Canon 1Ds Mk2, 600/f4 + 1.4 extender, WH2 + Gitzo 3530LSV.
Manual exposure mode f10, 1/800, iso 400.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS4, full frame.
I see lots of images on this and other forums where the shutter speed selected is somewhat higher than it needs to be and where the image would probably benefit from greater depth of field. If it helps, here is the easy to remember guidance that I use for getting sharp action shots of birds: 1/400 swimming; 1/800 running; 1/1600 flight.
For swimming ducks etc – 1/400 is sufficient and 1/320 is usually OK.
For running birds (as above) and mammals I like to be at 1/800 or 1/1000.
For flight shots the shutter speed needed depends more on the rate of change of angle rather than speed through the air. I usually try to go to 1/1600, but often 1/1250 will suffice unless the subject is moving in a plane orthogonal to the lens axis.
Lovely shot Phil, no real nits from me although I am not quite sure what that Oof spot is behind the rearmost foot. Eexposure control looks really good to me and that information is very useful - thanks. eric
A great action shot Phil. The setting info is very useful when it can be put to use, often it's a case of using whayever the light allows. Good guidance anyway especially as given to counteract our tendency of 'overcooking' shutter speeds (caused in part no doubt by the ever increasing ISO capabilites of modern cameras).
Discussion
8 repliesOystercatcher (Haematopus ostragelus)
Canon 1Ds Mk2, 600/f4 + 1.4 extender, WH2 + Gitzo 3530LSV.
Manual exposure mode f10, 1/800, iso 400.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS4, full frame.
I see lots of images on this and other forums where the shutter speed selected is somewhat higher than it needs to be and where the image would probably benefit from greater depth of field. If it helps, here is the easy to remember guidance that I use for getting sharp action shots of birds: 1/400 swimming; 1/800 running; 1/1600 flight.
For swimming ducks etc – 1/400 is sufficient and 1/320 is usually OK.
For running birds (as above) and mammals I like to be at 1/800 or 1/1000.
For flight shots the shutter speed needed depends more on the rate of change of angle rather than speed through the air. I usually try to go to 1/1600, but often 1/1250 will suffice unless the subject is moving in a plane orthogonal to the lens axis.
Have noted it.
JR
Excellent image demonstrating control of both black and white feather in strong light.
The suggested settings are extremely useful thanks for sharing the info.
As above, only real nit would be to clean bg up from oof objects, other than that it's great
Paul.