S2 focus

[sonnyJ]

Still having problem getting sharp focus of bird if it is in tree with many layers of branches/leaves. With old film SLR using manual focus I could get sharp image. Having problems with this type of picture with SW. I do get sharp images if bird out in more open space so camera can take sharp photo -
Any suggestions about how to handle the bird in a bush situation

With some luck a recent photo showing this is attached

[nwyman]

are you spot metering? That should help, I should think.

[sonnyJ]

To Snowdr.

Some time ago you asked about the new firmware update that happened with a recent Canon Service. Here is a photo taken with the update. Sorry I did not post it sooner.

This might give you the EXIF info you wanted.

FYI - photo is Winter Wren taken at Bodega Bay , CA 10/28

[sonnyJ]

Hi Nancy,

The spot meter deals with exposure not focus - No way to set up spot focus. Just single shot or continuous. The S2 does have several exposure settings but limited focus settings

I am looking into getting a DSLR. Leaning towards the Sony Alpha because I have a lot of Minolta lenses, electronic, t-mounts, etc. They should be compatible with the Alpha.

No reason to have expense of new lens, etc if I get a Canon or Nikon DSLR.

Best would be to get better focus with the S2.

You went DSLR shortly after getting your S2 - How has that worked? Which are you using most of the time?

[casaaviocar]

That's a difficult shot Sonny, the camera is just going to look for contrast and will find that wherever it can, in this case the nearby branches. My usual technique for this type of shot it to compose focus, compose focus, compose focus, repeat, until it looks like the bird is in focus. Manual focus would be another way to get this shot, but I have never been able to get mine to work worth a darn. DSLR is the best way for a difficult situation like this. Having the subject fill more of the frame would help here quite a bit, more zoom or move closer, difficult with skittish birds.

[sonnyJ]

Casaaviocar,

I agree Manual Focus is a pain, especially for a subject that doesn't sit still. I was zoomed oin to max - actually 12x with a 1.54 Teleconverter. Sometimes I set for continuous shooting so get 3-5 shots and one is better than the rest.

I have also tried the compose focus-repeat technique. By 2nd or 3rd try bird is gone.

Looks like DSLR it will be. I also like the clarity of view in SLR rather than the electronic view in the S2. Often it is hard to even find the bird in the bush to start the process.

Thanks for the input. I will refer to you when wife wants to know why I need another new camera ;-}

[nwyman]

You went DSLR shortly after getting your S2 - How has that worked? Which are you using most of the time?

I'm working almost exclusively with the DSLR (Rebel XT) and enjoying it, although not achieving the level of proficiency I'd like. I still have the same old problems of soft focus - am just too lazy to use the tripod on bird shots. I mentioned the spot metering - I know it is for exposure, but that seems to help with the focus sometimes, particularly in areas of high contrast. Or so it seems to me. Not that I have spot metering on the XT, alas.
This formerly casual interest has turned into a life-changing hobby of late. It's been responsible for me taking photo trips to Utah, buying cars with the idea of better vantage points for photography of wildlife, and tomorrow, we are moving to a new house, situated on 2.77 wooded acres with lots of birding /photography opportunities.
Recently I got a macro lens and that's been lots of fun.
To get back to the original question - I keep meaning to get back to the S2, but haven't managed it recently. Am going to Scotland come April and am torn between cameras, as usual.

[snowrdr]

To Snowdr.

Some time ago you asked about the new firmware update that happened with a recent Canon Service. Here is a photo taken with the update. Sorry I did not post it sooner.

This might give you the EXIF info you wanted.

FYI - photo is Winter Wren taken at Bodega Bay , CA 10/28

The EXIF says the firmware is 00.00 :(

Your example was taken at full zoom and the shutter speed is only 1/30 sec.
The lighting must not have been very good. At that slow shutter speed, it will be very hard to get a bird in focus at full zoom, unless it is perfectly still and you use a tripod. :D

I have seen my S2 focus on branches instead of the bird also. One tip is to make sure you adjust the diopter on the viewfinder so you can recognize infocus or out of focus better when you get the green square. And on a small subject like a bird, try to put the focus square on its body to make it easier for the S2 to focus on what you want it to focus on. It's difficult with a small bird like that Wren. Here is a Scrub Jay that has some branches around it but not as bushy as your example.

