Description
Also, check out our other books and videos – Click here
Covers the following cameras:
Z9 (firmware 5.00)
Z8 (firmware 2.01)
Nikon Z6/7 (firmware 3.70)
Nikon Z6/7 II (firmware 1.62)
Nikon Z6III (firmware 1.0)
Nikon Z5 (firmware 1.43)
Nikon Z50 (firmware 2.51)
Format: PDF e-book (v 1.8.1) – updated 09-15-2024)
Delivery: Instant download
Pages: 680
NOTE – This edition of the book covers Nikon’s Mirrorless Z-Series cameras.
For the DSLR edition, click here.
We’ve all been there before – staring at our Z-series camera, struggling to decide exactly what AF settings will help us nail the tricky scene unfolding in our viewfinder. I mean, let’s face it – the autofocus system in the Nikon mirrorless cameras is one of the most complex AF systems on the planet! There are so many settings, options, and features that it’s easy for anyone to feel overwhelmed – and many of these features are completely new to mirrorless! However, learning to leverage everything the system offers – in the right way – is the difference between consistently tack sharp images and a worn out delete key!
Sure there’s the autofocus section of the instruction manual, but have you looked at it? It’s a joke! The truth is, we’re only talking about a handful of pages. That’s barely enough to get you started!
So, that’s where this e-book, Secrets To The Nikon AF System: Mirrorless Edition comes in!
This is 680 pages of everything I know about the AF system in Nikon’s mirrorless Z-series cameras. It’s far more than just a supplement to the instruction manual, this is a guide that will teach you, step by step, how to really use the system! Each page will instill advice and confidence so you’ll feel completely comfortable each time you adjust your AF settings in the field.
We’ll examine everything from the basics of autofocus to how the AF system actually works inside the camera. We’ll look at all the different AF area modes (like Dynamic, Wide, Auto, Tracking, Pinpoint, 3D, etc), I’ll show you new ways to focus that you may never have been exposed to before, we’ll discuss tips for getting the most from the AF system, we’ll go over every custom setting for autofocus – what to use and why, we’ll look at all the AF controls on your lenses, we’ll cover killer focusing tips and techniques, tracking tips, and the top reasons you aren’t getting sharp images! WHEW!
Wanna unlock the full potential of your Z-Series autofocus system? This book is the key! We’ll examine tons of performance and setting tips that will skyrocket your keeper rate. The biggest trick to getting the best AF performance out of the Nikon mirrorless system is knowing what to turn on – and what to turn off – and when to do it! This book takes you step by step through the best settings for any scenario. In fact, there’s an entire chapter devoted to enhancing AF performance and another dedicated to advanced focus and tracking techniques! These are practical, real-wold tips you can use immediately in the field for sharper images.
Oh, and this isn’t some book filled with a bunch of “cookie cutter” settings either. This is written and designed to give you a complete understanding of the AF system from top to bottom. Once you finish this guide, you’ll not only know what all the AF features on your camera do, but more importantly, you’ll understand how they work. You’ll know when, why, and how to use every feature and you’ll always know exactly the right settings for any scene unfolding in your viewfinder!
By the way – it’s time to stop feeling overwhelmed by too much tech talk! This book is written in a friendly, easy to read format that makes comprehension of even the most complex topics a walk in the park. In fact, this book is loaded with explanations, examples, and real world advice to truly cement the ideas presented.
Subject detection is an integral part of the AF system in the Z cameras and it’s critical to know what it does and how it works. Until you really understand how it thinks and the best times to use or not use it, you’ll struggle with the AF system in the Z cameras (this is especially true for Z9 users). This book will cover everything you need to know to get the most from the subject detection in your Z camera. Once you understand what it’s doing and why it’s doing it, knowing how to manage it becomes effortless, and your keeper rate will soar!
BONUS! Not only is the Z-Series AF system (more than) thoroughly covered, we also look at dozens of advanced techniques for better sharpness! In fact, we even troubleshoot the reasons may not be getting the sharpness you expect in your photos.
Also, while I use my own techniques out in the field and thoroughly share them in this book, I also understand that my way is not the only way. As such, I present EVERY option and let YOU decide which one is the most advantageous for YOUR photography!!!
Finally, I know that the cover and sample photos feature nature photography, but not to worry. Although most of the examples come from my background as a wildlife and landscape photographer, the advice in this book applies to any type of photography.
