p.1 #1 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
So I'm a long time Nikon shooter (Z9 and D6 presently) and until recently my F-mount glass had been doing the heavy lifting. I've been migrating my kit over to Z mount lenses, and for the first time most of my primary glass has control rings. I didn't have to think about that before, so I never used it.
I shoot sports marketing, sports, and performing arts primarly. So my question to all of you - how do you have things configured and why. I'm genuinely asking so I can be thoughtful about what I try and can incorporate some new ideas/techniques into my style of shooting.
p.1 #2 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
I turn my off because I find it too sensitive to accidental input. It was driving me nuts when the camera was configured out of the box to change aperture using the Z lens control rings.
p.1 #3 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
Tried it as an aperture ring, exposure +/-, ISO adjuster. I abandoned it after a a few hours. As photos_of_chu said, it is too easily moved by accident. I have read that one or more of the newest lens(es) added detents to the rotation. I think it would need a lock to make me even try to use it again.
p.1 #4 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
I’ve assigned Exposure Compensation to it so I can adjust it quickly and intuitively.
However, unlike others, I don’t have any issues with the function ring.
The only time I accidentally adjust something is actually with the focus ring on certain lenses.
The Plena and the Z 400/4.5 VR S have very wide focus rings.
However, you’ll notice this right away when focus peaking is enabled.
p.1 #6 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
ISO
It’s so helpful for anyone who isn’t in a studio!
For those who disable.
Muscle memory is a thing.
New cars, watches, phones… we are always relearning where stuff is! You can dew it.
You paid for the convenience of that ring use it!
p.1 #7 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
It's exposure compensation, for me. Basically becomes "override auto ISO".
I hear complaints that this is somehow easily bumped or accidentally changed, but ... I am looking at the image in real time via the viewfinder (or on occasion, the rear screen) and gosh if I don't notice on the rarest of occasions where it finds a way to self-adjust. And on the earlier lenses (70-200/2.8S, 50/1.2S come most easily to mind) that ring is recessed almost up against the body. I'm genuinely confused as to how you would touch that by accident except when changing lenses. Heck, it's not even that convenient to touch on purpose, which I assume is why they moved it up to the same diameter as focus/zoom on the Sii.
I think of it as a companion to Fn1/Fn2 on the front of the Z8; we have extra buttons, why not have an extra ring?
The click feature on the Sii models... I mean, I get it, but it makes it somewhat more difficult to operate with my right index finger, so I'm occasionally leaving it de-clicked. Otherwise, though, it's nice to have the option to switch from "turn until it looks right" and instead let my left brain run the show: "give it give it six blorps over to get two stops up".
Anyway, the other choices make no real sense to me. Aperture — we have a thumb dial already set for that, and for good reason, though you can make a great argument for having this set that way for video. ISO — generally I'm an auto-ISO guy, but if I weren't, I'd choose this. And then it'd be basically the same as I use it now, except I'd have to adjust it for most shots instead of just a few. And... that's it. We only get three choices. I'd like more, frankly, especially now with the click/detent option. We'll see what they bring.
Anyway, stills: Exposure compensation and Auto-ISO. Video: Aperture. Museum archival shoots, I guess(?): ISO.
(Edited because I typed “lessons” instead of “lenses” yesterday. Gah.)
p.1 #9 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
Masque wrote:
The click feature on the Sii models... I mean, I get it, but it makes it somewhat more difficult to operate with my right index finger, so I'm occasionally leaving it de-clicked.
I chuckled, because the clickiness is precisely why I do use this feature on my Hasselblad. I don't have a Z lens with the clicky ring yet, but I'm eager to try one at some point.
p.1 #10 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
Thanks all for the insights. I can see the use cases for either exposure comp or ISO. ISO especially during the transition from golden hour to blue hour, as a lot of my work occurs then and I feel like I'm always adjusting. I'm NOT an auto-ISO guy. Will keep an eye on impact of accidental bumps and report back. Appreciate everyone's comments!
p.1 #11 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
I did turn it off after couple minutes of testing.
It's most stupid implementation of control ring I've ever seen.
Why there is no option for clicks? Dunno.
Such a waste
p.1 #12 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
I use it as exposure control in photo mode and and as iso control in video mode.
I did have the problem initially with unwanted bumps, but learned to avoid that. Now it is one of my favorite feature on nikon. It is so easy and smooth to control brightness in video mode without camera mic picking up movement. Detented ring will cause clicks to be recorded in camera. If nikon was to ask me, I would say add more friction instead of detents (sadly they didn't).
p.1 #13 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
I disable the Control Ring because it is just the opposite, you lose control because of movement. Maybe if you were shooting from a tripod to a fixed position, buy why?
p.1 #15 · Nikon Lens Control Ring - How do you configure and why?
By responding to your comment, I dont mean to affect your opinion in anyway, I just want to make two points. Nikon cameras come with only two dials, compared to four for Sony. So this additional dial does help with that shortcoming. Secondly, the clicking dials are not good for hand held video, they not only get recorded in in/on camera mic, but their stiffness causes camera shake.
For me, I have learned to hold lens a little further away from body (the ring is next to the body), so I rarely have unintentional bump and when I do, I can immediately see it in VF or LCD. I think Nikon should have kept these same but should just have added friction so they were not that easy to bump.
rand1951 wrote:
I disable the Control Ring because it is just the opposite, you lose control because of movement. Maybe if you were shooting from a tripod to a fixed position, buy why?
use it!