A1 II AF settings for BIF
p.1 #1A1 II AF settings for BIF
Hi
I'm an ex A1 user, then moved to Z8 and just got A1 II with 300mm with 1.4X. Primarily got A1 for pre-capture and I'm enjoying it. The 300mm is the sharpest and fastest tele I've ever used. I know no one here is waiting for new opinion of the lens
Anyway, I think I could use some help for A1 II. While the AF speed and response is amazing, I'm finding some shots in a sequence are OOF. I'm not new to BIF or bird photography. Using high SS (3200 generally), wide area AF, bird as subject etc. Some of the issue might be user error. Just want to make sure I've the settings right.
I'm sure AF settings are discussed here before. Can someone share the link of their successful settings? I really appreciate it.
Is 'Bird' for subject way better than 'Animal/Bird' ?
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/3200sec, f4.2, ISO 4000, 28MP(6536X4357), Effective FL 555mm, Distance 56ft, AF Area Multi()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/2500sec, f4.3, ISO 3200, 11MP(2750X4126), Effective FL 879mm, Distance 40ft, AF Area Animal Eye Tracking()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/4000sec, f4.2, ISO 2500, 36MP(7388X4926), Effective FL 491mm, Distance 52ft, AF Area Multi()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/4000sec, f4.2, ISO 4000, 8MP(3485X2324), Effective FL 1041mm, Distance 59ft, AF Area Animal Eye Tracking()
I'm an ex A1 user, then moved to Z8 and just got A1 II with 300mm with 1.4X. Primarily got A1 for pre-capture and I'm enjoying it. The 300mm is the sharpest and fastest tele I've ever used. I know no one here is waiting for new opinion of the lens
Anyway, I think I could use some help for A1 II. While the AF speed and response is amazing, I'm finding some shots in a sequence are OOF. I'm not new to BIF or bird photography. Using high SS (3200 generally), wide area AF, bird as subject etc. Some of the issue might be user error. Just want to make sure I've the settings right.
I'm sure AF settings are discussed here before. Can someone share the link of their successful settings? I really appreciate it.
Is 'Bird' for subject way better than 'Animal/Bird' ?
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/3200sec, f4.2, ISO 4000, 28MP(6536X4357), Effective FL 555mm, Distance 56ft, AF Area Multi()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/2500sec, f4.3, ISO 3200, 11MP(2750X4126), Effective FL 879mm, Distance 40ft, AF Area Animal Eye Tracking()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/4000sec, f4.2, ISO 2500, 36MP(7388X4926), Effective FL 491mm, Distance 52ft, AF Area Multi()
A1 II and Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4X Teleconverter @ 1/4000sec, f4.2, ISO 4000, 8MP(3485X2324), Effective FL 1041mm, Distance 59ft, AF Area Animal Eye Tracking()
Jul 17, 2026 at 07:02 AM
p.1 #2A1 II AF settings for BIF
Afternoon,
Can't specifically help with this, but I did find Jan Wegener's guide for the A7r Vi very useful, including some of the options buried deep in the menus to optimise settings for BIF
I imagine the A1ii version will be just as good
Can't specifically help with this, but I did find Jan Wegener's guide for the A7r Vi very useful, including some of the options buried deep in the menus to optimise settings for BIF
I imagine the A1ii version will be just as good
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM
p.1 #3A1 II AF settings for BIF
Hi,
Can't offer too much help yet. I had the A1 then a lot of Nikons over the years including the Z8. Got an A1 II yesterday, I plan to try shooting this weekend with the 100-400mm 4.5. Coming from using Nikon, Steve Perry has an ebook on setting up the A1 II, I spent yesterday afternoon using the book and working with it for setting up the camera. I'm planning on using medium spot or zone with subject recognition and tracking tomorrow. Assuming it's only a few in a sequence out, it doesn't sound too abnormal.
I found spending hours setting up the camera it was getting quite warm even without taking any picture. I wonder has anyone else noticed this?
Can't offer too much help yet. I had the A1 then a lot of Nikons over the years including the Z8. Got an A1 II yesterday, I plan to try shooting this weekend with the 100-400mm 4.5. Coming from using Nikon, Steve Perry has an ebook on setting up the A1 II, I spent yesterday afternoon using the book and working with it for setting up the camera. I'm planning on using medium spot or zone with subject recognition and tracking tomorrow. Assuming it's only a few in a sequence out, it doesn't sound too abnormal.
I found spending hours setting up the camera it was getting quite warm even without taking any picture. I wonder has anyone else noticed this?
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:13 AM
p.1 #4A1 II AF settings for BIF
Steve Perry's guide is phenomenal. You spent over $10,000 for the equipment, the $30 for the guide is insignificant. Worth every penny.
Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:18 AM
p.1 #5A1 II AF settings for BIF
See if this video helps:
Patrick Murphy Racey has been using Sony since they came out with the mirrorless models.
Patrick Murphy Racey has been using Sony since they came out with the mirrorless models.
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:21 AM
p.1 #6A1 II AF settings for BIF
My A1 used to get hot and A1II. I think it's normal for Sony, may be because of the smaller body and card. The card will get really hot while transferring files. Didn't have any issues yet though
bcaslis wrote:
Hi,
Can't offer too much help yet. I had the A1 then a lot of Nikons over the years including the Z8. Got an A1 II yesterday, I plan to try shooting this weekend with the 100-400mm 4.5. Coming from using Nikon, Steve Perry has an ebook on setting up the A1 II, I spent yesterday afternoon using the book and working with it for setting up the camera. I'm planning on using medium spot or zone with subject recognition and tracking tomorrow. Assuming it's only a few in a sequence out, it doesn't sound too abnormal.
I found spending hours setting...Show more →
bcaslis wrote:
Hi,
Can't offer too much help yet. I had the A1 then a lot of Nikons over the years including the Z8. Got an A1 II yesterday, I plan to try shooting this weekend with the 100-400mm 4.5. Coming from using Nikon, Steve Perry has an ebook on setting up the A1 II, I spent yesterday afternoon using the book and working with it for setting up the camera. I'm planning on using medium spot or zone with subject recognition and tracking tomorrow. Assuming it's only a few in a sequence out, it doesn't sound too abnormal.
I found spending hours setting...Show more →
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:41 AM
p.1 #7A1 II AF settings for BIF
I'll check it out. He's one of my favorite reviwers with Jan. Does it come with any PS actions for processing?
billsnature wrote:
Steve Perry's guide is phenomenal. You spent over $10,000 for the equipment, the $30 for the guide is insignificant. Worth every penny.
Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
billsnature wrote:
Steve Perry's guide is phenomenal. You spent over $10,000 for the equipment, the $30 for the guide is insignificant. Worth every penny.
Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:45 AM
p.1 #8A1 II AF settings for BIF
Thanks. Will check it out.
Andyuk109 wrote:
Afternoon,
Can't specifically help with this, but I did find Jan Wegener's guide for the A7r Vi very useful, including some of the options buried deep in the menus to optimise settings for BIF
I imagine the A1ii version will be just as good
Andyuk109 wrote:
Afternoon,
Can't specifically help with this, but I did find Jan Wegener's guide for the A7r Vi very useful, including some of the options buried deep in the menus to optimise settings for BIF
I imagine the A1ii version will be just as good
Jul 17, 2026 at 10:46 AM
p.1 #9A1 II AF settings for BIF
Jemini wrote:
I'll check it out. He's one of my favorite reviwers with Jan. Does it come with any PS actions for processing?
Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
No, just the ebook. I use Lightroom but I like the profiles from Color Fidelity. I just got them so too early to comment on the A1 II but I have used them on other cameras.
I'll check it out. He's one of my favorite reviwers with Jan. Does it come with any PS actions for processing?
billsnature wrote
Steve Perry's guide is phenomenal. You spent over $10,000 for the equipment, the $30 for the guide is insignificant. Worth every penny.Here is link
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1ii-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/
No, just the ebook. I use Lightroom but I like the profiles from Color Fidelity. I just got them so too early to comment on the A1 II but I have used them on other cameras.
Jul 17, 2026 at 11:11 AM
p.1 #10A1 II AF settings for BIF
Kenneth Farver wrote:
See if this video helps:
Patrick Murphy Racey has been using Sony since they came out with the mirrorless models.
Thank you. I have seen his video already. He's primarily a sports shooter. I'm hoping to get little extra for WL especially birds.
See if this video helps:
Patrick Murphy Racey has been using Sony since they came out with the mirrorless models.
Thank you. I have seen his video already. He's primarily a sports shooter. I'm hoping to get little extra for WL especially birds.
Jul 17, 2026 at 11:53 AM
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p.1 #12A1 II AF settings for BIF
James Burden wrote:
https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/the-complete-setup-guide-to-the-sony-a1-ii/
Thank you. I think I got most stuff right. I was specifically looking for Wildlife action/ BIF settings. Will go through this
https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/the-complete-setup-guide-to-the-sony-a1-ii/
Thank you. I think I got most stuff right. I was specifically looking for Wildlife action/ BIF settings. Will go through this
Jul 17, 2026 at 04:04 PM
p.1 #13A1 II AF settings for BIF
agree, I thought he may have more about birds.
Jul 17, 2026 at 05:18 PM
p.1 #14A1 II AF settings for BIF
My favorite setup of all of them is Arbitrage's. He posts on this site, so if you search for his name and a1ii, you'll find it.