What’s covered? Heck, what’s not? Check it out – and this is only a partial list!
CH 1 – System Basics And AF Modes
- Tricks for getting in and out of focusing modes
- The secret to always knowing the right AF mode to use – AF-S, AF-C, or Auto
- The key to leveraging AF-S to your maximum advantage
- How AF-C works and why it’s your best friend for action
- How AF-A works – and how it can betray you
- What AF-S and AF-C Priority Selection really do
- Saving the focus position
- How the “movie mode only” AF-F mode works
CH 2 – Alternative Focusing Methods
- Discover why so many pros are using Back Button Autofocus
- The killer AF advantage you enjoy with Back Button Autofocus
- How to set up Back Button Autofocus for ALL current Nikon Zs
- How to use Back Button AF to get more keepers
- The three knock-out advantages of using Back Button AF
- Why Back Button AF isn’t right for everyone
- Front button AF – without the shutter release! (Killer new trick)
- Why Front Button AF might be even better than Back Button AF
- Tricks for using Shutter Release AF with AE/AF Lock
- Customizing AE/AF lock to work better for Shutter Release AF
- The alternative AF Q&A that answers every question you have
CH 3 – AF Area Modes
- Tons of fast, easy ways to swap AF Areas
- The real advantage of using Single Point AF
- A killer guideline to knowing when you should NOT use Single Point AF
- What Dynamic AF is, how it works, and why you’ll love it
- Why and when you should use Dynamic AF instead of Single Point (or another mode)
- Learn the limitations of Dynamic AF and when it sabotages your efforts
- How the Wide AF Areas work
- The tricks to leveraging the Wide AF modes to your advantage
- A secret about Wide Area AF almost no one talks about
- Why Wide AF is better for subjects close to the background or on busy backgrounds
- How to choose between the Wide (S) and Wide (L) areas
- The key differences between Wide Area AF and Dynamic AF
- The secrets to when you should use Wide AF and when you should use Dynamic AF
- How Auto AF works
- The best types of subject for Auto Area AF
- When Auto Area AF can cause headaches
- How 3D AF works
- When to use 3D AF and when to use Auto
- How to activate Face and Eye detection
- When Face Detection is your best bet
- When Eye Detection is better
- Dangerous pitfalls of Eye Detection AF
- How to pick which face / eye the camera focuses on
- Animal Eye Detect
- Dangers of Animal Eye Detection with wildlife
- How subject detection works in the Z9
- Subject detection and AF area mode interaction
- Tricks for Tracking Mode
- When Tracking Mode can let you down
- Where Tracking Mode works best
- All about Pinpoint AF
- Where to use – and not use – Pinpoint AF
CH 4 – Manual Focus
- The best ways to get into manual focus mode
- Why the Z cameras are the best manual focus cameras ever
- The secret trick native Z lenses do when you manually focus (game-changer)
- The hidden trick for getting sharp images using the electronic rangefinder
- Discover the joys of Focus Peaking
- How to turn on and customize Focus Peaking
- Adding Focus Peaking to your “i” menu / buttons
- Tricks for using built-in magnification for focus
- The killer customization that allows instant magnification
- Unlock the power of Split-Screen magnification
CH 5 – Custom Settings For AF
- Unlock the custom settings of your AF system
- Learn what the Number Of Focus Points Setting really does (it’s not what you think)
- Why you’ll bag more shots using Store By Orientation
- How Limit AF Area Mode Selection makes life WAY easier
- How Focus Point Wrap Around actually works
- The key to making your AF point display work for YOU
- How Focus Point Persistence works
- The key to using AF areas on programmable buttons in the Z9
CH 6 – Additional AF Button Customizations
- Incredible customizations to your AF system via programmable buttons
- Full instructions for every covered camera
- Dialing in AE/AF Lock
- Why you may love using AE and AF lock on separate buttons
- Discover how to set nearly any button for AF-On duty
- Killer tricks with the Multi-selector button
- The best and worst use for the Multi-selector center button
- The easy way to zoom into 100% on captured images – you’ll love this
CH 7 – Lens Controls
- Finally discover the real power behind all those switches on your lens barrel
- Covers both native Z-series lenses and adapted AF-S lenses
- Unleash the power of the Focus Mode Switch
- Finally understand A/M and M/A modes (adapted lenses) – and when to use them
- How to grab way more keepers with the Focus Limiter
