Focus for small birds?

[gh patriot]

I have some questions for shooting small birds like finches or juncos or whatever. What is the best way to consistantly nail focus? I have about a 50% keeper rate.

I shoot in AI Servo using the center focus point. I usually shoot between 5.6 and f/8. The birds are usually about 10-20 ft away and I have been using the 300f/4L IS with the canon 1.4x teleconverter. I realize this is an extremely small DOF even if stopped down to f/8. I also shoot using a monopod with IS on and try to shoot with a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster.

Is there a better way to focus while shooting stationary birds?

Also, when using the center focus point I usually place it on the birds eye and then run into the problem of getting the whole bird in the shot if they are to close. How do you get the whole bird in if your using the center focus point?

Please help a newbie out.:D

[Sp00ks]

Just a thought, try taking that teleconverter off and see if your keeper rate rises. I realize you won't be as close but from the sound of it you may not need it. If you can nail focus, you can crop it down.

Jerry

[hollis_f]

Just a thought, try taking that teleconverter off and see if your keeper rate rises.

+1 If you're having problems getting finches into the field of view then you can easily afford to shoot at 300mm. DoF shouldn't really be a problem if the AF is hitting the spot. Here's a Reed Warbler I shot today - f4 on a 300 2.8 with 1.4x TC - from about 12 feet away.

http://www.frankhollis.com/temp/reedwarbler001.jpg

[davebreal]

I have some questions for shooting small birds like finches or juncos or whatever. What is the best way to consistantly nail focus? I have about a 50% keeper rate.

I shoot in AI Servo using the center focus point. I usually shoot between 5.6 and f/8. The birds are usually about 10-20 ft away and I have been using the 300f/4L IS with the canon 1.4x teleconverter. I realize this is an extremely small DOF even if stopped down to f/8. I also shoot using a monopod with IS on and try to shoot with a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster.

Is there a better way to focus while shooting stationary birds?

Also, when using the center focus point I usually place it on the birds eye and then run into the problem of getting the whole bird in the shot if they are to close. How do you get the whole bird in if your using the center focus point?

Please help a newbie out.:D

Not sure if I speak for the majority here, but I don't get too concerned about having the AF specifically lock on the eye. In my experience as long as you are focusing on bird's body a typical DOF will get the eye very sharp as well. For a larger bird, you'll need to stop down even more as the bird is more likely to encompass several planes.

On my 40D I always have my camera set on AI Servo + Center Point focus. On occasion, I will move the single focal point around on the camera's jog dial to compose better. Also, if the bird is looking directly at you, you will need to stop down even more as a straight-on bill shot will require a larger DOF.

[Tom Reichner]

On occasion, I will move the single focal point around on the camera's jog dial to compose better.

This is the answer about how to get the whole bird in when you're close. By constantly changing focus points based on the bird's position, I think you'll no longer chop off part of the bird when you don't want to. Get used to selecting different AF points - it can be hard to do in a hurry if you aren't used to doing it. Practice this so much that it becomes second nature. Very close birds are your very best opportunities for excellent images, and that's when you have to really be on your game.

[gh patriot]

Thank you so much for the information. Ill give it a shot and look for my results in the bird photo sharing in the future. Thanks!

[Hawkman]

I have some questions for shooting small birds like finches or juncos or whatever. What is the best way to consistantly nail focus? I have about a 50% keeper rate.

I shoot in AI Servo using the center focus point. I usually shoot between 5.6 and f/8. The birds are usually about 10-20 ft away and I have been using the 300f/4L IS with the canon 1.4x teleconverter. I realize this is an extremely small DOF even if stopped down to f/8. I also shoot using a monopod with IS on and try to shoot with a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster.

Is there a better way to focus while shooting stationary birds?

Also, when using the center focus point I usually place it on the birds eye and then run into the problem of getting the whole bird in the shot if they are to close. How do you get the whole bird in if your using the center focus point?

Please help a newbie out.:D

Use one shot, not servo. Don't use a monopod with one-shot since you will move back and forth and out of the focus plane. Use a bean bag and find somewhere to place it.

700mm f6.3, focus and recompose

http://hawkman.smugmug.com/photos/533781630_6wnQG-O.jpg

I use focus and recompose with center point at 700mm and don;t have a problem, though I will try and use an off-center focus point if I can.

- Gene

[mikeivan]

+1 for ONE SHOT! Try it, you'll like it.

[gh patriot]

Thanks guys, Ill give one shot a shot! LOL

Ive been using it for static subjects can see it working for little birds as well. Thanks so much for your suggestions. This newbie really appreciates your help!

[artyman]

Are you going to spam all the threads!

[Hawkman]

Are you going to spam all the threads!

Who is the "you" and what are you talking about?

[artyman]

The spam post has been deleted :)