Nikon Z6II Auto Focus Test. Birds in Flight is it Possible? Part 1
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- čas přidán 23. 02. 2022
- This time I'm showing how I captured birds in flight with the Nikon Z6II. Is it possible? Does the auto focus work? How can you photograph birds without eye detect Ai? I only had two hours at a bird conservatory in -10 C to get the photos. Let me know what you think.
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Great vid , I have had good success with BIF with a Z6ii and that includes snap shots where I wasnt really trying. I think the probs with a lot of the complaints with the camera are down to a few simple reasons. It is priced at a place that it will be bought by newer users and they are expecting the camera to do all the work and not realizing that there is a lot of skill in taking action pics. Yes the higher end cameras with better AF systems will help like the Z8/9 (or from other brands) will increase hit rate but only if coupled with skill. Now I could be wrong of course but I don't think many people people walk into a camera shop and buy a Z9 + Long tele off the bat. They are bought buy seasoned photographers.
I would guess a lot of messy shots are more down to having other elements set wrong like shutter speed etc.. the image is blurry and the AF is blamed rather than one of the many other settings that could be off.
Now don't get me wrong I would love Nikon to give us Z6/7ii users bird AF , but where I would find it useful is for skittish birds on perches, where you find the eye and don't have to mess around with composition or moving the AF Box.
Great video about not counting on wide AF to take the place of technique. When shooting birds panning is very important. I'm also in future shoots going to play with the focus tracking.
I have also found success shooting birds with the Z6II. Good to see your experience is also positive. Can't believe all the hype out there on how awful this camera is shooting birds. I was beginning to believe it until I kept at it. It may not be a Z9 but wow, you sure get a lot of camera for the price IMHO. Thanks for posting...waiting for more!
Exactly, it is a really good camera.
I really appreciate you showing this series and can wait to try for myself.
Part 2 is posted
Great job ! Even more pleasant after seeing 100 video bashing nikon autofocus ;)
Wow, thanks!
Very, very informative. You’ve got yourself another subscriber. Thank you!
Awesome, thank you!
Hi ! Your tests (and all others over Z6II) are very good and I'm waiting the Part 2 (quick please, I would like one ;-)).
Part 2 is posted
Thank you for the video that I found only today and it reflects my experience with a Z7 1st generation. I do have great BIF photo even with the 24-200. Sure the Z6/7 will never have bird eye detection so they aren't Z9s but as you said, with the right technique and a bit of extra work they are perfectly capable to do BIF. BIF are the most difficult thing, for everything else including sport I found the Z7 to be a winner and IMO who has AF problems doing surfers etc. didn't develop the right technique. For example with Surfers I use a 500pf with tracking mode and I track them for a very long path; virtually 100% of the photo are keepers. With BIF is not 100% but I usually have between 50 and 70%
I will have my Z6II in 2 weeks, thank you for the information! Will come in handy!
Glad it was helpful!
Great stuff, thank you for the tips. I'm having good success with my Z6ii and adapted 200-500 f/5.6 lens. BIF is about technology AND technique.
Exactly. I’ll be sharing some additional observations in Part 2.
Love the content. I took photos with my Z6II and 200-500mm 5.6 f mount and distance approx 20m and non photo sharp, next time 70-200mm in the bag.
work hard on developing the relationship with the camera, I use a Z7 1st gen and the 500pf most of my BIF are sharp, virtually 100% of everything else is sharp.
Check out Part 2. I used the 200-500 zoom
Wow I have exactly the same set up and went to the same place but did not get as many shots as you! Thank you for this video and hope I will get better next time!
Curious how your camera was set up?
@@WAPhoto Same AFC and back button focus
But used wide small, focus tracking 3, 12 bit raw, M mode with auto ISO, just continuos high not extended, VR Shut off
mostly I suck at panning 🤣 I found it was hard to get initial focus lock on the bird
I am an amateur birder. I have been using Nikon since quite some time. I have a D500, which is an excellent camera for Birding. I did try the z6 ii on my 200-500 with the adapter. In the short time j used it, I felt that, when u want to shoot birds in flight, don't allow your camera to select the subject, keep the AF area to Group Auto focus Continuous, and use back button auto focus technique. Use sport mode for VR, as we pan on the bird when it's in action. The only issue I found that, in compared to my D500, z6ii is a bit slow to aquire focus... Thats the main issue. Rest, as you are in control of the subject, it shall keep the subject locked in focus, as you are panning
Hi ..just wanted to ask i currently own D5600 with 200-500mm lens ....and was planning to upgrade my body so what would u suggest me D500 or z6ii ?...i mainly shoot wildlife and birds
@@anshrustagi9831 D500 has the fastest focus system. For the small time I had it with me, I felt, the focusing is crazy fast, sharp and accurate. But i gave it away, and have shifted to Sony mirrorless. But i feel, D500, is faster than Sony. Plus, low light handling of D500 is excellent.
