DSLRUsers.com

Yes it's now official.........I HATE BIRDS. Just can't seem to capture the goddamn things in focus/sharp like I have seen others do. I've got no excuses, I own a great 70-200VR lens but as hard as I try I just can't nail the buggers. Here's a coulpe of attempts from today: I must say that when I have attempted these shots lighting conditions were not good (could this be the problem or is it just me?)

Did you use USM on the photos? I've had a look at the exif and 1/1250 seems fast enough Keep trying and don't give up

Seagulls glide fairly slowly so try and prejudge their flightpath a bit. See how you go. Speak with Arthur, he seems to be the bird king at 300mm

Lighting was perfect today - do you pan these shots?

Piro, I think these are the originals. I did use USM later.........did'nt help that much.
Chris, yes panned.

Marcus, it's a very hard task capturing birds, especially in flight. Then again some of the birds that I've been trying to capture over the past few months have been a pain to try and capture as they don't sit still for more than 5 seconds. Patience is the key, and you will be rewarded. As PiroStitch said 1/1250 is fast enough, your technique might be off when panning. Speak to Arthur, he seems to like capturing seagulls. They're not my cup of tea

Marcus - I would say it is your panning technique. The second pic is showing too much detail for a fast pan (unless, of course, the bird was stalling)

Chris, given the angle of the birds wings I'd say the bird is probably heading into wind about to turn. Slow turn!

Hi Marcus,

Getting the 70 - 200 VR doesn't necc solve the problem. If you want to freeze and capture the bird in flight in sharp focus, you are going to need 4 things:-

1. shutter speed at 1/1000 or faster. Preferably 1/2000.

2. need to shoot in good sunlight. early morning light is best.

3. the sun should be behind you so that the lights will adequate light up whole bird including the below the wings.

4. aniticipate the direction of the bird's flight path.

regards,

Arthur

Are you using AF-C or AF-S? Bump up the ISO a little to use a faster shutter speed?