I have had a problem with BBF . . . need help (Page 2): Make sure your camera is in AI Servo mode. Also, take a look in your AF menu settings and see if your particular camera has...

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Make sure your camera is in AI Servo mode. Also, take a look in your AF menu settings and see if your particular camera has further options for case, speed, etc…

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

cedymock wrote:

Think we understood he meant BIF.

My take on it was he meant Back Button Focus.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Mustanger wrote:

I have been using the Canon Rebel T8i and my kit zoom of 55-250mm on birds in flight and experimenting with as many settings as I can. To really get great shots I tend to go to SS speeds 2000 to 4000 and try and keep a small f stop in good light. My first choice was Av mode Shutter priority for our cameras. This way I could choose my aperture quickly and watch the SS vary to a high number in the viewfinder. I put my focus element on single shot if I could or the next setting for small center focus, rarely all45 points unless the bird was flying in an empty sky. I soon learned that many of my shots were using iso 1600-800 and I got SS’s 2000sec to 4000 and my fstop was generally around f8 + in good light. As the light changed I had to adjust and take what I could get at full zoom of 250 mm I can only open up to f stop of 5.6. Also experiment by setting your ISO to Auto! You might like it very much...many do.

Now I am using Tv setting, shutter speed priority and just set what I want and think will be good for conditions to start. I am trying the Auto ISO setting here because it is so fast changing for different lighting I am getting more keepers. I get more good green lights in the viewfinder saying it is good to go...and I can concentrate on smoothly following the bird in flight. I have gotten 5-7 shots on continuous shooting and all were good keepers.

You NEED to be at least using AIFocus it works like the One Shot Focus does until the bird starts moving then it switches to continuous focus just like AIServo does! After a short while you will like it! Don’t let the youngsters have ALL the good things. Lol... then for birds in flight give a serious try to Continuous Focusing. (AI Servo) that will work best most times for the moving subject. I try and use the small 9 point focus on moving subjects but if there tons of clutter around your subject go back to single point if it doesn’t work for you. I save the 15 and 45 point focus points for clean backgrounds and empty skies, but hey I’m still learning just like you!

I am saving all Manual for last for a serious trial. I’ll know my camera better by then, it will be easier to get around. Good luck and enjoy....my favorite BIF shot so far was on my granddaughter’s t6 so it works wonderful, go for it! Walt

I have been using the Canon Rebel T8i and my kit z... (show quote)

Why not just leave the camera in AI Servo all the time?

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

TriX wrote:

Why not just leave the camera in AI Servo all the time?

I leave my camera in AI Servo ALL THE TIME. If I'm shooting a still shot I merely take my finger off the button and then shoot. If the subject it moving I keep my finger on the button so it can constantly focus while the subject moves.

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

BBF takes a bit to get used to, but not a year. Anyway, are you using servo focus and continues shutter? In that mode, you have to keep the BBF depressed while following the subject and shooting. I find that shooting at a higher shutter speed, at least 1/1000 will stop the action. BTW, I have the Tamron 18-400 and it is not soft beyond 300mm, though at 400 it seems a wee bit soft.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

Rich475 wrote:

I have been trying to learn BBF for about a year now. The biggest problem I'm having is shooting birds in flight. I have a Canon t6s and an 18mm-400mm lens. I'm using Manual but would Aperture or Shutter priority be better?
I always shoot with plenty of light, morning or afternoon, one-shot, 19 pt AF. shutter speed??? I have heard this lens is soft above 300mm and I have not gone higher than that. I have good results on anything not moving. Any help would certainly be appreciated.
Rich

Single point continuous AF is what I use with BBF. In focus all the time unless I screw up.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Rich475 wrote:

I have been trying to learn BBF for about a year now. The biggest problem I'm having is shooting birds in flight. I have a Canon t6s and an 18mm-400mm lens. I'm using Manual but would Aperture or Shutter priority be better?
I always shoot with plenty of light, morning or afternoon, one-shot, 19 pt AF. shutter speed??? I have heard this lens is soft above 300mm and I have not gone higher than that. I have good results on anything not moving. Any help would certainly be appreciated.
Rich

