I found the best Nikon Z focus mode.
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- In this video, I share the focus settings that have worked the best for my event and portrait work.
Nikon Z8: bhpho.to/3nMyniS
Nikon Z6II: bhpho.to/3En3Smn
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk about cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
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www.omargonzalezphotography.com
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Came to this channel for the Fujifilm, stayed for the Omar.
Absolutely!
Ditto
Exactly!
This is so true. I enjoy watching anything he does.
Yes. So did I. Great channel.
I wanted to take a minute to thank you. First of all, your videos are always as entertaining as they are informative. Second, the discovery of this "Wide-L with Eye Detect" on my Z6ii was an epiphany for me; I guess I never noticed it before. This past Saturday I shot a band's stage performance, taking 454 images, and I didn't miss focus on a single one! If it couldn't find an eye -- no more random jiggling, blinking boxes -- as long as the Wide-L box was on the performer, I nailed focus! Who knew?!?!
Wow amazing
Your channel is therapeutic for me. Takes my worries away. Rock on 🤘
Now that is a brilliant suggestion, Omar! I appreciate your posting. Keep Z content going.
I really think this is a great idea - but have no idea where to begin when customizing the focal area. A walk through video would be much appreciated!
Yes, me too. I can't seem to find this control on my Z6ii. Omar, Please send us more details.
@@jasfoto same. Does this work on z6ii or only z8 + z9?
Same. I've been using Nikon SLRs for 10 years and knew my old cameras inside out but cannot find this setting on my z6ii to change the shape of the red focus box.
@@elektriksheep Doesn't work on z6ii - only on zf, z8 and z9
I did not find it either
I do sort of the opposite. I stay in 3D most of the time and have a back button programmed to turn off subject detect when I want it to ignore people etc. I then have one of the front custom buttons set to use a custom size focus box (1x1 for me) for those moments I want more control with a single point but still have subject detection enabled. The Z8 has me nailing so many more shots than I could with my Z6II. I’m gonna try that 1x3 custom box if I ever shoot an event. Great tips Omar!
Thanks for shering, I set up mine like you are.
great videos... I just got the Z8 and am blown away on the focus tracking. Keep them coming! you rock
As someone who is getting into the world of photography and ordered a Nikon Zf, your videos have been incredibly insightful and helpful!! Thank you so much!!
Thank You!
Nikon should pay Omar for this video! Nikon's focus system requires a manual on its own, at least for Gen II bodies and older, but it seems here that even the new and improved AF has a steep learning curve. Hopefully with the Expeed8, the AF will be smarter and less complex to work with. I tried every mode on my Z7II and I agree that wide area AF seems to work best, still it misses focus at times. And subject tracking also works, but when the subject is moving fairly slowly and within 80% radius from the center focus point. The moment your subject edges beyond that radius the subject focusing box starts going all over the place erratically. On my R10, I just pick up the camera and shoot...
Thanks for the info. It can be even simpler on the Z8. I use a custom box similar to what you are doing with eye tracking and set the back button AF to 3D tracking. Let the camera find the eye, then press the AF button, and 3D picks it up and tracks it. F2 is single point in case I get in trouble, but this is rare.
PS, love your channel and humor.
What shape/size custom box do you find works best?
@bladerealm124 I use the biggest box that the camera allows. Keep in mind that I am usually chasing active birds or animals or grandchildren. The camera might grab the eye quicker with a smaller box, but you still have to get the box over the subject. Wide area large and small are there also, but I rarely go to them. I also have my record button and rear dial set to focus mode in case I want to try something different in a hurry.
Do you mind sharing how do you make a custom box? How do you change the size of the box?
@dulcemoralesmino7702
Select AF-area mode. I do this in the ' i ' menu.
Select W-C1 or W-C2.
Select the center option at the bottom. OK with a + and pencil.
Use the buttons at the bottom to adjust the height or width.
Select OK and you should be good.
