If you are not using Expanded Area AF and AF Hold in AF-C mode, you are completely subverting the camera's ability to track. The K-3 and K-3 II have sophisticated tracking algorithms based on an "86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor for extra-accurate detection of the subject’s shape and color". Without these features you may as well be using a K-5 or K-7.
Here are my current recommendations for BIF with a K-3:
TAv mode:
- Set aperture for sharpest MTF - f/5.6 with the DA*300, f/8 if you're also using the TC. Shoot at f/8 with 55-300mm, do not use a TC. If you're shooting in dim conditions, the DA*300 is acceptable at f4. The 55-300 is unacceptably soft wide open.
- Shutter speed according to conditions. I find 1/1000s works most of the time. Never go below 1/500s. Don't be afraid to push ISO. Noise is correctable, motion blur is not
AF-C, Hi-Speed continuous burst:
Center AF point, with 25 point expansion
Center-weighted metering, add 0.5EV compensation, fine tune in p-p
Shake reduction off
Custom Menu Parameter Settings:
16. 1st frame action in AF-C - Focus priority (make sure focus is on the target before shooting, or you'll have a string of misses)
17. Action in AF-C Continuous - Focus Priority
18. Hold AF status - Medium, bump up to High if required. IME, AF Low allows focus to drift to the background too readily.
Read more at:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/38-photographic-technique/317498-birds-fl...#ixzz45bs8GE68