How to Photograph Birds in Flight: A bird photography tutorial as I go through all the techniques I use to capture birds in flight. Suitable for most levels including beginners. You can also watch my follow on video for more advanced bird photographers which includes Canon AF Case Settings: .
Topics in this video:
0:16 Lens Choice
2:16 Camera Settings (Shutter speed/Aperture)
3:08 Autofocus Mode
4:06 Continuous Shooting / Frame Rate
4:51 Focus Area / Focus Points
5:40 Exposure Modes
I forgot to include the bit about Image Stabilization: IS or VR essentially reduces camera shake when hand-holding. It will have no effect on reducing subject movement – this is down to your shutter speed. As most of the time when shooting birds in flight you are using a shutter speed of around 1/1000 second, the image stabilization is not really necessary to reduce camera shake. However, it does stabilize the viewfinder so in that respect it can be helpful in keeping the bird in frame. I rarely use IS for flight photography.
Please like and share the video. Tell me how you set your camera up for flight photography – and feel free to ask me a question in the comments below!
Buy the Canon 400mm f5.6 or GH700 Movo Gimbal head and I receive a small commission.
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Filmed in Yorkshire with Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. Camera used: Canon 1DX Mark i. Lenses: Canon 400mm f5.6; Canon 500mm f4 IS Mark i. Induro CT404 tripod with Gimbal head.
Music: Staccato, Vibe Tracks
Hi Paul, This is one of the most honest videos I have seen. I relearned so much now need to put into practice. Your images are brilliantly crisp I wish I could do that. Thinking of using a combination of 5D MK III & Sigma 150-600mm (S) for Redkites. They are abundant and quite tame. I like razor-sharp images please could you tell me how I can achieve this, Thank you.
Great video mate! 👍
I tried back button focusing for a while, but started to find misfocused shots frequently. I guess I was easing on the button while I pressed the shutter. I've stopped using BBF now. It's not that useful for BIF.
I prefer to use the centre focus point on my 70D. Changing it for composition means that spot exposure metering can go wrong, as it's not tied to the focus point on this camera.
Thanks for that will try it out this weekend
Nice video, Paul. I have a Nikon D750 and a Sigma 150-600 C lens setup. Could you let me know if my setup is good enough for wildlife photography? I am having trouble with quick focusing. Cheers
very good
Interesting comment on BBF. First time I tried it I knew it was for me, loved it. I can't imagine not using it now. Just goes to show there's more than one way to skin a cat.
You're doing pretty good work. Well done. I'm looking forward to your next video.
Well Done Paul! I love it and you are so friendly, helpful and informative. I love the way you teach and demonstrate and your photos are spectacular! I'm a NEW FAN as of right NOW!!!!!!
Excellent video. I shoot with a Canon 550D and a Tamron 150-600. Like you, I also shoot manual and set my aperture at about 7.1. Exposure has been tricky for me, but I have finally settled on setting my ISO first (since noise is high on this old camera body), and then adjusting my shutter speed so that the exposure meter is roughly +1 when shooting at 100% sky, and between -1 and -2 when shooting against the trees (counting on the light on the bird)
I'm looking forward to getting a better body so that I can implement your continuous mode and focus point tips! Thanks!
Nice one Paul. Good to know I am doing most things right…. lol
Hi Paul thank you for keeping me sane with your video. I have been very happy with my photography for a while then started watching YouTube to see if there any tips and techniques to make little adjustments and improve? Sadly all it did was confuse. Your video took me back to what I know best as I shoot pretty much in your style – phew straight talking easy photography tips.
this has been a great help to me thank you ROY
Amazing Excellent
a good solid, no nonsense presentation. I found the information to be very much in keeping with own experiences in attempting bird photographs. Well done!
Great video, very helpful, clear explanation with some brilliant images. Keep up the good work!
I'm new to photography and your videos have been so helpful
Lots of great guidance and suggestions, I can't wait to try some of these out.
I wanted a video about BIF and started the search with your channeland voila! A perfect video on the subject! Thanks!
What is the best metering mode?
Thanks for that some great tips on there.
Loved it! I have the same 400 mm which can be bought second hand for a modest price now. It's very sharp.
Does photography competitions accept Auto Focused photos?
Very helpful. I always review the info on my photos to see what settings seemed to work; eventually, it becomes 2nd nature.
liked the video: Have no idea about what settings I feel comfortable because I am Green at this. How about shooting birds perched with heavy cover (Magee Marsh bird week) ? I can only think that single point center focus, wide aperture; 1/500 sec; auto iso and -07.EV. That make sense? Pos EV if overcast-rainy?
Lol, camouflage lens cover and Flouro orange jacket. Good vid though thanks
Hi Paul, Thank you for your video; I learned a lot and have appreciated very much your personnel comment about the back autofocus button!
I will try to use it and see the results.
Regards.
Beautiful….fantastic explanation
Very good and to the point.
I generally use auto ISO in the daytime as the noise is very minimal with all the light.
Absolutely brilliant. Thanks.
The best way to shoot a bird in flight is to use a mirrorless camera and not an DSLR. I presume the DSLR will die soon. The new Nikon and Canon mirrorless models are marking this step. My Fujifilm X-T20 makes in mode CH 14 or 11 frames per seconds. That ist much more as some expensive DSLRs do. If I shoot in CH with the X-T20 almost all images are in focus and sharp, if all other settings are correct. Sometimes there are 2 or 4 out of 14 or 11 not in focus. Shooting in full automatic mode is seldom a problem. Most exposures are perfect. Compared to shooting fast moving objects with a DSLR I can't see any advantage of a DSLR. Some Sonys are even better and faster as the Fuji. Yes, I'm convinced the DSLR will die very soon. It's the Dinoaur of the analogue age. Try to follow a birds fly in dark light with a DLSR and a mirrorless cam in very dark light. Are you able to use really the look through the mirror od your DSLR in very dark light? How much time takes it to switch to DSLR aids like "Live view"? Mirrorless cams can do all this faster and better as DSLRs.
Hi Paul another great vid.I have been photographing Buzzards from a pop up hide with road kill and do get a visit from the odd Red Kite but they never land,is there a way to get them to land on the prey ?thanks
Here is a tip for you. Try mounting your lens the other way so the gimbal doesn't interfere with the focus knob on the lens! You are using it backwards actually!
And back button focus is the absolute only way to fly when it comes to birds and birds in flight, their are so many advantages it's silly not to…
Hi Paul, it would have been more comprehensive if you touched upon the AI servo Auto Focus options and what works best for you while shooting birds in flight. Your videos are great 👍🏼
Excellent tutorial sir,any tips for Canon 1200D entry level camera for catch bird's flight,please share some settings for this type of shot,i will be highly obliged
Thanks & regards suman/INDIA
Hi Paul. Can I use half-automatic? So choosing 1/1000. An how do I use automatic iso then? Thank a lot for your help.
Fantastic video. Thanks a lot. I have also the Canon 400mm on my 5D Mark 2.