Thanks for the tips. I have a Zf and I’ll check to see if this helps with my hit rate. Currently I stay on 3d tracking but there are small occasions when the focusing drifts
I'm still rocking your old setup autofocus system on my Z7ii. I can't justify pulling the trigger on a z8 but your tips are always top tier 🖤
Thank you
Thanks, Omar. I'm just getting comfortable with my z6II. Your videos are awesome and a great help to your viewers.👍🏾
Amazing. You found this out and I could hardly repeat your settings step by step. Works perfect. Thanks a lot. I am subscribing.
Amazing tips there, what's even better is me tracking your sample images on my z6iii 20-120 on a large 5k monitor, I imagine a lot of the development on these cameras is using just images. Midlife issues, first proper camera, what fun. Thank you for those tips, such amazing tech.
This is an excellent channel. I shoot mainly panasonic m43 and canon, but recently ordered a Nikon zf to add to the collection. Your Z focus system experience and overview was very insightful. Thank you.
Hi Omar, you can combine your strip with 3d tracking by assisting 3d tracking to the AF button, you you can use your strip to aquire the subject and then hand it over to 3d tracking
This is a surprising solution. Glad I watched.
This video is so helpful, great tipp and a very smart kind of presentation, THX
Since I have the Z8 i use CF with Backbutton focus. Because it shows green light when in focus! Absolute gamechanger for me!
I'v been a small box shutter release focuser since 2006. This video....has made me reconsider this!
amazing. I have had the Z8 for less than a week and am shocked at how much more flexible it is than my well loved D850.
Great vid. Really good to the point with some humour. Thanks for not over producing it. How much better does the z6ii focus than the z6? I struggle with my z6 focusing ( updated frimware of course) with hopes that it will someday match the speed of my faithful D500 focusing speed. Any help would be appreciated.
This is great Omar… I have Nikon and Fuji so your Channel works for me.
I don't NEED a ZF but Omar is giving out Nikon tips....
I’m so glad I’m back in the Nikon system so I can enjoy your videos again 🙂
Hi Omar, so glad you made this video, I see on so many forums how people bash Nikon focus, they become lazy, and expect the focus needs to work like shooting in auto mode. You going to get auto mode results. I have great results with the Z6 doing action and wildlife. I do not shoor small birds flying all day long, I like mood, story, place, context. Camera Brands have chase pixels now they chase speed. I agree, you have to control your focus like you control your exposure. Thanks
Thanks so much for your expertise explaining why and how you use the focus settings. Really helpful!
Thank you for the tips as always Omar! I set up the 3D tracking on the C3 button. I switch it on/off with my pinky and I find it much faster than going through a menu and I also only use back button focus so I can easily switch between modes. And I set up C2 as my playback button so when I'm looking through the viewfinder, I can immediately see the picture with histogram levels and continues shooting.
You always crack me up man, love your sense of humour and great info as well! Absolutely love that shirt, I just tried looking for it on Amazon and couldn't find it, please share a link to purchase! TIA!
yes please!!!
This technique you shared made my shots on my Nikon Z50 way better.
Does this work on z30 as well, do you think?
@@jengocheng1380 I don't have the Z30 but I assume it will work similar to mine.
Thanks so much for this AF tip. I use Z7 for static and landscape subjects, so quick AF switching has never even been a thought. But with ZF camera I wanted to do exactly what you are describing here, be able to stay in one AF mode and painlessly switch between objects and people focusing. I love using the custom 1x3 px box, but I've also assigned the FN button to switch to a single px box when more precision is needed. Great content Omar!
Hey Omar, i just bought the Nikon Z7 II and was wondering my where i by o to change the focus box to a similar one you are using in this video
Great tips as usual... love the way you explain things... thanks so much
Omar loved your video. Nikon Focusing modes are complicated. Z8 focusing is great. 3D tracking on the Z8 works well for me Shooting people and events. LOL. I have both the Z8 and a Z6ii. I have noticed that the more recent lens seemed to acquire focus better on the Z6ii than earlier lens. I do not have to do the focusing mode dance on the Z6ii with the Nikkor 28-75mm f2.8, compared to the 1.8 primes.
