Shooting Birds in flight with a 5D2?

HELP!

I struggle with birds in flight. I need advice on how to set up my 5D2 from focusing settings, through all the other complex camera tweeks.

I can achieve a reasonable exposure, but struggle with focusing on the rapidly moving owl or hawk. A typical shot would be the displays put on at exhibitions. Others seem to produce wonderful results but it normally ends up by my dumping everything I took.

Richard

I've gotten decent shots with back-button Auto Focus, AI-Servo mode, 1/1250 shutter speed or faster, Tv (or Manual) mode.

Lowner wrote in post #17566457
HELP!

I struggle with birds in flight. I need advice on how to set up my 5D2 from focusing settings, through all the other complex camera tweeks.

I can achieve a reasonable exposure, but struggle with focusing on the rapidly moving owl or hawk. A typical shot would be the displays put on at exhibitions. Others seem to produce wonderful results but it normally ends up by my dumping everything I took.

Richard

Heya,

The 5D2 doesn't have a very robust AF system. Your best bet for a moving bird, is single center point only. AI servo, back button focus, and get yourself on a mount (gimbal & tripod) so that you can more smoothly track and pan. You'll need to keep the target on that center point or you will lose tracking and miss focus often. Use ISO generously and get your shutter up fast. I tend to start around 1/1000s for most moving birds, and push closer to 1/2000s very often (especially if up close).

Very best,

A great many thanks to you both.

I already have a tripod and monopod, and in fact tend to use the AF centre point anyway, but the other suggestions you both make I will need to practise!

So all these complicated "moving target" suggestions for newer Canon cameras are not applicable to the 5D2?

Richard

I can't speak for the 5D2 as I have simply never tried one! I did find that my 5Dc (Mk1) with the Canon 300 F4 L IS (IS turned OFF) was reasonably good for BIF though it was a bit slow. The "Hit" rate was high but you did need time to latch onto a subject and track it carefully before shooting - so not ideal but far from useless.
The 5Dc had extra assist AF points around the center AF point and these may well have helped, I don't know if the 5D2 has this feature.
If you are after flying subjects then some the newer bodies will make life FAR easier! Depending on your budget I would look at the 7D (good light only), 7D2 (more tolerant of lighting and better AF), 1D4(more of the same), 5D3 (great/ultimate all rounder?), and the nuclear option the 1DX.