Best mode/settings for birds

[Singinman]

I just got my K10 Thursday. I've upgraded the firmware and played around with some bird shots.

Here is what I have figured out so far.

Mode-TAV
Shutter speed-1/250
Apiture-6.7 on my Tamron 70-300mm 4.0 lens.
AF-center point
ISO-100-400 float
SR-ON

Does anyone have any suggestions for doing things differently. I'm a little dissappointed in the AF. Its seems to be some improvement over my DL but not much.

I have yet to determine if SR is a help.

[matix]

A touch question to answer... first thing I would say would be to ask what kind of bird shots are you trying for, in flight, sitting still?

At F6.7 it is going to be tough to get a focus lock at any time unless the bird is in bright lighting situations, if you have that it it best to try manual focus anyway. I had a Sigma 70-100 4.5-6.7 and it hunted so much in less than bright light I took very few successful shots, and the ISO had to be at least 100 to get any definition, and the depth of field was poor.

I have worked out a system for long lenses and focus that works for the most part. I now have a Bigma 50-500, so when I do get the shot it is a lot better than before.

1. You need a well lit subject, or a long external flash and higher ISO, and the smallest F# as possible for the best DOF.

2. A bright flash light (torch) to get the subject bright enough to focus lock. I have a Vistalight bicycle halogen light that is good up to 20m and has a push button on off, this gives me enough to get a focus lock.

3. Try to avoid in flight or fast moving shots except on a bright day, hopeless in my mind as the FOV and DOF is against you.

4. Use a monopod, tripod is too slow unless the bird is stuffed and unmoving. I have a Manfrotto monopod,with a ball head on it which is excellent for the Bigma, as it allows free movement of the lens while steadying it.

5. Take lots of shots, bracketing if possible... and be patient, it is really hard to get it right as long lenses are slow to focus due to the loss of light compared to shorter lower F#'s glass.

Here are a couple where I got lucky

With the 70-300 Sigma, in the dark using the bike light for focus, and the AF360-FGZ flash.



Another with the 70-300 but as you can see in very bright late afternoon light, also at full 300mm and 6.7 aperture.



And in bright light using the Bigma, at 10m (33') the Exif info should be there on the right click, properties.



Good luck

[little laker]

cool pic's matix

I'm still new to the birding thing, and mostly try flying targets. And like matix says it can be tough in lower light situations, although I've managed a couple of not bad pic's like this one

It was taken using a cheap Phoenix 500mm F/8 lens (about $100.00 US new... don't get the teleconverter) All the info should still be in the picture.

This pic was taken in good light, using a Sigma 135-400 APO, which is now my choice birding lens.

It's either the same bird or it's mate

[palmor]

Those settings aren't too bad (I assume the lens is a 5.6 at 300mm so stopping down to 6.7 or 8 will give sharper results). I'd actually try to get a little bit faster of a shutter speed just to prevent any camera shake. Don't be afraid of using auto-iso up to 800 on days with less then stellar light.

A tripod or monopod will really help. If you go for a tripod get one with a good ball head, the pant/tilt are a little bit harder to use with birds IMO.

The AF speed is probably more to do with the lens then with the camera. I have a Tamron 70-300 (not the newest model) and it is pretty slow to auto-focus. My Sigma 70-200EX with 2xTC and my Tokina 400mm f/5.6 focus MUCH faster.

Anyway keep on plugging away, birds aren't the easiest things to shoot

John

Originally Posted by Singinman

I just got my K10 Thursday. I've upgraded the firmware and played around with some bird shots.

Here is what I have figured out so far.

Mode-TAV
Shutter speed-1/250
Apiture-6.7 on my Tamron 70-300mm 4.0 lens.
AF-center point
ISO-100-400 float
SR-ON

Does anyone have any suggestions for doing things differently. I'm a little dissappointed in the AF. Its seems to be some improvement over my DL but not much.

I have yet to determine if SR is a help.

[rhermans]

Only thing not mentioned here is the use of EV, normally I would drop that to -1/2 , -2/3 for birds with very light feathers.

Up till now I still haven't used any tripod of monopod, knowing it will help but I'm just to lazy to cary it around.

Birds aren't always the easiest to shoot, but it's very gratifying to get a good shot after stalking them