Hey mate, thanks for the info. what would be helpful is a video of you showing this setup in the menu. Cheers
This is awesome info. I just got back into Nikon with the Z8 and have been trying to determine the best size of the focus box with eye/face detect for exactly what you stated. Thank you as always Sir!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I haven' ttry the tiny strip box mode, gotta try it on my next shoot. I found out the large box on AF S and face detect "off" will lock focus much faster during night dancing without any light. The green beam doing a wonderful job here regardless of my 16-35 blocks parts of the beam off .
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
00:46 📷 *Bei Events mit der Nikon Z6II habe ich festgestellt, dass die Verwendung eines kleinen Fokusbereichs am besten funktioniert, um Verwirrung zu vermeiden.*
01:40 🦉 *Für Birding oder Detailaufnahmen sind der kleine Fokusbereich und der weite Bereich bei den Z6II und Z7II am effektivsten.*
02:33 🤖 *Mit der Nikon Z8 und Z9 ist der Autofokus schneller, aber es ist wichtig, die Situation zu kennen. Für eine hohe Trefferquote bevorzuge ich den AFC-Modus mit einem benutzerdefinierten schmalen Fokusbereich.*
03:42 🌌 *Ich habe einen schmalen Fokusbereich (1x2 oder 1x3) in der Mitte eingerichtet, um sowohl Objekte als auch Gesichter zuverlässig zu fokussieren, ohne zwischen verschiedenen Modi wechseln zu müssen.*
04:51 🌆 *Für Eventfotografie bei schwachem Licht und adaptierte Objektive ist dieser Fokusbereich hilfreich. Bei Straßenfotografie bevorzuge ich jedoch oft einen kleinen Fokusbereich mit aktiviertem Augenautofokus.*
06:00 🔄 *Als Bonus-Tipp habe ich die Display-Zurück-Taste als Notfall für den 3D-Fokusmodus konfiguriert, um schnell auf bewegte Motive reagieren zu können.*
Made with HARPA AI
Always release for me. I'd rather it be slightly off and fixable than not exist. :)
Hi Omar! I hope you do a “best F z camera settings” because you’re always very thorough. Thank you.
Thanks for still considering those with the older models
Awesome. Where on the Z6ii menu can I go create that strip? I need it
i'm curious as well, or is that a feature only available in the Z8?
You cant you need the newer exspeed 7
I use a combo of of the Z8 and my new back up camera is the ZF, which replaces my Z6ii. What a fun combo.
Love z8, please do a video what features you'd like to see on z8!
hope Nikon would have an update for the Z5
Same here, but I actually have zero hope that they'll even give us Z5 owners the option to program a custom AF detection area like that.
This is why, in 2024, I’m choosing Z6II over Z5. The only reason!
@@babyboy1971 can you customize the AF detection area on Z6ii? i couldn't find an option for that...
Nice. Haven’t gotten a chance to try out my Z8 on dancers yet. Curious if the setting you are recommending will work on dancers
Omar can you make a video on how to make a custom focus strip ?
go to the “I” menu (I button just above the ok button) once in there scroll over to af-area mode/subj detection (second to last box on the top) open that up and scroll to W-C2 now in the af subject detection options tap the person icon. Now once both of those are selected look to the bottom of the screen. There is an i icon the ok with pencil and ok button. Tap the ok with pencil icon. Then you can change the af wide area box
@@TOCBass31 tks
@@luiscabrera1041 no problem
Such a helpful video. Thanks for sharing these tips
More Nikon Z8 content please. Thanks!
Hi, Great video, but as a newcomer to the Nikon Z8 its really difficult to follow which menus you go into to set thsee functions up .. Maybe you could do an idiots guide where you show which menu on the back screen you use please.
Many thanks
M
I had the same issue how to set up the custom box. What to set under what function of the menu
Me too 😅
Me as well. Can’t figure out the custom box
go to the “I” menu (I button just above the ok button) once in there scroll over to af-area mode/subj detection (second to last box on the top) open that up and scroll to W-C2 now in the af subject detection options tap the person icon. Now once both of those are selected look to the bottom of the screen. There is an i icon the ok with pencil and ok button. Tap the ok with pencil icon. Then you can change the af wide area box
This was extraordinarily smart and helpful advice.
