Camera settings question for the experts

[eleary]

Shooting huge flocks of Black skimmers in flight from 20 to 50 yards

(Incredible scene). Shooting with D80 and Nikon 300mm/F4 lens in Shutter

priority (1000/1500 sec)at f4, AF, continuous focus, and continuous shutter

release. The problem is what the camera focuses on ...which bird/s among a

hundered and depth of field...obviously maintaining a high shutter speed is key

so can't stop down. What other camera settings would help capturing this scene

without most of shots focused poorly ie., birds in the center or other part of

flock? Or is this just one of the many challenges?

 

Thanks a lot!

[vrankin]

It might help to know that depth of field extends one third in front of your point of focus and two thirds behind.

[joseph_smith3]

I am not that familiar with the functions on the D 80 vs those on a D 200. This writeup of the D 200's might help you choose some other settings. http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/d200_multi-cam_af/

Look at all five sections. When all else fails, try turning off AF and just shoot with manual focus!

 

Regarding the previous post about depth of field, what is said is true at points close to infinity; however for long tele lenses the effective depth of field for this shooting situation is only a few inches in front of and behind the spot being focused on. See: http://www.ejphoto.com/quack_4_06.htm and

http://www.naturescapes.net/102004/ps1004.htm

 

Joe Smith

[eleary]

Thank you both for your help. Joseph that article was very helpful. As is the case the minute I learn one thing, it opens the door on ten other questions! I should have figured my new 300mm lens was the culprit in adding another variable!

 

Thanks!