I just got a used 1D MKIIn and was trying it out on some BIFs and a few questions came up. I was hoping that maybe someone here who is farther along the learning curve can help straighten me out.
1) What AF point selection method do you use? Right now I have it set to center point with 7 point expanded.
I tried a search for ring-of-fire as I have often heard that term referred to when discussing focus point selection, but none of the hits really helped.
2) What is the best technique for acquiring initial focus. Given the unpredictability of BIFs, it seems difficult to prefocus. It often takes a second or two to achieve initial focus and many times I find that I have missed the shot because I never got an initial lock. Toward the end of the day I started to manually focus initially until I got a lock, then AI servo was able to do it's thing. It just seems that there is a better/faster way.
3) What AIServo speed do you have set? Standard, slow or fast?
ad 1. I use center point only, but not expanded. In expanded mode I found that the AF picks up on different areas of the bird, and not the eye as I mostly want it too.
ad 2. That's a hard one. Depends, you could use the focussing limiter on the lens, I tend to not use the limiter, except when Im hidden in front of a bush, where all the critters are.
ad 3. As a 5d user, I think I cannot choose AIServo speed, cannot answer this one.
ad 4. IS on
5. try to use shortest shutters as possible, this means that you mustnot fear to bump the ISO. I tend to shoot at 400-1000ISO, Mostly 800.
6. yes, ofcourse, Practice!
There are two Posts on page 1, that show my current level of BIFshooting...
But it's great fun to receive positve feedback on the learning curve!!!
My 2 cents. As another 5D guy I can't address all of your question. I'll only add to the above and try to not repeat anything except for practice, practice, practice. I'm still learning this myself but I have been at it a year or so.
Start on easy birds, gulls, raptors. Big targets, usually slow moving.
I will start to focus by hand and as the bird gets closer I let AF do its thing. If you are using a TC, your focus acquisition will slow.
I love my BushHawk, I think it helps tremendously
I shoot in aperture priority mode. Sometimes you may need to set the shutter a stop or 2 up or down. I don't know how to do that on a MK3 but I'm sure you can.
