Nikon D500 Bird In Flight Autofocus System Setup
2017 ж. 8 Сәу.
462 358 Рет қаралды
Interested in seeing exactly how I set up my Nikon D500 Autofocus system for Birds in Flight? That's what this video covers!
Bird Photography Workshops: photoworkshopsandtours.com
NIKON D500 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY:
photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
NIKON D850 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY : photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MASTERING THE ART OF CAPTURING STUNNING IMAGES OF BIRDS: photoworkshopsandtours.com/ind...
Gear I Use: bhpho.to/2QcycHH
DISCLAIMERS:
My B&H gear link does have have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Having worked as a professional photographer all my adult life and having taught photography and digital post-production at numerous universities and workshops with very favorable student feedback, I do believe that I have a good understanding of teaching photography. After having attended various presentations and mini-workshops by very established and great visual artist, I can tell you this; being a great photographer does not equal being a great teacher and there are even some not so great photographers that are very good teachers. I have only watched a few of Mark Smith’s videos and my impression is that he is in a league of his own, a great photographer and a great instructor, a pleasure to watch providing extremely useful information. I do plan to view more of his videos and possibly attend one of his workshops, as fast-moving bird photography is not my expertise.
Wow, that is very. very nice of you to say. Thanks so much for that!
@@MarkSmithphotography Your welcome, it is what it is, I am a hardcore teacher expecting only the very best of my students meaning I only give praise when praise is earned. Looking forward to meeting you someday.
You know you're stuff, from a real world perspective, and are very generous with your time and knowledge. It largely goes unsaid, but I'm sure many people, including myself, are very appreciative.
Thanks for this video, Mark, I used your suggested autofocus settings with my D500 on a recent wildlife tour and got excellent results, especially for birds in flight. And the single point focus setting is very convenient for certain situations where group focus is not required.
Mark; thanks so much for this series of videos on wildlife settings, never owned a pro level controlled camera before now; you've made this early learning process fastrack into the field in no time at all. Learned more in 24hrs from these than I have of weeks of going through some others on here. They are good but your whole approach is like a friend showing you how. Works a treat. Cheers.
Hi Mark, just starting on photography. D500 and Nikkor AF-S 55-300 for the moment. Once I get the hang of this will upgrade to the big glass. You are truly an inspiration and of great help. Greetings from Sri Lanka.
Mark - Bought my D500 for wildlife photography and have been frustrated ever since. I know this is an excellent camera for my requirements. My results just haven't been living up to expectation. Watched your series on Birds in Flight and now feel something for the first time. Confidence. Love the way you break it all down for idiots like me. Off to South Florida next week and really feeling optimistic regarding the quality of the bird shots I'll be getting there. Thank you! Tom
Thanks to this setup my birds in flight photography has improved enormously . Thank you very much !!
I'm a long-time birder, but a D500 newbie. This was clear and helpful in knowing what to do on the camera based on what you see. Thank you.
I have set my preview button "top right side button next to the lens mount, easily accessible by using the middle finger to press it while using the index finger for the shutter button" for 72 points "you can set it up to whatever points you want, I sometimes set it up for 25 points depending on what I will be shooting ", I have set the joystick button set for group focus, the AF-ON button is set for single point AF, I can also change it on the fly to 3D tracking by pressing the AF/M button selector switch and scrolling through the focus point selections which are visible in the viewfinder or the LCD screen on the back by pressing the info button.
Mark, This past Friday evening I watched many of your videos and then went out over the weekend with a friend and used many of the tips, techniques and setup options you suggest. Wow, total game changers in the learning curve to shoot in birds in flight with the D500 and 200-500mm lens. Thank you for taking the time to make the videos and share them with the world, they are well made and you make them entertaining to watch!
That is awesome. Glad the videos have helped you. Have a great time out there shooting!
Mark I have to say your simple but complete approach to teaching me exactly how to change the setting ,but showing me step by step on the actual camera was extremely easy to follow.I'm a fan now !! thanks'
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and even more glad it helped!
Great video Mark, clear instructions, easy to follow even for someone new to Nikon. Forgive me if someone has already made this observation. For birds in flight. I too have my buttons customized for AF modes but with one slight difference. Since I always use back button focusing, with focus assigned to the af 0n button. I tend to have this button as my primary shooting mode. Group25. Then set the joystick to single point. In this way both buttons work as focus buttons and the shutter release is left to do just that.
found your channel 3 days ago after buying a d500 for 900 bucks. I bought your books and can't wait to start reading them.
