Bird Newby
p.1 #1Bird Newby
I recently experimented with photographing birds. This is my first time ever even attempting to do so. I figured I’d start easy, in my front yard, using the visitors at our array of feeders as subjects. Sort of a captive audience as it were. Hats off to those of you that do this on a regular basis out in the wild. I regularly enjoy and admire viewing the fruits of your labor but now have a much deeper appreciation for what goes into getting those magnificent results. I am convinced I will never get anywhere near that level of expertise.
I have never really understood most of the ins and outs of the settings required to make auto focus work properly no matter the subject. This quickly has become dreadfully apparent. In an attempt to get up to speed, I have watched several YT videos by “Bird Paparazzi” (Lindbergh Photography) where he explains the specific camera/auto focus settings for bird and wildlife photography that he uses on an R5 II. I use an R5 but the settings can be used on either. I actually did fairly well with those settings at first. One back button focus setting in particular doesn’t work though. He has the * button configured to focus single point dead center but for some reason I can’t get that function to work.
There was a situation where I was trying to focus on a bird in the center of the frame but the camera wanted to focus on a bird in the upper left hand corner instead. I tried the * button but I was unsuccessful in getting it to work. I have no idea what setting to change to correct that issue. Any ideas on where to find a solution would be appreciated.
Post processing is a different set of steps than I’m used to as well but those questions will have to wait for another day.
I appreciate and thank you for reading this far. 😊
©¿©
LB
I have never really understood most of the ins and outs of the settings required to make auto focus work properly no matter the subject. This quickly has become dreadfully apparent. In an attempt to get up to speed, I have watched several YT videos by “Bird Paparazzi” (Lindbergh Photography) where he explains the specific camera/auto focus settings for bird and wildlife photography that he uses on an R5 II. I use an R5 but the settings can be used on either. I actually did fairly well with those settings at first. One back button focus setting in particular doesn’t work though. He has the * button configured to focus single point dead center but for some reason I can’t get that function to work.
There was a situation where I was trying to focus on a bird in the center of the frame but the camera wanted to focus on a bird in the upper left hand corner instead. I tried the * button but I was unsuccessful in getting it to work. I have no idea what setting to change to correct that issue. Any ideas on where to find a solution would be appreciated.
Post processing is a different set of steps than I’m used to as well but those questions will have to wait for another day.
I appreciate and thank you for reading this far. 😊
LB
May 25, 2026 at 12:33 PM
p.1 #2Bird Newby
I'd say you're off to a great start! Backyard birds are perfect for practice and can also make for some great images as your first shot shows. Keep it up and I hope you continue to post your progress.
Gary
Gary
May 25, 2026 at 01:54 PM
p.1 #3Bird Newby
You are off to a good start. It takes a long time to master a camera or type of photography. Work on one thing at a time to master it and then add another.
Morris
Morris
May 25, 2026 at 04:05 PM
p.1 #4Bird Newby
sum1sgrampa wrote:
I'd say you're off to a great start! Backyard birds are perfect for practice and can also make for some great images as your first shot shows. Keep it up and I hope you continue to post your progress.
Gary
Thank you for the kind words.
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LB
I'd say you're off to a great start! Backyard birds are perfect for practice and can also make for some great images as your first shot shows. Keep it up and I hope you continue to post your progress.
Gary
Thank you for the kind words.
©¿©
LB
May 25, 2026 at 05:46 PM
p.1 #5Bird Newby
morris wrote:
You are off to a good start. It takes a long time to master a camera or type of photography. Work on one thing at a time to master it and then add another.
Morris
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
©¿©
LB
You are off to a good start. It takes a long time to master a camera or type of photography. Work on one thing at a time to master it and then add another.
Morris
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
©¿©
LB
May 25, 2026 at 05:46 PM
p.1 #6Bird Newby
LarryBeemer wrote:
I use an R5 but the settings can be used on either. I actually did fairly well with those settings at first. One back button focus setting in particular doesn’t work though. He has the * button configured to focus single point dead center but for some reason I can’t get that function to work.
There was a situation where I was trying to focus on a bird in the center of the frame but the camera wanted to focus on a bird in the upper left hand corner instead. I tried the * button but I was unsuccessful in getting...Show more →
There is no need to use back button focus and no need to configure the * button to focus single point dead centre.
It is easier for the camera to find and lock on to an eye when you have several focus points enabled.
https://kathyadamsclark.blog/2020/11/29/canon-r5-autofocus-settings-face-tracking-with-eye-detect/
Photos of birds on natural perches look more pleasing than ones where they are perched on feeders.
You can attach a branch to a feeder for them to perch on, or even drill holes into a larger branch that you can insert bird feed into, such as the shot below.
I use an R5 but the settings can be used on either. I actually did fairly well with those settings at first. One back button focus setting in particular doesn’t work though. He has the * button configured to focus single point dead center but for some reason I can’t get that function to work.
