Nikon Autofocus MODES and SETTINGS for wildlife photographers
Nikon Autofocus modes and settings unbundled by Pangolin Photo Host Danielle. In this film, she explains the different options and modes as well as some of her preferred settings for wildlife photography.
Want to know more? Read our helpful advice for your Nikon camera's autofocus modes and settings: www.pangolinphoto.com/nikon-a...
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I have been using Nikon DSLR cameras for 15 years and this is far and away this best explanation of their autofocus system! Clear! Concise! Complete! A job more than well done! All Nikon users would benefit from watching it, even the most experienced.
Totally agree with you.
I agree, I've used a D600 for 12 years and I learned a lot of things in this video.
THANK YOU for your very thorough video on Autofocus Modes and Settings. I have owned my Nikon D7500 for two years and moved to strictly manual shooting at that time. Honestly, I have struggled in finding WHERE to change my focus settings. I learned so much from this video and took notes.
I've used Nikon DSLR since the very first one, and have had almost every new one including the D800, D850, D5, and now the D6. And in all that time, I have never found a better explanation of Nikon's autofocus terminology and function than this video. Thank you very much for this. I do almost all my wildlife photography in Thornybush (Greater Kruger Park) as I am one of the owners of that reserve, and it can be challenging. This helps enormously.
I can not express how helpful this video is. The amount of information that is told is amazing. I've had my D7500 for a while and have read up on this subject and have had a ton of question even with the guide books. But Danielle answered so many of my questions. The problem is the books don't really go in on the why or when you would want to use certain modes and she just threw out the answer to those questions like it was nothing and blew my mind! I have watched this one video so many times and just keep getting more and more information. I am so grateful for you and your tutorials. Please like this video so it can get to more people.
Thank you indeed. You have such a clear method of explaining these technical issues, while each may be fairly simple, they become a little overwhelming because of their volume. Very well done!
God Bless BOTSWANA ! For having Humble & Smart photographer tutors like Danielle & her team.
Thanks for the support! -Danielle
THANK YOU!!!! Best explanation of AF I've seen. You solved a problem i have been fighting since i bought my camera...not taking the shot bc it didn't think it was in focus when it really was. Changing AF-C priority selection to shutter instead of focus cured the issue. I've watched dozens of videos that never explained that. I'm definitely subscribed now. Great video!!!!
Thank you Scott. Glad we could help.
Hi Scott. I assume you selected Shutter Priority because you were photographing a moving subject? Otherwise I prefer Aperture priority. Having said that, Nikon's new eye-tracking is changing all these rules!
That last tip on how to filter which AF modes are visible - absolute gem! Thank you so much! Subscribed as well! 👍🏽🙌🏾😊
Hello Danielle ! thank you for this wonderful and clear video about the settings of Nikon cameras , I have learnt a lot about the group dynamic AF, and the settings which are not useful ! Thank you again!
Thank you for this very informative video. I just bought my Nikon D7500 and I did not get much in focus on its first outing! After watching your video I was able to understand the auto focus settings in relation to my bird photography hobby. I just got some great photos thanks to the info that you supplied.
You have explained this better than any other KZheadr I have followed. Great job!
Thank you, Danielle. Your presentation style is so refreshing and easy to follow. Stay well and wishing you all the best that you deserve.
Hello, apologies for the late reply. Thanks so much for the kind feedback! Much appreciated. Danielle
SUBSCRIBED! Love this video. This wonderful woman not only explains what needs to be done but also explains WHY, it is very important for a thinking photographer. We always have a question WHY. Thank you for video
Thanks Danielle, finaly somebody explained it to me so easy.
Great stuff thanks Piotr! -Danielle
Thanks for this Danielle and Pangolin. Really appreciate it. As always, loves your videos.
Thank you too!
Dankie Pieter, ek waardeer die positiewe terugvoer!
Danielle presented a clear and full teaching on this heretofore slightly fuzzy issue for me! The pace and screenshots were very helpful. Thank you.
You're so welcome!
