Nikon D500 Bird In Flight Autofocus System Setup

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  • čas přidán 8. 04. 2017
  • 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.

Komentáře • 457

  • @stefanhallberg7358
    @stefanhallberg7358 Před 5 lety +168

    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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 5 lety +25

      Wow, that is very. very nice of you to say. Thanks so much for that!

    • @stefanhallberg7358
      @stefanhallberg7358 Před 5 lety +11

      @@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.

  • @ThoughtMachine1
    @ThoughtMachine1 Před 5 lety +5

    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.

  • @CultureAgent
    @CultureAgent Před 5 lety +4

    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.

  • @landrews7280
    @landrews7280 Před 5 lety +7

    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.

  • @sopakakarunasundera3434
    @sopakakarunasundera3434 Před 5 lety +2

    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.

  • @rogerlau4932
    @rogerlau4932 Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @docwel1
    @docwel1 Před 5 lety +2

    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.

  • @TheTaytoni
    @TheTaytoni Před 5 lety +1

    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.

  • @tomwolf7055
    @tomwolf7055 Před 5 lety +1

    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

  • @bandman322
    @bandman322 Před 6 lety

    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!

  • @edsmith8874
    @edsmith8874 Před 6 lety +1

    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!

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 6 lety

      That is awesome. Glad the videos have helped you. Have a great time out there shooting!

  • @Dwerghertje
    @Dwerghertje Před 7 lety

    Thanks a lot. Your enthusiasm is addictive. And your knowledge is helping me tremendously!

  • @AlvenmodFoto
    @AlvenmodFoto Před 7 lety +6

    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.

  • @mattthomas1547
    @mattthomas1547 Před 5 lety +5

    Great video, I just got my D500 and will be trying your recommendations this morning. Thanks.

  • @mpg3960
    @mpg3960 Před 5 lety +3

    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.

  • @TomRyanElliott
    @TomRyanElliott Před 5 lety +1

    Brilliant video and excellent for finding out more with all of the deeper settings within the D500.

  • @ninoliberatore1491
    @ninoliberatore1491 Před 7 lety +1

    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'

  • @MrFreshbreeze50EnjoyLife

    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.

  • @earavichandran
    @earavichandran Před 5 lety

    Very awesome... Explained neat and elegant way. Lively and lovely demo for action photography. Great job. Thanks.

  • @EloyBroder
    @EloyBroder Před 5 lety +2

    Excellent, a very helpfull way of changing focus points on the run. Thanks you.

  • @BijiTGeorge
    @BijiTGeorge Před 6 lety +2

    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!!!!

  • @lesdow6432
    @lesdow6432 Před 6 lety

    Thank you so much I just purchaced a D500 and this video really helped me, I love birds and other wildlife thanks again.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 6 lety +1

      Awesome. Enjoy the new camera. It is a good one. I'm glad the video helped.

  • @laneklungness9885
    @laneklungness9885 Před 5 lety

    Mark, great video thanks for posting. I like how you present your information, to the point and easy to understand!

  • @francesbrown7124
    @francesbrown7124 Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you, Mark this was very helpful.

  • @jfphotography69
    @jfphotography69 Před 6 lety +4

    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.

  • @rocksandoil2241
    @rocksandoil2241 Před 5 lety

    Excellent and applicable to many other cameras, I appreciate your effort and your photos are par excellent

  • @tomwolf7055
    @tomwolf7055 Před 5 lety +4

    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.

  • @raybrown4699
    @raybrown4699 Před 6 lety +2

    Hi Mark, I've just purchased the D500 and really enjoyed your video. Very informative.

  • @Huggybear101
    @Huggybear101 Před 5 lety +4

    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!

  • @videokidz007
    @videokidz007 Před 6 lety

    You did an awesome job of explaining and showing the features of this camera. Thank you!

  • @michaelf1935
    @michaelf1935 Před 5 lety

    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

  • @chasecreekmedia6543
    @chasecreekmedia6543 Před 6 lety

    Excellent! Fixed all the problems I had shooting at a wildlife refuge a few days ago.

  • @UncleVinnys
    @UncleVinnys Před 7 lety +17

    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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety +2

      Thanks! The D500 is an awesome camera!

    • @autumnwhispers2me
      @autumnwhispers2me Před 7 lety

      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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety +4

      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.