- Why Nikon’s new Multi-Focusing System is a game-changer
- Understanding VR modes
- The real difference between the Lens Focus and Lens Control rings
- Hidden features to turbo-charge the Lens Control Ring
- The best way to set your Lens Control Ring
- Leverage VR and IBIS on the Z cameras
- How the Z camera’s IBIS works
- Discover what in-body VR does and doesn’t do
- What happens when you attach a lens without VR to the Z cameras
- What happens when you attach a lens with VR to the Z cameras
- Covers all VR / Camera scenarios
- The HUGE misconception people have about VR on the Z cameras
- Get the most from your menu driven VR options
- Add VR switches to the “i” menu
- Discover the difference between Sport and Normal VR
- Unleash the power of the Focus Operation Switch (Adapted lenses)
- Setting up Memory Recall
- Killer tips for using Memory Recall
- Unlock the hidden power behind the lens’s AF-L switch
- Use the lens’s AF-L switch to change AF area modes (really)
- Jaw-dropping lens function button options
CH 8 – How Your Autofocus System Thinks
- How Contrast Detection autofocus works
- Discover how light travels from the lens to your AF sensors
- Step by step guide to how Phase Detection AF works on your Z camera
- How your camera tracks a subject
- The critical thing you MUST know about your AF sensors
- Why our AF sensors hate horizontal lines
- The clever field trick to getting the camera to focus when it doesn’t want to
- The killer advantage our mirrorless cameras have in low light
- Why maximum F/stop isn’t as important as it was with DSLRs
- The cool trick your AF does to prevent focus shift issues
CH 9 – Autofocus Fine Tuning
- Why AF Fine Tuning is sometimes still necessary
- The difference between front focus and back focus
- Why a lens that needs AF Fine Tuning isn’t “broken”
- The dirty little AF Fine Tuning secret no one talks about
- The critical mistake most people make when AF Fine Tuning based on internet “help”
- How you can make things WORSE if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing
- Reasons for and against AF Fine Tuning
- The secret to handling zoom lenses when AF Fine Tuning
- Learn how different circumstances can influence AF Fine Tuning
- Discover the best setup for AF Fine Tuning
- Understand how the top two methods for AF Fine Tuning work
- Using FoCal for AF Fine Tuning
- DIY AF Fine Tuning
CH 10 -Focus And Tracking Techniques
- Discover the secret to composing with AF points
- Why proper AF coverage is the key to sharper photos
- The AF trap to avoid with 3-dimensional surfaces
- Learn to track like a pro with the Z cameras
- Uncover tons of practice tips that will help you master tracking your subjects
- Learn how to “see” around blackouts
- How a static subject can make you better at tracking
- The best place to put your AF area when tracking
- A tracking trick to help the Z cameras get a better lock
- How viewfinder lag can cost shots – and what to do about it
- How the best frame advance rate can have a HUGE impact on your keepers
- When to use Continuous High Vs. Continuous High Extended modes
- Finally discover what the Focus Tracking With Lock-on custom setting does
- Learn to leverage Focus Tracking With Lock-on to get more keepers on your cards
- Tips for knowing when you have Focus Tracking With Lock-on set incorrectly
- My new technique using Focus Tracking With Lock-On
- How to shoot “through” obstacles
- Killer tricks for shooting through glass
- Use “Trap Focus” for tricky shots
- Learn techniques for shooting through fencing and mesh
- How to find your subject with a long lens
CH 11 – Tips For Better AF Performance
- The unlikely custom setting adjustment that can improve AF performance
- Fast access to that setting via the “i” menu
- Why using native lenses gives you an advantage
- The real cost of using the FTZ adapter
- Speed comparisons between adapted and native glass
- Killer focus technique to help you nail tricky shots
- How to coax the camera into a lock when it has trouble
CH 11 – Deep Focus Techniques
- Learn how to get sharp photos from foreground to background
- Why F/22 isn’t the answer
- Learn how diffraction can kill sharpness
- How to avoid diffraction
- Depth of Field Preview setup and tricks
- How Nikon’s Diffraction Compensation works
- Discover how Hyperfocal Distance works
- How Hyperfocal Distance can help keep diffraction at bay
- Learn how to use Hyperfocal Distance in the field
- See the difference between Hyperfocal Distance and small F/Stops
- Why the typical Hyperfocal Distance table is a problem