Jul 17, 2026 at 05:28 PM
p.1 #15A1 II AF settings for BIF
The most detailed specifics for BIF on the A1 II might be Steve Perry's guide. I bought that and Mark Galer's guide and found Steve to dive deeper into the how and why of the settings specifically for BIF including visual explanations. Mark's is more generic around action. Colby's is more geared to a first timer with the A1 series.....my bad...
Jul 17, 2026 at 05:46 PM
p.1 #16A1 II AF settings for BIF
The A1II (and other recent Sony cameras) have made AF setup more complicated. You used to have just a single 1 through 5 setting for Tracking (which I always used on 1). Now you have many settings and even more buried deep under the Bird subject setting.
I really don't know what is the best for all these settings. It is just impossible to test this on BIF as you can't control for anything. I don't even know off the top of my head what I have things set to. I think I still have my settings copied from Jan's YT videos. I haven't bought Jan's written guide. I do own Steve Perry's guide. I think I'd go for one of those to get some understanding on all the AF settings.
What I can suggest is using Wide (without Tracking) for most of your BIF. I use that and have a Zone on another back button when I need to focus things down during a BIF sequence. Zone is also a non-tracking version.
I only use the Tracking versions for more static subjects combined with a Small, XS or Expand Flex Spot. That is to target specific bird in more clutter and then allow for recompose or some camera shake/instability on my part and keep the subject in focus.
I would just set it to Bird instead of Bird/Animal or Auto. I haven't really tested it but I have read others say Bird is better if you are only after birds. I have my "down arrow" on the lower wheel set to toggle between Bird, Bird/Animal (for when I see a mammal) and Insect.
I couldn't find a dedicated A1II setup video from Jan but he should cover it in this general video and the A7RVI and A7V should have similar setups.
I really don't know what is the best for all these settings. It is just impossible to test this on BIF as you can't control for anything. I don't even know off the top of my head what I have things set to. I think I still have my settings copied from Jan's YT videos. I haven't bought Jan's written guide. I do own Steve Perry's guide. I think I'd go for one of those to get some understanding on all the AF settings.
What I can suggest is using Wide (without Tracking) for most of your BIF. I use that and have a Zone on another back button when I need to focus things down during a BIF sequence. Zone is also a non-tracking version.
I only use the Tracking versions for more static subjects combined with a Small, XS or Expand Flex Spot. That is to target specific bird in more clutter and then allow for recompose or some camera shake/instability on my part and keep the subject in focus.
I would just set it to Bird instead of Bird/Animal or Auto. I haven't really tested it but I have read others say Bird is better if you are only after birds. I have my "down arrow" on the lower wheel set to toggle between Bird, Bird/Animal (for when I see a mammal) and Insect.
I couldn't find a dedicated A1II setup video from Jan but he should cover it in this general video and the A7RVI and A7V should have similar setups.
Jul 18, 2026 at 04:04 AM
p.1 #17A1 II AF settings for BIF
Thanks for taking time to explain Geoff. I already bought Jan's book. I didn't setup the camera to shooting style (Single point with shutter and wide with back button etc). To narrow down just the AF for now, I have his bird setting on Shutter release. But I followed purple menu ->Recognition Target -> Bird >(more settings).
I made a mistake. I left Animal/Bird as target. I tried Bird only before yesterday and result was not much different.
I can't say my settings were drastically different from his recommendation. And the result were not too better either. As someone shot with A1 before I already know rest of the settings.
I just used 300+1.4. The result is not bad. But I can't say overall success rate is way better than Z8+400/4.5. Z8's VF is sluggish compared to A1 II. The response of A1 II is like driving a sports car. I'm sure A1II is better, but not up to my expectation.
Here's a sample from yesterday. Just jpg cropped and resized. This is one place Nikon would struggle (fast moving close subject). The Towhee jumps during walks. I was trying to capture it. But the focus didn't stay in the eye. It's on the body.
I have lots of shots like this. Camera focuses and tracks. But when the subject is large enough in the frame I'd expect the focus will go to eye instead of body.
I will try with 'Bird' as subject asap.
arbitrage wrote:
The A1II (and other recent Sony cameras) have made AF setup more complicated. You used to have just a single 1 through 5 setting for Tracking (which I always used on 1). Now you have many settings and even more buried deep under the Bird subject setting.
I really don't know what is the best for all these settings. It is just impossible to test this on BIF as you can't control for anything. I don't even know off the top of my head what I have things set to. I think I still have my settings copied from Jan's YT...Show more →
Eastern Towhee. ISO 6400, 1/4000 sec, f/4, Wide area AF
I made a mistake. I left Animal/Bird as target. I tried Bird only before yesterday and result was not much different.
