Zf is my only Nikon Z camera. I use primarily Sony Alpha full-frame cameras and have shot with Canon and Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.

I personal assessment is that AF technology, as embodied in the Nikon Zf is generally behind that in the Sony a7 IV and in the Canon R6 Mark II. (Another area that prevents me from giving full grade to the Zf is Nikon’s menu implementation and arbitrarily-restrictive function-button customizations. I personally feel Nikon menus have not evolved since my D750 time.)

I appreciate your careful documentation of the Zf AF issue you have encountered.

For the last 2.5 months of active Zf use, I always set:

• Custom Controls (Shooting) > AE-L / AF-L button = AF-ON
• AF Activation = AF-ON only
• AF-C Priority Selection = Focus
• Focus Mode = AF-C
• AF-Area Mode = 3D Tracking
• AF/MF subject detection options = off (= Human, as needed)

I leave the “default” AF box in the center of the frame. When a face is detected, the “eye” AF box is shown automatically (and is most likely in a different position within the frame). With either AF box activated, I track and recompose while releasing the shutter as I wish — both subject and camera may be simultaneously in motion while AF is “stickily” maintained.

I use Nikon Z 40mm f/2 and various adapted E-mount lenses.

PS. How can the so-called reviewers “test” anything in-depth when they only fondle the gear for a few hours? Just random opinions.