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 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.
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.
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.
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'
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
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.
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!
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
I think over and above the like button, UA-cam 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
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?
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.
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.
(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
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.
Great work...I have a question mark.. If Af on button is assigned the functions of setting to single focus point + AF activation means, when ever i press teh af on button for auto focus, then focus point will be changed from group to single point which defies teh entire purpose.. Can you explain?
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
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.
I just recently found your UA-cam 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.
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!
It's good to see how you set up your D-500 for birds in flight. From your set-up, I assume you don't use back button focus. Do you ever use back button focus? If not, why don't you think it's useful. With continuous focus selected, I find it to be very useful when recomposing shots. I'd love to learn your thoughts on back button focus. Thanks.
No, I don't use back button auto focus. I have tried it and it seemed awkward to me. I know I am going against the grain here. I have watched several videos by Steve Perry and Tony Northrup explaining the benefits of this technique but unless I misunderstood them, they don't really apply to my style of shooting. From what I could tell, the only difference was using BBAF automatically switched to AF-C so you wouldn't have to think about switching between AF-S and AF-C. I only ever use AF-C on my D500 so I didn't see the benefit and using BBAF actually caused me to miss more shots simply because it seemed so foreign to me. It also keeps focus so you can recompose. With birds, I rarely ever recompose, especially when they are moving so fast. There just isn't time. If the image isn't composed properly, I will fix it in post. I have lost too many great opportunities trying to recompose a shot and make the composition just perfect only to see the bird fly away as soon as I find the perfect composition. I had the opportunity to shoot a D500 with a Nikon 500mm F4 that was setup for BBAF and it seemed to work exactly the same as my setup where holding in the AF button uses single point and is constantly acquiring focus and the shutter button does nothing but grab an image as long as I am still holding down the AF button. It seems to cancel out the shutter buttons original job of acquiring focus. I hope that makes sense. It may be easier to explain in an email. If you are interested, feel free to email me at marksmithphotos@gmail.com to discuss further.
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.
Well i never really used video. now with their dual pixel focus they should be state of the art for smooth video Focus. But 4 BIF even the 5D III was so terribble in following with AF Tracking. that i allways ended in useng single spot AF and single shot AF. Otherwise the bird is full in the Af Field and the camera didnt "see" him and the background with trees and so on was sharp. absolutely frustrating. thats why i change the boat and jump to Nikon. Maybee the 7d II was a little better than 5D III. But i didnt like the Metering indicator on the right side in the viewfinder it shoult be unter the pictue. Btw. thanx 4 ur Quick respond. So i gonna tell if im stisfyes with D 500 after a While. CU
Hi Mark As always very interesting and useful information. Thanks so much for spending the time to make these great videos. Question: Do you use VR when shooting birds in flight at shutter speeds of 1/2000 and faster? I'm using the same setup as you (D500 and 200-500 f5.6) and until recently I had been shooting birds in flight with a shutter speed at 1/2000, Group Focus and the VR on. I would say that my hit ratio (sharp images) was somewhere about 50%. Additionally, when checking focus points on the image in lightroom (or back of camera) the soft images showed that the focus points where somewhere off the subject or the camera didn't achieve focus at all. Then it hit me... TURN OFF VR! At such a high shutter speed I really didn't need it. Well let me tell you, my hit rate went up drastically! Almost all shots are now as sharp as can be and when checking the focus points on the image they're right on target. Guess I'm a slow learner but glad I discovered my mistake.
Thanks. Your comment is very interesting. I leave VR on at all times and never had any issues. I'll have to see if I notice a difference. As long as I remember to turn it back on when necessary!
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
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!
Mark, I really like your videos. Just to make sure I get your system here(I realize you may do something different with your new D850), you have the focus on the shutter(GRP), the AF-ON button(Single), AND the joystick(D25)? I have something similar, but without the shutter button focus, it just releases the shutter. I wasn't honestly aware you could set it up the way you describe.
Mark, Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance
Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul
OK Mark, quick question. Let's say you are using BBF of a Hawk that's on a branch. As you get ready to fire, he takes flight and your brain wasn't fast enough to turn the rear dial to C servo. Here's the curve, because of the clouds and dark bird, you had it set to Spot metering. The Hawk takes flight and you're at f/6.3 so you start shooting. Where did the camera record Metering because now, the sky is cloudless behind the Hawk.