@@anshrustagi9831 I have a D500 and a Z6. The D500 is not bad but nowadays I would not recommend it. But I also would not recommend the Z cameras for wildlife.
The issue is not the AF itself. For instance the D500 is fast at aquiring AF but it lacks tracking features, for instance the "famed" 3D tracking is just crap and does not stay on the subject. Group AF or single point are the only usable AF modes on the D500. The Z6 and the upgrade Z6II outclass the D500 in terms of tracking features and aquiring focus is not slow either (adapted lenses are a bit slower), however I cannot recommend them for wildlife because of the often not mentioned issue of the EVF slideshow. In H+ mode where the Z6 has up to 12 fps (12bit) and the Z6II 14 fps (12bit) or around 10fps in 14bit the EVF does not show you a life view once you start shooting but instead it shows you the last image you took. This makes it really hard to follow a moving subject with your focus area because of bascially having a heavy lag. In other words to better see your subject you most likely drop down to H mode with only ~5.5 fps or ~6.5 fps which is not enough to get all the shots you usually want. Yes, you can still get lucky but with more fps you obviously get a better selection.
So the issue is not AF but how the EVF works in H+.
Why I would not recommend the D500 nowadays is simply once you get the convenience of a mirrorless camera and also the better image quality of a modern full frame sensor like in the Z6 you don't want to go back to an old APS-C sensor.
I own a Z6ll, Z7, Z50, and a Zfc. We use the Z6ll & Z7 the most.
I have Photopills so I probably could check this myself, but part of me says the samples shown maybe would have been better using the same subject distance of 100 ft for both lenses in the comparison. In regards to AF, technique and proper settings will pretty much take care of most problems. Where I think the Z II's potentiall have fallen short though compared to the competition is when focus is lost for whatever reason (something obstructs the view of the camera) and so not so much locking focus but having to refocus again is where many of the complaints come from and to a point, it is a valid argument. But At the same time, I've seen some wonderful shots from people shooting the Z II's with BIFs. So it's mostly technique and settings, but focus re-aquisition coulid be better (initial focus lock is usually pretty good and if you can maintain focus lock, then there aren't really any problems). The other thing I've noticed, and it's not specific to wildlife, but rather eye AF for people, I have found that the focus can drift off the eye or face even if the subject isn't moving or say they look away briefly and then back at the camera (sometimes the focus doesn't catch the eye or gets stuck on the cheek), and this isn't a settings or technique thing, but just some quirk of the Z system that i've run into that can be frustrating.
I thought you were explaining well until you compared the 70-200 against the 500mm. The 200mm was a dof of nearly 13' but the 500mm was at 250' so it wasn't apples to apples due to atmospheric distortion. I do agree with your argument about eye tracking not being a major issue (concern at those distances). Closer is best practice, especially with the pixel density of your sensor. Too bad you didn't use NX studio so we could have seen the focus point. The Nikon Z6ii isn't the camera of choice for that distance but your argument is solid.
Actually, I did use NX Studio to check focus point I just didn’t show the screen captures like other videos. Capture One is just better for RAW conversions and so I prefer processing with it. In this video, I’m comparing the subject distance and subject size in the frame with the two lenses. The comparison is keeping the eagle the same size in the frame when shooting at 200 f2.8 (subject distance is 100 feet and the DOF is approximately 13ft) and having the eagle the same size in the frame with the 500 (subject distance is 250 ft and at F5.6 the DOF is about 26 ft). That still leaves a pretty good margin for error. Of course, the 500 mm Pf focused at 100 feet at F5.6 has a DOF of 4ft and the eagle would completely fill the frame. So my point is even with the 500 mm PF, the technique is more important than AI technology. Good photographic technique keeps getting overshadowed by influencer hype about the latest algorithm in a camera. I’ve been working on photographing swallows hunting insects over the water. these birds are extremely maneuverable. Again technique is way more important than technology in my opinion.
