Using the Nikon AF system to your advantage
Dynamic Area AF, one out of multiple AF Area Modes available in Nikon DSLRs, allows you to select a main AF point with the surrounding focus points as backup, a significant advantage when shooting moving subjects.
Nikon’s AF system provides several options – 9, 11, 21, 25, 39, 51, 72 or all points up to 153 (varies depending on DSLR model) for a wide variety of shooting situations. The resulting images are crisp, sharp and highly-detailed every time.
Generally, it is advised to choose a higher number of focus points for low-contrast subjects if the camera has difficulty focusing, or for active subjects that are hard to keep framed in a single point. Photographers can increase the number of focus points if the subject is moving unpredictably or occupies a large area of the frame, or when the subject is at the edge of the frame.
For example, the 9-point option is recommended if you want to focus on a specific subject in the frame, such as a single athlete in a group of players, or the eyes of your model in a portrait.
Alternatively, a 25-point dynamic-area AF tracks a wider area in your frame; for instance, a figure skater executing a move.
A 51- or 72-point dynamic-area AF may be preferred if a background contains objects with regular, detailed patterns, like a billboard or the stands.
Nikon’s 153-point AF system covers a wide area across the frame, with minimal spacing between each point, including 99 cross-type sensors for improved subject recognition. This is particularly effective even when tracking subjects with erratic movements that veer toward the corners of the frame.
You can always refer to the top control panel and viewfinder of your Nikon DSLR to ensure you are using the right AF-area mode.