Thank you, Danielle, for excellent video! There is a lot of information. You could have even split it to two videos: DSLR and Mirrorless ;-) Regarding lock-on tracking: I noticed that it depends on lens. The fast lenses like Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2 or Nikon 70-200/2.8 changing the focus very fast jumping to background and back and I need definitelly to use more sticking mode The slow lenses like for example, Sigma 150-600 changing the focus slower and I need to change the setting to faster re-acquiring the focus and the focus keeps stuck on subject because the lens is to slow to change it. It probably also depends on camera or camera+lens combination. Each combination responds differently.
This is the best video I ever come across for autofocus functionality ❤
Wow fantastic couldn't see the wood for the trees for months, superb explanation of the subject well done and many thanks a massive help keep up the great work.
I read whole manual but got confuse but you explain it so clearly to the main point. I admire you. Thank you. God bless.
Thanks! Appreciate that! Danielle
Thank you SO much for this video!!! I should not admit for how long I've been in the dark about how to properly use these settings and how many photos I missed because of it. No more! I am very very thankful, you have a new happy subscriber!
I was in the dark too, initially. Hope you get some great keepers! Danielle
@@PangolinWildlife Thank you, I really did!! ♥️♥️♥️
This is the best video on this topic I’ve seen. Thanks for the helpful information and examples of when to use/not use given modes. Subscribed!
You're very welcome!...and welcome!
The best explanation about photography by a woman I ever found on the net ; Congratulations !
Thanks Thierry, appreciate it! Danielle
Danielle. Thanks very much. Probably the most clear and concise explanation of the very focus modes.
Glad you think so! Thank you.
Thank you for the support Dave :-)
Thank you! This has really helped me figure out my AF modes and will solve some headaches I have been experiencing when shooting. Great video.
Thanks. I find this topic to be the most technically challenging to wrap my head around. The short, clear explanations are helpful! I've "liked" this one so I can easily find it later when I need a refresher.
Glad it was helpful! if you have the youtube app on your phone I believe you can download it to watch offline in the field too!
Hey Jim, great stuff. The wording/terminology makes it a challenge sometimes, I know exactly what you mean. You can also create a playlist on KZhead of your favourite videos to refer back to easily.
Hey Danielle, Great instructional video on Nikon. Thank you. I was looking forward to this....great job as always.
Glad it was helpful!
Happy to hear that Rajender! Let us know what else you'd like to know regarding Nikon's system.
I purchased a D850 a week ago, and while browsing through a lot of tutorials, I stumbled upon your channel and I loved it. That's so informative and your videos are really helpful for me to make settings❤ Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you, your explanation is clear, concise, and answers the most challenging questions on focusing.
Glad it was helpful!
Very descriptive, saves ton of time in learning. Thank you!
One of the best videos on this subject. Thank you.
Thank you! Danielle
OMG...I'm new to photography and last few days I've been trying to dig into the Nikon's autofocus system. A lot of people talking onlike blah blah blah. Then I came across this video.........so freaaaaaaaaaaaking clear. You earned a follower heheheh....Thanks a lot for this material. BTW, I take advantage of this comment to ask to anybody willing to share tips regarding the D7500 to feel free to do so in the replies hehe.
Great stuff! And welcome to the photo club. Very happy to hear that it cleared it up. Can get rather messy! I should do a D7500 video, been getting a few requests for the 7000 series. A bit tricky to get loan gear up to us here in the middle of nowhere, and then back to South Africa. But we try! Danielle
So well spoken and laid out. Great summarization of all of Nikon’s autofocus abilities and modes. 👏
Hello Ajay, you're welcome, thanks for the kind words. Danielle
Thank you for a great video, the information you provide was clear, concise and very helpful. Your safari’s is #1 on my bucket list, I hope to go soon
Hi Jim, thanks for the support, much appreciated. Hope to see you on safari!
Danielle. somehow its very nice to see you and hear you. Thanks.
Thank you Danielle! Very good tutorial on focus modes!
Thanks Patrick!
This is one of the best explanations on Nikon autofocus. Many thanks for your time! We would love to come and visit the park when the lockdown ends!
Hi Alex, apologies for the late reply. Thanks so much for the kind feedback! You're always welcome here! Danielle
Thank you for this comprehensive explanation of the Nikon focus system. Very helpful indeed
Omg you are angel that has explained in the very best way possible focus!!! Pls keep the videos coming and a big thanks for sharing your knowledge x
Best Nikon autofocus explanation on KZhead. Thank you. Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub!
i love this .. thank you so much
An excellent video for Nikon users. However as a diehard Canon user for the past 40 years I must admit I enjoyed the video for its simplicity to understand and your BEAUTIFUL accent. Excellent job as always.
