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Nikon adds linear focus mode to three of its Z-mount lenses via firmware update

Nikon’s Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S lens.

Nikon has released firmware updates for three of its Z-mount lenses that, amongst other updates, adds the ability to turn on linear focus ring rotation, making it easier and more accurate to pull focus by directly linking the rotation of the ring with the focus distance, regardless of the speed at which the ring is rotated.

Firmware version 1.10 for the Nikkor 50mm F1.2 S and Nikkor MC 105mm F2.8 VR S, and firmware version 1.20 for the Nikkor 24–70mm F2.8 S, makes linear focus the default on these lenses unless [Non-linear] is selected in the [Focus ring rotation range] sub-menu on select Nikon Z-mount cameras.

Nikon’s Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S lens.

This turns off the inertia-based focus-by-wire mode which adjusts focus logarithmically based on how fast or slow the ring is turned while focusing and instead directly ties the ring rotation to the focusing distance. By having it linearly controlled, it’s easier to repeat focus pulls using pre-defined markers, as for every degree of rotation the ring moves, the focus distance moves too, regardless of the speed at which the ring is turned.

Also added in these firmware updates is support for changing the roles of the focus and control ring modes within the [Custom Settings Menu] on select Nikon Z-mount cameras.

Nikon’s Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S lens.

Nikon says these features are available on its Z9 camera running firmware version 2.00 and newer, as well as its Z6 II and Z7 II cameras running firmware version 1.40 or newer.

You can download the firmware updates from Nikon’s download page using the links below.

Firmware version 1.10 for the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S

Firmware version 1.10 for the Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S

Firmware version 1.20 for the Nikkor Z 24–70mm F2.8 S


Author:
Gannon Burgett
Source: Dpreview

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