Top 10 Tips for Perfectly Adjusting How to Change Focus Area on Nikon D750 Every Time

The Nikon D750 is a powerful camera renowned for its versatility and image quality. However, maximizing its potential requires understanding how to effectively utilize its autofocus system. One crucial aspect is knowing how to change the focus area, which allows you to direct the camera’s attention to the desired part of the scene. This blog post will guide you through the process of changing the focus area on your Nikon D750, empowering you to capture sharper, more impactful images.

Understanding the Focus Area System

The Nikon D750 boasts a sophisticated autofocus system with 51 focus points arranged in a diamond pattern covering a large portion of the sensor. These focus points work in conjunction to detect and lock onto subjects, ensuring accurate focus. However, the camera doesn’t always know where you want to focus. That’s where the ability to change the focus area comes into play.

Choosing the Right Focus Area Mode

The Nikon D750 offers several focus area modes, each designed for specific shooting scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used modes:
1. Single-Point AF (AF-S): This mode uses a single focus point selected by the photographer. It’s ideal for situations where you want precise control over the focus point, such as portrait photography or macro shooting.
2. Dynamic-Area AF (AF-A): This mode automatically selects a group of focus points based on the subject’s movement and position. It’s well-suited for action photography or unpredictable subjects.
3. 3D-Tracking AF (AF-C): This mode utilizes all 51 focus points to track a moving subject continuously. It’s perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or athletes in action.
4. Wide-Area AF (AF-W): This mode uses a wider group of focus points, allowing the camera to focus on subjects within a larger area. It’s suitable for situations where the subject’s position is less predictable, such as landscape photography.
5. Auto-Area AF (AF-F): This mode automatically selects the focus area based on the scene. It’s a convenient option for general photography but may not always provide the most accurate focus.

Changing the Focus Area Mode

To change the focus area mode, follow these steps:
1. Press the “AF-L” button located on the back of the camera. This button activates the focus area selection mode.
2. Use the multi-selector to navigate through the different focus area modes. The active mode will be displayed in the viewfinder.
3. Press the “AF-L” button again to exit the focus area selection mode.

Selecting Individual Focus Points

For more precise control, you can manually select the focus point you want to use. This is particularly useful for Single-Point AF mode. To select a focus point:
1. Press the “AF-L” button to activate the focus area selection mode.
2. Use the multi-selector to move the active focus point to the desired location within the viewfinder.
3. Press the “AF-L” button again to exit the focus area selection mode.

Customizing Focus Area Settings

The Nikon D750 allows you to customize various settings related to focus area, including:

• Focus Point Illumination: This setting allows you to illuminate the active focus point in the viewfinder, making it easier to see in low-light conditions.
• Focus Point Wrap-Around: This setting determines whether the active focus point wraps around to the opposite side of the viewfinder when you reach the edge.
• Focus Point Display: You can choose to display all focus points or only the active one.

To access these settings, navigate to the “Custom Setting Menu” (C) and select “Focus” (f1).

Tips for Effective Focus Area Selection

• Consider the subject’s movement: For fast-moving subjects, use Dynamic-Area or 3D-Tracking AF.
• Choose a single focus point for precise focus: Use Single-Point AF for portraits or macro photography.
• Use Wide-Area AF for less predictable subjects: This mode is useful for landscapes or situations where the subject’s position is uncertain.
• Experiment with different modes: The best focus area mode will vary depending on the shooting situation.

Master Your Focus: A Final Thought

Changing the focus area on your Nikon D750 is a fundamental skill that can significantly enhance your photography. By understanding the different focus area modes and practicing their use, you can achieve sharper, more focused images, regardless of the subject or shooting conditions. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works best for you.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. How do I know if the camera is focused correctly?
You can check if the camera is focused correctly by looking at the viewfinder. The active focus point will turn green when the camera has successfully locked onto a subject. You can also use the “Focus Confirmation” setting in the Custom Setting Menu to display a focus confirmation icon in the viewfinder.
2. Why is my camera not focusing correctly?
There could be several reasons why your camera is not focusing correctly. Check the following:

• Ensure the lens is properly mounted on the camera.
• Make sure the lens is set to autofocus mode.
• Check the focus area mode and ensure it’s appropriate for the shooting situation.
• Clean the lens and sensor to remove any dust or debris.

3. Can I use the focus area selection on live view?
Yes, you can use the focus area selection in live view mode. However, the focus area options will be limited compared to the viewfinder mode.
4. What is the difference between AF-S and AF-C?
AF-S (Single-Point AF) is designed for stationary subjects, while AF-C (3D-Tracking AF) is designed for moving subjects. AF-S uses a single focus point, while AF-C uses all 51 focus points to track the subject’s movement.
5. What is the best focus area mode for portrait photography?
Single-Point AF (AF-S) is generally the best focus area mode for portrait photography, as it allows you to precisely control the focus point and ensure that the subject’s eyes are sharp.