I’m renting a D500 in a few days and this video has been very helpful as I want to do some bird photography. You’re a very good teacher.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Great video, I just got my D500 and will be trying your recommendations this morning. Thanks.
Thanks!
Great video with useful tips, one thing though, I prefer using the AF-ON button for back button focusing, then I use the PV (preview) button in front of the camera instead for a quickly switching to single point.
Thanks and thanks for sharing more useful tips about the PV button.
Many thanks for this video Mark! (and some others as well). I recently got a D500 with the kit 16-80mm lens, and I just set up the AF per your video. I'll be picking up either a 300mm f4 PF or a 200-500mm very soon. I live off of a river in Maryland with Bald Eagles and Ospreys around, and followed a fledgling Bald Eagle around this morning. Your videos are fantastic and very helpful!
That's awesome. Sounds like you are in a great location
Brilliant video and excellent for finding out more with all of the deeper settings within the D500.
Thanks
Very awesome... Explained neat and elegant way. Lively and lovely demo for action photography. Great job. Thanks.
Hey Mark - Thanks for going step by step with the D500. I am new with it & know it can do a whole bunch more than I am able to right now. Your videos are getting me to where I want to be with this awesome camera. Please do more - slow and simple for knuckleheads like me.
Thanks for watching.
Mark, great video thanks for posting. I like how you present your information, to the point and easy to understand!
Hi Mark, I've just purchased the D500 and really enjoyed your video. Very informative.
+Ray Brown Great. Enjoy the d500. It is a great camera.
Excellent, Mark! You should teach a class. This is a must-see for wildlife photographers. I can see the D500 is like a fine-tuned machine.
Thanks! The D500 is an awesome camera!
I second UncleVinny's suggestion for video classes. I've never found tutorials, explanations, etc on any video that comes even remotely close to the way you teach and describe everything. SO grateful for your videos, and would definitely love to see you teach classes, either video or live stream.
That's awesome! I'm glad to know the videos are helping others get the most from their cameras. I need to think the whole teaching thing through. Not sure what platform would be best for that and I am open to suggestions.
So many options I wouldn't even begin to know which would be best. But I'll be waiting in line to sign up if you do decide to go for it. You have a great way of explaining things, which isn't always the case with many of the videos I've watched.
Thanks so much. I am currently writing a how to book for bird photography. When it is ready, I will post a video about it.
This was one of the best video's I've seen on the D500 and I've watched at least 100 of them. Thank you!
Wow! Thanks so much for the great compliments!
Thanks a lot. Your enthusiasm is addictive. And your knowledge is helping me tremendously!
Awesome and you are very welcome!
Mark, another fantastic and informative video. I bought my D500 and 200-500mm lens yesterday, all because of you. I feel my life improving already. Many thanks.
+MrFreshbreeze50 Great! Thanks for the compliments!
I just recently found your KZhead channel and am blown away by your photos. I have been a Nikon shooter for 40+ years and am now in the market to upgrade. While I am primarily a photograph shooter, I am starting to dabble in video. I've watched your comparison video between the D500 and the D850 and am more confused than ever on which to upgrade to. I do mostly wildlife photos but have started doing astrophotography in addition to wildlife. Any additional suggestions you may have would be appreciated.
Thank you, Mark this was very helpful.
Excellent, a very helpfull way of changing focus points on the run. Thanks you.
Thank you!
Just one comment... I have watched a lot of videos and I am a Nikon shooter. I currently own the D850. You are very special Mark.. You are a teacher and enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.. Final Comment... YOU ARE AWSOME!!!!
Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say.
Thanks for this! I just got my D500 and was trying to decide on the best set up for birds in flight.
You are welcome.
You did an awesome job of explaining and showing the features of this camera. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thanks for your video really helpful what would you use the last joy stick mode for? I'm after settings for dog photography
Wow. Excellent, simple and to the point. Well done Mark and thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Thank you so much I just purchaced a D500 and this video really helped me, I love birds and other wildlife thanks again.
Awesome. Enjoy the new camera. It is a good one. I'm glad the video helped.
I think over and above the like button, KZhead should add a love button on your channel ! Your vlogs are so informative and so interactive, I feel I am almost having a chat with you and accompanying you in field. Every video is superb ! Great job Mark
That is great to hear. Thanks for sharing. Your comment is exactly what I am going for. I want to bring everyone along for the trip.
