Easy Guide to Taking Photos of Birds in Flight
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Loading... - Chiyo Gato
- 14 Oct 2022
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Taking photos of birds in flight is no doubt one of the most challenging aspects of wildlife photography. It look me months to learn to capture them in action. Here I will show you what I've learned and how to do it. The following is a quick summary:
Settings and Tips
· Manual Mode
· Camera Settings: 1/2000s or faster, f/8, Auto ISO
· AI Servo or AF-C (autofocus continuous) with automatic or all AF point selection
· A telephoto or long lens (e.g., 100-400 mm)
· Turn your vibration control/image stabilization off
· Clear and sunny conditions
Using the advice above and a little bit of practice, you will be soon capturing great birds in flight shots!
Camera and Lens Gear
· Basic Canon DSLR Rebel T5 camera
· Tamron 100-400 mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD telephoto zoom lens
Camera Settings
The best camera setting to use is Manual mode. This gives you the most control. I set mine at 1/2000 shutter speed, f/8 aperture, and Auto ISO. When you set your camera on Auto ISO, it automatically tries to get the correct exposure with your chosen shutter speed and aperture settings.
Here are the reasons you want to use those above settings. You want a fast shutter speed, 1/2000 or faster, so you won't end up with blurry images: your camera freezes the bird in action. A small aperture, f/8, will give you better depth of field so that there is a better chance your bird will be in focus.
Autofocus Settings
Your autofocus should be set to continuous (AI Servo or AutoFocus Continuous). I also recommend that you use the automatic selection or all autofocus points. This gives you a better chance of getting the bird in focus than a single point. Say you have it focus on the centre point, if it moves out of there, there's a good chance that the other point will be able to keep it in focus.
I use back button focus. What I do is aim the camera at the bird, press the back button focus to get it into focus, then keep that button pressed as I follow the movement of the bird. You can do the same thing if you have shutter release button focus. Just make sure you track the bird and keep the focus button pressed. Read More…
