Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
I took my Canon 7D mark 1 on a recent trip and was a tad disappointed with the results. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for settings for bird photography?
There's no silver bullet I'm afraid Kevin, giving you settings would be futile because they change for differing ambient conditions.
Concentrate on exposure (Google sunny 16) make sure you nail focus and get as close as you can to the subject (without stressing it)
It's a frustrating but rewarding process.
Good luck.
There might be something in here for you. It's from Page 21 of this section. If you scroll bak to then and earlier you might pick up the tips you need.
Single point AF, (focus on bird's eye, or at least head) AL servo (tracking moving subject) burst mode - take several pictures increases the chance of getting one decent shot.
What lens are you using?
And you will take many, many photos and reject most of them. Such is the challenge of bird photography
First, MFA (micro focus adjust) the camera to the lens. Be patient and methodical.
Shoot in RAW + small jpg. Do your post exposure work in RAW, then convert as necessary.
Try not to go higher than ISO400
Use your fieldcraft and get close to your subject as best you can. The less cropping, the better
Keep your shutter speed up and use a tripod.
The 7D is capable of producing fine images but it's noisy at higher ISOs. Fieldcraft and patience are your best assets.
Remember you are photographing light. If the scene doesn't look good to your eye it won't produce a good image. Also, with birds, eye shine is critical.
I'm sure we'd all like to know what lens you are using
Thanks guys for all your comments. I used a canon 400mm F5.6 but I also have a Sigma 150-600 mm contemporary. Not sure which is better but I am thinking of taking the latter on my next trip.