There was a situation where I was trying to focus on a bird in the center of the frame but the camera wanted to focus on a bird in the upper left hand corner instead. I tried the * button but I was unsuccessful in getting...Show more →
There is no need to use back button focus and no need to configure the * button to focus single point dead centre.
It is easier for the camera to find and lock on to an eye when you have several focus points enabled.
https://kathyadamsclark.blog/2020/11/29/canon-r5-autofocus-settings-face-tracking-with-eye-detect/
Photos of birds on natural perches look more pleasing than ones where they are perched on feeders.
You can attach a branch to a feeder for them to perch on, or even drill holes into a larger branch that you can insert bird feed into, such as the shot below.
May 25, 2026 at 06:30 PM
p.1 #7Bird Newby
I've enjoyed your table-top setup work Larry and know of its challenges as well.
Welcome to the birding side with different variables, none of which I know of that you won't master with time
Just transition to setups with natural branches and leaves and look for some diffused color backgrounds along with your wonderful subjects.
Perhaps your R5 selecting unintended subjects is from using a zone focus rather than a spot focus? Often the camera will grab nearest subject in this case. Stay with it, it looks like you will have some great work to offer in a short time!
Glad to see you hear!
Karl
Welcome to the birding side with different variables, none of which I know of that you won't master with time
Just transition to setups with natural branches and leaves and look for some diffused color backgrounds along with your wonderful subjects.
Perhaps your R5 selecting unintended subjects is from using a zone focus rather than a spot focus? Often the camera will grab nearest subject in this case. Stay with it, it looks like you will have some great work to offer in a short time!
Glad to see you hear!
Karl
May 25, 2026 at 08:09 PM
p.1 #9Bird Newby
Really nice start on bird photography! AI Servo, high speed continuous shutter and a fast shutter speed will help. Best to learn the birds and where to find them. Go on some bird walks with a local birding group. Get a copy of the Sibley’s Guide to Birds and download the Merlin birding app from Cornell. Have fun!
John
John
May 26, 2026 at 05:29 AM
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p.1 #10Bird Newby
These are great images, Larry. Bright, sharp, very pleasing to the eye.
Welcome to the bird photo world!
Steve
Welcome to the bird photo world!
Steve
May 26, 2026 at 06:30 AM
p.1 #11Bird Newby
As other's have suggested, try to setup some natural perches near your feeders and the birds will often stage on them before jumping to the feeders and you can get some nice shots on a natural perch.
I'm not familiar with the YT channel you got your setup off of.
I'd highly suggest watching these videos from Jan Wegener. I think his setup is a very good one and he explains it really well in the videos. His R5II videos are the most up to date but he does have these R5 videos that may be less confusing as you won't have all the options and menu layouts on your R5.
Jan also sells setup guides with detailed instructions/screenshots for each camera model. I've never bought one but I think they could be of some value.
https://www.janwegener.com/products
I'm not familiar with the YT channel you got your setup off of.
I'd highly suggest watching these videos from Jan Wegener. I think his setup is a very good one and he explains it really well in the videos. His R5II videos are the most up to date but he does have these R5 videos that may be less confusing as you won't have all the options and menu layouts on your R5.
Jan also sells setup guides with detailed instructions/screenshots for each camera model. I've never bought one but I think they could be of some value.
https://www.janwegener.com/products
May 26, 2026 at 06:37 AM
p.1 #12Bird Newby
Jan Wegener seems to be the best for setups on YouTube.
Oh yeah..... Shutter Preferred and 1/2000 for perched Birds, 1/2500 for BIF, and 1/4000 for Hummers.
Black-Winged Kite 2, Lewa, Kenya (1 of 1) by Alan Kefauver, on Flickr
Oh yeah..... Shutter Preferred and 1/2000 for perched Birds, 1/2500 for BIF, and 1/4000 for Hummers.
Black-Winged Kite 2, Lewa, Kenya (1 of 1) by Alan Kefauver, on FlickrMay 26, 2026 at 11:20 AM
p.1 #13Bird Newby
Nice work Larry, it seems you won't have too steep of a learning curve to me, you already have the hard stuff figured out. You will get more comfortable as you forget the camera is there and your fingers do their thing automatically after a while.
Even though I've had my camera a while, I am still learning new tricks. I just realized recently if I assigned tracking wide to my AF button, and toggle tracking wide to tracking off on my AE Hold button, I can chase birds from wide open spaces to thick brush without taking my eye off the EVF and just bump the toggle button and stay on the critter.
For your model camera, I would bet Tony's last dollar there is a YouTube video with your answer. (sorry Tony, I'm too cheap to bet my own money!
)
Eric
Even though I've had my camera a while, I am still learning new tricks. I just realized recently if I assigned tracking wide to my AF button, and toggle tracking wide to tracking off on my AE Hold button, I can chase birds from wide open spaces to thick brush without taking my eye off the EVF and just bump the toggle button and stay on the critter.
