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Hummingbirds

Started Aug 13, 2019 | Discussions
RLH1861 Senior Member • Posts: 1,863
Hummingbirds

What are recommended settings (mode) for shooting hummingbirds?  my gut say use shutter speed priority and a higher ISO.  I will be shooting with a EOS SL2 (max 3 fps) or 60D 4.5fps.  And should I use A1focus or A1servo mode?will probably use my 70-200mm L IS or 18-200mm zoom.  thanks

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RLH

 RLH1861's gear list:RLH1861's gear list
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Canon EOS 60D Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D / Kiss X9)
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nail33 Senior Member • Posts: 1,054
Re: Hummingbirds

If you wish to freeze their wing movement, you'll likely need to use a flash.

cdmazoff
cdmazoff Senior Member • Posts: 2,826
Re: Hummingbirds
1

This one was done "in the wild"...f8, 1/2000, ISO 6400, AI Servo, no flash

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/cdmazoff/
When I'm not playing birds, I'm shooting my accordion....or is it the other way around?

 cdmazoff's gear list:cdmazoff's gear list
Canon EOS 90D Canon Extender EF 1.4x III Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II
BirdShooter7 Veteran Member • Posts: 9,134
Re: Hummingbirds
3

I would suggest using your longest lens wide open to let in as much light as possible in Av mode.  ISO at 400-800 or so. Ai-servo mode with either center AF point selected or one of the small groups of AF points.

You don’t necessarily need to have a super fast shutter speed but a reasonably fast (say 1/1600 - 1/3200s) shutter speed it a good starting point.

if you are at a feeder it usually works well to sit quietly near the feeder until the birds get used to you being there then catching them when they come in to feed.  Usually they come in and get a drink then pull back for a moment before going back in for another drink...

Lucifer Hummingbird; west Texas; July 2019

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Some of my bird photos can be viewed here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gregsbirds/

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