Trying to reacquaint myself with the D90 and its differences as compared to the D300 and D2 bodies, primarily regarding moving subjects.
While the D300 is an incredible machine the small lightweight profile of the D90 is very attractive.
I exchanged email with Thom Hogan regarding the D90 AF system in the past and did some casual shooting the last couple days to feel the little machine out again. My primary interest was subjects coming at the camera as this is one of the most difficult scenarios for any AF system in my experience.
The first two images were made using AF-C & Dynamic area. The lens was a Sigma 150 macro, features HSM but still not the fastest focussing optic around given that its a macro lens. Had plenty of soft heads where the dog had simply run right through the AF tracking and the animal's rear quarters were in-focus. Here's a couple I liked:
150mm, f/4, 1/1600s
150mm, f/4, 1/2000s
The next day I went out this time using a 70-300 VR and worked with the D90 set to AF-A & Dynamic area. Here's a few from that session:
220mm, f/8, 1/2000s
300mm, f/8, 1/2000s
135mm, f/8, 1/2000s
Forgive the highlights in the second set - 'twas a very bright midday sun I was in.
After reviewing the files from both day's sessions, the keeper rate was noticeably higher for the AF-A session. This may be due to its having higher priority towards focus before releasing the shutter (I noticed no lag whatsoever during the entire shoot) or it may be that the bright high contrast conditions of the second session allowed the AF system to function more effectively. The first day was completely overcast with very dull and gloomy light.
I'm sure I could increase my keepers by using an AF-S 70-200 f2.8 but that defeats my desire for a light kit. Nikon needs to get us a nice AF-S 180mm f2.8. That would be a dream lens on a D90
Nothing scientific or definitive but I thought it might be of interest/assistance to some. While AF-A may not be the best default setting for all scenarios I sure wouldn't discount it for action work of this nature. While the D90 will never replace a D300 as an action camera I'm really hoping to gain some expertise with it for a light kit - I'm getting too lazy in my old age and the heavy stuff takes some of the fun out of the craft. I'll be playing more and reporting back with my thoughts and experiences.
--
-Holmes
http://holmes.zenfolio.com/
While the D300 is an incredible machine the small lightweight profile of the D90 is very attractive.
I exchanged email with Thom Hogan regarding the D90 AF system in the past and did some casual shooting the last couple days to feel the little machine out again. My primary interest was subjects coming at the camera as this is one of the most difficult scenarios for any AF system in my experience.
The first two images were made using AF-C & Dynamic area. The lens was a Sigma 150 macro, features HSM but still not the fastest focussing optic around given that its a macro lens. Had plenty of soft heads where the dog had simply run right through the AF tracking and the animal's rear quarters were in-focus. Here's a couple I liked:
150mm, f/4, 1/1600s
150mm, f/4, 1/2000s
The next day I went out this time using a 70-300 VR and worked with the D90 set to AF-A & Dynamic area. Here's a few from that session:
220mm, f/8, 1/2000s
300mm, f/8, 1/2000s
135mm, f/8, 1/2000s
Forgive the highlights in the second set - 'twas a very bright midday sun I was in.
After reviewing the files from both day's sessions, the keeper rate was noticeably higher for the AF-A session. This may be due to its having higher priority towards focus before releasing the shutter (I noticed no lag whatsoever during the entire shoot) or it may be that the bright high contrast conditions of the second session allowed the AF system to function more effectively. The first day was completely overcast with very dull and gloomy light.
I'm sure I could increase my keepers by using an AF-S 70-200 f2.8 but that defeats my desire for a light kit. Nikon needs to get us a nice AF-S 180mm f2.8. That would be a dream lens on a D90
Nothing scientific or definitive but I thought it might be of interest/assistance to some. While AF-A may not be the best default setting for all scenarios I sure wouldn't discount it for action work of this nature. While the D90 will never replace a D300 as an action camera I'm really hoping to gain some expertise with it for a light kit - I'm getting too lazy in my old age and the heavy stuff takes some of the fun out of the craft. I'll be playing more and reporting back with my thoughts and experiences.
--
-Holmes
http://holmes.zenfolio.com/