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View Full Version : Tested the D300's 51 point AF

Harryb
Dec-03-2007, 06:22 AM
Hi Y'all,

I decided to test the D300's 51 point AF yesterday. I wasn't expecting all that much because in the past I've found that the more focus points you choose the slower the AF gets.

I tried it out on snowy egrets doing their water dance number. Its a shot I've done in the past and it would be easy to see how much better or not better the new AF system was. Now this is not a particularly challenging test as you have a white egret against darker water and a fairly non-busy back ground.

In the past with my D200 and D2X I could usually get 4-5 shots in focus in a sequence. The D300 was amazing, I was getting 12-13 shots in focus in a sequence and could have gooten more but the egret landed. Even when the egret was partially obscured by vegetation in front of it or when it flew in front of a busy background the focus stayed locked on the egret.

Anyhow here are some of the shots. They were shot with the D300 and the Nikon 300mm F/4 and 1.4 TC

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093377-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093402-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093361-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093415-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093441-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093456-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093406-XL.jpg

http://behret.smugmug.com/photos/228093340-XL.jpg
Jeff Fillmore
Dec-03-2007, 07:31 AM
Very nice- I was really happy with the performance of the 51Pt/3D focus mode also. I went out to the pier and it was tracking the pelicans in flight very easily- even with a lot of distracting backgrounds that would have quickly grabbed the attention of my D80's AF.
Jack'll do
Dec-03-2007, 09:06 AM
Wonderful captures. I particularly like the last two.
ziggy53
Dec-03-2007, 09:20 AM
Awesome results! (12 shot sequence in focus, Wow!)

I bet you're wondering what the D3 can do if the D300 is this much of an improvement over previous. :barb

Keep 'em coming.
Maestro
Dec-03-2007, 12:51 PM
Wow. I'd say the auto focus is working rather well. Well, for a Nikon, you know. :wink Seriously, sweet shots!
dbaker1221
Dec-03-2007, 05:06 PM
excellent Harry :ivar :barb

It's been coudy here & I've been working overtime ,so I have not been able to work with mine that much
BigAl
Dec-03-2007, 05:25 PM
Very nice Harry - amazingly sharp, I'll bet you're seriously pleased with your new toy :clap
Harryb
Dec-03-2007, 06:05 PM
Very nice- I was really happy with the performance of the 51Pt/3D focus mode also. I went out to the pier and it was tracking the pelicans in flight very easily- even with a lot of distracting backgrounds that would have quickly grabbed the attention of my D80's AF.

If you used #D you doing better than I am. I haven't had much luck with 3D yet. I get so caught up watching the focus point jump around I forget to track.
Giphsub
Dec-03-2007, 09:23 PM
Wow! Very nice shots Harry! I can't wait to pair this up with my Bigma that should be arriving today:thumb So you weren't using the 3D mode then? Just 51 points AF?
Harryb
Dec-04-2007, 01:42 PM
Wonderful captures. I particularly like the last two.

thanks Jack
Harryb
Dec-04-2007, 08:10 PM
Awesome results! (12 shot sequence in focus, Wow!)

I bet you're wondering what the D3 can do if the D300 is this much of an improvement over previous. :barb

Keep 'em coming.


Thanks Ziggy and I am eagerly awaiitng the D3.
raptorcaptor
Dec-05-2007, 06:39 AM
Great set Harry! Looks like Nikon really stepped up with their cameras this time around!
Harryb
Dec-05-2007, 08:40 AM
Wow. I'd say the auto focus is working rather well. Well, for a Nikon, you know. :wink Seriously, sweet shots!

