Birding Focus Preference: I have been shooting for years and I am use to single, point back button focus, but have just started bird images. Purchase a Sigma 150-600 getting used to...

fotogk Loc: Tuftonboro, NH

I have been shooting for years and I am use to single, point back button focus, but have just started bird images. Purchase a Sigma 150-600 getting used to it. To be able to get tack sharp images which are the prefered setting for focus and focus tracking. Any additional birding resources would be appreciated.

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tcthome Loc: NJ

I do the same as you. I try to keep the spot on the eye or as close to as possible. Some people use a group focus. Play with the different settings to see what works best for you.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

Many years ago I was taught to focus on the eye on a non-moving bird. Any where close to the eye on a moving bird and use a small aperture to capture the whole bird OR a large aperture to get a slightly out of focus on the rest of the moving bird.

fotogk Loc: Tuftonboro, NH

Looking for more info birds in flight

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Auto iso is a big help for birds in flight. I use sinlge-poing with a funtion button set to immeadiately swich to group when a bird takes off or is already in flight. Back button autofocus is a must. Usually matrix metering is my go to exposure setting.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

fotogk wrote:

I have been shooting for years and I am use to single, point back button focus, but have just started bird images. Purchase a Sigma 150-600 getting used to it. To be able to get tack sharp images which are the prefered setting for focus and focus tracking. Any additional birding resources would be appreciated.

Photzy.com has a library of 250 free e-books (really pamplets) and several are about birds. Attached is a pdf of one.

Other sites also have free tutorials, some as "books" or articles others video. Google "Bird Photography" or "Birds in Flight".

Attached file:
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ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Steve Perry recently did a video about BIF that covers most of the basics.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

You may consider checking out "Birds as Art", Artie Morris's blog. He posts almost daily with examples and has several educational resources for sale.

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

fotogk wrote:

I have been shooting for years and I am use to single, point back button focus, but have just started bird images. Purchase a Sigma 150-600 getting used to it. To be able to get tack sharp images which are the prefered setting for focus and focus tracking. Any additional birding resources would be appreciated.

For Nikon I use GROUP AUTO FOCUS for birds in flight.
With Sony I use the new TRACKING EXPAND FLEXIBLE SPOT for birds in flight.
Both are very good.
I also on my Nikon use the back button for single spot for when the bird is in branches.

uhaas2009

Steve Perry and Jason Odell-check them

Labtrainer

I have a Nikon D7500 and the Sigma 150-600. My set up for birds is as follows: BBF, AF -C camera is in manual with auto ISO and then for birds in woods I set to spot focus and carry the lens at 400 mm to be able to quickly find the bird. For most other shooting in the open the focus is set to group. If at the beach the focus is set to 9 or 21 points to better catch BIF.

williejoha

It totally depends on what type of bird pictures you are taking. BIF shooting with a long lens and single focus point, all I can say is “Good Luck”. For BIF shots I use a minimum of 9 focus points. If shooting BIF against the sky I go to 15 points. This way it is much easier to keep track of the subject.
WJH

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Steve Perry of Backcountry Photography is probably one of the finest bird photographers around and he has several books and videos very economically priced. He is also a member on UHH.

photoman43

On my D500 nd D850:
AF-C , High
D9 or D 25 for an individual bird. AF -C S when bird is still on a nest.
Group AF for birds in a group for birds flying towards you. It gives focus preference to what is closest to you.
Aperture Priority
Auto ISO
Shutter speed 1/800 to 1/3200 depending on circumstances
Back button focusing
VR IR turned to off when shutter speed is above 1/500
You must move the focus point around to center it on the eye as best you can.
Get Steve Perry's s book on Nikon AF and wildlife photography
Tweak focusing manually if needed and if time allows.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

MrBumps2U wrote:

Steve Perry recently did a video about BIF that covers most of the basics.

Steve is always the best source for useful, practical and understandable information!