- How to get better results with Hyperfocal Distance
- Adding a bias to Hyperfocal Distance for specific shot requirements
- Learn about my favorite deep sharpness method – Focus Stacking
- Why Focus Stacking is the ultimate diffraction killer
- Use Focus Stacking to get astoundingly sharp images from foreground to background
- How to Focus Stack in the field
- Discover Nikon’s Focus Shift Shooting setting for automatic stacking! (Z6/7)
- Unlock all the Focus Shift Shooting Settings
- Learn the best field techniques for Focus Shift Shooting
- How Focus Shift Shooting opens up countless creative options
- Software for Focus Stacking
- Step by step instructions for Focus Stacking in Photoshop
- Compare Focus Stacking to Hyperfocal
CH 12 – Overcoming Tough Focusing Situations
- The secret to using continuous frame advance for sharp photos
- How utilizing an edge in the photo can help secure focus when the light is low
- Why your camera struggles to focus on horizontal lines – and a quick fix
- When to manually focus
- How a faster lens or dropping the teleconverter can help in low light
- Tricks for focusing at night
- Discover the ideal way to focus a night shot
- How your nighttime subject itself can help you focus
- The killer flashlight focusing trick no one knows (no, it’s not lighting up the subject)
- Using a laser pointer to get focus at night
- The settings you need to focus on stars right in the viewfinder
- How Low Light AF will change the way you shoot at night
- Why you’re gonna love the AF Assist Illuminator
CH 13 – 10 Reasons You’re Not Getting Sharp Photos
- The importance of realistic expectations
- Avoid shutter shock
- Discover the critical camera setting everyone overlooks for sharp images
- Learn better techniques for camera stabilization
- Understand how heat distortion can kill your images
- Why subjects that are too far away are always a disappointment
- Learn how dirty contacts can sabotage your efforts – and how to clean them
- The zoom lens technique you must never use
- How VR can work against you for sharpness – and how to get the most from it
- Discover when slower AF speeds really cause problems
- How to test your lens to see if it’s sharp
Whew.
And that’s only a taste of what you’ll find in this book!
In all, it’s 627 pages of rock solid, field tested information you can use every time you’re out shooting.
If you’re tired of frustrating soft photos and really want to get the most from the AF system in your Z-Series mirrorless camera, then you just found your new best friend. Here are just a few sample pages to give you an idea of what you’ll find in the book:
Finally, if you’re still on the fence, think of it this way…
So many times we spend countless hundreds or even thousands of dollars purchasing gear that we hope will help us create more powerful images.
The truth is, gear is only a small part of the equation. Amazing imagery comes from YOU – the person standing a few inches behind the viewfinder.
However, when offered an opportunity to improve the part of their photography that could generate a quantum leap in quality, people often hesitate. I know for a fact that my best images were due to hundreds, even thousands of hours spent studying educational materials, not because of the gear.
So, that brings us to price. I’ve tried to make this completely affordable for any photographer – just $26.97 and it’s an instant download.
That’s basically less than a lunch date for a product that could improve your photography exponentially. Heck, even if you only discover ONE new trick or technique that helps you create an amazing image, wouldn’t it be worth it?
Check it out, you could be enjoying this new e-book in just a few minutes.
So, order now and you’ll have the book in a matter of moments!
PS – I’m 100% confident you’ll love this e-book. If you’re not satisfied, let me know and I’ll give you your money back – nothing to lose by giving it a try!
owney (verified owner) –
I just downloaded and started reading this new book. I have Steve’s other books and this follows the same easy to understand format. His DSLR autofocus book helped me with my D500 so I decided to get the mirrorless edition to learn more about my Z6. Compared to the price of these cameras, this is a small sum to pay to learn from a full time professional photographer. Also, it is my way of supporting Steve for all the videos, articles and podcasts (which I enjoyed) that he makes available for free. Thank you for another helpful book!
Randy (verified owner) –
Easy to understand and follow. I have needed this book since I bought my Z7.
