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Sony alpha settings for flying birds etc
Apr 18, 2020 15:33:29 #
I recently took delivery of the Sony 200-600mm lens. I would like to know the settings that birders and wildlife shooters set their Sony a7 series and a9 series cameras . I currently have the A7iii and the A7Riii. and thinking about the a7Riv. I am guessing all are setting drive mode to continuous. But what about AF modes? Focus area? ETC on screen #5 through 8 (AF1-AF4) Then screen 9 & 10. (Exposure 1 & 2) Then of course IS #1-3 on the lens. I am also wondering about EYE tracking and subject tracking. I have only experimented with the settings but haven't come up with a good combination yet. I'm sure sports photographers have similar settings. I generally shoot landscapes so all those modes and settings don't apply too much. I need to expand my horizons and catch some birds. The Eagles are nesting now and I would like to get some decent shots.
Apr 18, 2020 15:48:04 #
Having five a7xxx Sony’s on hand, I would definitely use my LUMIX G9 for that purpose.
Sell a coupla Sony’s and get a G9. It’s the gear head thing to do !
Hope your eagles are more effective than ours. They fly around with squirrels hanging from their beaks but we’re still overrun with the little gray pests:-(
Sell a coupla Sony’s and get a G9. It’s the gear head thing to do !
Hope your eagles are more effective than ours. They fly around with squirrels hanging from their beaks but we’re still overrun with the little gray pests:-(
Apr 18, 2020 16:48:07 #
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Apr 18, 2020 18:07:10 #
Ltgk20
Loc: Salisbury, NC
Bird in flight isn't my specialty, but on my a9ii with the 200-600 (and the 100-400) I keep it in AF-C, single or continuous (depending on what I'm trying to get), medium flexible spot with tracking on the AF-on button and medium flexible spot without tracking on the AEL button. I'm shooting in manual with auto-iso and setting my shutter speed and aperture myself (s mode would work also). For shutter speeds I go between 1/250 or so when light is low and the bird isn't moving up to 1/1200 or more if they're flying around.
Mark Galer and Mark Smith both have extensive setup videos for bird in flight on the Sony's.
Mark Galer and Mark Smith both have extensive setup videos for bird in flight on the Sony's.
Apr 18, 2020 20:53:58 #
Apr 18, 2020 22:00:36 #
Ltgk20 wrote:
Bird in flight isn't my specialty, but on my a9ii ... (show quote)
Thanks, I am working throught Mark Smiths videos. Good info
Apr 19, 2020 06:25:56 #
w00dy4012
Loc: Thalia, East Virginia
ORpilot wrote:
I recently took delivery of the Sony 200-600mm len... (show quote)
I've been using a 200-600 on a 7aiii and 7riii for general wildlife photography. I shoot in manual, but auto ISO as I can go from bright light to deep shadow in an instant and want the lowest ISO possible. My settings are 1/640 and f7.1. My biggest problem with BIF is trying to keep the subject centered while panning with the large lens.
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Apr 19, 2020 08:38:02 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
ORpilot wrote:
I recently took delivery of the Sony 200-600mm len... (show quote)
You really need to google this, " Mark Smith settings for a9", there you will get a blow by blow of what to set your menu for for birds in flight.
Below is an example of mine using the Sony 200-600 and the a9. Enjoy and keep on shooting until the end.
Apr 19, 2020 09:05:09 #
Cameras see in front of them and are unable to read the camera brand i.e. the key to birding is the camera settings. These, of course, are give-or-take depending on the situation. I am not the one to ask, nor are those who would opine as to experts like my Aunt Sally who used a Kodak Disk Camera from the 1960s. My advice is to take guidance from the professionals who have made Birding Photography their life. This reference is a good start: https://stokesbirdingblog.blogspot.com/search?q=camera+settings
Billnikon, I think that your photograph of a bird painted on black velvet is beautiful, I have one of Elvis.
You mentioned Marksmith and you did not give references, the video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9hCwoSIKzc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1vBotAwVhQUDkupghfdhIuyR5HY6jsQL59SFdftBFI1CmJvs5B1V0fgWk
Mark Smith also has a book for the A-9, "Sony a9 Quick Start Guide for Bird and Wildlife Photography."
https://photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/sony-a9-quick-start-guide-for-bird-and-wildlife-photography/
Billnikon, I think that your photograph of a bird painted on black velvet is beautiful, I have one of Elvis.
You mentioned Marksmith and you did not give references, the video on youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9hCwoSIKzc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1vBotAwVhQUDkupghfdhIuyR5HY6jsQL59SFdftBFI1CmJvs5B1V0fgWk
Mark Smith also has a book for the A-9, "Sony a9 Quick Start Guide for Bird and Wildlife Photography."
https://photoworkshopsandtours.com/index.php/product/sony-a9-quick-start-guide-for-bird-and-wildlife-photography/
Apr 19, 2020 09:17:07 #
garrickw
Loc: Wyoming Mn.
Google... bird as art ....blog he is the number one pro for bird photography he is a Sony guy and has a book out on what to use for settings on both the a9 and a7 series in his blog he has lots of tips and photos everyday get on his list for his blog comes out every morning if your a Sony person this is the place to go I am Nikon but tune him in every day I do have a Sony A6400 for close in wildlife shots though and family shooting if I didn't have so much invested in Nikon I would switch .. good luck
Apr 19, 2020 09:32:44 #
Great suggestions thanks.. Mark Galer link https://www.markgaler.com/a7riii-camera-settings-shooting-action-sports-wildlife. More videos to watch!
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Apr 19, 2020 09:46:42 #
Another very good Mark Smith video on A7RIV bird settings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJx0lru_evY
Congrats on buying the best zoom lens on the market btw...
Of course, you could sell it all and buy the G9 ... and shoot at F/11 ... lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJx0lru_evY
Congrats on buying the best zoom lens on the market btw...
Of course, you could sell it all and buy the G9 ... and shoot at F/11 ... lol.
Apr 19, 2020 10:04:58 #
Apr 19, 2020 11:51:08 #
Thanks guys. I knew you all would be faster at response than Sony Alpha Pro blog. I Like the Smith videos
Apr 19, 2020 12:02:57 #
w00dy4012
Loc: Thalia, East Virginia
w00dy4012 wrote:
I've been using a 200-600 on a 7aiii and 7riii for general wildlife photography. I shoot in manual, but auto ISO as I can go from bright light to deep shadow in an instant and want the lowest ISO possible. My settings are 1/640 and f7.1. My biggest problem with BIF is trying to keep the subject centered while panning with the large lens.
Oops. That should be a7iii and a7riii. It always seems I slip into dyslexia when I try to type anything before 7:00 a.m.
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