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Focus issues nikon D 500
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Sep 19, 2022 07:58:21   #
RScolspr. Loc: Colorado Springs co
 
Problem the camera focuses OK but trying to track birds in flight having a problem with photos out of focus. One in focus out of 6. This is my 1st post. thank you.

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Sep 19, 2022 10:58:43   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
RScolspr. wrote:
Problem the camera focuses OK but trying to track birds in flight having a problem with photos out of focus. One in focus out of 6. This is my 1st post. thank you.


Post and store a few unedited JPEG files that show the out of focus results. We can review most of the camera settings from the EXIF. That's going to be more constructive than guessing at what might the issue.



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Sep 19, 2022 15:07:14   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
RScolspr. wrote:
Problem the camera focuses OK but trying to track birds in flight having a problem with photos out of focus. One in focus out of 6. This is my 1st post. thank you.


This camera is noted for its tracking ability. Is it new to you? What autofocus settings are you using? I hope you aren't trying to track moving objects in the Live View mode. That would be a disaster.

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Sep 19, 2022 15:31:46   #
Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx
 
I use a D500 for BIF and birding in general. It does take some knowledge and practice, but you will get very good results with it. The best place for knowledge is BackCountryGallery.com . Take a look at Steve Perry's E-book "Secrets to the Nikon Auto Focus System" for dslrs.

The settings I use are BBF, AF-C, 25 focus points (single point for birds on the water), matrix metering (use compensation for white or black birds), auto ISO from 100-1600. Others report good results using Grp AF mode. I use Nikon's 200-500mm f/5.6 for BIF so I can zoom out for tracking and in to better fill the frame.

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Sep 19, 2022 15:47:38   #
Orphoto Loc: Oregon
 
The specific autofocus settings needed for success wont show in the exif data. Sample images will simply be out of focus ant useful.

Strodav has the right idea for useful advice.

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Sep 20, 2022 06:29:44   #
RScolspr. Loc: Colorado Springs co
 
Yes I use backbutton focus button focus AF-C, the release plus focus seting, group focus points. 500 PF lens, auto iso,

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Sep 20, 2022 07:13:08   #
nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL
 
Strodav wrote:
I use a D500 for BIF and birding in general. It does take some knowledge and practice, but you will get very good results with it. The best place for knowledge is BackCountryGallery.com . Take a look at Steve Perry's E-book "Secrets to the Nikon Auto Focus System" for dslrs.

The settings I use are BBF, AF-C, 25 focus points (single point for birds on the water), matrix metering (use compensation for white or black birds), auto ISO from 100-1600. Others report good results using Grp AF mode. I use Nikon's 200-500mm f/5.6 for BIF so I can zoom out for tracking and in to better fill the frame.
I use a D500 for BIF and birding in general. It d... (show quote)


This is exactly how I have mine set up for BIF and it works very well!

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Sep 20, 2022 07:57:29   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
RScolspr. wrote:
Yes I use backbutton focus button focus AF-C, the release plus focus seting, group focus points. 500 PF lens, auto iso,


Do you plan to post any examples?

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Sep 20, 2022 08:16:18   #
mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA
 
Orphoto wrote:
The specific autofocus settings needed for success wont show in the exif data. Sample images will simply be out of focus ant useful.

Strodav has the right idea for useful advice.

Right. Because the person using the camera could never be the problem! Missed out of focus shots are always a camera issue.
The camera is focusing somewhere and the OP is missing the BIF. Posting examples and the exif may help determine a camera flaw or a technique flaw. But if OP has already determined the camera is at fault and no need to post photos, then he has an answer and no need for anyone to waste more of anyone’s time.

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Sep 20, 2022 10:15:53   #
Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV
 
Strodav wrote:
I use a D500 for BIF and birding in general. It does take some knowledge and practice, but you will get very good results with it. The best place for knowledge is BackCountryGallery.com . Take a look at Steve Perry's E-book "Secrets to the Nikon Auto Focus System" for dslrs.

The settings I use are BBF, AF-C, 25 focus points (single point for birds on the water), matrix metering (use compensation for white or black birds), auto ISO from 100-1600. Others report good results using Grp AF mode. I use Nikon's 200-500mm f/5.6 for BIF so I can zoom out for tracking and in to better fill the frame.
I use a D500 for BIF and birding in general. It d... (show quote)


I have numerous BIFs posted using these settings with GRP AF mode. I don't know how the OP would get his kind of results unless there is a malfunction with the camera. I would be very worried about my camera if I started getting those results all of a sudden!

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Sep 20, 2022 11:38:28   #
jpwa Loc: Inland NorthWest
 
You could be doing any number of things to not get a lock on BIF. You don't say how long you have been into photography as BIF photography is not easy by any means. Takes lots of practice. Do as Stroday says and check out https://www.youtube.com/c/backcountrygallery. He is one of the best wildlife photographers out there. Good luck.

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Sep 20, 2022 16:07:27   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Here we go again .... Success is the photographer. Failure is the equipment.

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Sep 21, 2022 06:15:52   #
RScolspr. Loc: Colorado Springs co
 
Thank you guys I appreciate your input I will be away from my computer for a while won't be able to answer. Fairly new to birds in flight Photography. I will try and figure out how to post photos.

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Sep 21, 2022 08:04:02   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
RScolspr. wrote:
Thank you guys I appreciate your input I will be away from my computer for a while won't be able to answer. Fairly new to birds in flight Photography. I will try and figure out how to post photos.


See the screen capture above that shows the check-box you need to tick before adding the attachment. Just create a <reply> to enable the file attachment buttons.

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Sep 21, 2022 16:06:30   #
chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY
 
RScolspr. wrote:
Problem the camera focuses OK but trying to track birds in flight having a problem with photos out of focus. One in focus out of 6. This is my 1st post. thank you.


deleted

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