RahulKhosla

For action photography- What is the ideal camera mode (M, A or S) and ideal settings on a Nikon D850 so as to minimise fiddling with too many parameters when the moment(s) arrive(s)? I’m trying to find settings that require the least number of adjustments. Specifically - is Shutter speed priority better in these circumstances?

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Normally I would be shooting in shutter speed priority for those subjects.
However if the light levels are real low I would be shooting in aperture priority, with the lens wide open, and take what ever shutter speed I can get.

BigDale Loc: Seymour CT.

Setting ISO to auto will give you the best ISO your camera can give for the low light conditions.

cascom Loc: Redmond

I am very happy with Auto ISO and adjust the shutter speed or F stop for special effects. I will lower the shutter as the evening gets darker.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

There's no ideal, just what works for you. With my D850 and D500 for wildlife / birding I use BBF so AFC, auto ISO 64 (100) - 1600, Manual, 1/1000 or faster, start with aperture open to separate subject from background, but close down for a larger DOF when needed. For a slow moving single subject, single point AF targeting an eye. For something faster or multiple targets I'll go to 9 points. The camera will usually try and focus on the thing closest to the camera. For BIF I'll go to Grp or even 3d if the bird is flying towards me. I usually use matrix metering and use compensation for dark subjects or light subjects. If you shoot raw you've got a lot of leeway to adjust exposure during PP. I usually use either a Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 or Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2. For sports, I sometimes use a Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 maybe with a x1.4 tele-converter on the D500 when I'm in a lower light situation.

A couple of good references are Steve Perry's "Secrets to Stunning Wildlife Photography" at BackCountryGallery.com or chapter 8 in Tony Northrup's " How to Create Stunning Digital Photography", which you can find on Amazon.

RahulKhosla

Thank you very helpful

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

The only way to fly in my opinion:

https://backcountrygallery.com/manual-mode-with-auto-iso/

All of these were taken with the method described in the video:

https://backcountrygallery.com/wildlife-action-shots/

RahulKhosla

Your photos are absolutely stunning. Thank you !

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

:SM24: 👍💯

I don’t often shoot wildlife, but when I do, I use auto ISO in the way you describe. I also use it for outdoor sports.

You can either preset the ISO limit fairly low, or just be aware of it so you can keep it low by adjusting shutter speed or aperture individually.

Thank you, Steve, you were the first to suggest this when I first switched to digital.

Andy

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Aperture and Speed in manual and ISO in Auto.

This allows adjustment of three parameters with just two thumb-wheels.

And most important, always be aware of the values of each parameter and how they impact the result you want.

CO

I like to use aperture priority. With aperture priority, I can make sure the aperture is in its "sweet spot" zone for best sharpness and to control depth of field better. I'll make sure the ISO is sufficiently high to have a fast enough shutter speed.

Sassimiz

Steve’s suggestion - with auto ISO. Works like a charm.

And thank you Steve for all your helpful hints and how- to guides. Life savers for me!

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

i use manual mode with auto ISO WITH my D500/200-500 f/8 1/1600 for wildlife

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My settings for birds and action for the Nikon D850 are:
1. Aperture Priority and a ISO that gives me a minimum of 1/1500 sec.
2. Group Auto Focus (love this focusing setting, great for birds in flight)
3. Matrix metering
4. I use the back focus button for SINGLE SPOT FOCUSING for birds in the bush
5. I shoot at the highest frames per second available. I use the D5 battery to get 9 frames per second.

khorinek

I shoot sports at Shutter priority, 1/800, Aperture will float and ISO depends on if I'm outside or inside. If inside, ISO from 6,400 to 8,000 depending in lighting conditions. I mostly use a 70-200 f/4 lens for sports but if I know where I'm going and lighting is bad I will use my 70-200 f/2.8.