@@WAPhoto I think that Dave has a point though that focus distance needs to be the same for both shotes, even though in the 500mm shot the bird would pretty much fill the frame, but it also reiterates that your DOF is now decreased, and using the example given where you went from 100 ft with the 70-200 to 250 ft with the 500mm sort of distorts this. it does show that you have to move back a bit obviously to increase distance to get a "similar" DOF (13 vs 26 ft, so enough to cover the entire bird) but it also doesn't help illustrate the point properly though and for someone who maybe struggles with the DOF concept, this may confuse them a little.
I shoot birds with my Z7ii and don't have many problems as long as I am in continuous-high and not extended. I use the new 100-400 and it's excellent.
I am in Charolette
Can you suggest where I can travel nearby for taking Birds in Flight photos like Bald Eagle etc
Thanks
Thanks for these tests. I ordered the Sony A7 IV three months ago after getting disappointed with Fuji autofocus. It still hasn't arrived and I was looking for alternatives. You convinced me to try the Nikon Z6 II that I never even considered before. There is a lot of conflicting information about the AF performance and all but one review I've seen are old and not from any of the later firmwares. I'm really excited to test the camera next week and if I'm happy, I'll cancel the Sony and save 1000€! The Nikon seems to rectify everything that turned me away from the Sony A7 III if the AF on Nikon is anywhere close to the Sony.
There is a bit of a learning curve to understand how the AF responds. It’s not a set it and forget it all auto kind of thing. If you like to be hands on with your photography you’ll enjoy the camera. In part 2 I’ll discuss more details.
@@WAPhoto I'm happy long as it picks up faces and eyes more reliably than Fuji. Rest of the focusing alchemy I'm willing to learn. I'll let you know if it's a keeper.
@@veeaa If you haven’t yet, check out the eye AF test videos I’ve posted. That will give you a better idea of what the camera can actually do.
@@WAPhoto They are exactly what turned me over!
@@WAPhoto I got the Z6 II and I have to say that I'm disappointed so far. I need to find out if it's me or the camera. I tested the camera at home in various situations and there seems to be a problem especially when the face does not squarely point at the lens.
The camera shows the focus box perfectly on the eye and initially I was amazed how well the Z6 performed. When looking through the photos, however, it became clear that the focus was either on the forehead or in front of ears.
I shot at about one meter away, 1/100 - 1/200 at 2.8 with the Z 28-75 2.8 at 50mm, with and without bounce flash. The DOF is certainly quite thin, 4-6 cm, in that situation but my Fuji nailed it in such an easy portrait situation with the same equivalent aperture. Maybe I have too high expectations for this DOF?
It is possible, it is working fine just set to AUTO AREA ANIMALS for birds in flight.... using Z6II with Sigma 150-600mm C
I too have been pretty successful with birds in flight with Z6ii/Z7ii (osprey, eagles diving for fish, owls etc...) Takes a little more initiative and the keeper rate of in-focus was much higher with DSLR's but the Z6ii/7ii are capable bodies.
But, Im looking forward to selling one of them and getting the Z9 or whatever else comes through in the future.
In my case the more I’ve used the camera the better I understand it’s nuances. It’s definitely different from my DSLRs. I’m curious if the long awaited Firmware 2.0 brings in some enhancements to an already excellent camera system.
@@WAPhoto Definitely.. I held off for quite a long time on the Zs because of their bad reputation. After finally getting them and working through them, they are much better than the horrible reviewers say.
I hope a new firmware does improve some and get some new options/functions... My biggest one id like to see, would be multiple af-on with area mode option, like the D500/D850/Z9 has.. Also, improved eye AF would be nice.
But, there's only so much these bodies can improve. They're limited by hardware for a lot of stuff.. the read rate of the sensor and processing power is the biggest road block for them to come close to what a Z9 or others have.
@@joebecker3107 I don’t know if you watched my eye AF test videos but I think it actually tracks human eyes really well. Check out the one where I test the impact of a hat, sunglasses and a mask.
@@WAPhoto I'll check it out though I'm pretty sure I've watched it.
It's pretty decent for humans. What I've noticed from the Z6/6ii/7ii, is many times, the box will track the eye but, when looking at the images, its not the eye in focus.. the AF system grabs the contrasting outline like the back of the head, or hairline, or ears on a front profile., not on the eye.
I have had it grab a handful of different animals eyes which is a plus since its advertised as just cats/dogs.