Thanks Stephen, so far so good with the D300.
Harryb
Dec-06-2007, 10:04 AM
excellent Harry :ivar :barb

It's been coudy here & I've been working overtime ,so I have not been able to work with mine that much

Thanks Dave an my sympathies go out to all those weather challenged shooters out there. Work?????:scratch I have some vague memories of that concept. I don't think I liked it. :cavig
Harryb
Dec-06-2007, 10:20 AM
Very nice Harry - amazingly sharp, I'll bet you're seriously pleased with your new toy :clap

Thanks Al and I am pleased with the D300.
bfjr
Dec-06-2007, 05:05 PM
After much thought I've decided you've made the right move
going with that "51" :wow AF points of light whatever :bow :deal :ivar

I mean a fellow in your advanced stages and all ............. could most likely
use ALL 51 !!! :bad :bad :rofl :rofl
riddim_maker
Dec-06-2007, 10:20 PM
Congratulations on the new D300 Harry
and also on these awesome captures
:clap :clap :clap
Harryb
Dec-07-2007, 09:12 AM
Great set Harry! Looks like Nikon really stepped up with their cameras this time around!

Thanks Glenn, the D300 is a sweet piece of work, now if I can just get my D#. :ivar
ShepsMom
Dec-07-2007, 03:46 PM
Harry, you can do excellent job with any camera! Excellent shots, as always :bow
SloYerRoll
Dec-07-2007, 04:51 PM
Harry, Awesome shots as usual.
Congrats on the D300! I'm still lusting after the D200.

Fortuntly w/ the release of the D300 the D200 becomes more and more of a reality!
JenGrace
Dec-08-2007, 05:39 AM
Harry, Awesome shots as usual.
Congrats on the D300! I'm still lusting after the D200.

Fortuntly w/ the release of the D300 the D200 becomes more and more of a reality!

LOL I feel the same way about the D2Xs!

The bird doesn't look too happy in that last shot. :D
Harryb
Dec-08-2007, 06:50 AM
After much thought I've decided you've made the right move
going with that "51" :wow AF points of light whatever :bow :deal :ivar


Well I had my doubts but after you approved I feel much, much better. :whew


I mean a fellow in your advanced stages and all ............. could most likely
use ALL 51 !!! :bad :bad :rofl :rofl


What I need in my "golden years" :rutt is a sherpa. If you need a job give me a call it pays $1.00/hr. and all the abuse you need. :deal
Harryb
Dec-08-2007, 08:06 PM
Congratulations on the new D300 Harry
and also on these awesome captures
:clap :clap :clap

Thanks Russ, the D300 almsot makes BIFs too easy.:ivar
PhotoHound
Dec-08-2007, 10:49 PM
Very impressive - both the AF and the images!
bfjr
Dec-08-2007, 11:04 PM
What I need in my "golden years" :rutt is a sherpa. If you need a job give me a call it pays $1.00/hr. and all the abuse you need. :deal

Cripes I get that now :rofl ya gotta up the ante some Bud !! :deal :ivar :rolleyes
Harryb
Dec-10-2007, 01:44 AM
Harry, you can do excellent job with any camera! Excellent shots, as always :bow

Thanks Marina :wave
Harryb
Dec-10-2007, 01:46 AM
Harry, Awesome shots as usual.
Congrats on the D300! I'm still lusting after the D200.

Fortuntly w/ the release of the D300 the D200 becomes more and more of a reality!

Thanks and kep on eye out because I just happen to personally know a prime D200 that will be up for sale very soon. :D
Harryb
Dec-10-2007, 01:47 AM
LOL I feel the same way about the D2Xs!

The bird doesn't look too happy in that last shot. :D

Thanks and that poor thing had just dropped its fish.
Harryb
Dec-10-2007, 01:48 AM
Very impressive - both the AF and the images!


Thanks Scott, the AF on the D300 is an improvement ove rthe D200 and D2X.
Harryb
Dec-10-2007, 01:50 AM
Cripes I get that now :rofl ya gotta up the ante some Bud !! :deal :ivar :rolleyes

Sorry but we are a Corona only household. :beer :slosh :slurp
JohnGalt_ny
Dec-11-2007, 11:55 AM
Just a tremendous sequence with incredible deatial on the bird.
Great set Harry
Harryb
Dec-12-2007, 05:03 AM
Just a tremendous sequence with incredible deatial on the bird.
Great set Harry

Thank you John, I'm happy with the dDetails I'm getting from the D300.