Npt Bob Loc: Newport, RI

First THANK YOU to all who have have provided fantastic knowledge and information to this great forum!
Looked thru posts and have viewed many linked resources but did not find answer to;
Been using BBF with Nikon D90 (became of this forum) for a while and definitely like it. Most of my photos are stills - landscape, closeups, etc. So, been using single point center focus and in most cases recompose. But, also taking more “action” shots - grandkids, sailboats, birds, animals.
My question is what is the proper setting of the a1- Auto focus mode of the 4 available for this combination to properly track a moving subject. And will I need to select a different focus point from the center one - select one on left so I can get tracking with expected motion to right? And will a change affect my stills.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Set it for AF-C and release it to hold your initial focus, keep holding the button pressed to follow a moving subject.

Andy

Npt Bob Loc: Newport, RI

Thanks, understand that and have used it but question is proper a1 setting?

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

That's really a matter of preference. I shoot Nikon and find the "3-D" mode fairly capable, but I'm not a sports/wildlife photographer in general. I quickly go to the nine spot setting if I'm doubtful of my ability to hold a sharp focus point due to the movement of the subject. On that point, I'd try experimenting till you find the mode you're most comfortable with.

It's still YMMV on so many choices. I've been surprised to see some people still more comfortable with shutter focus than back button, but each to their own....

Andy

JD750 Loc: SoCal

It does not look like anyone answered your question. DSLR focusing systems can be confusing. There is the focus mode as well as the selection of focus points that must be considered. Rather than suggest a setting I will provide links to information so that you can better understand the autofocus system and thus decide for yourself what is the best setting for your purposes.

Below is a link to an article on the D90 autofocus settings. Please take a look it may answer your questions:

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/d90/af-settings.htm

Below is a good article on DSLR autoFocus systems, not specifically the D90:

https://photographylife.com/dslr-autofocus-modes-explained

I hope that helps.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Well, I certainly thought I answered his question.

I said to set it to AF-C, and hold the button down. The AF-A setting is rather twitchy, so I prefer not to use it. You must hold the button down to track focus. When it comes to focusing mode, I suggest he try the 3D setting, although some people do not care for it. Like any other aspect of photography, YMMV - some people hate using the 3D mode. I also suggested that if he had trouble keeping one spot on a moving subject, that it's worth trying to expand the number of focus points to the next lowest number (It's 9 on my D7100).

Please let me know what I left out and I'll try to add any missing information.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

You posted your 2nd reply while I was typing and I did not see it until after I hit Send. Sorry I did not mean to offend.

Npt Bob Loc: Newport, RI

Sorry for the delay in responding, just got to reading mail.
Andy, thanks, will try the 3D mode.
JD, thanks for the links, very informative and answered some of my “what’s the difference?”
Happy New Year and New photo opportunities,
Bob