Shaky hands vs. BIF: I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time...

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Depending on the bird and distance, you may find a tripod and gibmal head is the solution.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Or even a monopod.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

I do not use a single point when shooting BIF's, as I find it hard too, to keep it on a birds eye, but I use multiple points, which for me, makes that a lot easier! I can either let my camera track the bird, or as I prefer, have my finger on the joystick and just have whatever focus point (of my choise), ride right along with the bird!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

CHG_CANON wrote:

Depending on the bird and distance, you may find a tripod and gibmal head is the solution.

This and increase your focus points to 9 or so for BIF.

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

Also, if your lens has it, put it in the panning mode for better image stability.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

If you are using a lens like, 150-600 or 200-500 (heavy lens), I strongly suggest a tripod and gimbal.
If the lens are smaller, a monopod should suffice.
I strongly suggest always use Back Button Focus.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

Hand holding is the best method for BIF ! - unless the lens is too big to be manageable! - My facial stabiliser has really helped me - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-236741-1.html

I also like using a holding bracket under the lens....

(Download)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

Put the following on top of a sturdy tripod and enjoy.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

You might also want to try a red dot finder like the Olympus EE-1. This is mounted on the hot shoe (no electrical connection; it's just there for positioning) and then, with camera on tripod/gimbal mount (or monopod) you look through the sight and simply keep the red dot on target. Rather than mashing your face to the back of the camera in order to view through the eyepiece, viewing through a 2" "glass window" from a few inches back allows you to see the surrounding area while keeping the subject in the focus (center) area of the shot.

ronz Loc: Florida

Not sure the Wimberly is the right answer but not too far off, you will just be about $650 lighter. Would suggest you try one first, they are very nice but some do have problems using them.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

Shutter speed can have a whole lot of say in the matter. I've shot as high as 2000+ in order to get what I wanted.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

imagemeister wrote:

Hand holding is the best method for BIF ! - unless the lens is too big to be manageable! - My facial stabiliser has really helped me - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-236741-1.html

I also like using a holding bracket under the lens....

Gotta love the DIY!!!

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

imagemeister wrote:

Hand holding is the best method for BIF ! - unless the lens is too big to be manageable! - My facial stabiliser has really helped me - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-236741-1.html

I also like using a holding bracket under the lens....

That's a cool rig. For mine, instead of the facial stabilizer I use a small shoulder stabilizer. But now that I'm thinking about it, facial would seem to be more appropriate for a camera and shoulder more for a gun.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Fotoartist wrote:

That's a cool rig. For mine, instead of the facial stabilizer I use a small shoulder stabilizer. But now that I'm thinking about it, facial would seem to be more appropriate for a camera and shoulder more for a gun.

I have played with shoulder stabilizers also but found I prefer the facial for most situations plus, it's small and light !

.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

photogeneralist wrote:

I have shaky hands so with a telephoto (BIF?) I have a very hard time keeping the center spot (both exposure and focus) on the bird. I even have a hard time keeping the bird in the frame. What can I do to get a better percentage of photos with BIF in the frame and even better, in focus?

Try an inexpensive red dot gunsight. I use one that costs less than $40.00. Amazon hastwo kinds: one a longesh tube and another that is short and squatty. You will need a rail and hotshoe fitting, both costing less than $15.00.
The statement about having a larger view and easier tracking is true using this sight. At 83, I too have shaky hands and using this sight and a tripod or monopod also helps greatly.