Using manual focus for Birds in flight

[ajohnw]

I cannot figure out why one would even want manual focus on BIF...especially as modern AF works so well. Where's the payoff?

Fun and why not. The aspect people are most likely to forget especially fun.

There are a lot of bird shots about on the web that have been taken with a mirror lens. These were designed for manual focus and in some ways much easier to handle than refractive optics. If anyone feels inclined to try it costs are relatively low. Some are hopeless exceptions being main camera manufactures branded ones and the Tamron adaptall BBAR. 500m F8 as smaller and faster one tend to have much to large a 2ndry mirror. There was also a Russian 1000mm one. That and the 500mm one enjoyed a good reputation.

I did come across a site that used a mirror lens for birds in flight with lots of examples but haven't kept a link. A gimbal mount may have been used.

John
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[Brownbear]

Thank you to everyone for your replies. It is reassuring to hear that continuous auto focus is preferred, and that manual focus on BIF is not a skill set that I have to be worried about developing.

Thank you also to those who shared other tips about when manual focus for moving things might come in handy and work best. Truly appreciated.

[Colin Southern]

Fun and why not. The aspect people are most likely to forget especially fun.

IMO trying to manually focus on birds in flight is about as much "fun" as sticking my tongue into an electrical socket

[ajohnw]

No sense of adventure Colin - stick in the mud etc.

One thing manual or auto that might help is to shoot a short burst.

John
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[Brownbear]

Hi Allan,

Just a note to say thank you. I viewed all 3 videos and found each of them very helpful. It was nice to listen to someone talking about the different focus systems (instead of my interpretation via reading the manual), and the first lesson on tripod use for me... Yes, the panning section was also great. I'm off to purchase some tennis balls.

Thank you.

Christina I am going to suggest a link that has 3 short videos on sharpness. #2 of the series maybe of most interest to you, they are about 3 to 4 minutes in length. Some may not like him (no it is not Ken), but you can not fault his work and he is every bit a business man comes across as warm and fuzzie but cooler when not in front of a group because it is business. However have a look at the following link:

http://www.moosepeterson.com/blog/

Cheers: Allan