Flight shots of birds

[Ian Hardy]

Can anyone tell me the best way of obtaining in focus shots of birds in flight.

Thanks

Ian

[AC/DC]

AI Servo, a fast focusing lens and some luck. Av mode is probably the best mode to start on, dialling in positive exposure compensation as necessary. Use the highest ISO you can afford, to get a shutter speed of 1/1000th or more.
Birds in flight are easier to capture against sky than a busy background, which will more often than not tempt your camera's AF system away from the subject you are tracking. Be aware that against the sky you will need to dial in far more exposure compensation.

Good luck, and remember that birds in flight are one of the hardest things to capture well!

[rioja]

Depends which camera body you are using I would think.For my D200 I use the 7 AF points across the middle whereas for static birds I use a single AF point.
For Swifts and Swallows I was advised to use as many AF points as you have.
Big birds a pretty easy to capture, little ones aren't !

[Duke Leto]

Practice and lots of it

[Ian Hardy]

Hi Steve and Rioja,

Thanks for the advice.

Ian

[Bananafishbones]

I have only ever got a couple of good shots, so had to show one off :-O

As others have said ....... yep, more than a bit of luck was involved with mine

Dave

[Ian Hardy]

Hi Dave and Steve,

Thanks.

Ian

[Duke Leto]

one of my favs, this bird was being chased by another Shelduck and was making a hasty retreat

[DOC]

Ingredients :
1 - fast shooting camera
2 - preferably a fast lens that is easily hand- held .
3 - AF continous ( the more focus points = the better )
4 - continous shooting ( 3-8 fps depending on camera )
5 - At least 8 GB card ( or 2 x 4GB ) - you'll end up shooting 600+ frames in Raw.Hopefully some will come out sharp ....
6 - 1/1250 or faster shutter speed
7 - A LOT OF LUCK !

[Duke Leto]

Agree Doc except the hand held comment, as long as the bird isn't too high, with a tall tripod and a gimbal head I find that tracking a bird in flight is quite easy, the Shelduck I posted was taken this way. Yes I do handhold as well but don't discount a mounted lens

[Ian Hardy]

Hi Doc and Steve,

Thanks again i will get some practice in tomorrow i hope .

Cheers

Ian