01 July 2022

Birds in Flight Photography with Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight Photography at Woodbridge Island with the Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens

Birds in Flight: Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

For many photographers the versatile 70-300mm lens is the longest lens in their bags.

This should not be a disadvantage for getting around for some birds in flight photography. Yes, on an APS-C Crop sensor (or Full Frame) camera a 400mm+ lens becomes the ultimate requirement for some photographers.

For the occasional bird in flight the humble 70-300mm lens should render acceptable results.
 
Preparation for Birds in Flight Photography Training
I frequently get questions on what the 'best' focal lens length is for shooting Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town (where I facilitate the Birds in Flight Photography Training practicals).

My response: it will depend if you're shooting with a Full Frame or an APS-C (Crop) DSLR body. For most bodies the focal length of 300 - 600mm generally works best. (The detail and differences are generally / more specifically discussed and demonstrated during my Birds in Flight Photography private training / workshops.


Also read: Canon EOS 70D for Birds in flight Photography (with images)

There is also the question of prime vs zoom lenses? I generally prefer a 400mm prime lens (non-zoom) lens on a crop body for Birds in Flight. My current DSLR body choice is the Canon EOS 7D Mark II with its fast and very effective Autofocus system. (Prime vs zoom lens options will also be discussed during the workshop).

Many photographers attending or are interested in the Birds in Flight workshops also ask the question: Is it possible to shoot Birds in Flight with a 70-300mm zoom lens?

To answer this question I went out with a Canon EOS 70D (crop body) and a EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens and captured a few Birds in Flight at Woodbridge Island under the same conditions / settings as I would when shooting with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM prime lens.

Herewith a selection of 7 images captured during one shoot.

All with Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 70-300mm lens f/4.5.6L IS USM Lens at 300mm

For photographers interested in attending the Birds in Flight Workshop at Intaka Island / Woodbridge Island, Cape Town with 'only' a 70-300mm lens - I'm confident that you will be more than OK with your 70-300mm zoom lens (considering reasonable light / technique and some patience).

If you're still not sure of your setup, don't hesitate to Contact Me


(Click to Enlarge)
Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Sandwich Tern: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Oystercatcher:  Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Little Egret: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Egyptian Goose: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Pied Kingfisher: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

White-Breasted Cormorant: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - EOS 70D
White-Breasted Cormorant: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - EOS 70D

Birds in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
African Ibis: Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town - Canon EOS 70D

Birdwatching / Bird Life Photography Millerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island

Canon EOS 7D Mark II First Impressions - Birds in flight Photography Cape Town View

Canon EOS 80D First Impressions - Birds in flight Photography Cape Town View