[sonnyJ]

Guess Canon service was not accurate when they told me they upgraded the firmware.
Thanks for the firmware check.

Often I get sharp photos like yours. Just to many of the slightly out of focus ones.

If I use A setting at 8.0 for max depth of field then I need longer exposure.
Even tried special seting as Portrait in hopes it would control DOF.

Guess i'm just frustrated - Afterreviewing photo on site, then get home and see it on computer and notice loss of sharpness. Photoshop sharpening tool doesn't get me effect I would like.

Will just have to experiment more while I save for DSLR

[Polytrope]

Still having problem getting sharp focus of bird if it is in tree with many layers of branches/leaves. With old film SLR using manual focus I could get sharp image. Having problems with this type of picture with SW. I do get sharp images if bird out in more open space so camera can take sharp photo - Any suggestions about how to handle the bird in a bush situation

Manual focus gets easier the more you practice with it. Estimate number of feet to subject, confirm as well as you can in the display, and shoot. Add focus bracketing - with a little practice, that, too, is pretty easy - and you've increased your odds of a clear shot a great deal.

Don't forget to turn IS on, and if you can't use a tripod, try using a 2-second delayed shutter. I find the delayed shutter sometimes gets a better picture when I'm shooting handheld with the zoom in tight.

WP

[spur]

Sonny, to me nothing looks sharp in the photo. That usually means motion blur. If it was focusing on the wrong thing something would be sharp but none of the branches look sharp to me. The full size image may show something in focus. With 1/30 sec and full zoom with 1.54 teleconverter that is a big red flag for motion blurr. Wrens rarely are still that long, I think you did great to get as good a picture as you did.

[sonnyJ]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I do carry my spotting scope on a tripod - got one with quick release and extra plates so I can put S2 on it.

May also consider using my monopod - Has same QR plate.

I had not thought about focus bracket - will have to check that out.

Thanks again

[waussie]

I agree with Nwyman.
Spot metering isn't the same as spot focusing but it does seem to have a positive effect.
I have decided that small birds behind branches are best just admired, an S2 (in my hands anyway) just won't do it. Even without th branches it isn't easy as they move so often and so quickly.
I have come home convinced that I have great shots, til I view them on the computer, then I get busy with the delete key:(
I now take pictures of flowers, there is more variety and they don't fly away:)

[nwyman]

I agree with Nwyman.
Spot metering isn't the same as spot focusing but it does seem to have a positive effect.
I have decided that small birds behind branches are best just admired, an S2 (in my hands anyway) just won't do it. Even without th branches it isn't easy as they move so often and so quickly.
I have come home convinced tha:(t I have great shots, til I view them on the computer, then I get busy with the delete key
I now take pictures of flowers, there is more variety and they don't fly away:)


Wasn't it Georgia O'Keefe who said she chose flowers as subject matter because they were so cooperative?:lol:

[waussie]

Wasn't it Georgia O'Keefe who said she chose flowers as subject matter because they were so cooperative?:lol:
I don't know if she did, but if she did, then I agree with her. :p
I looked at someones blogspot, and what did I see? :)

[sonnyJ]

Will try the exposure bracket and the 2 second delay.
Looked at using Focus Bracket but for that you have to be in MF mode.

I go birding with one group 20 or so timea a year and try to share photo of the day with them. Become torn with shots like the Winter Wren - Appreciate what SPUR said about it being a good shot of a tough bird to photograph and sending out an out of focus shots. Guess it is a bit of an ego thing. Several in the group have high end SLR's with monster lens -400mm- f2.8 and the like. Of course they can't really get the a good shot of the Wren from 12-15 ft. But the sharpnes of the raptor in a tree 100 yards way is fantastic.

PS. Nwyman takes wonderful photos