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.
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!
Mark, great video as usual. Question...... Are you using the AF-On button for back button focusing? If so, I'm not grasping why you would customize that particular button to switch over to single point focusing on demand. If you're using your shutter button, (half way depressed) to activate continuous focusing and then fully depress to capture the shot, I get it. I am so trained to use the AF-On as my back button focus location that I guess I'd have to assign a different button to move to single point focus on demand. Thanks for any comments or clarifications. Again, Great Video ! Gil aka SemperFiGuy Largo, FL
You got it! I don't use the AF-On button for back button autofocus. I'm so used to this way that trying to setup for back button auto focus caused me to miss too many shots simply because it was so foreign to me.
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.
Thanks for the info Mark. I am really close to buying the D500 this weekend, in Australia they have 15% off for Nikon's 100th anniversary and $150AUD cashback. That brings it down to around the same in $AUD as they are in $USD - too good to pass up I reckon. I like the idea of using the various AF-ON andf custom function buttons for different AF modes. Should make up for the U1 and U2 modes I used for this on the D7200.
You are very welcome and enjoy the D500. It is a great camera. I have few more D500 setup videos I need to add to that playlist. Hopefully I can get them done in the next few days.
Hey Mark, I just watched this video again. I've been using the same three AF button setup you use on my D500 and it is fabulous being able to select the different options based on subject movement or location. I find the Group AF is excellent for selecting the nearest object if the bird is in front of foliage or in the sky. Well done mate, great setup and explanation.
You can also assign the Pv to swap AF modes to something else + activating AF on. Its a cool trick both the D500 and D5 do. So you could have your primary af mode as Grp or 153 point, then the Pv button with switch to say Auto or Grp etc.
Hi Mark, I've just upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a D500. I mostly take pictures of my Wife and Dog performing in dog sports such as conformation, dock diving, obedience and field trials. For the field trials & dock diving, I use a 100-400mm/70-300mm lens and for the obedience and conformation, I use a 24-120mm/24-85mm lens. Will your settings for birds in flight work for my applications? please let me know.
Mark, I think you went over this but I can not find the video. I want to have the auto focus beep turn on. How do I do that? Thanks again. You are a wealth of information.
Hey thanks for the compliments and for watching. I use the AF-ON button for continuous single point auto focus. It is pretty much the same thing. One touch grabs focus, holding is continuous.
Thanks Mark. Excellent job. I also viewed your Z7, D850 and D500 video comparison. I am a 610 owner -trying to decide whether to upgrade to D850 or go to D500 - I am petite and have trouble hand holding my D610 with anything longer than my 80-400 mm lens. Weight is a factor but mostly I want fast focusing and tracking of BIF - any thoughts which would be better? I can't afford to buy more than one additional body,which I will be taking on safari in 2020
Thanks again. I have never shot the D7100 but I hear its low light performance is stellar. I don't think my wife would like me bringing home another camera body either. Hawks of any kind are always loads of fun to shoot. I got a shot the other day with two Red Shoulder Hawks sitting on opposite sides of a small tree. They were practically touching shoulders. The only problem was that it was a midday shot and their faces were buried in harsh shadows. I haven't tried the RAW file to see if I can pull the face detail out of the shadows yet though.
Shot with the D7100 for 2 years with a Nikon 80-400 (newer version) got some really nice images Hints - Buffer is tiny shoot in bursts. Set the camera up for BBAF and get used to it. I sold mine so can't be too specific about settings but it works from the AE/AF button
I'm still using the shutter button at this time but I do set up the AF-ON button to allow for continuous focus using single point. I made a video explaining it all here: ua-cam.com/play/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8.html
Hello Mark, loved all your vids. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips n tricks. Recently (just about 10 days) I shifted to Nikon from Canon. And have gone with same D500 with 200-500mm. Surprisingly I am not getting those quality images you shoot. I dont know if I have messed up with my settings or I need to change my style or may something else. I have been hand holding all these days and I have been shooting at higher shutter speeds. May be if I can share a few of my images you can throw some light. Don't know how to go about it....! Need your help. Thank you in advance
Great video easy to understand. Have you made a video for noise reduction buttons on the 500. I am having trouble with noise while shooting basketball. Small pics. look great but at 100% horrible.
