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Birds in Flight Goal is to improve IQ


ifti

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I tried to search in the forum my question but did not find the answer. Here is the issue: <P>

I take, casual portrait that I don’t post as I don’t ask permission.. I like macros flowers but what really makes me

happy are the bird pictures, Here is what I have <P>

• Nikon Coolpix 5700 <P>

• Nikon D200Lenses <P>

• Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 APO <P>

• Tamron SP 90mm/2.8 1:1 Macro<P>

• nikkor 105mm f/2.8 AF-S VR <P>

• nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 VR DX AF-S ED <P>

• nikkor 50/1.8 AI <P>

• nikkor AF-S 24-85mm 3.5-4.5G <P>

• nikkor AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G IF ED<P>

• Nikon SB-600 <P>

 

.(NoteCoolpix 5700 and sigma stay on the shelf I have not used them any more). <P>

 

 

,<P> With what I have I am pleased with my static bird pictures. My birds in flight however stink. They are rarely in

focus.

<P> I do not have budget for 500mm lens. My current upper limit is $3000.

<P> Will I have better chance to get flying birds in focus with Nikon D300 with its 51 sensors?

<P> Or should I just wait till I have money for a 500mm lens..<P> Best regards ifti

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I used a D300 with a 70-300mm VR to try to photograph birds in flight, and I didn't find the 51 AF sensors, or

the 15 AF cross sensors, any better than the single cross sensor in a humble D50. The attached photo was taken

with the D50. As others said below, the equipment is secondary to technique and luck.<div>00RZB4-90797684.jpg.ce7a1884a03f4634aedbaec86823ecda.jpg</div>

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I don't have a portfolio on photo.net. I used a Nikon 70-300mm VR, typically shooting at 300mm and f/5.6. It

would be nice to have something longer. However, besides the cost, for flying hummers I don't see the alternative

to hand-holding, and I have tendinitis in my wrists, so that it's hard to deal with heavier lenses. As I seem to

be writing in all my posts this week, the tendinitis made me give up on the heavier D300, and I'll be picking up

a D90 soon.

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"I took this with a Canon 300D and the cheap 75-300....and it's quite good. It's more about attention, preparation, good technique, and .....LUCK, than it is about gear..."

 

But Bob, a seagull is a more cooperative subject than most! ;-) (Nice shot, though.)

 

I think it's about all of the above -- attention, preparation, good technique, AND the right gear -- perhaps VR, perhaps a tripod or monopod, probably a good 500mm. I personally don't do much bird photography, not that I have bad technique, and not because I can't stalk the creatures, but because of my 300mm upper limit with a not-too-stellar lens. Sure, I can get bird photos, but I don't consider them "good" bird photos, with infrequent exceptions (usually very large and cooperative birds). I just don't have the right gear, and bird photography isn't important enough to me that I would want to invest the money. Not my cup of tea.

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I shoot with a Canon XT and the 70-300 IS lens. The IS (Image stabilization) has two modes, 1 for subjects moving in any direction and one for subjects moving in one direction with the camera. I can't speak for Nikon on that. Mine is a fairly slow lens and having a background which provides good contrast for the bird, such as blue sky or water, helps in focusing. A longer lens would be too heavy for me and using a tripod is too restricting , but you may wish to try that. But IS is not recommended on a tripod. A monopod will provide some stability, or a Bushhawk, which rests on your shoulders and supports the camera. A 500mm lens would give you better reach for distant birds, but it can be a disadvantage when birds are closer and you can't zoom out. So there are pros and cons for short and long lenses. It takes alot of practice to get to know the birds' behaviour so you can second guess what they will do. On windy days the birds sometimes "hang" in the wind, particularly seabirds, which helps a little as it slows them down. If you are able to shoot by the sea, try sitting by the shore where the birds gather, and brace your elbows on your knees. That provides some stability and also puts you at eye level when the birds are near the water. The important thing to focus on is the eye. If that is sharp it's sometimes acceptable for other parts to be blurred by movement. It takes lots and lots of practice and patience but you will get better at it. Good luck and have fun.
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300mm is pretty short under a lot of conditions for birding. The subject isn't going to fill a lot of the frame and it's going to be harder to keep focus points, however many you have, on the subject. If you can't afford longer lenses (not an uncommon situation) then if at all possible do as much as you can to get closer to the good shooting. Not an easy thing to do. OTOH, "too close" with fast moving subjects is also tough, they get away from you more easily.

 

Sigh - another frustrated but eager seeker of the birds.

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You need a bit of luck. And many times, it depends on how close you are to the flying bird you are trying to photograph. Sometimes, a old AF 70-300mm G Nikkor lens does OK. And sometimes a AF 80-400mm VR Nikkor lens does well.

 

 

 

Please check

 

 

 

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=679986

 

 

 

to see a variety of birds (some flying) with an assortment of Nikon lenses.

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I am sorry I had to work this Saturday just came home and was surprised and glad to see so many

responses. <P>

Sara thanks for your input, Ostrich is attractive.<P>

Hanna thanks for all the advice and practical tips.<P>

Manuel thanks for your help. All three of your pictures are remarkable. <P>

Craig I know what you mean, I positively am not going get Nikon 500mm lens. I am patient and can sit

quitely to get reasonably close to birds with my 300mm. It is just that I cant get them in focus before

they are gone. <P>

Gerald I sure can afford 80-400 but most reviewer say it is slow. I will go on the link you recommended

and try to learn.

 

Thank you all of you for giving me your time.

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