Tested the D300's 51 point AF

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited December 12, 2007 in Wildlife
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

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228093361-XL.jpg

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228093456-XL.jpg

228093406-XL.jpg

228093340-XL.jpg
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
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Comments

  • Jeff FillmoreJeff Fillmore Registered Users Posts: 411 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    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.
    Thanks!
    Jeff

    flickr
  • Jack'll doJack'll do Registered Users Posts: 2,977 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    Wonderful captures. I particularly like the last two.
    jrg.smugmug.com

    Jack
    (My real name is John but Jack'll do)
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,186 moderator
    edited December 3, 2007
    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. wings.gif

    Keep 'em coming.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    Wow. I'd say the auto focus is working rather well. Well, for a Nikon, you know. mwink.gif Seriously, sweet shots!
    Stephen
    www.capture-the-pixel.com

  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    excellent Harry :ivar wings.gif

    It's been coudy here & I've been working overtime ,so I have not been able to work with mine that much
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • BigAlBigAl Registered Users Posts: 2,294 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    Very nice Harry - amazingly sharp, I'll bet you're seriously pleased with your new toy clap.gif
    Birds
    Bugs
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  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 3, 2007
    gdad wrote:
    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.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • GiphsubGiphsub Registered Users Posts: 2,662 Major grins
    edited December 4, 2007
    Wow! Very nice shots Harry! I can't wait to pair this up with my Bigma that should be arriving todaythumb.gif So you weren't using the 3D mode then? Just 51 points AF?
    Mike Helbig

    http://www.michaelhelbigphotography.com
    http://www.thewildpig.blogspot.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 4, 2007
    Jack'll do wrote:
    Wonderful captures. I particularly like the last two.

    thanks Jack
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 5, 2007
    ziggy53 wrote:
    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. wings.gif

    Keep 'em coming.


    Thanks Ziggy and I am eagerly awaiitng the D3.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited December 5, 2007
    Great set Harry! Looks like Nikon really stepped up with their cameras this time around!
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 5, 2007
    Maestro wrote:
    Wow. I'd say the auto focus is working rather well. Well, for a Nikon, you know. mwink.gif Seriously, sweet shots!

    Thanks Stephen, so far so good with the D300.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 6, 2007
    dbaker1221 wrote:
    excellent Harry :ivar wings.gif

    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?????headscratch.gif I have some vague memories of that concept. I don't think I liked it. :cavig
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 6, 2007
    BigAl wrote:
    Very nice Harry - amazingly sharp, I'll bet you're seriously pleased with your new toy clap.gif

    Thanks Al and I am pleased with the D300.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited December 6, 2007
    After much thought I've decided you've made the right move
    going with that "51" :wow AF points of light whatever bowdown.gifdeal.gif :ivar

    I mean a fellow in your advanced stages and all ............. could most likely
    use ALL 51 !!! blbl.gifblbl.gifrolleyes1.gifrolleyes1.gif
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • riddim_makerriddim_maker Registered Users Posts: 1,835 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2007
    Congratulations on the new D300 Harry
    and also on these awesome captures
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif
    Russ
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2007
    raptorcaptor wrote:
    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
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ShepsMomShepsMom Registered Users Posts: 4,319 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2007
    Harry, you can do excellent job with any camera! Excellent shots, as always bowdown.gif
    Marina
    www.intruecolors.com
    Nikon D700 x2/D300
    Nikon 70-200 2.8/50 1.8/85 1.8/14.24 2.8
  • SloYerRollSloYerRoll Registered Users Posts: 2,788 Major grins
    edited December 7, 2007
    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!
  • JenGraceJenGrace Registered Users Posts: 1,229 Major grins
    edited December 8, 2007
    SloYerRoll wrote:
    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!

    Laughing.gif I feel the same way about the D2Xs!

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

    Gallery of mine...caution, it's under CONSTANT construction! | Photo Journal

    In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. ~Aaron Rose
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 8, 2007
    bfjr wrote:
    After much thought I've decided you've made the right move
    going with that "51" :wow AF points of light whatever bowdown.gifdeal.gif :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 !!! blbl.gifblbl.gifrolleyes1.gifrolleyes1.gif


    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.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 9, 2007
    riddim_maker wrote:
    Congratulations on the new D300 Harry
    and also on these awesome captures
    clap.gifclap.gifclap.gif

    Thanks Russ, the D300 almsot makes BIFs too easy.:ivar
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • PhotoHoundPhotoHound Registered Users Posts: 113 Major grins
    edited December 9, 2007
    Impressive
    Very impressive - both the AF and the images!
    Scott Mikkelsen
    www.photohound.smugmug.com
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited December 9, 2007
    Harryb wrote:
    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.gif

    Cripes I get that now rolleyes1.gif ya gotta up the ante some Bud !! deal.gif :ivar rolleyes1.gif
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2007
    ShepsMom wrote:
    Harry, you can do excellent job with any camera! Excellent shots, as always bowdown.gif

    Thanks Marina wave.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2007
    SloYerRoll wrote:
    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
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2007
    JenW wrote:
    Laughing.gif 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.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2007
    PhotoHound wrote:
    Very impressive - both the AF and the images!


    Thanks Scott, the AF on the D300 is an improvement ove rthe D200 and D2X.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited December 10, 2007
    bfjr wrote:
    Cripes I get that now rolleyes1.gif ya gotta up the ante some Bud !! deal.gif :ivar rolleyes1.gif

    Sorry but we are a Corona only household. beer.gif :slosh :slurp
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • BilsenBilsen Registered Users Posts: 2,143 Major grins
    edited December 11, 2007
    Just a tremendous sequence with incredible deatial on the bird.
    Great set Harry
    Bilsen (the artist formerly known as John Galt NY)
    Canon 600D; Canon 1D Mk2;
    24-105 f4L IS; 70-200 f4L IS; 50mm 1.4; 28-75 f2.8; 55-250 IS; 580EX & (2) 430EX Flash,
    Model Galleries: http://bilsen.zenfolio.com/
    Everything Else: www.pbase.com/bilsen
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