Nikopedia

AF explained, Capture One Express guide, queries solved

Your camera’s AF system may struggle to lock focus in low light. Follow these tips to increase your hit rate…

[1] Stick to the central focus point as this is always the most sensitive, whatever Nikon camera model you’re using. It’s usually a cross-type AF sensor, whereas outlying AF points may only detect contrast in a single direction.

[2] Select AF-S mode and engage the ‘Low Light AF illuminator’ feature, which attempts to light the subject with a lamp. On a Z-series Nikon, you’ll need to enable Low-light AF in the Custom Functions.

[3] You’ll have a far better success rate if you focus on areas that exhibit more contrast. Try focusing on the edge of a subject, or an area of colour change, in order to give your camera’s AF system something to lock onto.

Neil Freeman Neil is Training Manager at Nikon School, the official tutoring programme operated by Nikon UK, and runs a range of online and on-location courses to help you master your DSLR or mirrorless Nikon: https://nikonschool.co.uk