Bird in flight attempts

[goooner]

So went out yesterday to put my D7200 through it's paces. These are my 1st attempts at BIF, and I was quite happy with my 'keeper' rate. These are heavily cropped, the light was also not ideal. Tips and tricks would be appreciated.

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[SquarePeg]

So much better than my first attempt at this! What settings were you using? These were with the kit 18-140?

 

[JacaRanda]

What was the exposure settings on these?

BIF is such a challenge and what I am most often in search of. Fun fun fun.

 

[goooner]

So much better than my first attempt at this! What settings were you using? These were with the kit 18-140?

What was the exposure settings on these?

BIF is such a challenge and what I am most often in search of. Fun fun fun.

Thank you both, the exif data should be intact. All of them were shot at 140mm, f7.1, the duck was 1/640 and the gulls @ 1/1000, Auto ISO with a maximum of 3200 I think. Think these ranged from 500 to a 1000.

I probably could have dropped my ss while panning with the gulls, but I'm reasonably happy with the results. I just need to go out more often and practice. So when I get better glass I have my technique down.

 

[JacaRanda]

So much better than my first attempt at this! What settings were you using? These were with the kit 18-140?

What was the exposure settings on these?

BIF is such a challenge and what I am most often in search of. Fun fun fun.

Thank you both, the exif data should be intact. All of them were shot at f7.1, the duck was 1/640 and the gulls @ 1/1000, Auto ISO with a maximum of 3200 I think. Think these ranged from 500 to a 1000.

I probably could have dropped my ss while panning with the gulls, but I'm reasonably happy with the results. I just need to go out more often and practice. So when I get better glass I have my technique down.

Gotcha. I don't have an exif viewer and usually follow a Flickr link to check, if it's not posted. I'm more often at a focal length closer to 600 using shutter speeds closer to 1600-2000 even for somewhat slower flying birds. Panning is very important, but crank up that shutter speed if you can; you will probably see even better results.

 

[goooner]

Yes, will start playing around some more now that the weather is improving. I probably won't be getting a 500mm+ lens for a couple years yet, so will need to get closer than I am at the moment lol.

 

[JacaRanda]

Yes, will start playing around some more now that the weather is improving. I probably won't be getting a 500mm+ lens for a couple years yet, so will need to get closer than I am at the moment lol.

I am really wishing I had an F4 lens instead of the Tamron now. After using it since it's release, more and more I am realizing how it's a handicap in situations. I must play lotto more often (2 times a year would be more often for me )

Here is a little info that you may find useful Set up your camera for great bird photos | Educating Photographers, One Pixel at a Time™
I also check exif for some of the better BIF images here Birds in Flight!

 

[goooner]

Yes, will start playing around some more now that the weather is improving. I probably won't be getting a 500mm+ lens for a couple years yet, so will need to get closer than I am at the moment lol.

I am really wishing I had an F4 lens instead of the Tamron now. After using it since it's release, more and more I am realizing how it's a handicap in situations. I must play lotto more often (2 times a year would be more often for me )

Here is a little info that you may find useful Set up your camera for great bird photos | Educating Photographers, One Pixel at a Time™
I also check exif for some of the better BIF images here Birds in Flight!

I will check those links out. I've also read Chris's (coastalcon?) tips somewhere on this forum. I'm toying with the Nikon 200-500, but I have to invest in other lenses/goodies 1st before I can splash the cash on such a luxury

 

[FITBMX]

Much better than my BIF work, great job!

 

[coastalconn]

I will check those links out. I've also read Chris's (coastalcon?) tips somewhere on this forum. I'm toying with the Nikon 200-500, but I have to invest in other lenses/goodies 1st before I can splash the cash on such a luxury

I think you did great for your first attempt, especially with the 18-140. Here is the article if you need a refresher.. Capturing distinctive bird images Once the BIF bug bites it hits the wallet really hard..

 

[goooner]

Much better than my BIF work, great job!

Thank you!

 

[goooner]

I will check those links out. I've also read Chris's (coastalcon?) tips somewhere on this forum. I'm toying with the Nikon 200-500, but I have to invest in other lenses/goodies 1st before I can splash the cash on such a luxury

I think you did great for your first attempt, especially with the 18-140. Here is the article if you need a refresher.. Capturing distinctive bird images Once the BIF bug bites it hits the wallet really hard..

Thank you Chris, means allot coming from you. I strive to reach your level. Will need allot of practice, and a new better paid Job I'm afraid, but I can practice with what I have, and try to improve. The D7200 has allowed me so much more possibilities.