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.
Wow, that is very. very nice of you to say. Thanks so much for that!
@@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.
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.
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.
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'
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and even more glad it helped!
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
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.
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.
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!
That is awesome. Glad the videos have helped you. Have a great time out there shooting!
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.
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.
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!!!!
Thanks so much. That is very nice of you to say.
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.
Thanks for watching.
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.
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.
Thanks! The D500 is an awesome camera!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks and thanks for sharing more useful tips about the PV button.
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!
Wow! Thanks so much for the great compliments!
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.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video.
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!
That's awesome. Sounds like you are in a great location
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.
+MrFreshbreeze50 Great! Thanks for the compliments!
I think over and above the like button, UA-cam 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
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.
Excellent! Fixed all the problems I had shooting at a wildlife refuge a few days ago.
Awesome. Glad to hear it.
Mark. I really like this video. I just got a D500, moving from a D610. Your video helped me a lot.
+vorticity4 Great! Glad to hear it.
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?
D850 buffer seems better than the Z7. You can't go wrong with either the D500 or the D850.
You did an awesome job of explaining and showing the features of this camera. Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you so much I just purchaced a D500 and this video really helped me, I love birds and other wildlife thanks again.
Awesome. Enjoy the new camera. It is a good one. I'm glad the video helped.
Thanks to this setup my birds in flight photography has improved enormously . Thank you very much !!
Thanks for this! I just got my D500 and was trying to decide on the best set up for birds in flight.
You are welcome.
Great video, I just got my D500 and will be trying your recommendations this morning. Thanks.
Thanks!
Super easy to understand!!!! Thank you!!! Will be coming back to your videos again!!
You are welcome!
Hi Mark, I've just purchased the D500 and really enjoyed your video. Very informative.
+Ray Brown Great. Enjoy the d500. It is a great camera.
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.
That is awesome. Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the videos are helpful!
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.
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.
Thanks a lot. Your enthusiasm is addictive. And your knowledge is helping me tremendously!
Awesome and you are very welcome!
Very awesome... Explained neat and elegant way. Lively and lovely demo for action photography. Great job. Thanks.
Excellent and applicable to many other cameras, I appreciate your effort and your photos are par excellent
Brilliant video and excellent for finding out more with all of the deeper settings within the D500.
Thanks
Wow. Excellent, simple and to the point. Well done Mark and thank you. Subscribed.
Thank you!
(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
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.
Mark, great video thanks for posting. I like how you present your information, to the point and easy to understand!
Great work...I have a question mark..
If Af on button is assigned the functions of setting to single focus point + AF activation means, when ever i press teh af on button for auto focus, then focus point will be changed from group to single point which defies teh entire purpose..
Can you explain?
Excellent video. Nice and clear with good tips
Thanks
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
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.
Great! Glad to hear it.
I just recently found your UA-cam 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.
Excellent, a very helpfull way of changing focus points on the run. Thanks you.
Thank you!
Hi Mark I have just bought a D500 and I thought your video was just great
+stuart andrews Thank you very much!
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!
Thanks to you and the Angry Photographer! Glad you are enjoying my videos. I am having a great time making them.
2 thumbs up for the Manfrotto 393 gimbal head. I love mine. Best bang for the buck in the gimbal world!
Agreed. It is an awesome piece of gear.
u r simply great.i learn a lot from your video ,an Indian
Thanks!
Excellent tutorial Mark keep up the good work .
Thanks!
Great video and so easy to follow along. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks for watching. I'm glad to share.
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
.
That is very nice of you to say. Now nikon just needs to toss me the offera
Just got my D500, thanks for your great information.
You are welcome. Enjoy!
It's good to see how you set up your D-500 for birds in flight. From your set-up, I assume you don't use back button focus. Do you ever use back button focus? If not, why don't you think it's useful. With continuous focus selected, I find it to be very useful when recomposing shots. I'd love to learn your thoughts on back button focus. Thanks.
