Here's a 12-frame composite of a burst from the 20D + 400 5.6L. Out of 17 total frames, only one is out of focus ( 8th frame).
Another has a clipped wing tip (11th frame), 3 (15th, 16th and 17th frame) are with clipped parts (out of the frame) because the bird is already too near, but all 4 nevertheless are still in good focus.
Amazing AI servo performance of the combo - 16 out of 17 focused shots, or 94 % AF success rate.
gunblue wrote:
Great shots Romy!!! Are you using only the center focusing point for Servo AF or all 9 points (auto)? --Dennis
Thanks, Dennis. I pretty much stick to the center point in AI servo now.
It took me a lot of practice to keep the center point on a flying bird, but even if the subject ventures to a busy background, the 20D's focus lock manages to hold on.
With all points on, a busy BG robs the focus lock from the bird.
Fabulous sequence and great shots (any one of which would stand on their own). Thanks for sharing it with us, and for letting us know about the good performance of the AF system.
Liquidstone - Pretty much confirms my experience also. I shoot horse events and use the same basic setup. Considering what is taking place, the 20D does some nice computations almost instantaneously.
setiprime wrote:
Liquidstone - Pretty much confirms my experience also. I shoot horse events and use the same basic setup. Considering what is taking place, the 20D does some nice computations almost instantaneously.
Excellent example - thanks for the effort.
Jon F
Thanks, Jon.
I computed the actual frame rate through the EXIF:
17th pic - 16:42:37+08:00
1st pic - 16:42:33+08:00
Elapsed time = 4.00 secs
Frame rate = 17 frames/4.00 secs
= 4.25 FPS!
Pretty amazing, considering that the single OOF shot (8th frame) must have slowed down the camera somewhat (it had to re-acquire focus).
It was operator error (my center point aim must have wandered off the subject) and if I should have done my part well, the frame rate would then be very, very close to 5 fps.
I am amazed who You were able to keep the focus point on the barn owl while keeping the shutter button pressed. Your vision must have been compromised by the mirror jumping up and down.
I worked with wild hunting owls this summer and found it very difficult to keep track of their somewhat erratic flying style. What's more important, is the fact that the owls did not mind me in the feild, but they always changed direction when I fired off the first shot. They were just spooked by the loud sound as they use mainly their hearing for hunting. Was Your shoot done with a captive bird flying directly towards You?
Love them and to top it off you hand held the camera good work.
I have the 400mm F5.6L and towmorrow I will be getting the 20D now thanks to you I do feel I have made the right chose.
Images like these, give me hope that one day i can use my 20D in a way half of you use your 20D.
Liquidstone wrote:
Amazing AI servo performance of the combo - 16 out of 17 focused shots, or 94 % AF success rate.
94% AF success rate is all on the photographer, you have great steady hands and eyes by the looks of things, i know for a fact that if i was to do that, i won't have such a high success rate, so props to you, great shots!
Gilles-27 wrote:
Was Your shoot done with a captive bird flying directly towards You?
Thanks, this bird was one of six individuals I chanced upon in Candaba Swamp, Philippines. I only shoot birds in their natural habitat. These owls are wild and dangerous (to rodents, that is ).
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