Metering mode for flying birds

Froggy

I have a Canon 20d, I was wondering what metering mode you guys shoot flying birds in, It seems logical to me to use the partial metering mode as it covers more area.

The manual tells you to use partial metering for strongly backlit situations, I was wondering what metering mode you guys use that shoot birds allot.

Never thought that I would ever be a birder.....lol, I'm not really yet, still need to learn the names, they are great subjects to photograph and allot of fun to stalk.

gtc

metering
hi froggy

i am no bird in flight expert but as no one else has replied i will jump in and have a go.

i am usually shooting bats(grey headed flying fox-google it,well worth a look) during the day.

partial is good,however it covers 9% of the frame so its not quite spot metering which is usually between 5-1 degrees.You therefore need to experiment with EV.

remember that in tracking a bird ,that if,in partial metering mode, it slips out of the focus points then your metering will change,or will need to change before you press the shutter or get the bird back in the center of the frame.

also be aware of the sun-my better bats shots have been back lit as the bats wings are a translucent reddish brown with sun behind them-generally though you are better off with the sun either behind you or at right angles

i have found that metering from tree bark etc which is receiving similar light to the subject and then locking the exposure is sometimes a good strategy.

I then usually need to overexpose slightly for bats in flight,particularly as they are dark coloured- this of course lightens the sky.

hope this helps-get out there and experiment and hopefully we will see some bird in flight

greg

Froggy wrote:

I have a Canon 20d, I was wondering what metering mode you guys shoot flying birds in, It seems logical to me to use the partial metering mode as it covers more area.

The manual tells you to use partial metering for strongly backlit situations, I was wondering what metering mode you guys use that shoot birds allot.

Never thought that I would ever be a birder.....lol, I'm not really yet, still need to learn the names, they are great subjects to photograph and allot of fun to stalk.

DoctorIt

Matrix + RAW. The flying bugger could go from clean blue sky to trees in the background in an instant. Being able to push it a bit is invaluable.

Rohirrim

Froggy wrote:

I have a Canon 20d, I was wondering what metering mode you guys shoot flying birds in, It seems logical to me to use the partial metering mode as it covers more area.

The manual tells you to use partial metering for strongly backlit situations, I was wondering what metering mode you guys use that shoot birds allot.

Never thought that I would ever be a birder.....lol, I'm not really yet, still need to learn the names, they are great subjects to photograph and allot of fun to stalk.

I leave mine in Evaluative Metering almost all the time, then use exposure compensation depending on the brightness of the bird.

Netgarden

Rohirrim wrote:

I leave mine in Evaluative Metering almost all the time, then use exposure compensation depending on the brightness of the bird.

Hi Froggy, good question, I am just starting too. So used to 'one shot-partial metering' I am struggling with aiservo now. But I am guessing that 'evaluative metering' is what I need to change to so that more of the area is picked up on for locking on to the bird? I also am not used to auto focus without a beep, swo I feel like I'm guessing here in alservo. Thanks guys.

Rohirrim

Froggy wrote:

I have a Canon 20d, I was wondering what metering mode you guys shoot flying birds in, It seems logical to me to use the partial metering mode as it covers more area.

The manual tells you to use partial metering for strongly backlit situations, I was wondering what metering mode you guys use that shoot birds allot.

Never thought that I would ever be a birder.....lol, I'm not really yet, still need to learn the names, they are great subjects to photograph and allot of fun to stalk.

I thought I'd add a couple more thoughts. Hope you don't mind my non-expert advice.

I also use AI-servo focus with the center point active. Try and keep the center point at the base of the neck of the bird. This should have the best chance of keeping the eye in focus.

BIF's are tough and take a lot of practice, I know I still need a lot more practice. Try shooting slower moving birds to start. I see your in Southern Cal. Gulls may work well. If you have a chance to drive to central California (Cosumnes Preserve) the Sandhill Cranes are ideal for practice. They are large and slow moving. Hawks are also good, although they can move pretty fast some times.

Keep your shutter speed > 1/1000, use Av Priority and a high aperature.

Bird photography is definately addictive.