    • @autumnwhispers2me
      @autumnwhispers2me Před 7 lety

      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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety +8

      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.

  • @EduardoMendozaPhoto
    @EduardoMendozaPhoto Před 6 lety +1

    Very well explained!!

  • @neilmascall2363
    @neilmascall2363 Před 6 lety +1

    Wow. Excellent, simple and to the point. Well done Mark and thank you. Subscribed.

  • @nancycrowell9627
    @nancycrowell9627 Před 6 lety

    Thanks for this! I just got my D500 and was trying to decide on the best set up for birds in flight.

  • @marshmallowmarmot6655
    @marshmallowmarmot6655 Před 6 lety

    Super easy to understand!!!! Thank you!!! Will be coming back to your videos again!!

  • @rahulee86
    @rahulee86 Před 6 lety +1

    I think over and above the like button, CZcams 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

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 6 lety

      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.

  • @DeVriesBassBaritone
    @DeVriesBassBaritone Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks to this setup my birds in flight photography has improved enormously . Thank you very much !!

  • @tim2468
    @tim2468 Před 6 lety +3

    Outstanding!

  • @Sanjaysingh-te6qd
    @Sanjaysingh-te6qd Před 5 lety +1

    U r simply great sir.an Indian follower

  • @RoniChastainNY
    @RoniChastainNY Před 6 lety

    Just got my D500, thanks for your great information.

  • @Sanjaysingh-te6qd
    @Sanjaysingh-te6qd Před 5 lety +2

    u r simply great.i learn a lot from your video ,an Indian

  • @vorticity4
    @vorticity4 Před 6 lety

    Mark. I really like this video. I just got a D500, moving from a D610. Your video helped me a lot.

  • @stevbrkr
    @stevbrkr Před 5 lety

    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.

  • @krpradi
    @krpradi Před 6 lety +3

    Hi Mark, wow a fan from India....great photography and tips....thanks a lot...

  • @thewildlifeoculus
    @thewildlifeoculus Před 6 lety +1

    Excellent video. Nice and clear with good tips

  • @johnmccormick9042
    @johnmccormick9042 Před 6 lety

    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.

  • @seatechfoto
    @seatechfoto Před 6 lety

    Great video and so easy to follow along. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

  • @MegaTruck20
    @MegaTruck20 Před 7 lety

    2 thumbs up for the Manfrotto 393 gimbal head. I love mine. Best bang for the buck in the gimbal world!

  • @johntriner2567
    @johntriner2567 Před 7 lety

    Excellent tutorial Mark keep up the good work .

  • @saisivasababathy
    @saisivasababathy Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for the great info! Visited your website absolutely stunning photographs

  • @addick675
    @addick675 Před 7 lety

    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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety

      That is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the videos are helpful!

  • @MrCuckooshah
    @MrCuckooshah Před 5 lety +1

    Great tutorial Mark..thanks a lot.

  • @tectorama
    @tectorama Před 7 lety

    (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

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety

      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.

  • @Whoreshoer
    @Whoreshoer Před 6 lety

    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!

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 6 lety

      Thanks to you and the Angry Photographer! Glad you are enjoying my videos. I am having a great time making them.

  • @jc32750
    @jc32750 Před 6 lety +1

    Going through your video again as a refresher with my NEW D500.. I traded the old one in and you know the story why...

  • @rodneylwright7341
    @rodneylwright7341 Před 5 lety +6

    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?

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 5 lety

      D850 buffer seems better than the Z7. You can't go wrong with either the D500 or the D850.

  • @donnaholt
    @donnaholt Před 5 lety +1

    Great video!! Thank you!!

  • @ameyamarathe7775
    @ameyamarathe7775 Před 6 lety +1

    Love it man . thanks a ton ♥️

  • @EGlideKid
    @EGlideKid Před 5 lety +3

    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.

  • @ekkatari
    @ekkatari Před 6 lety +1

    Excellent & thank you...

  • @stuartandrews5928
    @stuartandrews5928 Před 7 lety

    Hi Mark I have just bought a D500 and I thought your video was just great

  • @bobcallahan2597
    @bobcallahan2597 Před 6 lety

    Really nice job, well done

  • @mikeh9661
    @mikeh9661 Před 6 lety

    Really liked your video Mark!

