Aviation - Nikon D5100 Auto focus metering settings- Any Recommendations
Feb 16, 2018 09:04:50 #
Harry P
Loc: United Kingdom
Hello,
I use a Nikon D5100 DSLR for aviation, believe it or not I actually used manual focus for the aircraft photos on my profile as I have been struggling with autofocus settings as it used to keep putting the aircraft out of focus. I was wondering if anybody could recommend which metering mode I should use. My D5100 has Matrix metering, Center - Weighted metering anf finally, Spot metering, which setting is the best metering to use for photographing aircraft airshows. I use AF-C and 3D tracking for my auto focus settings but metering I am not sure about.
If anybody has any recommendations for metering, I will be grateful for any help.
Harry
I use a Nikon D5100 DSLR for aviation, believe it or not I actually used manual focus for the aircraft photos on my profile as I have been struggling with autofocus settings as it used to keep putting the aircraft out of focus. I was wondering if anybody could recommend which metering mode I should use. My D5100 has Matrix metering, Center - Weighted metering anf finally, Spot metering, which setting is the best metering to use for photographing aircraft airshows. I use AF-C and 3D tracking for my auto focus settings but metering I am not sure about.
If anybody has any recommendations for metering, I will be grateful for any help.
Harry
Feb 16, 2018 09:39:32 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
I have shot many air-to-air shots, long ago with film and more recently with full frame DSLRs. I ALWAYS use manual focus, and usual used a fifty mm prime lens (occasionally a 105) set at infinity. More recently I've used a 24-105 mm lens set near the same fifty mm range, - occasionally somewhat longer, and again manual focus at infinity. Filling the frame means the aircraft need to be quite close, so the pilots need to be experienced and competent. Many photos have been on magazine covers or centerfolds, and the system continues to work out well.
ISO is generally 400, shutter 1/500, aperture as needed - always shoot in late afternoons for lateral, bright light.
ISO is generally 400, shutter 1/500, aperture as needed - always shoot in late afternoons for lateral, bright light.
Feb 16, 2018 09:42:50 #
I would think that manual set to infinity would be best due to the consistent distance - way out there.
Feb 16, 2018 09:54:05 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
The OP is asking for light metering advise, not focusing advise. It seems to me that Matrix metering would be OK since the planes will be out against the sky in broad even lighting.
Feb 16, 2018 10:04:27 #
Feb 16, 2018 10:23:29 #
mikegreenwald
Loc: Illinois
gvarner wrote:
The OP is asking for light metering advise, not focusing advise. It seems to me that Matrix metering would be OK since the planes will be out against the sky in broad even lighting.
Noted. Spot metering on the aircraft has been my "go-to" method, and works well. The airplane is the subject, but if background is needed for reasons of composition, I switch to center-weighted matrix.
Feb 17, 2018 07:13:31 #
For single aircraft I use spot metering,see sample image.3d in my experience causes focus issues on faster moving objects.you have good advice thus far from experienced photographers.
I donâÃÂÃÂt have the skills to use manual focus on moving objects.ie.race cars,flying aircraft or speed boats.
I donâÃÂÃÂt have the skills to use manual focus on moving objects.ie.race cars,flying aircraft or speed boats.
Feb 17, 2018 08:40:01 #
mikegreenwald wrote:
Noted. Spot metering on the aircraft has been my "go-to" method, and works well. The airplane is the subject, but if background is needed for reasons of composition, I switch to center-weighted matrix.
I don't believe there is a center weighted matrix on Nikon! There is matrix, spot, and center weighted average(and the center can be adjusted, like 60%, 80% etc). When I shoot A/C in the air I get good results using Center weighted average set to 80%.
Feb 17, 2018 13:13:58 #
Doesn't 1/500 freeze the prop motion on prop planes? I always heard that was to be avoided in photographing airplanes...
mikegreenwald wrote:
I have shot many air-to-air shots, long ago with f... (show quote)
Feb 17, 2018 13:28:35 #
Harry P
Loc: United Kingdom
Yeah it does, I shot my airshow pics in Eastbourne at 1/2000 as I was afraid of the aircraft being blurred out. My uncle told me that the best shutter speed to get prop and rotor blur would be 1/200 and 1/500, I am going to try and go between by using 1/320 for prop planes and helicopters at RIAT 2018. I've heard that you should use 1/4000 for aircraft moving fast but i need to practise getting the photo properly exposed in camera.
Harry
Harry
Feb 17, 2018 16:16:30 #
Harry P wrote:
Hello, br br I use a Nikon D5100 DSLR for aviati... (show quote)
The metering only affects the exposure, not the af!
Feb 17, 2018 17:28:58 #
But on some cameras the metering can be linked to the focus point as an option too.
I am a Canon shooter though, not familiar with the 5100 from Nikon.
I am a Canon shooter though, not familiar with the 5100 from Nikon.
speters wrote:
The metering only affects the exposure, not the af!
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