Gene51 is correct about using continuous shutter with BBF. But here's another consideration. You say that you get good results shooting static objects. But BIFs move quickly and you have to pan to shoot them. That's a lot of motion at one time. If you are shooting BIFs at the same shutter speed you are using for static subjects, you could have a problem. The rule of thumb for shutter speed is that, at a minimum, it should equal your focal length. So, if your shooting at 400mm, your shutter speed should be at least 1/400th of a second. However, for BIFs you should be shooting at a minimum of at least 1/1000th to 1/1200ths of a second, and I can't emphasize "at a minimum" enough.

les spencer

lol...smiley face

les spencer

lol

adedeluca Loc: holbrook ny

I like to use one point focus and 1/2000 sec letting the iso go automatic. This system has giving us the best results. Also AI mode can be used. Keep on practicing
You will get it .

Rich475 Loc: North of San Francsico

tcthome wrote:

Continuous focus. Start off with higher shutter sp... (show quote)

Thanks tcthome. I will give those recommendation a try
Rich

Rich475 Loc: North of San Francsico

Mustanger wrote:

I have been using the Canon Rebel T8i and my kit zoom of 55-250mm on birds in flight and experimenting with as many settings as I can. To really get great shots I tend to go to SS speeds 2000 to 4000 and try and keep a small f stop in good light. My first choice was Av mode Shutter priority for our cameras. This way I could choose my aperture quickly and watch the SS vary to a high number in the viewfinder. I put my focus element on single shot if I could or the next setting for small center focus, rarely all45 points unless the bird was flying in an empty sky. I soon learned that many of my shots were using iso 1600-800 and I got SS’s 2000sec to 4000 and my fstop was generally around f8 + in good light. As the light changed I had to adjust and take what I could get at full zoom of 250 mm I can only open up to f stop of 5.6. Also experiment by setting your ISO to Auto! You might like it very much...many do.

Now I am using Tv setting, shutter speed priority and just set what I want and think will be good for conditions to start. I am trying the Auto ISO setting here because it is so fast changing for different lighting I am getting more keepers. I get more good green lights in the viewfinder saying it is good to go...and I can concentrate on smoothly following the bird in flight. I have gotten 5-7 shots on continuous shooting and all were good keepers.

You NEED to be at least using AIFocus it works like the One Shot Focus does until the bird starts moving then it switches to continuous focus just like AIServo does! After a short while you will like it! Don’t let the youngsters have ALL the good things. Lol... then for birds in flight give a serious try to Continuous Focusing. (AI Servo) that will work best most times for the moving subject. I try and use the small 9 point focus on moving subjects but if there tons of clutter around your subject go back to single point if it doesn’t work for you. I save the 15 and 45 point focus points for clean backgrounds and empty skies, but hey I’m still learning just like you!

I am saving all Manual for last for a serious trial. I’ll know my camera better by then, it will be easier to get around. Good luck and enjoy....my favorite BIF shot so far was on my granddaughter’s t6 so it works wonderful, go for it! Walt

I have been using the Canon Rebel T8i and my kit z... (show quote)

Hi Walt:
Thanks for all those great pointers. 90% of my shots are on an empty sky, that's why I use the 19pt. I also use auto ISO. I'm on a salt water lagoon and all lthe birds are fairly close and above me. I will definitely use all your suggestions and experiment.
Thanks again, Rich

Rich475 Loc: North of San Francsico

ahudina wrote:

If you have not checked out Steve Perry at Backcountry Gallery, you should. He has excellent books and videos on this very topic.

Yes ahudina, I've seen Perry's video about a year ago
Thanks, Rich

Rich475 Loc: North of San Francsico

jim quist wrote:

I like using one focus point and try for at least 1/2000 sec. Shoot in manual.

Hi Jim, I think one problem is my shutter speed is too low. Will go to 2000.
Thanks, Rich

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

All those that have great success shooting BIF using single point I would be amazed by you if I believed you.