What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the intricacies of how to change focus point Nikon D7100, empowering you to take control of your focus and unlock the full potential of your camera.
- It’s a good option when you need to focus on a subject that may be moving within a larger area.
- You can choose whether to display all focus points or only the active focus point in the viewfinder.
The Nikon D7100 is a powerful DSLR that offers a wide array of features for capturing stunning images. One of the key aspects of achieving sharp and well-composed photographs is mastering the art of focus point selection. This guide will walk you through the intricacies of how to change focus point Nikon D7100, empowering you to take control of your focus and unlock the full potential of your camera.
Understanding Focus Points
Before diving into the specifics of changing focus points on your D7100, let’s first understand the fundamental concept of focus points. These are small, designated areas on your camera’s sensor that the autofocus system uses to determine the sharpest point in your scene. The D7100 boasts a robust 39-point autofocus system, providing you with a wide selection of focus points to choose from.
Methods to Change Focus Points
The Nikon D7100 offers several methods to change focus points, each catering to different shooting scenarios. Let’s explore these methods in detail:
1. Using the Multi Selector
The most intuitive method is using the multi-selector, located on the back of your camera. This four-way directional pad allows you to move the active focus point around the viewfinder. Simply press the multi-selector in the direction you wish to move the focus point, and it will shift accordingly.
2. Utilizing the AF-Area Mode Button
For more advanced control, you can utilize the AF-Area Mode button, located near the lens release button. Pressing this button will cycle through different autofocus area modes:
- Single-point AF: This mode allows you to select a single focus point. Ideal for situations where you want precise control over the point of focus.
- Dynamic-area AF: This mode uses multiple focus points, but prioritizes the selected focus point. It’s a good option when you need to focus on a subject that may be moving within a larger area.
- 3D-tracking AF: This mode uses all 39 focus points to track a moving subject. It’s perfect for capturing fast-paced action shots.
- Auto-area AF: This mode automatically selects the best focus points based on the scene. It’s convenient for quick shots but may not always deliver the desired results.
3. Customizing Focus Point Settings
The D7100 also allows you to customize the focus point settings through the camera menu. Navigate to the “Custom Setting Menu” (C), and then select “a1: AF-Area Mode.” Here, you can fine-tune various settings related to autofocus, including:
- Focus point selection: You can choose between “Single point AF” and “Dynamic-area AF” as the default AF-Area mode.
- Focus point grouping: In Dynamic-area AF mode, you can configure the number of focus points that will be used for tracking.
- Focus point display: You can choose whether to display all focus points or only the active focus point in the viewfinder.
Tips for Effective Focus Point Selection
Choosing the right focus point is crucial for achieving sharp images. Here are some tips to maximize your focus point selection:
- Consider the subject: For stationary subjects, single-point AF often delivers the most precise results. For moving subjects, dynamic-area AF or 3D-tracking AF are better choices.
- Anticipate movement: If your subject is moving, try to anticipate its path and position the focus point accordingly.
- Use the center focus point: The center focus point is generally the most accurate, so try to place your subject within it whenever possible.
- Experiment with different modes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different autofocus area modes to find what works best for your shooting style.
Focus Point Mistakes to Avoid
While mastering focus point selection is crucial, there are common mistakes that photographers often make. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Ignoring the focus point: Always make sure that the focus point is placed on the intended subject.
- Using the wrong autofocus mode: Choosing the incorrect AF-Area mode can lead to missed focus.
- Not adjusting focus points in dynamic scenes: If your subject is moving, remember to adjust the focus point accordingly.
Beyond the Basics: Focus Point Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of changing focus points, you can explore more advanced techniques to elevate your photography:
1. Back Button Focus
This technique involves assigning the autofocus function to a dedicated button, typically the “AE-L/AF-L” button. This allows you to focus without having to half-press the shutter button, giving you more control over focus and composition.
2. Focus Bracketing
Focus bracketing involves taking multiple shots of the same scene with different focus points. This technique is particularly useful for macro photography and other situations where precise focus is critical.
3. Manual Focus
While the D7100 excels at autofocus, there are times when manual focus is preferable. This allows you to fine-tune focus with absolute precision, especially for macro photography or when shooting in low light conditions.
Final Note: A New Level of Photographic Control
By understanding how to change focus point Nikon D7100, you gain a powerful tool to control the sharpness and clarity of your images. Utilize the methods and techniques outlined in this guide to enhance your photography skills and achieve stunning results. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different focus point strategies and find what works best for your unique shooting style.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Why is my Nikon D7100 not focusing properly?
A: If your D7100 is not focusing properly, there could be several reasons. Check the following:
- Lens compatibility: Ensure that your lens is compatible with the D7100’s autofocus system.
- Lens focus ring: Make sure the lens focus ring is not accidentally engaged in manual focus mode.
- AF-Area mode: Select the appropriate AF-Area mode for the shooting scenario.
- Focus point selection: Ensure that the focus point is placed on the intended subject.
- Lighting conditions: Insufficient light can affect autofocus performance.
- Cleanliness: Clean the lens and sensor to ensure optimal focus.
Q: How do I change the focus point display in the viewfinder?
A: To change the focus point display in the viewfinder, navigate to the “Custom Setting Menu” (C), select “a1: AF-Area Mode,” and then choose “Focus point display.” You can choose between displaying all focus points or only the active focus point.
Q: Can I use the focus points for manual focus?
A: No, the focus points are only used for autofocus. For manual focus, you need to use the lens focus ring and the viewfinder’s magnification feature.
Q: How do I use back button focus on the D7100?
A: To enable back button focus, navigate to the “Custom Setting Menu” (C), select “a1: AF-Area Mode,” and then choose “AF-ON button.” This will assign the autofocus function to the “AE-L/AF-L” button.
Q: Is there a way to customize the focus point layout on the D7100?
A: The D7100 does not offer the ability to customize the focus point layout. The 39-point autofocus system has a fixed layout.