Well said! Have you seen the video that Sabine did for canon users? kzhead.info/sun/h8msqa6LnmuEbIE/bejne.html
Probably one of the funniest comments about the accent :-) Thanks Guy, glad you're even watching the Nikon videos!
Thanks for that explanation on 3D tracking.
The best Nikon AF system review I have seen so far. Very nicely done
Hello Hammad, thanks so much, it's really appreciated! Danielle
Thank you for the tips!
i don't do wildlife photography but this is still quite a thorough information on the autofocus. every bits help. as a lazy newbie in photography actually managed to watch this whole video. thanks!
Great video Danielle! I love how you cover material for all experience levels!
Thanks so much!
Hi Scott, pleasure. We do try and accommodate different skill levels. Glad to hear it was helpful!
thank you so much for sharing your tips in this video. very helpful indeed
Superb. Very lucid and easy to understand, especially for beginners. Really helped me make sense of all the autofocus modes on my d850. A fan of all your videos👍👍
Great to hear! Thank you.
The best video so far on KZhead. Thanks a lot.
Wow, thanks! Much appreciate it! Danielle
No one can explain better than this, well explained, thanks a lot
Most welcome! Thank you for the kind words Senraj. Danielle
Well, I now know everything about auto focus! Very well explained
Dear Danielle, excellent explanation - THANK YOU !
Another very good video, you guys are doing a great job and I look forward to your next one. Thanks so much for your hard work.
More to come! One more tonight!!!!
Thank you Keith!
What a video explanation this is! Good job and thank you so much!
Thanks ! You have been a great help !
Thank you for the crystal clear explanation 👍
You're welcome -Danielle
Thanks a ton for this video, Very useful, especially the Blocked shot af response and the group af.
Pleasure Nabarun
Excellent video, many thanks Danielle, very well done. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Miguel! Appreciate the support. -Danielle
I was just waiting for this and I got it at right time. Keep up good work team.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Good timing :-)
Clear explanations, thanks.
This is the best explanation by far - thank you
Hi there, thanks a mil! Appreciate it! Danielle
Hello Danielle ! thank you for this wonderful tips and especially about the settings of single point Nikon , I have learnt a lot thank you very much.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Shivanand, you're welcome! Happy to hear it helps. -Danielle
Excellent tutorial - very detailed, but concise, without unnecessary waffle! Now I just need to join one of the Pangolin Photo safaris!
Was in Chobe National Park in 1999. Great place!
Excellent, clear presentation. Thanks very much for presenting this video!
Thanks Christopher! -Danielle
Hi Danielle. Thanks for this excellent video. No doubt this is the best tutorial on the subject. Thank you very much
Thank you so much. This was really helpful
Pleasure Milan.
Thanks! That really helped.
Hi Danielle, This was so helpful. Thanks a lot for creating this video.
Thank you . Excellent video.
Very helpful vid, thanks!
This is great. Many thanks for your help❤
Very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks Danielle, I'm joining your tour soon.
Hellooooo! Only came across this comment now :-) Danielle
Very instructive, thank you so much
You are very welcome
Thanks Danielle, very informative and great explanation of the system. I have just converted to Nikon and was going crazy trying to sort the teminology of the new system. My wife and I are both keen Photographers and perhaps when this Covid pandemic has settled we may just join you.
Hello, great feedback thanks so much. Hope to see you two in Botswana! Danielle
Very clearly explained. Many thanks for posting the tutorial :)
Thanks for the video and explanation of some of the AF modes. Very helpful. I still think that the AF can be a pain at times when I just want to go to manual focus. I’m an old timer and very often I just want the camera to focus when I turn the ring and for the shutter speed and aperture to set on a top knob and an aperture ring. Sometimes the old dog has trouble learning the new ways. Luckily I still have a Nikon F. Now if it only had a digital back I’d be a happy old man. Thanks again.