Excellent and applicable to many other cameras, I appreciate your effort and your photos are par excellent
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and in a clear and concise way. As I watched my first thoughts were what about back button focus but I see others use the PV button so I am going to try that on my D750. Having ordered a Z6 any thoughts about your set up on that? I think it has the joystick so I will be coming back to watch your video again.
I think the Z6 will be good for video but I don't think it will be as good as the D500 for stills. Let's hope I am wrong.
Thanks for the great info! Visited your website absolutely stunning photographs
Thanks
Just come across your channel and love your video's. I have just purchased a D500 and find your video's very informative. Thank you.
That is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the videos are helpful!
I'm planning to take a safari tour to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe in October 2019. I'm trying to get closer to selecting what camera to carry on the trip. Currently, I have a D7100 as my only camera using an 18-300 mm lens. That has worked generally, but have noted two primary problems (photographing aircraft both static and in-flight:) 1) The camera seems to easily get dirt onto the sensor... I've heard that lens may be the problem as it is supposedly not tight enough. 2) The autofocus, while faster than my earlier cameras is not good enough and I am jealous of both the D500 and D850. I'm planning to keep the D7100 & lens as a backup, but to buy a new camera for the trip. I was very interested in the Z7 but am unhappy about the autofocus being less capable than the D500 and D850. So, I remain undecided especially after your comments about the buffer size in the D850 (which I think is similar in the Z7.) Any more suggestions?
D850 buffer seems better than the Z7. You can't go wrong with either the D500 or the D850.
Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul
This is a great video. I set up my d500 in the manner you described and I find it VERY helpful as I try to get some nice bif shots at Brigantine and Forsythe Refuge in NJ. very nicely done. thanks.
Great! Glad to hear it.
At 10:30 into the video you did a very nice job explaining how to use the rear AF button for single point.However , what about those who use that button for ": back Button Focus " ? Thanks for your video .You thoughts appreciated.
Thanks. You can assign the center joystick or thumbstick (pressed in) to do the same function.
just commented on this above, before I saw your question, I use the Preview (PV) button in front of the camera for quickly switching to single point, as your thumb is pressing the AF-ON button you need the switch to single in the front of the camera, PV button works great!
Mark, I think you would make a fine Nikon Ambassador. Great videos. I'd love to bring you birding with me for a couple of days .
That is very nice of you to say. Now nikon just needs to toss me the offera
(Alan) .....Very handy tutorial Mark. I've had my D500 for a few months now, and am still learning things about it. I must try video at some time, that's something I haven't tried at all so far
Thanks. Filming with the D500 is really nice. The 4K looks great but it crops the image quite a bit. This can be really good for wildlife though. It gets you that much closer.
Thanks Mark. Excellent job. I also viewed your Z7, D850 and D500 video comparison. I am a 610 owner -trying to decide whether to upgrade to D850 or go to D500 - I am petite and have trouble hand holding my D610 with anything longer than my 80-400 mm lens. Weight is a factor but mostly I want fast focusing and tracking of BIF - any thoughts which would be better? I can't afford to buy more than one additional body,which I will be taking on safari in 2020
Great video and so easy to follow along. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks for watching. I'm glad to share.
Hi Mark, wow a fan from India....great photography and tips....thanks a lot...
Thank you!
Very well explained!!
Excellent! Fixed all the problems I had shooting at a wildlife refuge a few days ago.
Awesome. Glad to hear it.
Great video thanks for taking the time to do these...some of the options you suggest here are contrary to the same options on the D850 in your other video, such as the Blocked shot AF response...is there a reason your chose closer to quick (2) on the D500 vs closer to delayed (4) on the D850?
You are correct. Both cameras use the same autofocus system but they both respond very differently as well. I'm now using a 500mm PRIME ON MY d850 and the focus is so fast I have to slow it down a bit with the blocked shot response.
Mark, Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance
I am about to have a crack at BIF. This appears to be fantastic advice. I have just set up a D500 and D850 based on this common sense advice and I am off to give it a try. Subscribed.
Going through your video again as a refresher with my NEW D500.. I traded the old one in and you know the story why...
Yep!
Excellent tutorial Mark keep up the good work .
Thanks!
Mark. I really like this video. I just got a D500, moving from a D610. Your video helped me a lot.
+vorticity4 Great! Glad to hear it.
On your Mark.........Grrreat video. I just purchased my D500 and this really helped me with birds in flight and my action sports. Till next video....Mick
Super easy to understand!!!! Thank you!!! Will be coming back to your videos again!!
You are welcome!
