jim_j2

First of all, many thanks to Glenn and his staff for their efforts and initial launch of PN 2.0 and their decision for further beta testing. I too am guilty of not taking full advantage of the opportunity to particle in the beta testing. The primary reason was that I lost access after visiting the new site for the first time. As I recall, that was about a year ago. Then my 10 year old Computer shot craps and, my only access to PN has been from either my smartphone or this tablet (7 inch I think). OK for reading and viewing but, not so good for much in the participation aspect. As well, some health problems have put any current photography desires (trust me, they are daily) on a hiatus and, no place to edit or store files. Although I've been lurking in the background, I have very rarely logged into PN and actually participated for lack of a real Keyboard! Ok, my question, . . .I tried updating my email address and personal information on 2.0 yesterday and the day before without any sucess. My contact email has changed and I just now edited that here in my workspace. Will that carry to PN 2.0 after this interim here? Is it "wise" to do those updates now? Concerned because my correct account information did not carry over to 2.0 the other day. (Account corrected) and, I'd like to participate in some further beta testing. Regards, Jim j.

<p>Dieter,<br> <em>"1/100 for a plane in flight doesn't quite "cut it" (1/60 might have done it - but the even with VR, it's not that easy to handhold at these shutter speeds with a 400mm focal length (on a DX sensor to boot))"</em></p> <p>Correct you are!</p> <p>Wonderful shots by the way, . . . I suppose alot depends on the type of aircraft and the speeds of the prop itself. And, . . . my abilities of which due to age have deterioated considerably.<br> I too am usually shooting at 400mm and simply just can't "hold" steady enough for the very slow shutter speeds I would need to obtain the "full circle."</p> <p>Cheers always,<br> Jim j.</p>

<p>Edwin,<br> In my experience with the mobile site over the past year or so, I don't recall ever seeing a search function within PN's mobile site.<br> I find that there are many functions where I find myself going from the "mobile" to the "Always show full version of the site."<br> Especially trying to actually view the "Photo of the Week" in the Mobile version, . . . . Can read the discussion but can't see the photo being discussed!</p> <p>Hopefully when the New site is launched there will also be enhancements to the Mobile version.</p> <p>Maybe someone more "in the know" will chime in with a better answer for you. I responded mostly because I see you asked your question a few days ago and haven't had response.<br> Sorry I couldn't be of more help.</p>

<p>Was hoping we'd hear something back from Mr. Wilson as to how his Air Show experience turned out but, . . . guess that's not to be. Nor, is there anything in his gallery here on PN.</p> <p>Geoff, . . . I really like that first shot of the SX300's with the "full" rotation blur which is something I rarely get but, strive for!<br> And, Scott's Blue Angel shot is one that I've admired many times in the past.</p>

<p>As I was "catching up" on this thread this morning I thought I should mention that, . . . If you're going to try the "feathering" technique I mentioned earlier, be aware that it is most useful when good light is available and not using the flash.</p> <p>I seldom use flash on Birds in Flight or Wildlife and when I do, I find that any sort AF "tracking" becomes all together a different ball game as the Flash is trying to <em>ramp up</em> to fire!<br />I haven't done it in a while but, I distinctly remember the Flash "ramping up" is much slower than the AF or the IS activation. And, as I recall, especially the onboard flash returns to it's "inactive" state much faster than the lens IS does making the "feathering the AF" more cumbersome than it's worth.</p> <p>The name change is interesting, . . . so will it be appropriate to now refer to you as "Land?" I see that my earlier post has had some edited removing your first name at the beginning of the post. . . . interesting new function of PN!</p> <p>Jim j.</p>

