Question about shooting birds...

[SteveJa]

when you guys are shooting birds out in the wild with a lot of cover, tree branches and leafs are you using auto focus or manual focus?

I think my xsi and lack of a good focusing system is part of the problem, when there are a few branches in the way it will hunt for a focus.... and by that time the bird is gone. This is with my 100/400 lens btw.


Thanks

[hTr]

Use Center Point Spot and Aim at the Eye!!

[SteveJa]

ok, when you do that and it still does not work then what? manual focus? are there many of you that use manual focus ? or do you just not bother if you cant get the bird in focus?

[hTr]

ok, when you do that and it still does not work then what? manual focus? are there many of you that use manual focus ? or do you just not bother if you cant get the bird in focus?

I know of Few Birders that use Manual Focus Except for Inflight where a Fixed Distance is Known!! Spot should give you what you need!!

[dancad]

To tell you the truth, if the bird is so obstructed by branches I just don't bother shooting it as you will normally not get anything worth keeping...unless it's an Ivory-billed Woodpecker of course! ;-) Better wait until it comes out into the clear (or a clearer opening).

[Hawkman]

ok, when you do that and it still does not work then what? manual focus? are there many of you that use manual focus ? or do you just not bother if you cant get the bird in focus?

Agree with Daniel. When could you not? If the surrounds are so cluttered in from of the bird to affect you focus, the shot isn't worth it IMO.

Gene