Been trying for a few weeks to get sand martin flight shots – gave up defeated and found a good spot for swifts.
D2x, 300mm 2.8 + 1.4, at f 5, 1/1250 ISO: 400 image has been cropped to about 60% of full frame – can’t seem to get them any fuller in the frame.
On flight shot techniques I am using a 300 + 1.4x (?630mm equivalent - 35mm film), gave up on the 500mm, worked at a distance but not close up.
Tripod with wimberley head – I have tried handholding but the tripod seems to give greater success.
Both eyes open initially one to track the bird the other looking through the viewfinder. For D2x users AF-C, FPS rate plus AF, Group dynamic – centre pattern. I have used HSC but sometimes find I have clipped part of the bird.
I tend to pick out a bird and follow it, hoping it comes close enough, if not pick up another one……etc
Grateful for any thoughts.
Larger image at
Hello Simon
You must have pretty fast reactions to get any swift flight shot, well caught. There is a strange mark on the bird's lower wing, any ideas?
Best wishes
Phil
Hi
The white is I presume swift droppings. I have photographed quite a few with droppings on top of the wing too.
The eye is recessed so on a smaller image it does look like a second eye, but gets less of a problem the bigger the image.
Cheers Simon
Nicely captured and a good position within the frame too.
Posted by Elliott Neep on May 29, 2006 at 12:56 PM
A great capture of a very very fast flier... you guys are doing superbly with the swifts and swallows. I think your strategy and technique are spot on. All you can do is track on far away and hold the focus lock on for as long as possible and just prey it comes your way. Good tip to keep both eyes open
Discussion
8 repliesD2x, 300mm 2.8 + 1.4, at f 5, 1/1250 ISO: 400 image has been cropped to about 60% of full frame – can’t seem to get them any fuller in the frame.
On flight shot techniques I am using a 300 + 1.4x (?630mm equivalent - 35mm film), gave up on the 500mm, worked at a distance but not close up.
Tripod with wimberley head – I have tried handholding but the tripod seems to give greater success.
Both eyes open initially one to track the bird the other looking through the viewfinder. For D2x users AF-C, FPS rate plus AF, Group dynamic – centre pattern. I have used HSC but sometimes find I have clipped part of the bird.
I tend to pick out a bird and follow it, hoping it comes close enough, if not pick up another one……etc
Grateful for any thoughts.
Larger image at
http://www.simon.hawtin.ukgateway.net/Swifts.htm
Thanks Simon
You must have pretty fast reactions to get any swift flight shot, well caught. There is a strange mark on the bird's lower wing, any ideas?
Best wishes
Phil
The white is I presume swift droppings. I have photographed quite a few with droppings on top of the wing too.
The eye is recessed so on a smaller image it does look like a second eye, but gets less of a problem the bigger the image.
Cheers Simon
Hats off to you - I tried this last year and ended up with a stiff neck and little else - you've inspired me to have another go!
Very nice - had ago myself last year, but nothing this good. Seeing yours must have another go!
David
John