So yeah, I'm a little slow
Chuckc
Posts: 4,398 Captain
How you you guys handle exposure when bird shooting? I usually use aperture priority at 1 stop over wide open and set the ISO to the lowest I can get away with. I typically forget to adjust the metering and leave it on Matrix, I have tried spot metering and got some odd halo results so I may try center weighted next time.
I've got a D7000 and the 70-300 AF-S VR lens so some better and faster glass would help no doubt.
What's your suggested approach sagacious bird shooters of the forum?
I've got a D7000 and the 70-300 AF-S VR lens so some better and faster glass would help no doubt.
What's your suggested approach sagacious bird shooters of the forum?
Replies
If the light is weird then "S" with the speed set at 1/1000 and Auto ASA. I don't like to this way because is usually creates too much DOF, because I really like to isolate the beast from the background - the best I can. Thus, I like to dial in a big fat hole in the end of the lens using "A".
OK, you have been threatening to get a lens for a while. I will step up and say - yes you have to do that.
Not the ideal lens but do this deal, compared to where you re at now you will be Happy, Happy, Happy.
http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Autofocus-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-NA06999022397K?r=FE
my $.02....
I always shoot in shutter priority....no exceptions...
i'll bump the iso up or down, depending on light but i'm going to be shooting at least 1/600 with my IS (VR) glass and pushing 1/1000 most of the time....
I'd rather work with a slightly off exposure than a perfectly exposed blur....you can't fix blur....my 40d is so clean at iso 400 so i usually start there and work down if i can...
if i can get into a situation where my subjects aren't skittish, and are reatively static, i'll take my time and change my shutter speed if i'm trying to get a lot of dof...
i will also bracket if time allows....
i also use use my center focus spot and make sure the eyes are sharp...same for metering, i spot meter.....
white egrets are about the hardest to get right, especially with a dark background or shadows...
tim
ps a 100-400mmm zoom with is (vr) makes a big difference...i also have a 500mm which is a big help...
The Real White Dog
if you can't catch a fish...catch a buzz....
#12976, joined 8-17-2002
I'm not a wanna-be bird shooter really, just a guy who might like to improve the occasional bird shot. I really need to get out and play around more than I have so far. I had wondered if anyone was trying to shoot birds in M which to me seems pretty close to impossible unless the birds are totally lazy.
Thankfully I have never used any fast pro-level long glass so the NAS isn't fully kicked in.
I paid very close to what KEH would give me for it so I think I did OK.