KenProspero

This week, I took out my Nikon Z-5 for a night shoot for the first time.

When I looked through live view, the noise was such that the screen was unusable. I had a manual focus lens (Samyang 14mm f/2.8 made for Pentax, with a Nikon Z adapter) with me (where I know the infinity setting) so I took some test pictures that came out fine (little to no noise at iso 3200), and everything in focus). Though I did have to use the 'point and hope' method to find anything.

I then tested a Nikon Z 14-30 f/4 lens -- the problem, since it's a wire focus, the there's no way to set a manual focus to a known infinity point without live view. I tried auto-focus mode (without much hope, because -- well, it was pretty dark), but got lucky(?) and pictures were in focus.

Anyway, has anyone else had the problem with live view being useless for night photography, and is there an idea or setting that I'm just missing?

IDguy Loc: Idaho

First you are missing the difference between the EVF and “live view”, which uses the LCD.

Try turning off D8. And you might adjust brightness.

KenProspero

Thanks -- yes was only using LIVE view/LCD (the angle the camera was pointing made EVF difficult to see -- yes, I know weak excuse). I assume you're telling me that EVF will work better (if so, I'm glad there's an obvious/easy answer -- will test this in the next day or so).

Ballard Loc: Grass Valley, California

I have used my canon very successfully for night sky images. However I connect it to a laptop and use Live view, trying to focus with the screen in the back or using the view finder is almost impossible. With live view I can crank up to ISO to 32000 or greater and focus on a bright star of planet and use the on screen digital zoom up to 10X get a sharp focus.

KenProspero

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