Hi Martin. I know what you mean - it's sometimes better to control the focus yourself. But with moving subjects - which me mostly shoot here - it gets tricky. Thanks for the comment! Danielle
Yeah, I've been shooting for over sixty years boy-and-man myself - and, of course, grew up on a succession of film cameras, from simple Kodaks, through Halinas, and Practicas to Nikons - still have a Nikkormat, which I loved, and had passing acquaintance with a friend's Nikon F (he was a pro in the Seventies) - so just had to write with nostalgic enthusiasm: the Nikon F was such a beautiful solid camera! I loved its sharp lines - and of course I was inspired by all those 60s fashion photographers who used them then (I wanted to BE David Hemmings in "Blow Up!"). And of course (other than clunky Photomic-Users - that was an ugly camera!), we all shot manual back then! Now... Yes, I've got a Nikon D7500, and aren't we all spoiled?! So here I am, trying to master the sophistication of its focusing! Sure, this was a ramble, but just had to celebrate the beautiful old Nikons... and mutter like a fogy on how today's photographers are SO spoiled by not having to get under the bedclothes to load a developing tank, process, and dry your film, then put it through an enlarger to see what you've got! A little darkroom magic that has gone... but I guess good pictures, like now, were always our goal at the end of the day! It's just quicker, and more painless now!
Thanks for the informative video! This is very helpful.
Pleasure, thanks for the support!
Great video, you covered the topics very well. Perhaps add back button focusing in another video and setting multiple buttons for focus modes, for example one button for Group AF and another for single point AF to help others.
Hi John, thanks, here is the video about that topic: kzhead.info/sun/lJh-h9p5mJOAgIU/bejne.html
Danielle... I love your simple easy to understand tut's for the common people none of the technical terms most other people use to impress you with their knowledge of their equipment also they talk too much. Keep it up Keep it simple. One day I hope to join your tour its in my bucket list. Peace. Stay safe.
Hi Jem. Thank you. We hope to see you someday soon!
Hello there. I know the feeling :-) Trying to make out what someone is saying through all the terminology. Keeping it simple helps! See you on safari!
Thanks for the tips. You explained it very well.
Hi, I am super glad the video was of assistance - cheers Danielle
Awesome Tutorial Video Danielle!! Thank you!!
You are welcome Doug. Happy to hear. Danielle
Excellent, thank you
Very clear and useful explanation, thank you!
Really best video on this particular topic. Thanks for all the information.
So nice of you. Thanks.
Best explanation and use examples of autofocus... thanks so much.
Hello, you're welcome! Very happy to hear that. Danielle
Awesome video, it helped me a great deal! Thank you so much!
Great to hear Paula! You're welcome. Danielle
Thank you very informative . Helped me to improve my auto forces options
Happy to hear that Osbert! Thank you. Danielle
Superbly Explained This Very Important Topic Dear Dennielle!!! Thank You So Much. God Bless You n Keep it Up!!!
Hello there. You're welcome, happy to hear it was helpful! Thanks for the kind feedback. Danielle
Thanks Danielle for really confirming the settings I have been using. I appreciate a more succinct reason for each of the settings. You put it into perfect perspective!
Hey Harvey, great stuff, thanks a lot for the positive feedback.
@@danielle-pangolinphotohost1005 One setting I am looking forward to learning more about - is using back-button focus. We have been wanting to come visit and get direction on this, getting me off old habits. My interest is more towards migrating birds in late March. Looks like we may have to wait until 2022 now. Would love to converse about visiting around that time frame and hope to reach out when we get better understanding of our travels, when it is safe.
Very simple explanation Danielle. I learned lots for my presentation for students
Thanks Rohan! Danielle
Excellent video. Best exaplanation on complicated subjet. Now the skies have cleared and I understand a complicated subject for my second safari to Botswana. Practicing early with my D500 so I can take fantastic shots of amazing wildlife and magnificent birds! thank you so much for excellent presentation.
A Five Star video. Thank you very much indeed
Hmmm... I've been a photographer for 50 years ! Digital since the D100 in 2003. The BEST ever explanation yet of AF !! Thank you !!
Wow, thanks!
Hi Danielle. Thanks for this excellent demo, the best I have seen. Season's greetings
Another great video, starting to save up for that safari trip😃
Nice video and thank you! Just acquired the Nikon D850 so this was timely and helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Well explained . Thanks