Case Study: Frankman on birding

Frank great write up thanks for sharing with us.

I use the same process as you when shooting the A100. Center weighted or spot focus and AF-C for lens I use either the Tokina 80-400mm or the Sigma 50-500mm.

I have just recently purchased the A55 and from reports you can not track fast moving birds in the EVF. Well that's not true it is different but it is doable and the AF system in the A55 is much faster and accurate.

I have only had the chance to try it several times due to weather in the Pacific Northwest, but did not have any issues.

Maybe start up a BIF training thread and give pointer to those of us less experienced?

Thanks again for your work here!

Thank you very much Frankman. Very usefull tips for BIF and i'm going to practice right away.

Do you have any new tips since the last post?

Jan

Frank, I'm using a Sony 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 (SAL75300). I'll have to try the focus limiter idea. Thanks... Brian

Frank,

I just found the Dyxum web site two days ago (joined immediately!) and was instantly drawn to your BIF article. Birds have been my favorite subjects for many years, so much so that my wife groans a little every time I point my lense in that direction. As the AF on my A100 is rather slow, most of my best shots of birds are stationary, but I do get lucky once in a while with a BIF. Do you have any advise for those of us with cameras that are not so quick to lock on with AF?

Thanks... Brian

P.S. I too use AF-C. Most often the opportunity for a good shot is gone in a moment and, with AF-C, I just have to center the bird in the frame and don't have to worry about accidently focusing on some nearby foliage.

Thanks for the helpful and well written info, Frank. I may have missed it but I don't recall any mention of WB settings. Do you just go with Auto or do you make in camera adjustments depending on the lighting?

Frankman,

Thank you for your experience write-up about shooting BIF with an A700. I still use my good old 7D, but am thinking of upgrading to the A700 for BIF photography. Or maybe the A700 replacement if news reaches me in time, but i think that with firmware V4, the A700 is a very good camera.
It seems there are a few APO 300/f4 G + 1.4x converter users around in Oz, maybe we need to get together for a shoot?.

Regards,

Rob

Edited by Dynax - 15 October 2008 at 06:09

Dutboom

Thanks for the nice feedback - glad it was of help.

No such thing as a silly question! I have them all the time .

Yes, I lock on the bird with a half-press when it's far away. Just keep tracking it as it's getting closer. Actually, I've found with eyestart, you don't even need a half pres. Just keep your eye to the viewfinder and tracking continues. This allows you to chance settings on the cam with your right hand (if necessary) - e.g. if the bird is very dark, use positive aperture compensation. That's why I like eyestart.

The centre focus point is actually quite bit. The only time I have a problem is if the bird is flying towards me fast. I'm experimenting with multifocal points, but haven't made a strong conclusion yet. I'll keep experimenting.

Your situation sounds like there's lots of independent objects moving. The camera doesn't know which one you are focussing on - remember that the centre spot focus are is still quite large from what I have heard from others.

I don't have any experience with the A300. I think that it has less focus points than the A700, but the lens drive motor is similar. Others may be able to help.

I suggest that you start with simple subjects against a stationary background. Seagulls gliding in the wind ar good, easy to find subjects UNLESS they are moving fast towards you. I struggle with those too. If you can find Pelicans, they are great subjects. Big, slow moving and photogenic (IMO).

It's all practice. I must admit that I started off with the 5D and was getting decent shots after only a few attempts. You just need to get "in the zone".

Keep at it, and just make small adjustment to settings and technique. What works for me may not necessarily be the best. I'm still learning too. Can't wait for spring when there are more birds about!

Cheers, Frank