For your model camera, I would bet Tony's last dollar there is a YouTube video with your answer. (sorry Tony, I'm too cheap to bet my own money!
)Eric
May 26, 2026 at 11:33 AM
p.1 #14Bird Newby
Karl Witt wrote:
I've enjoyed your table-top setup work Larry and know of its challenges as well.
Welcome to the birding side with different variables, none of which I know of that you won't master with time
Just transition to setups with natural branches and leaves and look for some diffused color backgrounds along with your wonderful subjects.
Perhaps your R5 selecting unintended subjects is from using a zone focus rather than a spot focus? Often the camera will grab nearest subject in this case. Stay with it, it looks like you will have some great work to offer in a short time!
Glad to...Show more →
Thanks for your kind words and added encouragement Karl.
I am fairly certain that most issues will be found and corrected within an improperly set setting. I'll figure it out.....eventually.
©¿©
LB
I've enjoyed your table-top setup work Larry and know of its challenges as well.
Welcome to the birding side with different variables, none of which I know of that you won't master with time
Just transition to setups with natural branches and leaves and look for some diffused color backgrounds along with your wonderful subjects.
Perhaps your R5 selecting unintended subjects is from using a zone focus rather than a spot focus? Often the camera will grab nearest subject in this case. Stay with it, it looks like you will have some great work to offer in a short time!
Glad to...Show more →
Thanks for your kind words and added encouragement Karl.
I am fairly certain that most issues will be found and corrected within an improperly set setting. I'll figure it out.....eventually.
©¿©
LB
May 26, 2026 at 05:53 PM
p.1 #15Bird Newby
arbitrage wrote:
As other's have suggested, try to setup some natural perches near your feeders and the birds will often stage on them before jumping to the feeders and you can get some nice shots on a natural perch.
I'm not familiar with the YT channel you got your setup off of.
I'd highly suggest watching these videos from Jan Wegener. I think his setup is a very good one and he explains it really well in the videos. His R5II videos are the most up to date but he does have these R5 videos that may be less confusing as you won't have...Show more →
WOW. Talk about piling on the homework!
Thank you for the links and information. I look forward to diving in.
©¿©
LB
As other's have suggested, try to setup some natural perches near your feeders and the birds will often stage on them before jumping to the feeders and you can get some nice shots on a natural perch.
I'm not familiar with the YT channel you got your setup off of.
I'd highly suggest watching these videos from Jan Wegener. I think his setup is a very good one and he explains it really well in the videos. His R5II videos are the most up to date but he does have these R5 videos that may be less confusing as you won't have...Show more →
WOW. Talk about piling on the homework!
Thank you for the links and information. I look forward to diving in.
©¿©
LB
May 26, 2026 at 05:56 PM
p.1 #16Bird Newby
Erictator wrote:
Nice work Larry, it seems you won't have too steep of a learning curve to me, you already have the hard stuff figured out. You will get more comfortable as you forget the camera is there and your fingers do their thing automatically after a while.
Even though I've had my camera a while, I am still learning new tricks. I just realized recently if I assigned tracking wide to my AF button, and toggle tracking wide to tracking off on my AE Hold button, I can chase birds from wide open spaces to thick brush without taking my eye off...Show more →
Thanks for the atta boy and the tips Eric.
YO! Tony!! About that dollar....
©¿©
LB
Nice work Larry, it seems you won't have too steep of a learning curve to me, you already have the hard stuff figured out. You will get more comfortable as you forget the camera is there and your fingers do their thing automatically after a while.
Even though I've had my camera a while, I am still learning new tricks. I just realized recently if I assigned tracking wide to my AF button, and toggle tracking wide to tracking off on my AE Hold button, I can chase birds from wide open spaces to thick brush without taking my eye off...Show more →
Thanks for the atta boy and the tips Eric.
YO! Tony!! About that dollar....
©¿©
LB
May 26, 2026 at 05:59 PM
p.1 #17Bird Newby
Alan Kefauver wrote:
Jan Wegener seems to be the best for setups on YouTube.
Oh yeah..... Shutter Preferred and 1/2000 for perched Birds, 1/2500 for BIF, and 1/4000 for Hummers.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54494868177_857ec663fc_4k.jpgBlack-Winged Kite 2, Lewa, Kenya (1 of 1) by Alan Kefauver, on Flickr
Thanks for the info Alan!
Great image!!
©¿©
LB
Jan Wegener seems to be the best for setups on YouTube.
Oh yeah..... Shutter Preferred and 1/2000 for perched Birds, 1/2500 for BIF, and 1/4000 for Hummers.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54494868177_857ec663fc_4k.jpgBlack-Winged Kite 2, Lewa, Kenya (1 of 1) by Alan Kefauver, on Flickr
Thanks for the info Alan!
Great image!!
©¿©
LB
May 26, 2026 at 06:01 PM