Autofocus most likely limitations, my camera or lens? (Or me!)

cdmazoff wrote:

benjilafouine wrote:

Have you tried single AF point? I’m not a BIF specialist as some other people here but I do a lot of birding and CDMazoff, one of our kingpins around here told me to stick with single AF point.

I have no experience with your tamron lens but BIF require fast lens.

I’m using the original 7D from 2009 and it’s doing a good job except for ISO noise at 1600 and over but for the rest, it works fine. I stick to the single AF point 99% of the time along with the AI servo function. Basically I created a custom function at 1/1600, f5.6, AI servo, and Auto ISO. In some occasions I will slow speed to 1/1000 and/or aperture at f5.6 or 6.3 (my lens combo is limited at f5.6) but I always stick to these values. I also have a second setup with automatic exposure compensation at 1/3 and it often helps.

Thanks for the compliment Benji, although everything I learned (mostly) I learned on this forum!!! Way to go Digi an my old friend Mocha (wherever he is)

Basically thsi is what I've found. The 90D makes a BIG difference to me because I get my shots at either end of the burst and not the middle. Go figger. It think is has to do with my brain lag rhythm... So, for instance the Purple Martin's in flight? Wow,, but I took those after he stopped flying.. (or so I thought)

On the ground here in Victoria I have been mentored by Kip Hutchison and Gary Woodburn among others...

My basic setup is use a MONOPOD..... If possible use 9 point but focus on centre point. Always test shots for EC. If glarey use partial metering; if not, use evaluative (thanks Rocket)

If birds are on a perch or a nest (like the Osprey coming in...PRE-FOCUS... Use either 9 point or SPOT focus of center point of 9

If you have enough light, put the shutter speed up!!!!

ISO on the 90D is VARIABLE depending on time of year and angle of sun...Not all 6400s work.. Ask Digi about this. He's the high ISO king..

MOST IMPORTANT; Study your birds.... and then prefocus the area if you can.. You don't want to chase them; you want to capture them when they enter your zone.

Last rule.. All great shot happen by accident!!!

From what I read the OP is trying to track smaller birds so the 9 point center focus is interesting. I’ll try it too with hummingbirds.