getting there slowly

binga63 · Feb 22, 2013

steep learning curve to photograph birds using my 600 mm manual focus lens

but I think I see progress

Practice practice practice by Binga63, on Flickr

sm4him · Feb 22, 2013

I can't get 'em in focus half the time with an AF lens; I can't imagine trying to do it with manual focus.

IMO: You really, really want to be able to see their eyes.
And the more of the frame you can fill with the bird, the better.

binga63 · Feb 22, 2013

focus before finesse....then I will try for the eyes.. can do it when they are still

... but i want to succeed when they are in flight...

matthewo · Feb 22, 2013

BIF is tough with MF. try stopping down when possible.

probably my favorite wildlife photo was taken with my 500mm manual focus lens. when you get focus correct they are just as good quality and colors as the new ones

matthewo · Feb 22, 2013

if your lens is a 600mm f4 you could try the tc16a autofocus teleconverter. i used it on my 500mm MF lens and it helped a lot for BIF

binga63 · Feb 23, 2013

ohh hehe its got a 2x tele on it already.. so I'm effectively using a 1200 mm manual focus

sm4him · Feb 23, 2013

1200mm?!?!? How far away WERE those birds?? :lmao:

I think what matthew is saying though, is that the TC he mentions would then allow you to AF. ??--not sure how that works, but if I had that lens, I'd sure look into it. You may lose a little reach by switching out your 2x TC, but you'd likely gain more than you'd lose.

Also, have you tried taking the TC off and getting closer? I've found that there is really just NO substitute for learning how to close in on your subject when you're shooting birds. Well, maybe buying a $10K 800mm lens would be a substitute. :lmao: But since I'm not likely to EVER do that, learning how to stalk is essential.

ryanparker · Feb 23, 2013

wow, amazing shots! Such beautiful colors & details...very nice!

pgriz · Feb 23, 2013

I don't have a lens as big as that, but several in our photoclub do, and one photographer who consistently submits winning wildlife shots told us, when describing his technique, is that he gets the images with practice. Specifically, he's learned to turn the focus in a given direction and then snap the image when his zone of sharpness intersects with his subject (that's for moving subjects like birds).

matthewo · Feb 23, 2013

yes your correct the tc16a autofocuses with manual focus lenses and is a 1.6x converter. you manually focus to near focus then a half shutter to lock on exact focus. it moved the elements in the teleconverter using the internal screw drive motor of the camera. with auto focus fine tune at -20 it was dead on with BIF. it nailed it most of the time with good light. not as good as a true autofocus lens, but with practice, much better then manual only. if you are already using a 2x i would really say try it 1.6 is still good reach and the tc16a is actually pretty good image quality wise. but just make sure your camera body will autofocus with the loss of light

MSnowy · Feb 23, 2013

Nice progress. I'm trying the same with the Nikon 600 f5.6. I've only gotten out a few times so far, with no great results. The best results I've had are pre-focusing to a area and working focus from there. The best I've gotten with this technique is here http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/nature-wildlife/317747-speedy.html.

binga63 · Feb 23, 2013

MSnowy said:
Nice progress. I'm trying the same with the Nikon 600 f5.6. I've only gotten out a few times so far, with no great results. The best results I've had are pre-focusing to a area and working focus from there. The best I've gotten with this technique is here http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/nature-wildlife/317747-speedy.html.

Thanks MSnowy... I am trying to do the same without the crutch of a autofocus lens, before auto was invented alot of great shots were taken and I want to learn that skill, like the way 'pgriz' describes and definitely I must try and stalk better but it is a damn heavy lens ...