Thanks. I have the Z7 II. How does one make a focus strip? How about for moving bird shots?
Hey brother I just noticed that you look very happy with your new Nikon, thanks for sharing
Good info Omar! I'm pretty much the same when it came to the AF on my old Z6 ii, single point AF and recompose. To be honest, the other modes I only used for videos and it failed me enough doing talking head videos that I went over to Sony. The thing a lot of younger folks and video shooters like is that you really don't need to select a mode and the camera works fairly well. I will say though, I tried shooting fast moving jets and my old A7R V had some trouble tracking in the standard mode which made me try out others. I will admit that even today, on my Z8, I will fall back to single point for photos and if I am filming in less than ideal light, I activate the box to help the camera do it's thing. I had issues doing a vlog with the Z8 (yep, I vlogged on the street with my Z8) while using adapted Sony lens. I purchased the Nikon 24-120 f4 S and haven't experienced any issues since. I recently updated the firmware on my adapter, I guess a new test is warranted now.
Great info, Omar. Hopefully the Z9/Z8/Zf AF system trickles down to the newer entry level bodies in future.
I expect it on the z6iii/7iii next year, (kind of due)
It will, it's all about newer CPU that will replace the old.
Awesome stuff Omar. I still only have the Z 50 and I still shoot it like a dslr for most images. However the firmware has improved dramatically with eye af for humans. Been nailing event photography of running and marathon 5k racing.
I also own a z50 16-50. What are your focus settings that works the best?
This is great. My Nikon just arrived thanks 😊
Brilliant Omar...just too good
I use 3d tracking with eye af all the time on my z8.
With a little help from a local Nikon specialist, I have setup a function button to deactivate the eye af so I only use 3d. Works great for me.
hey, thanx for that video, i've recently switched from Canon (R6 mark1 dual bodies for work) + Fuji (for personnal/fun) to Nikon (for both), shooting events with old EF adapted primes (24 1.4+50 1.2) and indoor sports (35mm 1.4 +135mm F2).
My first Nikon camera was the ZF that I do really enjoy. Using by default the large square + eye tracking, and the back button for single point AF + if needed locking focus with Fn1 to recompose.
I'm shooting now with the Tamron 35-150 and don't feel the need to shoot dual primes anymore, but as a backup body in case of I took a 2nd hand Z6ii for half the price of a ZF. The Z6ii on the other hand doesn't allow that level of customization :/ it is possible to go from the full screen AF eye tracking + Fn button for subject target (kind of the 3D mode), but there is no way to swap from large mode + eye tracking into single point focus anymore, so currently using the U1, U2, U3 mode instead, or maybe I missed something :) but beeing able to shoot either eye tracking large area + object is something I want
These ideas speak to me! Thanks you sir!
Thank you. Liked and subscribed. I find the shooting banks really help too. I switch between portrait, sports, and landscape modes.
Awesome vid, Glad to see you can set the Display mode as secondary focus button! Doesn't seem like I can do that on my Z6 I but I don't think I actually need to though lol.
Can you make a recommendation if I’m shooting multiple models to get multiple eye focus. I’m struggling with getting both people’s eyes in focus.
Thanks so much for your wonderful tips. I always learned something on your channel.📸
nice!! gonna try it!
When I got the Z6 i was disapointed, and went old school single focus point all the way...
Hello Omar , at 3:02 minutes of the video, how can I change the shape and size of the auto focus area? Best regards .I have a z6ii
I wanna know as well 😮
You can't 😂
go to the “I” menu (I button just above the ok button) once in there scroll over to af-area mode/subj detection (second to last box on the top) open that up and scroll to W-C2 now in the af subject detection options tap the person icon. Now once both of those are selected look to the bottom of the screen. There is an i icon the ok with pencil and ok button. Tap the ok with pencil icon. Then you can change the af wide area box
@@TOCBass31 This is not available on the Nikon Z6II :(
fantastic info, I wish you would walk us through how to actually find those settings and where in the menu you can change to a 3x3 box.
Came here for zf autofocus, but at 5:01 you got a fan and a subscriber!!
This works great on my Zf! Thanks Omar!
