BIF: why these shots are so bad ?

Seb P wrote:

Distinctly Average wrote:

Seb P wrote:

Distinctly Average wrote:

Seb P wrote:

Dareshooter wrote:

Seb P wrote:

Thanks Distinctly Average & spec68.

Spec68, ok regarding lack of contrast and sharpness but can this explain the autofocus errors ?

(photos taken at 9:30 a.m.)

Look at where the focus reticule is in relation to the subject. Much of it falls outside so there's more room for AF error.

I don't understand why the AF box is wrong placed. Because during the shot the box seems to follow correctly the subject ... Is it too fast maybe ?

Can you post your case settings? Also, have you tried setting your case to auto?

What was the percentage of in focus shots? How much did you have to crop to see that?

During this burst, i thing 6/10 shots are blurry. (even when the subject is coming to me, no very fast lateral movement). The images are not cropped at all.

I use the Case "Auto".

Lateral movement is often a lot easier for the camera to track than a bird flying at you.

I think you probably just need practice and better conditions. Black subjects can be a nightmare. We’ve all been there and had the same struggles. Some days you get everything right, other days it doesn’t go so well. In better light with less cropping you will almost certainly have a much higher hit rate. Personally I look at the bad days as an excuse to go out and shoot more. It is a challenge that I relish. Sometimes it is disheartening, but then another day you come home with an image that the moment you take it the smile begins.

Thanks. I hope it's as you said and that my camera & lens are ok ...

I am sure they are. Those last three of the warbler, it is very small in the frame so is almost certainly going to struggle.