Robert Ziegler (verified owner) –
Just down loaded the new book. It is great, already learned some things about the Z system auto focus system. The book is easy to understand and read. Keep up the good work.
cazul –
Excellent, easy understandable representation of every aspect, easy and funny to read, covers really all aspects you might imagine. I alredy knew quite a lot about this stuff, but even for me it pointed up a couple things i didn’t know before. Even one of them alone would have justified the price of $22!
I own two other e-books from Steve too and this one follows these in a perfect way.
Thanks a lot, Steve!
Chris Taylor (verified owner) –
I thought I knew the auto-focus features fairly well but suspected it would be worth it if I picked up a couple of tips. Wow, was I ever wrong. I learned a LOT. Steve’s beautifully illustrated book goes into details of aspects of focus that I never even thought of, much less really understood! Very comprehensive and very easy to understand. Steve has a way of clearly explaining things. I especially like areas where Steve says there is no right answer – that you have to decide – and explains the advantages and disadvantages of different settings depending on the type of photography you are doing at the time. Steve’s explanation of focus-stacking is the VERY first time I saw (even from Nikon!) that the “focus step width” is anything other than a guess and experimentation. I guess others are regurgitating the manual. Steve actually tries out everything and figures out what is REALLY going on. Every Nikon mirrorless user can get great value out of this book. I don’t think there is a single aspect of focus that isn’t covered in this book. Thanks Steve.
Ivan Toman (verified owner) –
I own a Z6 for more than a year now, and I’m confident that I master it’s AF system pretty well. I still might find some interesting tips or ideas in this book, but I wanted to say that my primary reason for purchasing this e-book is to support amazing content that Steve is uploading to his Youtube channel. I think his channel is one of best sources of information in video format for Nikon owners and Steve is super-knowledgeable guy whom I’ve never caught to say one single mistake; and I watched ALL his published videos. Go on Steve and I hope you’ll keep uploading amazing contents. In addition to your educational videos, you can also think about recording more of real-world trips/shooting stories, something like vlogging your wildlife trips. Thank you again, Ivan
Jay –
Excellent book, extremely informative and entertaining. Steve explains things in a way any idiot (Me) can understand!
Jim H –
There is no way I could have turned on this camera and started smoothly without your book. It is well written and so easy to read that a caveman could operate the Z. Your humor adds to the enjoyment of learning a sophisticated camera. It’s worth twice the cost, . . . But don’t get me wrong as I’m not suggesting you change. THANKS for sharing you skills and helping many improve their photography.
Saravana Raja M (verified owner) –
Awesome book, each & every setup details mentioned very clearly. It’s easy to read , most of the time it’s act like a video tutorial. Neat & clear examples , even the fresher also able to understand.
He is a real mentor. thanks.
Brian Kearney (verified owner) –
Another masterpiece. I have all of Steve’s books and found each one most useful in its field. Have branched out into the Mirrorless field (leaving an D850 & 500 behind) the book was essential and again was no disappointment. Steve, well done, yet again.
Russell Wilson (verified owner) –
This book is very complete, well organized, and useful. Truthfully, I was fearing another expanded boring camera manual, but Steve kept me engaged throughout the book with his style and humor. I knew I wanted to get better focus than I had been getting. Although I knew the basics of the focus options I wanted to learn the little tricks for improvement and when to use which method. He taught these and more. He explains the why and how so I can analyze what I’m doing wrong in the field to correct and hopefully avoid mistakes. He also talks about where the strengths and weaknesses of each method lie, when to expect problems and what to do about them. It’s one of the best photobooks I’ve ever read. He takes you systematically through each of the different focusing options, explaining how they work in an entertaining and understandable fashion. Numerous images drive home the points he’s trying to make in a clear manner. He also included numerous pictures from his own work that show how good the results are that he obtains using these methods.
Pete Barney (verified owner) –
The best resource for learning the z mirrorless system. Clear language and great examples for every facet of the system. I read the Nikon manual and had an idea, but this really put it all together for me and enabled me to set up and customize my Z7ii for the different kinds of photography I work in. Great photo examples of every type of focus mode and where they are located on the camera. Well worth every penny and you also get lifetime updates to any changes, because your log in will get you the newest edition.