Great vid can you ust clarify then, if that strip mode how to focus and shoot, if only the AF ON uses 3D tracking.what setting do you use for the normal shutter release button? many thanks
How do I access the option to resize the focus box? My menu seems different and the firmware is up to date I believ.
thanks for the tip, changed my custom af on the z9 and it helped a lot
You and Matt Irwin is my idol... cheers from Indonesia😁
I always love your humor !! Always makes me laugh😂😂
Thanks for the great video Omar! Is it possible to have a continuous focusing without pushing any button?
Awesome! Thank you!.. Has this mode improved with the 2.0 Firmware?
Thank you! I love your videos! But I think I just need you to fly over here and set up my new camera. Maybe I'll figure it out once I practice more.
Hi Omar. Entertaining and informative! I unpacked my ZF and I am having difficulty replicating the scenario where the girl is holding the bracelet. How does the camera know whether to focus on the bracelet, the finger in front or her back finger. The “dot in the center” of the custom box is not accurate when I am shooting/trying to focus. Appreciate it if you or anyone else on this thread has any tips?
Omar, nice video. thank you. I was using wide area L with my fn1 set to 3D and fn2 set to pinpoint. I want to try your way, I have set w-c1 like you and I have the display button set to 3D but how do you focus? I cannot press disp and AF-ON at the same time. Tia.
Never mind, I got it.
Great Video Omar >> my Brand new Z8 is so different to my ex Z7 ..and videos like this are a great help
Definitely useful material.
Thanks for the tip. It took me a while to understand what you are doing until I finally heard “…and actually make another strip”. This is something I had actually done already but without the store by orientation part - so I was manually switching between the my wide c1 and c2 zones. Regardless of the shape, your solution is effective. IMO Nikon could have been even more effective if there was direct option to change the orientation of the custom zones, but they probably did not do it because the zone would not always fit after changing the orientation - imo there are ways around this, but maybe that is too much to ask, is it? Now I’ll fine tune the box to my taste / need. On the Zf this option takes away my eye control - because now the pad controls the AF box not the eye/face box, but as long as it picks out the correct eye this should not be an issue at all. Also I never thought of using a separate button for 3D AF mode, that works quite nice as well. ❤🎉
Thank you for the effort and sharing. Question: Can the OG Z6/Z7 (not mk2), also create their own 3x1 focus area rectangle? TIA Thumbs up.🙏
any one? Bueller?
Great tips, now I only need one of the newer Nikons. Really waiting for a Z6III.
Thank you, really interesting information - even if I am still on the Z6ii. (I am still waiting for a Z6iii to come 😊)
Need to explain HOW to get to the custom size box mode.
game changer!!! Thank you so much
Awesome…this was a great tip. Thanks very much.
1. Thanks you for these videos
2. What do you do in events low light (with external or on camera flash) when you need Focus Assit light, which doesn't work on AF-C mode?
I find the camera can almost see in the dark. I'd probably use the assist light if we went full blackout
Hi, love your videos. I have the new Nikon ZF and need to know how to set the camera to Pre Af. The XT 5 has it in its shooting menu. Can this be set on the ZF?
I love ur work. I have 2 D 750s. I’m looking to upgrade. U have both Z 8 and Zf. Which would I buy?
Your demo is on a Z8. Where on the Z6ii menu can I go to create that strip? I need it so much. Thank you Omar.
I was thinking the same thing, I was looking on my Z6II menu and I think we can't do that on this camera.
I tried on my z6ii, and didn’t find that strip to create
Really good idea
Thank you Omar.
I assume you can't do this custom size on the Z6II?
Not a single Nikon camera in my house. Nevertheless I love watching every video of you.
Omar, I have enjoyed your journey in developing the best method(s) for AF on the Nikon Z cameras. Question: Under the AF-C Priority Selection menu, do you select "Release" or "Focus"? I believe the "Focus" option tells the camera not to take the picture until it finds focus. Thanks, Steve
Seriously thank you for this!!!
Hi Omar thank you for you for tips I have a Z8 and are getting great auto focusing results. Can you walk me through how you assign the Display button to 3D track thanks Vince