Ive had it work on Owls, osprey, deer, ermine, bobcat etc. But only when they are still and it doesn't always work... It's nothing even close to what I'm seeing from the A1, R5, Z9. Those bodies are on a different tier so shouldn't really be compared. I love both the Z6ii and Z7ii and I've worked them. They just have their own lanes.. It appears the Z9 covers all lanes. Like the D850
Im using manual focus override far more nowadays. Brings me back to when I was shooting with Nikons manual focus 500 F4p. 😆
Is the location of the conservatory near Simcoe, ON? Looks like you had success. I have a Z6ii but only a 24-200 zoom. Should I even bother? Any rental suggestions near Mississauga?
Yes that’s the place. Really great opportunity to photograph the birds. I used a 70-200 f2.8 and was fine. Vistek Mississauga store does rent S series Z mount lenses.
What shutter seeds you select, 10 fps or 15 fps? Will 70-200 Z lens take T.C ? Thanks
Camera was set to Continuous High Extended. Part 2 is now available.
Thé issue is not tracking a big bird … it is following something with a crowd background! Or if a smaller bird is in the tree… An eagle is easy to track with the Z6 (I had) or with the Z7ii ( I have)… but almost impossible to snap an hemingbird! I have now the Z9…. It is only on another field! And need another bank account! Picture is as good with the Z7ii than the Z9…
The eagle was against a pretty distracting background. I hope you watched all of the video to see that. In part 2 you’ll see a hawk flying close to the ground and the grasses and weeds increase the challenge. I’ve seen quite a number shots of hummingbirds photographed with Z6IIs and Z7IIs. The Z9 is a flagship but BIF is not out of reach with the other cameras.
@@WAPhoto people may not realized that those z6-7 (II or one) are a much better value for 95 % of the people than a pricier Z9… They just must practice to learn how the BIF is working… and accept that there a lot more pros vs cons with those camera… I sold my Z6 to buy the Z7ii… believing that the 2 processors may make a significant difference… bad move (until we… may be… have a significant firmware update)… I loved my Z6 paired with my D850…
I am having disappointing results with my Z6ii the AF for fast moving subjects towards camera are highlighting some of the AF flaws. For example I can take 10 shots of my dog running towards the camera and I would say 7 out of 10 focus oh her midriff rather than her face and eyes. If the subject is vertical on the same plane of focus than it behaves better. I've tried animal eye AF, dynamic AF, wide area AF and don't believe one performs better than the other. Don't get me wrong I'm not expecting miracles from sub 2000 camera but was hoping for some firmware improvements.
Check out this video and see what you think. czcams.com/video/eJ5Ykm_K56E/video.html
Read my comment on the video, try it if are doing it differently. Hope it helps. And do share your result after it.
@@WAPhoto Thanks for the link some useful information for me to go and try. A key difference; and possibly a key factor, is our Goldador is golden in colour from head to toe and hence the only real contrast that is presented to the AF system would be her harness where your dog had a dark face compared to the body natural contrast which I guess does help. I will try again; I too have a patient wife, and see how we get on. Thanks again.
Here is something to keep in mind from the Z6II manual.
Animal-Detection AF
Eyes or faces may not be detected as expected if:
the subject’s face occupies a very large or very small proportion of the frame,
the subject’s face is lit too brightly or too poorly,
the subject’s face or eyes are obscured by fur or other objects,
the subject’s eyes are similar in color to the rest of their face, or
the subject moves excessively during shooting.
Depending on shooting conditions, the camera may fail to detect the faces or eyes of some breeds when [Wide-area AF (L-animals)] or [Auto-area AF (animals)] is enabled. Alternatively, the camera may display a border around subjects that are not the faces or eyes of dogs or cats.
I plan on doing another test in the near future. I've already discovered a couple of interesting nuances.
I love the Z6II. But your comment is exactly my worry. Did you end up figuring it out? Do you regret getting the camera? I too photograph my dog running towards me.
which mode do you hve use? S-A or M... and thank you...
Shutter priority. To make certain the wings are not blurred. Also Auto ISO to keep the aperture wide open at f2.8.
Great! What did you use for A1: AF-C Priority Selection? Release or Focus?
@@StephanKempchen I use release priority for AF-C along with back button focus activation.
@@WAPhoto thanks 🙏
where is this place
Canadian Raptor Conservency R.R. 1 Vittoria, Ontario Canada
Where is this located?
Canadian Raptor Conservency R.R. 1 Vittoria, Ontario Canada
You're into music literally almost gave me a heart attack. I have PTSD now thank you
lol
Good job… eagle is big… step ahead to try small bird with noise background…
Check out part 2