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?
0 ·
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.