The Ultimate Nikon Z8 And Z9 AF Setup Guide For Wildlife Photography

In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.

Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.

Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!

Get the wildlife setup guide mentioned in the video:

Also, I just became a B&H affiliate. If you're gonna get a Z8, using that link helps support this channel and won't cost you any more to do it., Thanks for your help :)

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[christaylor]

I can't recommend enough that ALL wildlife photographers pick up Steve's book "The Ultimate Nikon Z8 & Z9 Setup & Shooting Guide For Wildlife Photography". It has a fantastic amount of detail on how to optimize the Z8/Z9 for action and wildlife photography. Even as a photographer who does more landscape than critter photography, I gained a massively deeper understanding of my Z8. Steve always tries out everything and does not simply regurgitate the Nikon manual. Thanks, Steve!

[ziggyshea]

Some timestamps:
2:06 AF-C priority selection
3:43 AF-S priority selection
4:27 Focus tracking with lock-on
8:52 Focus points used
9:57 Store points by orientation
13:12 AF activation
13:47 Focus point persistence
15:50 Limit AF-area mode selection
17:37 Focus mode restrictions
19:32 Focus point wrap-around
19:51 Focus point display
21:39 Built-in AF-assist illuminator
21:47 Focus peaking
24:07 Focus point selection speed
24:53 Manual focus ring in AF mode
26:10 Controls
47:58 Conclusion

(Great video as usual! Might have to pick up the e-book)

[IsabelRedondoCa]

Thank you again, Steve! You helped me set up and enjoy my D500 all these years (still going at nearly 400K) and now thoroughly explained the essence of what I need from the Z8. Started with the video, got the manual. I feel at least prepared for tomorrow's field test. So appreciate your down-to-earth approach!

[cpanbalagan]

You are a great tutor who dives into every detail... I appreciate your effort and the level of dedication you put on these videos!!

[freddyacosta]

Got my Z9 yesterday. Going to a Wildlife Refuge here in Delaware to try it our with my 200-500mm and my 600mm F4, G, VR. My settings are pretty similar to yours. I set my Fn buttons the way I have them on my DSLR cameras like my D5, D850, and D500. I like having single point AF in one of them. Great video, thank you.

[nancylightfoot]

Thanks so much for this! I bought the guide, but I'm anxious to get out with the new camera. :) I so appreciate your expertise, your humor and positive attitude, and this totally wildlife-focused channel! My Z8 is coming tomorrow! YAY!!!!

[csabapapp]

Thank you Steve! It's so great to have this kind of content on youtube. By the time I get my Z8, I'll know how to set it up. AF system has changed a lot since the D500, but even the Z6 is way behind the new models. It is a lot easier to understand with examples, than reading the manual.

[angelawilkins]

Picked my Z8 up after work today! I’m too tired to get it out of the box after a mad dash to get to the camera store before they closed! My Z9 has a baby sister😂. I can’t wait to watch this entire video!

[photography]

This is a wonderful addition to your Guide (which I’ve already purchased) because your oral explanation helps me to understand the “why” of the setting.

Your instructional videos and books are some of the best available, Steve. Keep them coming.

[sekaf]

Thanks Steve. I just got with my new Z8. I told someone else I can’t believe my little store had 3, well now they have 2. I got mine! Upgrading from D850

[gregoryowain]

I must admit that in the past I was lazy and didn't dive deep enough into the options to customise my D850, but oh my word there are a lot of settings and customisations for the Z8! Thanks for clearing up some of them in this video.

[ernreeders]

Invaluable information as always, just like the ebook. Thanks Steve.
The Z8/9 Custom Controls Worksheet on your website is a great idea!
Investing time in your instructional materials has always paid dividends for me.

[sapke]

Love it, thanks. The only thing I want to change is command dial from front to back in combination with focus button when I have to change AF-area.

[snowmanphoto]

You're the best. You actually know what its like to deal with the constant quick reaction changes and challenges of wildlife photography.

[chris_praeger]

Thank you very much for the 1:1 hack concerning W-C1 autofocus setting. Saved my day!

[mnyoupass]

Just got my email that they’re preparing to ship and ordered my first z lens and stuff. I’ll definitely be going through this!

[davidsneddon]

Hey Steve amazing. I am brand new too mirrorless and I have also just set up my new Z8 here in Glasgow, Scotland. I have your book on the Z8/Z9 and find it absolutely fantastic and invaluable. I know I said I would never go mirrorless but the Z8 is too good to miss so I traded in one of my D850s and joined the ranks. Due out tomorrow to try it out, can't wait.

[jimwlouavl]

Thanks for the intro, recognizing that despite all of your expertise, others' preferences are valid. I'm not a wildlife photographer but watched because I knew I would learn from your having thought seriously about these menus. Thanks.

[mylifesbetter]

I really liked the tip where you configured Wide-area AF-C1 to mimic Pin-point AF, so that you have the benefit of subject tracking, which normally is not available with Pin-point AF. I wish I had this feature on my Zfc...😢

[cynvs]

Just ordered a Z8 today, coming from a Fujifilm X-H2. Since the waiting time for new deliveries is 1-3 months, where I live, I guess I'll have a lot of time researching the system before getting to actually use it in the field. Super helpful video, I'm sure I'll be watching it a couple of more times, once it has arrived. 😁