscribed.
AMAZING !!!! Definitely my next purchace
Good to hear!!!!
Hey Josh - been a fan since the early days. Excited for you with the Z9 - I completely understand the buzz of a new camera. It doesn't happen often, and great fun to have that new, hottest toy in your hands. That said, please don't change this channel to a hardware focus. I've always enjoyed your narratives, and coming along on your adventures and seeing what you see. YT is bombarded with videos about the Z9 and how it the best thing ever and run out and buy it!!!! Well, as you know, all of us can't - at least right now. So it's great to have content that focuses on other things, too ;-) All I'm saying is don't forget where you came from with this channel - you are a MASTER story teller. That said, I am excited to see what you do with the Z9 as my wife also watches your vids with me and I can say "see, look at what I could do with THAT camera!" ;-) (Course I need to find some Great Greys as cooperative as those - wow!)
Thank you so much Steve. It will certainly not turn into a gear channel. Like you said, I am just excited and I do get a fair share of guys reaching out asking me to do these reviews. back to normal next week. working on it now. 🙂
@@BayouJosh +1 to Steve Klett's request. - I can relate to you in so many ways. I upgraded my Nikon D70 after 18 years - gear Does(nt) matter just like you say. And I enjoy these videos. I got my Z9 in Mar 2022 and in my first shoot itself I had a 90% keeper rate. There are gremlins inside :) .
Excellent video
So happy you’ve got one and got already these amazing results.
thank you so much.
Nice, thanks!
Hi Josh excellent video as usual. Auto focus is even faster if you just set the focus mode to just Animal, people or vehicle depending on what you are photographing. Also Hudson Henry just posted several videos on setting up the Z9 for Action, Standard, Landscape and Astro. Worth taking a look at. Leep shooting. Bob
thanks for the heads up on the focus mode. I'll definitely be switching that. Just winging it. It's the way I learn. dive in a screw things up a bit then work it out afterwards.
In those videos he talks about using a hybrid AF approach of wide area and 3d with looks very promising.
Thanks for this video! The Owl footage is awesome!
Excellent explanation Thankyou
very interesting and as always, also informative
Another great and resourceful video. Thanks, Bayou
Very informative in a very calm and relaxing way.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great images Josh! Thanks for sharing. Keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Excellent! Thanks!
You bet!
Many thanks for sharing your honest experience in the field. For most of us out there, wildlife photographers, it is more about real life experience in the field and the actual end results than theoretical figures and tests. Your video conveys just that and is really motivating. And, well done for the great shots.
I am glad you enjoy it Patrick. thank you,
Hello Josh Nice video I’m very happy that you are happy with z9 Beautiful job Gary temor
WOW!!! CONGRATS On the new Z9!!
thank you,
Bayou~ you shared welll !:))
Thank you, Josh. This is exactly the type of information I've been looking for. Morten Hilmer also did a video that was straight to the point user information. Now, if my health improves I might end up with a Z9.
Love the video! I’ve got a Z9 on order. Hearing about your experiences (and enthusiasm about the camera) makes me believe I’ve done the right thing. Keep the videos coming please. I look forward to seeing where this camera takes you!
You certainly did the right thing.
I JUST picked up my Z9 today from the store and WOW!!!!!!!!!! SO MANY KEEPERS NOW!!!
What a wonderfully accurate assessment of the strengths and shortcomings of this AF system. Great video. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for watching Paula.
Forget the gear, the joy you andd yo wife bring to photography is wonderful. Thank you for sharing! (Also the Z9 is amazing. 😁) Edit: 10:15 Those "I was fumbling to get the shot" shots are jaw-dropping. The Z9 is no joke!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I'm glad you finally pull the trigger on to Z9. I do believe that better equipment doesn't make you a better photographer but it will definitely makes your life easier and your experience much more smoother!
I totally agree!
Such beautiful country and you are doing a wonderful job of telling the story of you capturing it.
Thank you so much!
great video, and some real strong selling points for the Z9. Will take me a while to save enough for one (if I can be selective in buying lenses .. lol). Really enjoyed this .. thanks Josh.
Awesome videos, Josh! I just got my Z9 a few days ago. I had a similar experience with a bobcats. I got so many in focus tack sharp images that I couldn’t believe it. With my Z7II and Z6 I too used the FN button to scroll through the focus modes. With the Z9 I set the record button to scroll through focus modes and the FN 1-3 buttons to individual AF modes. It seems to be a lot faster. I also set the AF tracking to animal instead of auto. Like you said, “the Z9 is worth every penny”.
What a great and honest review , thank you for sharing it BJ !
My pleasure!
I'm so happy for you, Josh! The right tool in the right hands😉 Some amazing owl photos you have there! I look forward to seeing wildlife through your eyes with this amazing tool! Enjoy it man!
Thanks so much!
A great honest review Josh, and some fab owl photos 👌
Thank you so much
Awesome video Josh. You are an awesome guy. There is something about you that strikes the chord with most of the people watching your channel. The video about Making Your Own Luck, made me a fan of yours, and it helped me to see things from a better perspective. I too am not a professional photographer, but I love bird photography. Thank you so much. And keep up the good work. Cheers. 🍻
You are very kind. thank you.
