Tip #3645
Low light photography, like when I'm shooting owls, has some unique challenges. One of those challenges is focusing when it's getting pretty dark. One of the things that helps immensely is being able to quickly enlarge your subject in the viewfinder or camera back. One of my mentors, Karl Niemi, brought a great technique to my attention a couple weeks ago that I've really been loving, and wish I dialed in this technique sooner. And he had a similar conversationl overheard last night with Simone Brogini, so listen up. always used to enlarge the image using a two-step process, hold down a button and turn a dial, but this new-to-me method works so much better. Although this is doable on a Nikon Z8/9, would think there is a way to do it on other cameras. Since when in photo shooting mode never need the REC button on the top, assigned that button in the Custom Settings Menu (f2) -Controls- Shooting to Zoom on/off. You can choose Low magnification (50%), 1:1 (100%) or High magnification (200%). Using this method, you can instantly zoom in with one press of a button to focus, and then either press the button again or take a photo to get back to the non-enlarged view. It's really been a game changer for me when shooting owls, especially when wearing gloves!