LOL :)

Thanks for your interest.

Here ya go :)

https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/

$20.97

Can't find the gear you're looking for? Out of stock at the big guys? Try this next time.

https://backcountrygallery.com/the-secret-to-locating-the-hard-to-find-gear-you-want/

PS - I got a new 500PF without waiting by doing this!

The "Lo" setting actually allows the camera to overexpose the image, which it then takes and pulls back down. However, it's not a free lunch - it can easily clip highlights. It's exactly the same as you adding exposure to the image and pulling the resulting overexposed image down in post.

More than one way to skin a cat :) Whatever works for you is cool, just sharing my methods.

For me and the kind of work I do, the sights are trying to solve a problem I just don't have. Using the technique in the video, I have zero difficulty finding 99% of my subjects - only the very fastest give me trouble (i.e. like a diving kingfisher for instance). I have even used it successfully on even things like swallows and sanderlings in flight. Slower stuff is a slam dunk.

Happy to help :)

Here's a few D6 rumors from NR:

https://nikonrumors.com/category/nikon-d6/

With a little luck, we'll both be shooting D6 bodies in CR :)

In regard to the D6 - Nikon has been incredibly consistent with their pro release schedule - right before the summer olympics. Happened with the D5, D4, D3, etc. No reason to think it won't happen with the D6. Canon does the same thing and by all accounts Sony is going to announce the a9II sometime in September. So, it would be incredibly unlikely that Nikon would simply skip the D6.

In addition, there have been quite a few rumors about the camera - and yes, I know a rumor isn't a fact - however, some rumors are more reliable than others (like the Z series rumors - everyone knew they were coming months beforehand). I think we'll likely see some kind of announcement - either for the camera or a development announcement by the time CES rolls around this year.

Of course, yes, there is a small chance that Nikon won't do a D6 and the D5 will be the last single digit pro DSLR - but I think that's highly unlikely. I'd wait for CES for sure.

It helps :)

However for static subjects, most people do catch on very quickly in my experience. I teach this technique in my workshops and most people have static subjects under control in a few minutes and by the end of the day they are very consistent. Action does take more practice of course, but it's worth it :)

I've tried the sights before and never really liked them. They sort of force you to use the center area and I often move my AF point when the action starts (or when I know it's about to happen) to keep it more or less on the face area (ideally near the eye, but sometimes my coordination doesn't cooperate!). The sights make it hard. Plus, you can't see if the camera is missing critical focus - sometimes when I'm shooting action, if I see the camera is missing focus a bit, I can pump the AF button and re-acquire it.

I can see using them for really though subjects - like Kingfishers diving and such.

Ever have a hard time finding your subject with a telephoto lens? Check out my new video to make that problem a thing of the past :)

https://backcountrygallery.com/finding-your-subject-with-a-long-lens/

I have a Z6 and Z7 and while I have captured some nice action with them, they are simply not in the same league for action work as the D5, D850 or D500. The AF system isn't as good, the buffer is far smaller, and the frame rate is really only 5.5 - 12FPS is incredibly difficult to use in a fast action scenario due to the slide show effect you get. You can learn to work around it, but even so, it's just not at the same level of the DSLRs. Of course, there are more than a few advantages to mirrorless (EVF and full AF coverage not being the least of them), so again, tools for the job at hand :)

Yes, and I still stand by my FPS statements :) - there is a noticeable difference in some scenarios (i.e. action) between 12 and 9 FPS. There are SOOOOO many times I have exactly ONE perfect shot (wing position, pose etc) from a 12FPS series with my D5 that I may not have grabbed with a slower camera. The extra 3FPS gives you 3 more opportunities every second of an action sequence to capture a perfect pose.

As for the larger pixels, yes, they do can have an advantage too. If you don't need the resolution (and, let's face it, most people don't - I unhesitatingly print 20x30 from my full frame D5 images), then it's a good option to consider because there is a noticeable difference at higher ISOs. The D5 is about 1 stop better than the D850 and 2 stops better than the D500 - not insignificant. However, as one poster mentioned, the D5's low ISO dynamic range is lower than the D850 (and I think the D500), so when I don't need the D5's speed, I often shoot the D850 when working in brighter light. I also like the D850 files better - I think they just have nicer color. Tools for the job I suppose. However, that love for the D850 files ends at higher ISO - the D5 retains better colors after ISO 2500 or so.

Some other D5 advantages:

Buffer - the D5 has a 200 shot buffer (as does the D500) vs the much, much smaller buffer of the D850.

AF system - The D5, D500, and D850 share the same AF system - and in general it's hard to tell the difference. However, after shooting tens of thousands of frames between the cameras, I think the D5 is actually a touch faster with initial acquisition in a fast moving situation and a touch better at hanging onto a tricky subject than the D850. The D500 is somewhere between the D5 and D850.

Less Mirror Blackout - the mirror mechanism gets out of the way faster in the D5 than the D850 or D500, which means you see the subject better during action.

Recall shooting - the D5 is the only Nikon with this feature: https://backcountrygallery.com/nikons-new-recall-shooting-feature/

Extra Function Button - this seems minor, but if you like assigning buttons to help you shoot, then the extra one is welcome.

Better Covers - Minor but the D5 has better battery covers and memory card covers then the D850 or D500 - plus the D5 has duel XQD slots with is really nice.

And finally, it just has better ergonomics in my opinion. The integral grip is wonderful and the D5 actually is a tough smaller the the gripped D850. It's also more durable than any other current Nikon and can really take a beating (I know LOL).

Still - I'd wait for the D6 - it'll bring all of the above and then some to the table :)

I've shot well over 100,000 wildlife images with my D5 and it's a wonderful camera. However, it's also relatively low res compared to cameras like the D850 or even the Canon 5DIV. So, filling the frame and keeping cropping to a minimum is critical if you want to get the most out of it. If you find you're cropping the D850 heavily, then you probably will be disappointed in the D5. However, if you can typically fill the frame (or close), it's a phenomenal action camera. It "just gets the shot" :)

That said, also keep in mind that the D6 is due out soon - probably announced by early January and it will certainly up the game. The D5 is great, but it's also about a 4 year old camera - ancient by consumer electronics standards. Personally, although I love the D5, if mine died today, I'd just use my D850 until the D6 came out. $6500 is a lot to shell out on something that's about to be replaced. Of course, if you could find a good used one for less than $5000, that wouldn't be so bad :)

Excellent!! Thanks!

Get what you need now. Unless it’s actually announced, it’s vaporware.