Could sense your excitement from the start. The wait has been worth it I see. Looking forward to more.
😀
Hi! As usual, awesome review, observation & comment. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your excitement is infectious! Congratulations on nailing your best BIF shots with your new toy :)
Thanks so much!!
I’m so glad you chose to buy this camera. Great photos, great video.
Me too! thank you my friend.
Thank you!
Amazing Amazing Review It was the best video I saw about the Z9 focus system Great Job
Thanks a ton!
Hi Josh. Great video. I also am impressed with mirrorless and use Sony currently. It is crazy now as BIF work is so easy. Too easy? Maybe. BIF photographers still need field skills and technique and that will never change. Keep up the great work!
Thank you. (and congratulations!) I'm still waiting for my Z9, so in the meantime, it's hugely gratifying to see others enjoying the camera, and seeing that it's elevating everyone's work. Nice!
Thank you Mike. It really is making things easier.
I am not sure how i ended up here, but i like it! You seem humble, down to earth and honest. Three things i highly appreciate in people and your video was informative and useful without any useless fluff. Looking forward to more videos! Subscribed and liked!
I appreciate that! Welcome aboard
Thanks for giving me a few hours with the Z9. I can’t wait for mine to show up! Glad the back button/shutter release tip worked better for you. Loving the Atomos!
Thanks for pointing that out. Let me know if you have any other secrets you want to share. 😆
Wow! This video has got me very excited for mine to come. Good thing it’s winter and birding is not too good yet at least around here. Thanks Josh!
You are going to love it.
Very well presented, I can't wait to get mine, until then I have been using a D500 for birds instead of my Z6ii or Z7 and have far more keepers.
Brilliant , and honest assessment as always. Thank you. Ian (UK)
Thank you Ian.
im glad nikon finally came thru ..
I think that the el. shutter alone, makes this camera better than any Canon or Sony. This is a big leap into the future of digital photography technology!
It is pretty amazing.
I almost watched all of your video and I enjoy it, keep it up.
Thank you so much 😊
I love the intro ! The best on on the Nikon Z9 !
thank you my friend.
Beautiful owl and shots.
Many thanks!
Awesome Josh, I am glad you have your new camera! You extremely excited
So excited
I have the same setup and was also blown away. First by the 500pf and now with that lens attached to my Z9.
Happy in the extreme for your delight in the Z9. I settled over a year ago for a Z6ii. The Z9 has huge computing power and the software needed to get you the focusing experience you are so pleased with. I’m sure the software will be further developed and can anticipate your continued delight. Those owl shots were great and you are hopefully going to give us more. Enjoy.
Thank you Edward. Exciting times.
This is one of the most honest videos I've ever seen on KZhead for the Nikon Z9 I've just bought the Olympus OM-1 and it's incredible a new camera with new technology doesn't make you a better photographer but it definitely makes photography much easier and I've definitely gotten better results.
I had the same thoughts using mine. Going out tomorrow for a walk. Hopefully something worth shooting. It is a nice feeling to be able to focus on the moment, feeling and composition more now than the focus. As always, enjoy watching each video Josh.
Thanks Steve. definite game changer
I’m sold .. thanks Josh! Can’t wait until I get the Z9 .. and also great moments capturing the great greys!
Right on!
Hi Josh, awesome piece of equipment and a dreamcombo for me at the moment. I love my D500, I am upgrading my 200-500 to a 500mm PF very soon and maybe next year, the Z9. Keep those videos coming. Kind regards from the Netherlands!
Good choice! you will love that 500pf
Glad to see you having fun with your new Z9 Josh. I can hear the excitement in your voice. These new digitals are well worth the purchase.
thank you. Indeed makes things fun.
Love it Josh! Many paths to take and some, like us, tinker, poke and prod, stumble and get back up, to eventually getting there. That AF-hunting is not surprising on some of your images. Squint, or convert to black and white and squint. (heck, some are already b&w!) Close your eyes half way and you'll see the owl disappear.
😄 right?
Amazing camera and than you Josh for sharing your experience. Beautiful shots of owls!!! I am still waiting for my Z9. Maybe I will receive it before summer!
Fingers crossed!
You couldn't hide your enthusiasm for this camera, well done. I look forward to your videos going forward with this super beast. Well done. What is valuable is that you are not some Nikon sponsored 'expert' so what you say is an honest users view
It is exciting to have something that actually makes it a little easier. I feel like we've been struggling and watching other companies pull away for the last few years.
The AF improvements in mirrorless are phenomenal. Glad you're enjoying the Z9. I've just got the Canon R3 and equally impressed. It's ability to pick up the subject and eye and stick on it in varied situations and light is just incredible!
R3 is awesome
Awesome location for getting so many owls. Great AF video 😁
Thank you 😊
Well hello and welcome to the Mirrorless world of photography ! You remind me of when I bought the Sony A9 ! Blown away ! 😀👍😍
Definitely blown away.
Wonderful video with honest review, a must view for all photographers.
