Learning, Understanding and Applying Canon EOS / Canon EOS R Autofocus Settings
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| Pied Kingfisher with Catch Woodbridge Island : Copyright Vernon Chalmers |
Canon Autofocus (AF) Settings for Birds in Flight Photography
Mastering Birds in Flight Photography
Canon EOS / EOS R AF System Application
This should also be the moment not only embedded in the mind of the photographer, but a moment shared with others for representing the sheer beauty of the natural world around us.
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens Setting
Canon Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography
Other Canon Lenses Used
Birds in Flight Photography Post-Processing
Page Image Information : Canon Birds in Flight Photography (Woodbridge Island / Cape Town)
Image 1: Pied Kingfisher in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Over the past 10 years I have used more or less the same AF Settings for photographing birds in flight at Woodbridge Island, Cape Town.
Here is an overview of the Canon AF Settings (and other considerations) that I have applied with various Canon EOS APS-C and Full Frame bodies during this period.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF System / Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System
My main camera during the 10 year was the Canon EOS 7D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. I am very impressed with the EOS 7D Mark II's Dual Pixel CMOS AF System and the only other / best AF System I personally used apart from the EOS 7F Mark II was the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II System deployed in the EOS R6 / EOS R5 / EOS R3.
Birds in Flight Photography Image Gallery
Setup and Tips for Birds in flight Photography
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| Mastering Birds in Flight Photography Canon EOS / EOS R AF System Application |
Canon EOS / EOS R Bodies used for Birds in Flight Photography (with different Canon lenses):
Human Behaviour for Birds in Flight Photography
I am a firm belief that the camera, lens and AF settings in my hands is the 'default' configuration and that my own behaviour (mainly concentration / patience / handlings skills) and environmental factors are of much higher importance than the kit in hand (in the 'moment' of shooting). This is something I am mindful of each and every time I make the decision to photograph a bird in flight.
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| Canon EOS 70D Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography |
My norm for birds in flight photography became 'all the other criteria' not part of the camera / lens pairing. The more experienced I became the more I settled with the same camera, lens and AF settings. I always attempt to shoot in the same light conditions. Not always possible, but I aim for the same environmental conditions on most shoots.
Lately, the most important (and only) variable in my application and concentration is the particular bird in front of the lens (after making the decision to capture that specific in-flight subject).
This approach eliminates the thoughts that 'beter kit' will provide a 'beter image'. The (personal) focus now is almost exclusively on the self for enjoying the moment (with a secure undercurrent of trust in the technology and environmental factors).
Considerations for improved Birds in Flight Photography
Canon Equipment- Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR Camera Body
- Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
AF / Manual Exposure Mode Settings
- Shutter speed: 1/2500 - 1/4000s
- Aperture: f/5.6 - f/6.3
- Focal length 400mm
- Auto-White Balance (AWB)
- Auto ISO (400 - 3200)
- AF Mode: Zone / Wide Zone
- AF Case: Case 1 (Default)
- AI Servo / 10fps multi-shot
- RAW processing (shooting to RAW only)
- Handheld
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens Setting
- Autofocus On
- No Image Stabilization
- Focal Length 400mm
"Canon's autofocus settings are crucial for capturing birds in flight effectively. Here are some specific autofocus settings and tips tailored for bird photography using Canon cameras:
AF Mode:
- AI Servo AF Mode:** This mode is designed for continuous autofocus tracking and is essential for moving subjects like birds in flight. It continuously adjusts focus as the subject moves.
AF Area Selection:
- Use Single Point or Expanded Area AF:
- Single Point AF allows precise focus control. You can select a single autofocus point and place it directly on the bird to track its movement.
- Expanded Area AF enables you to use a cluster of AF points to track and maintain focus on a moving bird more effectively.
AF Configuration Tool:
Canon cameras offer different settings that help fine-tune autofocus performance.
- Case Selection for AI Servo AF:
- Some Canon models offer "Cases" that optimize AF settings for various types of movement. For birds in flight, consider using a Case that prioritizes continuous motion.
- Adjust the AI Servo Tracking Sensitivity to suit the speed and erratic movements of birds. A higher sensitivity might be necessary to track faster birds effectively.
Customizing Buttons for Autofocus:
- Customizing buttons on your camera for quick access to specific AF functions can significantly improve your workflow. Assign buttons for functions like autofocus point selection, autofocus activation, or AI Servo activation for swift changes during shooting.
Back Button Focus:
- Consider using back-button focus (decoupling autofocus from the shutter button) to have more control over focusing. It allows you to focus using a button on the back of the camera, while the shutter button is solely for taking the picture.
Continuous Shooting Mode:
- Combine your autofocus settings with the continuous shooting (burst) mode to capture a sequence of shots. This increases the chance of getting a perfectly focused image, especially when birds are in erratic motion.
Test and Adjust:
- Each Canon camera model might have specific autofocus features and controls. Take the time to understand your camera's AF system, practice in different scenarios, and adjust settings to suit your shooting style and the behavior of the birds you're photographing.
Environmental Considerations:
When photographing birds in flight, pay attention to the contrast between the bird and the background. If the bird blends with the background, the camera's autofocus might struggle to lock onto the subject.
Also, consider the lighting conditions. Adequate light can help the autofocus system work more effectively. Read More on Environmental Considerations
Understanding and experimenting with these autofocus settings, combined with continuous practice, will enhance your ability to capture stunning images of birds in flight using Canon cameras." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)
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| Canon EOS R6 Autofocus Settings For Birds in Flight Photography |
Other Canon Lenses Used
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens
- Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM lens
- Canon EF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens
Birds in Flight Photography Post-Processing
Adobe Lightroom (Classic) from Version 5.7
Image 1: Pied Kingfisher in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Image 2: Reed Cormorant in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Image 3: Juvenile Kelp Gull in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Image 4: Cape Shoveler Duck in Flight with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 STM Lens
Image 3: Juvenile Kelp Gull in Flight with Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Image 4: Cape Shoveler Duck in Flight with Canon EOS R6 / RF 800mm f/11 STM Lens
Image 5: Grey Heron in Flight with Canon EOS 7D Mark II / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
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Canon Autofocus (AF) Setting For Birds in Flight : Grey Heron Woodbridge Island Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island |