  • @robertshea9841
    @robertshea9841 Před 6 lety

    Great tips! Thanks.

  • @hankypanky9380
    @hankypanky9380 Před 7 lety

    nice job, this was very helpful, clear and understanding. thnx for sharing

  • @briansuter3657
    @briansuter3657 Před 6 lety

    Very helpful - thanks!

  • @paulsumpter6119
    @paulsumpter6119 Před 6 lety +1

    great, just what i needed

  • @jaymog
    @jaymog Před 7 lety

    I found this vid very helpful, thanks

  • @360-media
    @360-media Před 5 lety +1

    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
    .

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 5 lety

      That is very nice of you to say. Now nikon just needs to toss me the offera

  • @paulmcgoveran3919
    @paulmcgoveran3919 Před 6 lety +1

    super helpful - thanks

  • @KeyurNandaniya
    @KeyurNandaniya Před 6 lety

    Wooooow, video with very useful information. Thank You

  • @billkoepsel2418
    @billkoepsel2418 Před 7 lety

    I am concentrating on action baseball and birds so this video was perfect....

  • @JulesMoyaert_photo
    @JulesMoyaert_photo Před 7 lety

    Excellent!

  • @brianpiacentini2961
    @brianpiacentini2961 Před 7 lety

    Really good video!

  • @btwredcal61
    @btwredcal61 Před 6 lety

    Great video! I'm learning about the cameras before I buy it! 👍☺️

  • @roblawrence3325
    @roblawrence3325 Před 5 lety +2

    Good suggestions

  • @timpinter8522
    @timpinter8522 Před 7 lety

    very helpful brother thank you

  • @carmas54
    @carmas54 Před 7 lety

    Thanks... very needed vid

  • @joshuadupuis346
    @joshuadupuis346 Před 6 lety

    Great video would love a D500 someday. Still shooting my D7000

  • @jocelynebadr
    @jocelynebadr Před 6 lety

    Excellent! Thank you!

  • @maraleepark8349
    @maraleepark8349 Před 5 lety +1

    I just recently found your CZcams 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.

  • @SuperFucdat
    @SuperFucdat Před 7 lety

    Good video and easy to follow..Mark

  • @krishnadaga3736
    @krishnadaga3736 Před 6 lety +5

    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.

  • @Max62830
    @Max62830 Před 7 lety

    Very usefull, thanks !!!

  • @RRRCCCDDD
    @RRRCCCDDD Před 6 lety

    Freakin gold. Thanks!

  • @rusty91
    @rusty91 Před 6 lety

    Great, very helpful !

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 6 lety

      Awesome. Glad to help.

    • @rusty91
      @rusty91 Před 6 lety

      I just swapped my old 7000 for a new D500, so any tips are helpfull.

  • @SM-Flyers
    @SM-Flyers Před 5 lety +5

    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.

  • @wuepy
    @wuepy Před 6 lety +1

    Thanks! Very good! Works also with the D850 :-)

  • @46ace
    @46ace Před 6 lety

    Binge watching your channel:really enjoying it!

  • @ishootinraw1
    @ishootinraw1 Před 7 lety +5

    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.

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety +1

      Thanks. You can assign the center joystick or thumbstick (pressed in) to do the same function.

    • @AlvenmodFoto
      @AlvenmodFoto Před 7 lety +9

      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!

  • @jc32750
    @jc32750 Před 7 lety

    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

    • @MarkSmithphotography
      @MarkSmithphotography  Před 7 lety

      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!

  • @hasanshirzadi7793
    @hasanshirzadi7793 Před 7 lety

    Thanks.
    That's what I wanted.

  • @dpham0103
    @dpham0103 Před 7 lety

    great tips
    Thanks

  • @amitm1975
    @amitm1975 Před 5 lety +1

    Tnx for the information :)

  • @bobcallahan2597
    @bobcallahan2597 Před 6 lety

    Really appreciated

  • @davidjohnmartin821
    @davidjohnmartin821 Před 7 lety

    Thanks for the info...

  • @KAPhotography
    @KAPhotography Před 6 lety

    omg thank you I've been looking for this how to change that AF-A in my D7500 same as D500..

  • @jekeyes
    @jekeyes Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you