Focus in wildlife shots using 70-300 MM zoom on D 7000

[expat42451]

Did some wildlife today, mainly birds and squirrels. I am new to the camera and even newer to the 70-300 VR ED. All shots were of birds or squirrels on the ground. Many were frm 15-30' away from the camera. When I uploaded the shots I was disappointed in lack of sharpness which I think is a focus problem rather than motion. I shot on AF-auto. I am guessing I need to shoot AF-S only using the center focus cell and put that right on the target. I was shootinhg in a park here around 10 AM, no clouds, good light and shooting down on everything I took. I made the shots zoomed in to where the birds and squirrels were as close to full frame as possible. I also was shooting program mode. Suggestions very welcome. Thanks to all for the expertise here.

Expat42451

 

[Light Guru]

How fast was the shutter speed? Don't shoot in p mode YOU need to take control.

 

[expat42451]

Slowest was 1/100. Focus mode AF-A. VR on. Highest shutter around 1/160th. ISO auto and depending on the shot was around 320. Aperture F 5.6.Metering Matrix (again spot would have been better but the exposure was fine).

Thanks for the interest and suggestion. I have shot manual mode with the camera and it is easier for me because of what I was used to from the film days. Just not as quick.

Expat42451

 

[kundalini]

These were all taken with a Nikkor 300mm f/4 mounted on D300. Distances varied from ~30 yards to ~75 yards. Shutter speed is certainly a factor in the mix, as is a steady hand or a support (mono or tripod).

 

[expat42451]

Jesus those are nice...... I was shooting freehand. Looks like a monopod or tripod is next for the kit as all of the stuff from my film days is gone.

Expat

 

[willis_927]

expat, what focal length were you shooting at?

 

[expat42451]

It varied from about 180 MM to 300 MM

Thanks
Expat

 

[kundalini]

Jesus those are nice......

Cheers. The Heron was freehand on the deck of a pontoon boat, the lions on a mono and the fox cub was a tripod.

 

[willis_927]

Generally your shutter speed should atleast equil your focal length.

 

[expat42451]

Kundalini beautiful work

Willis_927 many thanks for that...I seem to remember that now (in retrospect) from years ago when I was shooting film. My absence from the hobby has allowed forgetfulness Many thanks for that ....now if I could just figure out how to post photos here (I dont have the attachment option).


Expat

 

[willis_927]

I always seem to forget the focal length = shutter speed rule when I am out shooting as well!

 

[expat42451]

I ve forgotten so much of what little I knew I dont even remember what I may have forgotten.........

 

[kundalini]

I ve forgotten so much of what little I knew I dont even remember what I may have forgotten.........

I've had the same issues. What I've found is that poor results seem to spark the memories fairly quickly. Bees for instance...... :

 

[expat42451]

Jesus I am in awe !!!! you have some pretty quick glass as well.......I am still waiting for the dragonflies to emerge here on the Gulf Coast...so far ...not...a ...one.
Expat