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Autofocus Settings and Lens Recommendations for Nikon D5
- Monique Harmer
- 2 minute read
Best Autofocus Settings for Nikon D5
Nikon D5 is a high-performance DSLR built for speed, accuracy, and reliability—ideal for press photography. Here’s how to get the best autofocus performance with your 24-70mm, 58mm, 70-200mm, 80-400mm, and 16-35mm lenses in different shooting scenarios.
📸 Press & General Event Photography (Fast-Paced, Unpredictable Scenes)
✔ AF Mode: AF-C (Continuous Servo AF)
✔ AF-Area Mode: Dynamic 25 or 72 Points (best for tracking moving subjects in crowds).
✔ Custom Setting a3 (Focus Tracking with Lock-On): Set to Short (faster response time for unpredictable subjects).
✔ Back-Button Focus (BBF): Assign AF to the AF-ON button for better control.
Best Lens: 24-70mm f/2.8 (versatile, fast AF for press work).
🏃 Sports & Action Photography
✔ AF Mode: AF-C (Continuous Servo AF)
✔ AF-Area Mode: 3D Tracking (best for following fast-moving subjects).
✔ Focus Tracking (a3 Setting): Set to Short for quick response.
✔ High-Speed Burst Mode: Use CH (Continuous High) at 12 FPS for action sequences.
Best Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8 (fast AF and great for isolating athletes).
🎭 Low-Light & Indoor Events (Concerts, Political Events, Night Press Photography)
✔ AF Mode: AF-C (Continuous Servo AF) or AF-S (Single AF) for static subjects.
✔ AF-Area Mode: Group-Area AF (reduces focus hunting in low light).
✔ ISO Sensitivity: Use Auto ISO with a max of 6400 or 12800 for cleaner images.
✔ Enable AF Assist Light (helps in extreme low-light conditions).
Best Lens: 58mm f/1.4 (superb in low light for natural-looking images).
🌍 Wide Shots & Environmental Portraits (Street, Landscape, Large Events)
✔ AF Mode: AF-S (Single AF)
✔ AF-Area Mode: Single-Point AF (for precise control over focus).
✔ Use Live View: If shooting still subjects, switch to Live View AF for more accurate manual adjustments.
Best Lens: 16-35mm f/4 (wide shots, storytelling images).
🦅 Wildlife & Long-Distance Journalism (Protests, Large Events, Wildlife Photography)
✔ AF Mode: AF-C (Continuous AF)
✔ AF-Area Mode: Group-Area AF or Dynamic 25 Points for tracking moving subjects.
✔ Use VR (Vibration Reduction): Helps stabilise longer focal lengths.
✔ High-Speed Burst Mode: Enable for action shots.
Best Lens: 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (long reach, great for distant subjects).
Final Tips for Faster Autofocus on Nikon D5
✔ Fine-Tune AF for Each Lens: Use AF Fine-Tune in-camera for sharper results.
✔ Update Firmware: Nikon regularly improves AF performance with updates.
✔ Pre-Focus on Anticipated Subjects: Helps lock focus before action starts.
✔ Use Back-Button Focus: More control over focus tracking in fast-paced events.
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Hi I'm Monique
Personal and business brand photographer and educator, super passionate about empowering business women and men to have a positive self perception, with the right tools and guidance so they can share their gifts with the world.
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