Which focus metering mode for Canon 5D Mark ll? (1 Viewer)

Which focus metering mode do you recommend for trying to shoot things like small birds in trees? I try to use spot metering when possible but sometimes that is impossible. Would you suggest partial metering, evaluative metering or center weight averaging when shooting birds that are hopping around in a tree top? I am using a EF 400mm Canon lens also.

I normally use partial metering and center point AF for small birds. If your subject is back-lit then you will need to over expose by a stop or maybe more to get feather detail - just make sure the sky isn't blown out.
Note I don't have a 5D2 but the principal is the same.

I also use partial metering for most bird shots, Not a 5D2 but as John says the principal is the same. The most important thing is to know how much exposure compensation to apply (if any) in any given situation. With bird photography the important thing is to get the bird correctly exposed, often at the expense of the background but that can most often be fixed in post processing.
At the end of the day there is no right or wrong way so long as the bird is well exposed out of the Camera - whatever works best for an individual is right for them.