Adrian, you go have a nack for trees. The first one looks like IR ? Very creative.
For BIF Servo AF, I use only center AF point with auto expansion, never any other AF points, although that can be done on 1DMkIIN, nor auto AF point selection because they do not work as well.
If you have a very fast bird and/or "busy" background, so called "ring of fire" auto AF point selection is an absolute disaster.
Here in Wisconsin, we know spring is here when hearing the first beckoning call of the Sandhill Crane. Thankfully this year we didn't really have a winter.
@ Adrian: Perhaps the cat would stay in focus if you wouldn´t call her a damn cat...:-D No, it is really difficult. My cat was an excercise which took long time... But keep on taking pics of trees. They are also nice! :-D
Regards, Yvonne
AvianScott wrote:
Here in Wisconsin, we know spring is here when hearing the first beckoning call of the Sandhill Crane. Thankfully this year we didn't really have a winter.
I think your second image is a great example of how background doesn't have to be blown into oblivion in order to have an excellent photograph.
PetKal (it's Peter,right? so I don't call you by the nickname ), yes, first is IR (in photoshop).
So you use expansion,not just single AF point? From what I gather, expansion is more efficient in nailing the focus,if the AF point is not sitting exactly on a contrasty zone. Single point is much faster (quick response) but it needs to be more 'dead on' over a zone where it can gather focus...
So basically,for BIFs and other type of fast moving subjects, what's the best way around? Single point? Or enabling expansion (and to how many points).
@Yvonne82: I don't find it difficult shooting cats,even moving cats for that matter.. (yet I usually shoot 'em when they're stationary,gives me more control over the composition).
I'm interested in getting my 1DII to work like a true AF machine ..
Yvonne82 wrote:
@ Peter: When I watch your pijun pics I won´t follow Ralph´s advice to post my BiW-pics (bird in walk) - amazing!
Thank you Ivonne, please do post your images, we are all photographers here who are able to look beyoned a straightforward bird portrayal, I believe we are trying to look at the whole image like you and Ralph do.
PetKal wrote:
I think your second image is a great example of how background doesn't have to be blown into oblivion in order to have an excellent photograph.
I even think it helps a great deal (in this example)
adrianb wrote:
PetKal (it's Peter,right? so I don't call you by the nickname ), yes, first is IR (in photoshop).
So you use expansion,not just single AF point? From what I gather, expansion is more efficient in nailing the focus,if the AF point is not sitting exactly on a contrasty zone. Single point is much faster (quick response) but it needs to be more 'dead on' over a zone where it can gather focus...
So basically,for BIFs and other type of fast moving subjects, what's the best way around? Single point? Or enabling expansion (and to how many points).
Adrian, the initial acquisition is always done with the center AF point only, and no other points play any part in it. The AF point expansion helps with subsequent tracking, i.e., the expanded AF activation area works to prevent focus to slip off the bird for a minor slop in tracking precision. Unfortunately, that slop is always present and it is one of the major reasons for OoF shots.
(Yes, my name Peter)
Thanks Peter, I'll give the 1D II and 135L some work these days,see what'll play out...
Unfortunately 135mm is my 'longest' lens....(apart from a 300mm Pentacon F4 (m42 mount))
A few from today in the woodlands, using my ancient gear as usual...FD 500mm f4.5 L (manual focus) and the 5D with a newly installed EE-s focusing screen. Now that (the EE-s) was a real pain in the shorts to get sync'd with the AF sensor. I had purchased a few shims, and managed to get the right combo in a little over an hour. Not for those with shakey hands though...
adrianb wrote:
Thanks Peter, I'll give the 1D II and 135L some work these days,see what'll play out...
Unfortunately 135mm is my 'longest' lens....(apart from a 300mm Pentacon F4 (m42 mount))
Adrian, 135L is one of my best BIF lenses......for those species I can approach close enough, that is. When it comes to AF speed, I believe 135L is one of the best Canon lenses ever.
Here are two examples done with 135L on 1DMkIIN.
