Bird Photography – Birds in Flight

Tracking birds in the air.

First Test Shot Settings

  • Shooting mode: Shutter Priority
  • Focus: Continuous AF with zone or subject tracking
  • Aperture: Camera chooses
  • Shutter: 1/2000 s
  • ISO: Auto (upper limit 6400)

Take a short burst → check sharpness → adjust as needed.

Suggested Equipment

400 mm+ lens, monopod.

Quick Tip

For birds flying through trees, switch to a smaller focus area. Hand-holding rule of thumb: try to keep shutter speed at least 1 / focal length (or faster).