Lesson 1: Choose The Right Focus Settings - Nikon D800 Technical Data Manual

Shooting Techniques
Use this method for sharp focus on selected points when
framing portraits in the viewfi nder.
Technical Data
■ Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II ■ Exposure mode:
Manual ■ Shutter speed: ½ 00 s ■ Aperture: f/4.5 ■ White balance:
Auto 2 ■ ISO sensitivity: 640 ■ Picture control: Portrait
Note: This photo was shot in 14-bit NEF (RAW) and processed
using Capture NX 2.
Vibration Reduction (VR)
We recommend using VR lenses
with the vibration reduction
switch in the ON position. Vi-
bration reduction takes eff ect
when the shutter-release but-
ton is pressed halfway, reducing
the eff ects of camera shake on
the image in the viewfi nder and
making it easier to frame pictures
and focus.
If the lens has a vibration mode switch, choose NORMAL for
hand-held photography or when using a monopod. Vibration
reduction should generally be turned off when the camera
is on a tripod (exceptions can be made for the AF-S NIKKOR
200 mm f/2G ED VR II and other lenses with a TRIPOD option).
Photo © Cliff Mautner

Lesson 1: Choose the Right Focus Settings

Portrait subjects are mobile and more easily photographed
without a tripod, but generally remain in one spot long
enough for single-point, single-servo autofocus. This photo
shoot shows that a portrait photographer must be able to
reliably focus on a selected point; hence the choice of single-
point AF, which unlike auto-area and dynamic-area AF, en-
sures that the camera always focuses on a point selected by
the photographer.
To choose an autofocus mode,
press the AF-mode button
and rotate the main command
dial.
To choose an AF-area mode,
press the AF-mode button and
rotate the sub-command dial.
Note
Even slight changes to composition may result in the cam-
era focusing on something other than your intended target.
Choose the focus point after composing the photograph.
Portrait Subjects
AF-mode button
AF-mode button
8