Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

I am using a Nikon 200-400mm on my D-90 with tri-pod and Gimbal head and trying to imptove panning.

Any comments or suggestions appreciated.

BIF - is not easy.

Thanks

Roy Hakala Loc: Red Wing, MN

Looks pretty darn good to me!

What do you think of the gimbal head? I have never used one and I wonder if it restricts aiming. What if the bird goes by behind you?

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Thanks but that is one of probaly 500 attempts!!

Love the gimbal, very easy to use - however, I'm not smooth enough.

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

That's a nice shot of a pelican.

Check out my new locked topic on using a tripod for BIFs

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

All tripods, whether equiped with a gimbal, ball or standard head restrict your movement somewhat. This is especially true when birds fly directly overhead. As to birds that then fly behind you, I usually don't try to continue to shoot them as all you usually get are "Butt" shots anyway. It is still worth keeping an eye on them as you never know what they will do that might be photo worthy.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Auto focus continuous mode in the Custom settings. Also check your shutter release in the custom settings. You can set this to only fire when in Focus. I also use spot metering. Always aperture priority starting at F/5,6 and up to F/11 when and if I have enough light for the day. ISO 400 and I adjust that down also as the day goes on, If I have enough light. I would suggest you stick with Either Aperture or Shutter priority for at least awhile. Get to learn your camera/lens and it's limits. If you jump all over the place it makes it hard for you to learn. If your trying to get good DOF and using smaller aperturesF/9 and low ISO"s 200 with out enough light you lens will focus too slow. To make it real easy to start try using AUTO ISO, until you start nailing the shots. I found it's important to set the correct custom focusing modes for best results. BIF is easy, once you learn http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-99687-1.html#1691692

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

WOW very nice

GeneM Loc: Upstate PA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Looks good to me, Jim! Thanks for sharing.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Yes but probably 1 keeper in 500 shots!!!
Glad it's not film!!