Excellent video. Nice and clear with good tips
Thanks
Mark, another great video. What gimbal head do you use?
Nicely done. Is this also called back button autofocus or just further AF customization? I've been meaning to set this up on my D500 eventually.
Hello Mark, loved all your vids. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips n tricks. Recently (just about 10 days) I shifted to Nikon from Canon. And have gone with same D500 with 200-500mm. Surprisingly I am not getting those quality images you shoot. I dont know if I have messed up with my settings or I need to change my style or may something else. I have been hand holding all these days and I have been shooting at higher shutter speeds. May be if I can share a few of my images you can throw some light. Don't know how to go about it....! Need your help. Thank you in advance
No problem. Email me a couple of images. marksmithphotos@gmail.com
Mark Smith oh that will be great.... thank you very much
Love it man . thanks a ton ♥️
Thank you!
Just got my D500, thanks for your great information.
You are welcome. Enjoy!
If i am getting this correct, we now have three buttons for focussing. Shutter release for GRP, AF-ON for AF-S and joystick for AF-25. Correct me if I am wrong.
Yes!
Outstanding!
Thanks1
Great tutorial Mark..thanks a lot.
Thanks!
I love my 500 and the options I have with all my FX lenses on it. The 10 frames/sec are fantastic for action shooting as is the very fast AF.
It’s a great camera!
Love your videos. You're narration style is terrific! Question: Can I set up the AF-On button for single point focus if it's set to back button focus?
Hey thanks for the compliments and for watching. I use the AF-ON button for continuous single point auto focus. It is pretty much the same thing. One touch grabs focus, holding is continuous.
Great Video!!!!....I just ordered a D500 and grip to go with my 200-500mm. Augmenting a 7100, D3, and D700. Love your channel thanks to the Angry Photographer for the referral to you!
Thanks to you and the Angry Photographer! Glad you are enjoying my videos. I am having a great time making them.
I do similar things except I am a back button focus guy, so no AF from the shutter button for mine. I set up the centre of the joystick as the custom AF mode change. So I just move my thumb to change modes instead of changing from my index to thumb and find that easier for me.
I've since moved to back button focus too.
Hey Mark, I have the same camera and I live in the Orlando area (grew up near Clearwater Beach. Thanks for these tips. I see how useful they are not only for shooting birds but also car racing. I hope to meet you one day. Jeff
You are very welcome and I'm glad you got some good info from the videos. I can see how this setup would work well for car racing. I was born in Winter Park and spent most of my life in and around Orlando! Maybe we will bump into each other one day out there!
Mark, what tripod system are you using? Thanks for all the helpful tips!
You can see all my current gear here: kzhead.info/sun/p7N9YMZ9jIVsrXA/bejne.html
this is a great video thank you. One question , when you are tracking with AF-C do you only use the shutter button half way pressed for focusing?
Depends on which focus mode I'm using.
@MarkSmith I have my d500 and 200-500 setup with auto iso, continuous auto focus, and group area 25 for shooting birds. I never drop my shutter below 1/1650 of a sec. I've had this combination for almost a year now and have absolutely loved it. Recently I've noticed more shots out of focus and my focus indicator in the lower left of the eye piece doing a lot of back and forth and not showing locked on. Have you ever experienced this or have any idea on what I could check for ???......Thank You !!
The most common thing that does this is atmospheric interference. I really notice it when there are temperature differences. For instance, the ground is warmer than the air, the air is warmer than the ground. The same goes for large bodies of water. Cool air over warmer water, warm air over cooler water. Shooting from inside a warm vehicle into a cold outdoors does it too.
Great work...I have a question mark.. If Af on button is assigned the functions of setting to single focus point + AF activation means, when ever i press teh af on button for auto focus, then focus point will be changed from group to single point which defies teh entire purpose.. Can you explain?
Binge watching your channel:really enjoying it!
Awesome, thanks!
Really liked your video Mark!
Great! Thanks for watching!
Mark, I really like your videos. Just to make sure I get your system here(I realize you may do something different with your new D850), you have the focus on the shutter(GRP), the AF-ON button(Single), AND the joystick(D25)? I have something similar, but without the shutter button focus, it just releases the shutter. I wasn't honestly aware you could set it up the way you describe.
Yes but I have now disabled the focus system from the shutter release button.
Cool, thanks for the reply!
Really nice job, well done
Thanks!