Can’t say enough! Well done Steve!
ahmednabil.aziz (verified owner) –
Like all of Steve’s books and YouTube tutorials, superb! full of real world examples, tips and tricks and knowledge. Nothing like Steve books in the market. Amazing job Steve!
jefife (verified owner) –
As a long time Nikon shooter, I am extremely familiar (or so I thought) with the Nikon Auto Focus system(s), and setting banks, both from hours of reading, and most importantly, past field application. After months of research, conflicting reviews, and forum surfing, I decided to order the Z9 through B&H and get in line, since it appears it won’t be IN-Stock until the Z10 is announced! And, After all, BHP (as well as a few others) give us 30 days to decide. Based on some of the negative reviews, I was far from convinced that I would even keep it.
As I waited impatiently, I studied the Z9 User Manual . I concentrated most extensively on the AF section and custom settings, as I saw quickly that the Z9 is a different animal and the User Manual falls far short unless you already know the camera. The capabilities of the Z9 made apparent in the manual convinced me that the Z9 IS the right camera, but due to the lack of depth of the manual, I learned the basic technicals of the camera but grew increasingly confused as to how to best apply my new knowledge.
Fortunately, I stumbled upon this book, and best of all, Steve had just added the Z9 Section. I learned enough in the first 30 minutes of reading to far exceed the cost of buying the book. Steve has an easy to understand writing style and best of all presents real “field use” examples, pictures, and even screenshots that leave the reader with not only a thorough understanding of the technicals of the Z-Series, but most importantly, the ability to apply that knowledge in the field.
The Z9 is as easy as any otherDSLR to take out the box and start shooting outstanding photos. But, to fully understand the capabilities and behavior hiding in the Auto Focus System, and the nearly unlimited ways to customize the Z9 to your shooting style requires a substantial time investment. In my case, I would say it was not even possible with just the Nikon Reference Manual, or any of the many You Tube videos and Forum posts that I watched and read. After reading Steve’s book, you will find most (certainly not all) of the videos to be a waste of your time as you will know more about the subject than they do! But, that’s fine. You can better use that time composing and shooting keepers! A properly configured Z9 will no doubt snag many of those keepers that used to get away.
GREAT BOOK, Steve!
chuck (verified owner) –
Thanks Steve this book is great I went through it three times. (twice with camera in hand) I still don’t think I tried all of it. I’ll undoubtedly go through it again as situations arise. Great reference.
I’ve long suspected if I pushed the right buttons in the right order my Z6ii would order me a pizza. however you did not address that in this version. Mabey next time.
Ann Stupple (verified owner) –
A really useful book, I learned far more than I expected, especially some of the things that are counterintuitive. E.g. my keeper rate went up considerably when I stopped using extended continuous. Very well worth the money and highly recommended.
Chris Taylor (verified owner) –
An update to my review from 3 years ago when I was shooting with a Z6. I just bought a new Z8 body and since there is a free update to Steve’s book that covers the Z8, I downloaded it and started a deep dive into the new content. There are tons of new settings and techniques with the Z8. As always, Steve’s explanations are crystal clear and detailed. No guesswork or simple retelling of the Nikon manual. Steve always figures out exactly how things really work, what the advantages and disadvantages are for different choices, and helps you make the decisions that will ensure you get the best images possible.
Thanks, Steve for keeping the ebook up-to-date. Frankly, there is enough new content that I would not have objected to having to buy a new copy.
But Steve’s jokes have not gotten any less corny 🙂 (sorry Steve!)
Neal Schneider (verified owner) –
I just finished reading Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System: Mirrorless Edition for the first time. It took a little longer than expected to get through it because I had my camera in hand and was trying things all along. I will definitely go through it again and again. To say that I learned a lot about my camera would be a gross understatement. I suspect that I’ll learn more each time I go through the book. Steve is a master at explaining things in terms we can all understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is new to a Nikon mirrorless camera. It will also be helpful to those who are not novices with one. Thank you, Steve for helping us understand the complexities of the autofocus system.
Perhaps, for the next revision, you can hire a new writer for your jokes 😉.
Lynn Peiffer (verified owner) –
I purchased the ebook upon a recommendation from a fellow photographer.
I recently switched from my beloved D810 to a Z6ii and I was struggling a lot with the focus!
Steve’s ebook really has helped me working my way through those focus issues; I won’t give up on the Z series just yet.
I also love Steve’s writing style: it is easy to comprehend and yes…I also love those corny jokes!