Many thanks!
Glad you got this, and this is the reason I sold my 6ii and 7ii to get a second one as Nikon is mainly going to be focusing their firmware improvements on the Z9. Cant wait to see more Z9 content. This was great.
Thanks Dave.
Good honest video Josh and I take no credit, but do feel a wee bit of pleasure in knowing I encouraged you to buy it!! 😊
😆
Brilliant video Josh, nikon should make you an ambassador for them . Your enthusiasm and honesty is infectious.
Thanks Peter. I don’t think Nikon is worried too much about me.
I always like first and then watch your video... but this time its for Nikon Z9......🤘
You're the best! thank you.
Great video Josh, i just got a Z9 coming can't wait to step up from a D4 .
Less than a few minutes in now and I like the authenticity and style of your videos! Also I just laughed out loud at the part about obsessing over bird photos I’m in that zone as well it is a fun addiction!
It certainly is a fun addiction! Thanks for tagging a long Tom.
I have to say, that tracking is really nice, especially saying how well the owl camouflages in the trees. Great video as always.
Thank you very much! And, folks are pointing out that it will be better when I switch to Animal eye tracking exclusively.
@@BayouJosh it could. I could see how it might improve AF performance on animal eye detection.
Great to see you out in the field with it Josh. And that it lives up to expectations. My main issue is having to damn many keepers to choose from, I've gone down to 15 fps to to reduce my post processing workload!
Right!!!! I can't believe how much time I would spend going back and forth between 10-20 perfect shots and trying to figure out which one is the most perfect 😆
Excellent video, just excellent. And I am an Olympus shooter, never owned a Nikon.
I love the way you are almost breathless with excitement. The modern mirrorless certainly can do that to you. I still find myself giggling some days when the camera grabs focus on a bird whizzing by.
It is pretty amazing! I think that breathlessness is me needing to control my breathing a little better. Thank you so much though.
Another great vid, Josh! It's crazy, but the AF tracking really is THAT good. I followed a white heron around at two different locations yesterday (two different herons, of course...didn't take the first bird with me to location two, lol), and the eye tracking wore me out going handheld. The focus box never leaves the eye, so the tendency is to keep holding the cam up to shoot! VR worked great when my arms got a little shaky, but I think I'll bring my monopod along from now on. It definately changes the way you shoot, with so many hits!
Indeed. and it grabs focus so fast. I was photographing ducks and they would whip by and I'd just throw the camera up and start snapping and it would just work. It will spoil me quick.
Aw, you're a professional. Great video. Enjoy the camera, can't wait to see how you grow
Thank you so much!!
I'm so glad to see that you waited along with the rest of us for Nikon to catch up to the rest of the mirrorless market with Autofocus. I've been yelling loudly in your comments to all the naysayers out there that Nikon will without a doubt catch up and maybe even surpass the rest of the class on autofocus. They haven't passed anyone yet but I think thats coming within a year or two. I am not sure if I am going to get the Z9 or wait a year and grab a Z8 or Z7iii because if history has shown me anything with Nikon is that they always put their flagship autofocus system in their lower end bodies a year or so after they drop. I may sell my Z6ii and Z7 and grab the Z9 anyways but honestly I really like the smaller bodies of the Z6 & Z7 bodies over the Flagship bodies with the grip. I do own a grip for my Z6ii just in case I'm shooting portraits but thats almost NEVER, so I guess it will just come down to how much effort I feel like putting into selling my other bodies and if Nikon teases any newer lower end bodies soon. Super glad you got your Z9 and I'm glad that I was one of the guys telling you to not even put any thought into it and to just get it because it will advance your channel without a doubt. Remember..... 108k within a year and you've doubled your subs in the last 5 months, so I expect it go grow super fast now that you got a fire lit under you right now with that new bazooka Z9! Good Luck Josh!!!
Thanks brother. I am sure the tech will trickle down. It is exciting times for Nikon.
Great insight on the Nikon Z9's autofocus, Josh. It is a great video gear as well. I read somewhere the Z9 has a 4k 120p 2.3x crop video mode. Hope you can explore the video side more in future videos.
I have not explored the video mode much other than keeping it at 4k 120 in FX mode. I'll definitely look into that and report back. You guys are learning along with me. figuring it out as I go. 😀
Hi Josh... happy to see you with your own Z9..I am a Z6ii user and from last 8-9 months I am using it for my bird and wildlife photography..what I really feel that tracking for Z6ii is a matter of huge challenge..for still photos it's most of the time bang on the target... knowing that you have used your Z6ii extensively, can you pls share some of your thoughts and some fild tips ... it would be a great help for people like me.. ofcourse I can't afford Z9 right at this moment..great respect to your work 🙏, from India
As for me, these mirrorless camera take away the fun & the true learning skills of a traditional photography & videography…IMO! A great informative video, by the way…👍
But it sure it's fun to nail the shot over and over again.
@@BayouJosh I’m an old school from 35mm to DSLR shooters for over 30 years and this will be a challenging habit to break. But, as for perfect shot every time? No argue there for sure!🤣👍