Is This To Be Expected?

IrishKing wrote in post #3474737
Is there a way to manually focus while in Program (P) mode?

FYI: you switch between manual or autofocus on the lens (all EF lenses have a switch on them). I don't think many birders manual focus though (well macro shooters do)....the AF would be quicker. Just takes some practice...getting closer to the bird would have made the center AF point "see" it better.

i found that no matter what, if you cant almost fill the frame with the bird it wont be sharp enough... i was getting tired of shooting birds with my 70-200 L when I had it that i couldnt stand it..lol unless i could really creep up on a bird, i didnt bother.

A monopod with quick release is very handy.
Cuts down a fair amount of camera shake.
Helps support camera if you have to wait for a shot.
Easy to carry around.

A 1.4x converter might be a good investment if you do not have a longer lens.
Birds is cool subjects, keep on trying sure you will succeed.

davesrose wrote in post #3475305
FYI: you switch between manual or autofocus on the lens (all EF lenses have a switch on them). I don't think many birders manual focus though (well macro shooters do)....the AF would be quicker. Just takes some practice...getting closer to the bird would have made the center AF point "see" it better.

About 90% of our shots are birds, and about 80% of those are manual focus. Autofocus doesn't do well on small objects or objects that lack contrast.

IrishKing,

For your shot, I would have used a monopod, manual focusing, and manual "M" mode. I would then have exposed for the bird, not the overall scene.

Yes, exposure compensation would work, but since in birding, virtually every shot has a different background, using manual mode and leaning to expose for the bird is faster and more accurate. This is where that "practice, practice, practice" comes in.

It is a nice male Northern Cardinal, but it appears that he and his friends have visited that chair a bit much recently.

Whatever you do, have fun.

I think the bird moved. Everything else appears to be crisp. Even if under exposed, the bird wouldn't have looked blurred if it or the OP hadn't moved. Since the chair looks OK, I vote for the bird taking a quick hop/shake when the image was captured.

bwolford wrote in post #3476155
I think the bird moved. Everything else appears to be crisp. Even if under exposed, the bird wouldn't have looked blurred if it or the OP hadn't moved. Since the chair looks OK, I vote for the bird taking a quick hop/shake when the image was captured.

I agree. I didn't peep but the DOF seems to surround the bird but he is out of focus.

One way to get closer is to observe where the birds tend to hang out and simply sit very quietly in a strategic place (maybe hidden?). Another thing that can help is to place a couple of 4' posts in the yard with a taut line between them. Have a feeder nearby. Birds will stop on the line and scope out the feeding situation. This strategy will allow you to set up for background and light. Move very slowly and quietly. When they build a nest on your head you will know that you've got it.
Maybe a bird suit?