OffTrail wrote:
With Z's, I mainly let subject detection do its thing. Auto-Area AF, AF-C, and subject detection on is the main setup, and that should serve well with just one dog in the frame.
If there's a particular action sequence that I want or there are multiple detectible subjects and I want to isolate one, then I set the camera to 3D tracking and I have my AF-ON button (AE-L/AF-L in the Zf's case) set to a smaller auto area mode. This way, I can have the camera look for the dog I want while AF-ON is pressed, let it lock on, and then I can let go of AF-ON and the camera will continue tracking anywhere in the frame. The camera won't get distracted by other subjects in frame as long as I'm half-pressing the shutter to continue 3D tracking.
The only area where the Zf has struggled is when the dog is running directly at the camera. The D5, D500, and Z8/Z9 are noticeably better in that specific use case. The Zf was never confused as far as tracking in the viewfinder goes, but the hit rate simply wasn't very good. In trying to figure that out, I found that the Zf drives my F-mount lenses slower than the DSLR's. And when the dog is closing in, lens speed does play a role. But outside of that, the Zf has been pretty solid.
This is the Zf and Z 70-200 f/2.8 S. I hoped a native Z lens would deliver better speed, but the hit rate didn't really change. I sold the Z lens to get a Z8, and that does a much better job with my 70-200 VRII. Again though, I'm just talking about the very specific use case of dog running directly at the camera at speed.
This is the kind of thing I want out of those sorts of specific sequences. The Zf could get the job done for sure, but the D5/D500 were simply more reliable. I'm happy for the Zf to live a slower life with mostly manual lenses now
I appreciate your thorough reply! I'm eager to try out the combination of 3D Tracking and back button focusing you described - I run into the scenario you described fairly often. I also hadn't been considering the angle my dogs are running at and how that could affect the AF. Lots to try the next hike we go on, thanks.
dennishy wrote:
I appreciate your thorough reply! I'm eager to try out the combination of 3D Tracking and back button focusing you described - I run into the scenario you described fairly often. I also hadn't been considering the angle my dogs are running at and how that could affect the AF. Lots to try the next hike we go on, thanks.
Yeah, let us know how it goes! The dog won't mind some extra hikes while you work out the right settings
Completely different weather today, with rain and wind blowing. But my Freyja did manage to pose beautifully though. Used Nikon 70-200 f/4 lens for this walk.
Spent part of the weekend power washing decks and patios, getting outdoor furniture put back out, and stuff like that--and now this!? Z8 & 135 tracked shockingly well through the giant snowflakes.
NIKON Z 8NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens135mmf/1.81/1250s500 ISO-0.3 EV