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<p>Victor,</p> <p>I've never heard of anyone using a motion trigger to photograph Hummingbirds and agree with Edwards thoughts. Especially with the <em>patience </em>being the ticket to success.</p> <p>I too agree that a feeder is the best approach to increase your success when it comes to Hummingbirds.<br />Just keep in mind when and where you place the feeder or, where you decide to sit so that you can take your shot as the bird is either approaching or leaving the feeder so that you can get good light and have a desirable background.</p> <p>The longer the lens focal length, probably the better but, also dependent upon the skills that you develop.</p> <p>Camoflauge or at least dark, drab colored clothing will help. Set yourself up maybe within 20 feet or so from the feeder so that you will be fairly comfortable sitting and ready to "take the shot" for an extended amount of time. I like to use a Monopod to help support the camera and it will still allow freedom to aim in most directions and elevations with as little movement as possible compared to Tripod use.<br />As with just about any wildlife, make your movements slowly and deliberately while you are waiting and during the times the birds are there. In my experience, it's not unusual to sit pretty much motionless for 20 minutes or so before something will show up. Be it other species of wildlife, Squirrels or birds. It helps to pass the time if you are in an area where you may have multiple subjects to choose from.<br />By moving slowly and deliberately, . . . I mean if you need to scratch an itch, be concientious of the speed in which you will move. Eliminate unnecessary movement as much as possible. Above all other things, wildlife will notice movement before anything else! I can't express the number of times I've spooked good subjects not even knowing they were around until I sneezed!</p> <p>Otherwise, as Edward and others will probably advise, experiment with different methods that may work for you but patience, patience and more patience will be the key! The more time you spend there, the more it will increase the opportunities you will have.<br> I have found that most wildlife given enough time, will somewhat get accustomed to your presence if they don't feel threatened. It may take several days or longer but it will be worth it!</p> <p>Most of all, have fun!</p> <p> </p>

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<p>David,<br> Thanks for adding some "clarity" to what I was trying to describe!<br> I was thinking it was <em>you</em> that was another that used the same technique from a discussion a couple of years ago but, my memory is getting shorter by the day! LOL<br> Now, I see that Rebecca just signed on to PN a couple of days ago and this is her first posting so, . . .<br> I'll take this opportunity to say "Hello, and welcome to PN!"<br> "We're anxious to see some of your work as well as to learn if any of our suggestions were useful. So please follow up at some point and let us know."</p>

<p>When I first started shooting Birds in Flight, Airshows and moving subjects while striving for subject sharpness I experienced some of what you describe.<br> I basically have my AF settings as you indicate, Center AF point, AI Servo but, for most of the time I prefer to use the Shutter Button to activate AF instead of the * button for faster moving subjects. Here's why . . .</p> <p>For lack of better terminology, I "feather" the Shutter button from no pressure to the half shutter position (activating the AF) as I am following the intended subject until the moment I am ready to squeeze the shutter fully. The frequency that I do this "feathering" if often enough that it will also keep the IS engaged when in use also.<br> I find that I have had better luck by "feathering" the activation of the AF when the center AF point hits its intended target. Usually the birds head or, if close enough the eye.</p> <p>Although I have my Drive set for High Speed, I rarely do much "shotgunning" but I have found that if and when I do while using AI Servo, it's usually about the 3rd frame that's going to be the sharpest.</p> <p>In the section of the Manual for my 50D and "AI Servo for Moving Subjects" it states: <em>"During autofocusing, if the subject moves away from the Center AF Point, focus tracking continues as long as the subject is covered by another AF Point." </em>So, this sort of indicates to me that if the intended focus point is somewhere between AF Points at the moment the shutter is activated it may not be as accurate. So, when I'm doing this "feathering," I am assuring that the Center AF Point is exactly where I wish the camera to focus.<br> My so called "technique" is hard to put into words but if you can understand it, . . . it may be worth a try.<br> Clear as mud I know, but I think it may help.</p> <p> </p>

<p>And, another on the ground with the engine running during a Taxi from the Runway.</p><div></div>

<p>Hi David,<br> I picked up your thread off the front page in "Todays Most Active" section.<br> I'm a Canon guy so I'm afraid I can't be of much help on which Nikon gear (body) to use. When I had two bodies available I would keep my 100-400 Telephoto mounted to one body for most of the "in flight" type shots and something like my 17-50 on the other body for ground type static shots.</p> <p>I find that I prefer something in the background, . . . if you're lucky hopefully you will have a few "puffy clouds" around the day of the show but, I find that's a rare bit of luck in my experiences and for me, multiple shots of an Airplane against only the blue sky becomes boring pretty fast. So, I find myself doing a considerable amount of frames panning.</p> <p>My 100-400 has a setting in the Image Stabilization specifically for Panning which I find useful. And I seem to have the best "Prop blur" with Shutter Speeds between 1/160th to 1/250th as you can see in the attached shots.</p> <p>Most of stuff has Shooting information or EXIF data if it downloads properly to PN.<br> I have a an "Aviation" folder as part of my Gallery here on PN with a few of my photographs that may or may not provide you with some help.</p> <p>Wishing you a Great Day & Experience at the Air Show!<br> Regards,<br> Jim j.</p> <p> </p><div></div>