A couple of weeks back, Nikon released a firmware update to the D5 bringing us two new AF Modes, G HL and G VL. I was intrigued by the two new AF modes so have set about seeing what problems they solve the other AF modes might not. From my own shooting as I have nothing official, one Dynamic Focusing attributes the two new modes have is Closest Focus Priority. How does this help make the G HL / VL worth putting in a new firmware?
As you can see above, when using the G HL mode, you have a “bar” of AF Sensors. With my feeling that they work on Closest Subject Priority, I’ve been using them as I would the S or Single AF sensor but knowing that only one of the AF Sensors of the 11 will grab onto the subject because of closest subject and focus. In other words, you have the selection ability of jsut one AF Sensor but the computer to assist in selecting that one. It’s bloody fast which I love. I was shooting in the cockpit with the D5 / 8-15Fish in G HL mode. When I hit the AF button, the camera instantly locked onto the closest control knob just as I wanted. It didn’t search, it just locked on and I shot. When you have a critter in the viewfinder, it’s going to find that face and eye real fast without your having to move the AF Sensor to that eye. I’m likin that a lot! I could be all wet on my opinion that the G HL / VL has Closest Subject Priority but that’s how I’m using it and that’s how it’s working … beautifully!