ISSUE 128
28 / BIRD SPECIAL
Wing command From autofocus settings to shutter speeds, here’s how to nail birds in flight every time your AF mode. Single focus mode is fine for static subjects, but when there’s motion, you should switch to continuous autofocus (AF-C on Sony, Nikon or Fujifilm; AI Servo on Canon), which constantly updates the focus distance as the subject moves, when the shutter button is pressed halfway.
FLOCK STARS You don’t always have to get up close. But if you want to, a teleconverter (right) tightens up the composition
blur-free frames, so make sure your IS (image stabilisation) is switched on and active. If your camera has in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), try that too. Mechanical vs electronic shutter If your camera has both a mechanical and electronic shutter, then you have a choice. Using the mechanical shutter will help eliminate wing distortion from fast-flapping subjects. However, switching to an electronic shutter typically allows more frames per second and higher shutter speeds. For example, the max burst rate of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III’s mechanical shutter is up to 12fps. Switch to the electronic shutter, and this jumps up to 40fps, boosting your chances of bagging that split-second moment. Teleconverters Teleconverters sit between your camera and lens and help to increase your effective focal length. Typically available in either 1.4x or 2x, they are
Shutter speed Unless you are purposely reducing your shutter speed for that creatively blurred effect, fast shutter speeds are the order of the day. The reciprocal rule is always using a shutter speed that is either equal to or faster than your focal length. As an example, if you’ve paired your camera with a 400mm optic, you should then employ a shutter speed of at least 1/400sec. For particularly fast- moving birds, shutter speeds in excess of 1/1000sec should be expected. Stabilisation Camera shake is more pronounced at longer focal lengths, but many lenses have a system to counteract this. In- lens stabilisation systems can correct tiny movements and help you achieve
Birds in flight are challenging subjects, needing fast reactions, accurate autofocus and the correct equipment. However, with the right technique, they can produce some of the most rewarding images. We reveal camera settings and shooting tips to help you capture sharper results. Autofocus Birds move quickly, so you need to think carefully about changing
Subject detection AI has helped modern cameras greatly improve their tracking and autofocus systems. The majority of cameras now include subject detection modes, and many of these have a dedicated option for birds. This will help you pick out a bird within your scene, improving both the sharpness of your feathered friend in the frame and also upping your hit rate for action sequences.
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