No, I don't use back button auto focus. I have tried it and it seemed awkward to me. I know I am going against the grain here. I have watched several videos by Steve Perry and Tony Northrup explaining the benefits of this technique but unless I misunderstood them, they don't really apply to my style of shooting.
From what I could tell, the only difference was using BBAF automatically switched to AF-C so you wouldn't have to think about switching between AF-S and AF-C. I only ever use AF-C on my D500 so I didn't see the benefit and using BBAF actually caused me to miss more shots simply because it seemed so foreign to me.
It also keeps focus so you can recompose. With birds, I rarely ever recompose, especially when they are moving so fast. There just isn't time. If the image isn't composed properly, I will fix it in post. I have lost too many great opportunities trying to recompose a shot and make the composition just perfect only to see the bird fly away as soon as I find the perfect composition.
I had the opportunity to shoot a D500 with a Nikon 500mm F4 that was setup for BBAF and it seemed to work exactly the same as my setup where holding in the AF button uses single point and is constantly acquiring focus and the shutter button does nothing but grab an image as long as I am still holding down the AF button. It seems to cancel out the shutter buttons original job of acquiring focus.
I hope that makes sense. It may be easier to explain in an email. If you are interested, feel free to email me at marksmithphotos@gmail.com to discuss further.
Hi Mark, wow a fan from India....great photography and tips....thanks a lot...
Thank you!
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.
Yes!
nice job, this was very helpful, clear and understanding. thnx for sharing
You are very welcome!
I am concentrating on action baseball and birds so this video was perfect....
Awesome. Glad it helped.
Really liked your video Mark!
Great! Thanks for watching!
thanx a lot, gonna set my new D500 cam just like that when it arrives. i just cant wait to get it and go out shooting. Keep doing that video Stuff.
You are very welcome and have fun with your d500. It is a great camera.
Yes thats what all say. I switched from canon to nikon 4 wildlife. Canon AF suxx quite a lot. So i hope i dont get disappointed.
I have never used Canon. I thought they had great AF for tracking and video? I guess I was wrong on that one?
Well i never really used video. now with their dual pixel focus they should be state of the art for smooth video Focus. But 4 BIF even the 5D III was so terribble in following with AF Tracking. that i allways ended in useng single spot AF and single shot AF. Otherwise the bird is full in the Af Field and the camera didnt "see" him and the background with trees and so on was sharp. absolutely frustrating. thats why i change the boat and jump to Nikon. Maybee the 7d II was a little better than 5D III. But i didnt like the Metering indicator on the right side in the viewfinder it shoult be unter the pictue. Btw. thanx 4 ur Quick respond. So i gonna tell if im stisfyes with D 500 after a While. CU
The D500 locks really easy and stays locked for the most part. It is an awesome camera.
Thanks for the great info! Visited your website absolutely stunning photographs
Thanks
Hi Mark
As always very interesting and useful information. Thanks so much for spending the time to make these great videos.
Question: Do you use VR when shooting birds in flight at shutter speeds of 1/2000 and faster? I'm using the same setup as you (D500 and 200-500 f5.6) and until recently I had been shooting birds in flight with a shutter speed at 1/2000, Group Focus and the VR on. I would say that my hit ratio (sharp images) was somewhere about 50%. Additionally, when checking focus points on the image in lightroom (or back of camera) the soft images showed that the focus points where somewhere off the subject or the camera didn't achieve focus at all. Then it hit me... TURN OFF VR! At such a high shutter speed I really didn't need it. Well let me tell you, my hit rate went up drastically! Almost all shots are now as sharp as can be and when checking the focus points on the image they're right on target. Guess I'm a slow learner but glad I discovered my mistake.
Thanks. Your comment is very interesting. I leave VR on at all times and never had any issues. I'll have to see if I notice a difference. As long as I remember to turn it back on when necessary!
Well, as they say "stick to what works" and your images are beautiful! Thanks for the reply. - Steve
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
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!
Really nice job, well done
Thanks!
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.
It’s a great camera!
