how to
photograph
wild birds

Where do I focus? Part 2 (Focusing with groups of AF points)

In Lesson 13, we learned about AF patterns that acquire focus with one AF point as well as patterns that focus using adjacent AF points to assist the manually selected AF point in the center of the cluster. In this lesson, we will learn about AF patterns ideal for locking on subjects with larger groups of AF points.

Red-crowned Cranes

A pair of Red-crowned Cranes performs a courting dance. Because the movements are highly animated, using a point-type AF area selection mode poses the risk of losing focus on the subject, meaning that you could miss the golden opportunity to shoot this rare performance. With Zone AF, however, which holds the subject in focus by using a group of AF points, it's possible to photograph this graceful dance from beginning to end.

Image data

Aperture value: f/5.6
Shutter speed: 1/5000 second
ISO speed: ISO250

Exposure compensation: 0
Focal length: 227mm
DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

The larger the area, the more AF points there are to help acquire focus

Birds in flight often move unpredictably. If focusing with Single-point AF or AF point expansion, the bird may leave the AF area or never stay in the area long enough to lock on. But by using a broader AF area than those offered by the AF point expansion modes, it's possible to definitively lock the focus on the subject and not miss photo opportunities.

Zone AF (Manual selection of zone)

A Pacific Reef Heron approached me while it was engrossed in the hunt for food (using AI Servo AF mode). Eventually, it noticed me and, startled, flew off, so I snapped a sequence of shots. The shots are helped by the bird being close enough to fill the frame, and I was able to react to its sudden movement because I was shooting with Zone AF, which locks on the subject with a group of AF points.

Aperture value: f/5.6
Shutter speed: 1/2500 second
ISO speed: ISO400

Exposure compensation: 0
Focal length: 700 mm equivalent
(used a 1.4x extender at 500 mm)
DSLR camera (APS-C image format)

A Pacific Reef Heron takes off

Large Zone AF (Manual selection of zone)

A Steller's Sea Eagle came close to me while reeling in a tailspin (AI Servo AF mode). Because Large Zone AF uses more AF points than Zone AF, it can cope with more dynamic movements. All I had to do was concentrate on not letting the subject leave the frame.

Aperture value: f/8
Shutter speed: 1/2000 second
ISO speed: ISO400

Exposure compensation: 0
Focal length: 234 mm
DSLR camera (APS-C image format)

A Steller's Sea Eagle in flight

Automatic selection AF

A hovering Common Kestrel was hunting its prey on land (AI Servo AF mode). It was impossible to know what the bird would do next, as it would suddenly swoop down and then shoot up again. Automatic selection AF is the best mode in situations like this where you can't predict how the subject will move.

Aperture value: f/5.6
Shutter speed: 1/500 second
ISO speed: ISO2500

Exposure compensation: 0
Focal length: 700 mm equivalent
(used a 1.4x extender at 500 mm)
DSLR camera (APS-C image format)

A Common Kestrel takes aim at its prey

mr. tozuka's sidebar

The power of iTR AF

EOS iTR AF is a function that recognizes a subject's face, color or shape to assist with focusing. The function works when using the Zone AF, Large Zone AF or Automatic selection AF modes. When autofocus is switched on, the camera detects and records the color of the subject at the first in-focus position, then uses the color data to keep the subject in focus as it moves. iTR AF is an extremely powerful tool for photographing birds in flight.

Here, I captured a Mandarin Duck with a continuous shooting mode as it took off. I started by focusing on the Mandarin Duck perched on the rock with the Zone AF mode (locking the focus on the duck, so to speak). Then I remained patient with the AF-ON button pressed. The instant it took off, I snapped a continuous burst while following the bird's flight path. Because iTR AF had recognized the Mandarin Duck as the subject and continued to keep it in focus, I was able to take photos with the bird sharply in focus until it left the frame. With the inclusion of iTR AF, it's now possible to accurately focus on very fast moving subjects.

Aperture value:: f/5.6
Shutter speed:: 1/3200 second
ISO speed:: ISO6400

Exposure compensation:: 0
Focal length:: 220 mm
DSLR camera (APS-C image format)

A Mandarin Duck takes flight
A Mandarin Duck takes flight
A Mandarin Duck takes flight
A Mandarin Duck takes flight
A Mandarin Duck takes flight

Comment from a learner

I snapped a series of shots of a Great Egret in flight. Because I had inadvertently left the camera set to Single-point AF, the focus jumped to the background. I tried again, following Mr. Tozuka's advice to change the AF area selection mode, and this time the focus was right on the mark!

Camera settings
AF operation: AI Servo AF
AF area selection: Single-point AF (center point)

Great Egret, by a learner (Failure)

Aperture value:

f/5.6

Shutter speed:

1/3200 second

ISO speed:

ISO1600

Exposure compensation:

-1.7

Focal length:

400 mm

DSLR camera (APS-C image format)
Camera settings
AF operation: AI Servo AF
AF area selection: Large Zone AF

Great Egret, by a learner

Aperture value:

f/5.6

Shutter speed:

1/3200 second

ISO speed:

ISO1600

Exposure compensation:

-1.7

Focal length:

400 mm

DSLR camera (APS-C image format)

Message from Mr. Tozuka

Because the AF area selection was set to Single-point AF (center), the camera focused in the dead center of the frame and the student couldn't get the Great Egret in focus. You can turn difficult focusing situations with birds in flight to your advantage by using Large Zone AF and AI Servo AF mode, which will lock on the subject with a large group of AF points whenever possible.

how to photograph wild birds