Hi Mark, I am more of a landscape photographer but at time I really enjoy wildlife photography. Thank you for clarifying what my next camera body will be for wildlife photography. Your videos are really easy to understand and intuitive. I do have a question based on this video. Does the back button AF perform 2 functions as per your customization. Generally I set mine to back button focus only, and I have had this issue where a bird may fly behind a branch or leaves. Does the function provide both back button focus and also single point focus. Hope to hear from a great Fan of your work. Thank you 🐦🐦😊😊
Yes it does
nice job, this was very helpful, clear and understanding. thnx for sharing
You are very welcome!
Hi Mark, Firstly your videos are fantastic and Ive learned a lot from them, just one question on the blocked af response you state that moving to the left towards quick speed the focus up but everything im reading tells me that in this case delayed stops the camera focussing on the object that is blocking your target so effectively the opposite to what you are saying have I got this wrong? Is it as you say heres nikons manual description of the function In continuous-servo AF, focus tracking with lock-on prevents the camera refocusing when your subject is briefly obscured by another object, ensuring that it will continue to track the main subject once the obstacle has moved away. Choose the length of time before the camera refocuses from 1 (Quick), 2, 3, 4, and 5 (Delayed). Lock-on applies only while the camera is focusing; to focus at a new distance without waiting for lock-on to end, re-initiate autofocus.
You are correct. I got it backwards in this video.
Great video!! Thank you!!
Thanks!
Excellent & thank you...
Thanks
2 thumbs up for the Manfrotto 393 gimbal head. I love mine. Best bang for the buck in the gimbal world!
Agreed. It is an awesome piece of gear.
Hi Mark, can you tell me a little about your tripod set up? I am looking for a new one that is easier to move quickly for bird shots.
It is a siuri tripod and a Manfrotto Heavy Duty Gimbal head. I love the tripod but the head isn't going to be used for too much longer. It has a serious issue where one piece unscrews itself and this could cause the entire head to fall off the tripod.
omg thank you I've been looking for this how to change that AF-A in my D7500 same as D500..
You are welcome.
Great video would love a D500 someday. Still shooting my D7000
It is a great camera!
Hi Mark.It looks like you do not have back button focus activated, or am I wrong.Whats your take on using back button for BIF.Ive been using it per so many recommendations to do so, but seeing your fantastic results, I'm wondering if I'd be better off just using shutter release for focus
I didn't in this video but now use it and another button on the front as well.
In your opinion, what would be the best 3rd party lens for in flight bird photography, with the D500? Maybe would be a good video for the future ;)
Great video easy to understand. Have you made a video for noise reduction buttons on the 500. I am having trouble with noise while shooting basketball. Small pics. look great but at 100% horrible.
Thanks. I have made a video showing how I use noise reduction in Lightroom. You can find it here. kzhead.info/sun/eKuIZMaInl98aYU/bejne.html
Hi Mark I have just bought a D500 and I thought your video was just great
+stuart andrews Thank you very much!
Hey Mark, nice video. One query, don't you use back button focus technique for Group & Dyanamic focus options?
Yes but it is a little different.
I set up my camera the way you suggested and now I can't wait to go out and try it. One question though, for AF-C priority selection, do you use Release, Release + Focus, Focus + Release, or Focus?
+TheFoxwiz I didn't make any changes there. So whatever was default.
You can also assign the Pv to swap AF modes to something else + activating AF on. Its a cool trick both the D500 and D5 do. So you could have your primary af mode as Grp or 153 point, then the Pv button with switch to say Auto or Grp etc.
Right, so there are three or four buttons in total that can be assigned to focus modes?
I count 4 if you have a lens with an assignable button to. AF button + dial, Pv, Fn1 and L-Fn.
Hi Mark, thanks for sharing on how to do your AF system with the D500. I'm still practicing my D500. Can this settings be used when photographing airplanes(jets), fast cars or just bicycles???? Thanks again. r/, jay
You are welcome and yes, you could use these same settings for airplanes or sports.
Mark, thank you so much. Ive had a d3100 for the last 7yrs, and recently purchased the d500. I feel like i went from crawling to running a 5k lol. The 500 is what i need bcz i love birds, but i am so lost. Do you have recommendations on learning f-stop, iso, aperture, & shutter basics?
Oh wow, yeah you made quite the jump there. I have a book that explains what you are looking for in relation to bird photography. You can find it in print and digital at my website: photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/print-version-bird-photography-a-beginners-guide-to-mastering-the-art-of-capturing-stunning-images-of-birds/
Thanks again Mark, i will DEFINITELY check it out.
U r simply great sir.an Indian follower
Thanks