Mark, I really like your videos. Just to make sure I get your system here(I realize you may do something different with your new D850), you have the focus on the shutter(GRP), the AF-ON button(Single), AND the joystick(D25)? I have something similar, but without the shutter button focus, it just releases the shutter. I wasn't honestly aware you could set it up the way you describe.
Yes but I have now disabled the focus system from the shutter release button.
Cool, thanks for the reply!
Great video would love a D500 someday. Still shooting my D7000
It is a great camera!
Mark,
Thanks for this excellent tutorial. I'e watched it several times to try & understand a fault of mine in the D500 set-up. I've set up the camera with your suggested settings (Group, Single, 25 point) , but when in joystick mode, I can't shift the focus points around the screen by moving it. It currently sits mid centre. Any pointers to overcome this prob. would be welcome. Tks in advance
Great tutorial Mark..thanks a lot.
Thanks!
Going through your video again as a refresher with my NEW D500.. I traded the old one in and you know the story why...
Yep!
Binge watching your channel:really enjoying it!
Awesome, thanks!
Mark Great Video; I do have a question Re Birds in flight: When I set the AF-On to single point focus .. the d850 overrides correctly shifts to single point focus. How do I instruct the d850 when using back button to use a different focus setting .. Thanks Paul
Really good video!
Thanks
Mark, what tripod system are you using? Thanks for all the helpful tips!
You can see all my current gear here: ua-cam.com/video/tOD0bEUS6z8/v-deo.html
OK Mark, quick question. Let's say you are using BBF of a Hawk that's on a branch. As you get ready to fire, he takes flight and your brain wasn't fast enough to turn the rear dial to C servo. Here's the curve, because of the clouds and dark bird, you had it set to Spot metering. The Hawk takes flight and you're at f/6.3 so you start shooting. Where did the camera record Metering because now, the sky is cloudless behind the Hawk.
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.
Thanks. You can assign the center joystick or thumbstick (pressed in) to do the same function.
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!
Very well explained!!
Great video! I'm learning about the cameras before I buy it! 👍☺️
Good idea! Glad you are enjoying them.
Mark, great video as usual. Question...... Are you using the AF-On button for back button focusing? If so, I'm not grasping why you would customize that particular button to switch over to single point focusing on demand. If you're using your shutter button, (half way depressed) to activate continuous focusing and then fully depress to capture the shot, I get it. I am so trained to use the AF-On as my back button focus location that I guess I'd have to assign a different button to move to single point focus on demand. Thanks for any comments or clarifications. Again, Great Video !
Gil
aka SemperFiGuy
Largo, FL
You got it! I don't use the AF-On button for back button autofocus. I'm so used to this way that trying to setup for back button auto focus caused me to miss too many shots simply because it was so foreign to me.
U r simply great sir.an Indian follower
Thanks
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.
I've since moved to back button focus too.
Wooooow, video with very useful information. Thank You
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
Thank you, Mark this was very helpful.
I found this vid very helpful, thanks
You are very welcome!
great, just what i needed
+Paul Sumpter good to hear
I just purchased the D500. I purchased it to take Eagle photos. I have my camera set! Thanks!
Awesome! Have fun and get some great eagle shots.
Thanks for the info Mark. I am really close to buying the D500 this weekend, in Australia they have 15% off for Nikon's 100th anniversary and $150AUD cashback. That brings it down to around the same in $AUD as they are in $USD - too good to pass up I reckon. I like the idea of using the various AF-ON andf custom function buttons for different AF modes. Should make up for the U1 and U2 modes I used for this on the D7200.
You are very welcome and enjoy the D500. It is a great camera. I have few more D500 setup videos I need to add to that playlist. Hopefully I can get them done in the next few days.
Thanks mate. Not over the line with purchase yet, need to gain approval from the minister for War and Finance first...
Understood!
Hey Mark, I just watched this video again. I've been using the same three AF button setup you use on my D500 and it is fabulous being able to select the different options based on subject movement or location. I find the Group AF is excellent for selecting the nearest object if the bird is in front of foliage or in the sky. Well done mate, great setup and explanation.
Outstanding!
