Birds in flight are some of the hardest subjects to photograph as a wildlife photographer. But in this tutorial, wildlife photographer Sam Rowley shares everything you need to know to get sharp action shots from our feathered friends.
Produced in partnership with NatureTTL.com and B&H Photo Video
— KIT LIST —
The following (affiliate) links are for some equipment we recommend for birds in flight photography:
Wimberley Gimbal Head:
Benro Gimbal Head (Cheaper option):
Nikkor 200-400mm lens:
Nikon 200-500mm lens (Cheaper option):
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens:
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I use a tele converter and hand hold so your first 2 suggestions should be preferences not absolutes and some of my shoots are top class.
It really is up to the person in my opinion.
I totally disagree with you on teleconverters. Just because you can not gets results with one doesn’t mean i can’t. I have gotten great shots with a 1.4x converter on a 300mm prime. Bye, bye. You lost me after that comment.
Good work.
Hi very good video well done what shooting mode do you use
hi sir any tips for canon 1200D entry level camera,any settings or mode recommend?
Who makes the gimble that you are using?
Very surprised to see you raising the center column so high while shooting with a heavy camera and lens setup. That is counter productive. Why not just use a monopod? Tripod stability comes from three legs, not a monopod on top of your tripod.
Would this work if you have a regular lens like canon’s regular 75-300mm lens? I’ve tried doing this on whale watching trips and used my shutter Speed on 320 which is too slow oof
Hi, Some followup questions: (1) At 10 FPS does the mirror impact cause softness/shake in the image? (2) On a 20MP camera, How much should the bird fill up the viewfinder when you are trying to get a single bird's photo?
Use auto ISO
"4/1000ths of a second for quicker birds", that's 1/250ths – really? You might want to reconsider that.
Great info thanks
1000/s freese even a hummingbird , there's no reason to go 4000/s LOL
A very very useful video, with plenty of great tips. I have to admit because I have some upper body difficulties this is far from my strong point and if I’m hand holding it has to be my 70-200 on my 7DII. Life it much easier if I use my gimbal head as I then can use my Sigma 150-600 Sport.
@natureTTl does your Sigma Lens and Nikon camera allow you to use autofocusing on your outer AF points? Or are you using the center cross points specifically? Thanks!
Good video – I have subscribed. I cannot agree with your assessment of teleconverters, though. I use a Nikkor TC14EIII with my Nikkor 300mm f4 PF VR on my D500, though I would not use one on my Nikkor 200 – 500mm. I also use an Olympus 1.4TC with my 300mm f4 on my Olympus EM1 mark II – and don't have a problem. Auto focus is still stunningly fast with both systems. I also always choose back button focus and auto ISO. I tend to use a faster base shutter speed of 1/2000th (where lighting permits) but, like you, use f8 where possible.
Some very helpful tips, thank you, but would like to add that, in my opinion, back button focusing is a must for tracking birds in flight.
well done, great information. Thank!
Nicely framed 🙂 Wil try a smaller aperture next time to see https://www.flickr.com/photos/gipukan/4445687737/
Why should the focusing distance of lenses be limited for birds in flight photography?
Very good instructions ,simple and plain speaking tuition, do you do any football photography videos
i would like to add, Olympus EM1 with 1.4x teleconverter DOESNT interfere with AF speed.
its truly amazing.
thank you for very useful tips.
Keeping both eyes open is difficult BUT really useful
well done. Some great tips. Thank you.
It's an ok video with some useful basic tips, but I don't agree that a gimball is 'a must' (as you say at the beginning) nor that Extenders are 'a no-no' because of autofocus issues (it depends on what camera you have and whether or not you're using native or non-native extenders). rogerhunt.photography
How will it be possible to get a good flight shot of a bird in dusk or dawn with an aperture of f/9. Absolute bullocks
What is the name of the tripod you are using?
use auto ISO
Thank you!! Great information!
What an absolute pleasure to listen to you. Clear, concise with great tips. I'm sold on your tutorials. THANK YOU.
That was a really good video. I am really finding it difficult to get the focus….been a bit hit and miss. Great info thanks.
Practical, straightforward and easy to follow, and as below really useful – thank you
super useful tutorial. I'm not so bad with larger birds but songbirds are nearly impossible for me! They're so quick! Thanks for these tips 😀