Question for wildlife photographers: I like to shoot in manual mode (auto focus). However, I would like to get into wildlife a little more. What setting do you use while shooting...

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

I like to shoot in manual mode (auto focus). However, I would like to get into wildlife a little more.
What setting do you use while shooting wildlife? I have found that in manual mode, by the time I get the exposure correct, the moment is gone.
Any tricks or secrets you would like to share would be appreciated.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Look here may help

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

This is my 'usual' setting for my 120-400mm. IS0200, Shutter priority on 1/1000. This is fast enough for most action shots & on a nice sunny day, the aperture will usually be around f8. On a dull day, I just bump the ISO to 400.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks Dook.

DOOK wrote:

This is my 'usual' setting for my 120-400mm. IS0200, Shutter priority on 1/1000. This is fast enough for most action shots & on a nice sunny day, the aperture will usually be around f8. On a dull day, I just bump the ISO to 400.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

JR1. Did you mean to leave a link to look at? If you are refering to your website, I looked at it but didn't find anything about settings...Nice site though.

JR1 wrote:

Look here may help

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Hope this helps
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2008/12/how-to-photograph-wildlife
http://photofocus.com/2009/01/29/10-tips-for-photographing-wildlife-twipphotocom
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-photograph-wildlife
http://www.tutorial9.net/tutorials/photography-tutorials/wildlife-photography-tips-take-better-wildlife-photos
http://digital-photography-school.com/10-tips-for-improving-your-wildlife-photography
http://www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/National-Wildlife/PhotoZone/Archives/2010/Nature-Wildlife-Photography-Tips-Center.aspx
http://www.lightstalking.com/10-tips-to-improve-your-wildlife-photography

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks.. I will check them out.

St3v3M wrote:

Hope this helps br http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/... (show quote)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Eugene wrote:

I like to shoot in manual mode (auto focus). However, I would like to get into wildlife a little more.
What setting do you use while shooting wildlife? I have found that in manual mode, by the time I get the exposure correct, the moment is gone.
Any tricks or secrets you would like to share would be appreciated.

Eugene, I use spot metering almost exclusively. Especially white birds and still have underexpose a little in bright light.
There are times when you could use full manual including focus and only that would work. But most of the time the action is too fast and the conditions changing too quickly to not let the camera do a lot of the work for you. It takes time to learn what to do and when. It takes even longer to figure out what modes to use and when, to get more keepers.
By the time I check back, you will have pages of info.
Good luck

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks.

SharpShooter wrote:

quote=Eugene I like to shoot in manual mode (auto... (show quote)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Until you learn how to read the light it will be difficult for you to adjust your ISO. I use Aperture priority F/5.6 and watch my shutter speed, adjust the ISO as the day changes. For you I would suggest using manual, F/5.6, Shutter Speed at 1/1250 for birds in flight, 1/320 for sitting birds, Spot metering and Auto ISO. Don't even try manual focus. Spot Metering and Auto ISO will get you started until you can look at the area your shooting in and know what ISO and shutter speed will work for that shot. You will find Aperture Priority works the best, but you have to keep an eye on your shutter speed, just takes practice.

Eugene wrote:

I like to shoot in manual mode (auto focus). However, I would like to get into wildlife a little more.
What setting do you use while shooting wildlife? I have found that in manual mode, by the time I get the exposure correct, the moment is gone.
Any tricks or secrets you would like to share would be appreciated.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks fstop. Good info and don't worry...Manual focus won't happen. That's the auto function I do like.

fstop22 wrote:

Until you learn how to read the light it will be d... (show quote)

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Eugene wrote:

I like to shoot in manual mode (auto focus). However, I would like to get into wildlife a little more.
What setting do you use while shooting wildlife? I have found that in manual mode, by the time I get the exposure correct, the moment is gone.
Any tricks or secrets you would like to share would be appreciated.

I shoot birds and wildlife in manual exposure 99% of the time.
The trick is learning to adjust your settings as the light and subjects change.
For instance if you are set up for white bird (like egrets) action in bright light you may be set at ISO 200, 2000 shutter at f8. But if a darker bird like a GBH comes swooping in you have be able to change your settings on the fly so to speak to something like 1250 shutter at 6.3 or 7.1 or it will be too dark.
Are both birds in the same scene? For instance a GBH is chasing an egret for it's fish. Well then that's the real tricky part. You have to choose a mid point as best as you can. I generally default to trying to maintain detail in the white birds and letting the GBH go a bit dark.

For examples of birds and wildlife where virtually all were shot in M feel free to check out my photo blog which I update daily.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks swampgator...I have seen some of your post.You do a wonderful job. I'm just wondering if maybe I need to ease into it by letting the camera do some of the work.

Swamp Gator wrote:

quote=Eugene I like to shoot in manual mode (auto... (show quote)

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

I always start with ISO 100, Shutter as close to 1000-1500 and WB set to cloudy.
Before I fire a shot I start LiveView and aim toward my subject and see where my histogram falls, and if necessary raise my shutter if too light or raise my ISO if too dark to a max of 800.
Then I know I'm right on.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Thanks for reply..Why do you set WB to cloudy if it's sunny?

BigBear wrote:

I always start with ISO 100, Shutter as close to 1000-1500 and WB set to cloudy.
Before I fire a shot I start LiveView and aim toward my subject and see where my histogram falls, and if necessary raise my shutter if too light or raise my ISO if too dark to a max of 800.
Then I know I'm right on.