I can't say my settings were drastically different from his recommendation. And the result were not too better either. As someone shot with A1 before I already know rest of the settings.
I just used 300+1.4. The result is not bad. But I can't say overall success rate is way better than Z8+400/4.5. Z8's VF is sluggish compared to A1 II. The response of A1 II is like driving a sports car
. I'm sure A1II is better, but not up to my expectation.Here's a sample from yesterday. Just jpg cropped and resized. This is one place Nikon would struggle (fast moving close subject). The Towhee jumps during walks. I was trying to capture it. But the focus didn't stay in the eye. It's on the body.
I have lots of shots like this. Camera focuses and tracks. But when the subject is large enough in the frame I'd expect the focus will go to eye instead of body.
I will try with 'Bird' as subject asap.
arbitrage wrote:
The A1II (and other recent Sony cameras) have made AF setup more complicated. You used to have just a single 1 through 5 setting for Tracking (which I always used on 1). Now you have many settings and even more buried deep under the Bird subject setting.
I really don't know what is the best for all these settings. It is just impossible to test this on BIF as you can't control for anything. I don't even know off the top of my head what I have things set to. I think I still have my settings copied from Jan's YT...Show more →
Eastern Towhee. ISO 6400, 1/4000 sec, f/4, Wide area AF
Jul 19, 2026 at 06:14 AM
p.1 #18A1 II AF settings for BIF
James Burden wrote:
The most detailed specifics for BIF on the A1 II might be Steve Perry's guide. I bought that and Mark Galer's guide and found Steve to dive deeper into the how and why of the settings specifically for BIF including visual explanations. Mark's is more generic around action. Colby's is more geared to a first timer with the A1 series.....my bad...
I should've tried Steve Perry's. Since I already bought Jan's don't want to spend another $30. Hopefully I'll get the right settings with some experiments..
The most detailed specifics for BIF on the A1 II might be Steve Perry's guide. I bought that and Mark Galer's guide and found Steve to dive deeper into the how and why of the settings specifically for BIF including visual explanations. Mark's is more generic around action. Colby's is more geared to a first timer with the A1 series.....my bad...
I should've tried Steve Perry's. Since I already bought Jan's don't want to spend another $30
. Hopefully I'll get the right settings with some experiments..Jul 19, 2026 at 06:26 AM
p.1 #19A1 II AF settings for BIF
I am afraid that for a small subject moving quickly towrd camera 120 calculations per second plus eye indentification might be a bit too much for any AF system.
It might be my impression but with a9mk1 I guess I had more hit rate. However there was no eye tracking so I had to put small spot af on bird eye and keep it on the eye while it moved towards me. It was doable but required a lot of focus and concentration on my side. Eye af allows to think more of composition less of focusing.
It might be my impression but with a9mk1 I guess I had more hit rate. However there was no eye tracking so I had to put small spot af on bird eye and keep it on the eye while it moved towards me. It was doable but required a lot of focus and concentration on my side. Eye af allows to think more of composition less of focusing.
Jul 19, 2026 at 06:29 AM
p.1 #20A1 II AF settings for BIF
May be my expectation is too high. Not sure. I just want to make sure it's not the settings that messes up.
Below first 3 images are continuous shots from a sequence. Many of them were tack sharp and all of a sudden some shots started getting OOF. After some missed shots eye got sharp again, but not for all of them. The last picture was towards end of the burst where it got the eye even towards edge of the frame.
michal.narozny wrote:
I am afraid that for a small subject moving quickly towrd camera 120 calculations per second plus eye indentification might be a bit too much for any AF system.
It might be my impression but with a9mk1 I guess I had more hit rate. However there was no eye tracking so I had to put small spot af on bird eye and keep it on the eye while it moved towards me. It was doable but required a lot of focus and concentration on my side. Eye af allows to think more of composition less of focusing.
Image 865
Image 866
Image 867
Image 883
Below first 3 images are continuous shots from a sequence. Many of them were tack sharp and all of a sudden some shots started getting OOF. After some missed shots eye got sharp again, but not for all of them. The last picture was towards end of the burst where it got the eye even towards edge of the frame.
michal.narozny wrote:
I am afraid that for a small subject moving quickly towrd camera 120 calculations per second plus eye indentification might be a bit too much for any AF system.
It might be my impression but with a9mk1 I guess I had more hit rate. However there was no eye tracking so I had to put small spot af on bird eye and keep it on the eye while it moved towards me. It was doable but required a lot of focus and concentration on my side. Eye af allows to think more of composition less of focusing.
Image 865
Image 866
Image 867
Image 883
Jul 19, 2026 at 07:31 AM