somewhat easy solution to Nikon Z autofocus issue

Gary Gruber

Well-Known Member
Nikon freely admits that autofocus will not work properly if the subject / background contrast ratio is low. Trying to photograph birds, especially small ones is quite challenging due to this issue. I thought my new 'Z' would remedy this, but it didn't, regardless of the plethora of focus options available.

I have found a solution, and it works 100% of the time.

#1. Turn on 'focus peaking'.
#2. set autofocus to 'back button' focus only (AF-ON).
#3. use the AF-ON to get in range
#4. Focus manually.

This gives me 100% in focus photos. Since the sparrows rarely stay in one spot more than 2 seconds, you have to be on your toes to follow focus, but it is possible. Sometimes going back to the beginning is the only way...
 
The combination of focus peaking and manual focus seems to also work well for me.
 
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