Thanks1
You can also assign the Pv to swap AF modes to something else + activating AF on. Its a cool trick both the D500 and D5 do. So you could have your primary af mode as Grp or 153 point, then the Pv button with switch to say Auto or Grp etc.
Right, so there are three or four buttons in total that can be assigned to focus modes?
I count 4 if you have a lens with an assignable button to. AF button + dial, Pv, Fn1 and L-Fn.
Nicely done. Is this also called back button autofocus or just further AF customization? I've been meaning to set this up on my D500 eventually.
Hi Mark, I've just upgraded from a Nikon D90 to a D500. I mostly take pictures of my Wife and Dog performing in dog sports such as conformation, dock diving, obedience and field trials. For the field trials & dock diving, I use a 100-400mm/70-300mm lens and for the obedience and conformation, I use a 24-120mm/24-85mm lens. Will your settings for birds in flight work for my applications? please let me know.
Should be just fine!
Mark, I think you went over this but I can not find the video. I want to have the auto focus beep turn on. How do I do that? Thanks again. You are a wealth of information.
Hmm I'm not sure on that one, sorry.
Go to SETUP MENU (wrench on the side bar) then to BEEP .. there you can make your choices.
Love your videos. You're narration style is terrific! Question: Can I set up the AF-On button for single point focus if it's set to back button focus?
Hey thanks for the compliments and for watching. I use the AF-ON button for continuous single point auto focus. It is pretty much the same thing. One touch grabs focus, holding is continuous.
Thanks Mark. Excellent job. I also viewed your Z7, D850 and D500 video comparison. I am a 610 owner -trying to decide whether to upgrade to D850 or go to D500 - I am petite and have trouble hand holding my D610 with anything longer than my 80-400 mm lens. Weight is a factor but mostly I want fast focusing and tracking of BIF - any thoughts which would be better? I can't afford to buy more than one additional body,which I will be taking on safari in 2020
Nice work Mark. Tried to follow a hawk today with D7100.....not the greatest glass....older Nikor 70 300 zoom but a few could be cropped and be so so.
Thanks again. I have never shot the D7100 but I hear its low light performance is stellar. I don't think my wife would like me bringing home another camera body either.
Hawks of any kind are always loads of fun to shoot. I got a shot the other day with two Red Shoulder Hawks sitting on opposite sides of a small tree. They were practically touching shoulders. The only problem was that it was a midday shot and their faces were buried in harsh shadows. I haven't tried the RAW file to see if I can pull the face detail out of the shadows yet though.
Shot with the D7100 for 2 years with a Nikon 80-400 (newer version) got some really nice images Hints - Buffer is tiny shoot in bursts. Set the camera up for BBAF and get used to it. I sold mine so can't be too specific about settings but it works from the AE/AF button
Mark when you use your default group focus points are you using back focus the AF on button or your shutter button. Please digress. Nice video Mark
I'm still using the shutter button at this time but I do set up the AF-ON button to allow for continuous focus using single point. I made a video explaining it all here: ua-cam.com/play/PLwmt8qwjXqIficY71Q3jdyxqzTaZlryG8.html
Hello Mark, loved all your vids. Thank you for sharing those wonderful tips n tricks.
Recently (just about 10 days) I shifted to Nikon from Canon. And have gone with same D500 with 200-500mm. Surprisingly I am not getting those quality images you shoot. I dont know if I have messed up with my settings or I need to change my style or may something else. I have been hand holding all these days and I have been shooting at higher shutter speeds. May be if I can share a few of my images you can throw some light. Don't know how to go about it....! Need your help. Thank you in advance
No problem. Email me a couple of images. marksmithphotos@gmail.com
Mark Smith oh that will be great.... thank you very much
In your opinion, what would be the best 3rd party lens for in flight bird photography, with the D500? Maybe would be a good video for the future ;)
Great video easy to understand. Have you made a video for noise reduction buttons on the 500. I am having trouble with noise while shooting basketball. Small pics. look great but at 100% horrible.
Thanks. I have made a video showing how I use noise reduction in Lightroom. You can find it here. ua-cam.com/video/EGO4bPg-F6M/v-deo.html
i JUST PICK UO A d500 AND WILL BE USING YOUR SET UP THANKS