Pick the mode for the situation
| Mode | When | Start from |
|---|
| Manual (M) | Birds semi-still — resting on a branch | ISO 200, f/11 |
| Aperture Priority (A) | Need the fastest shutter the light allows | ISO 200–400, widest aperture |
| Shutter Priority (S) | Deliberate motion blur in the wings | ISO 100, 1/30 s–1/125 s, then adjust |
Focus
- Use a central focus point with Tracking (Lock-on AF) / Continuous AF (AF-C).
- Hold the half-press (or back-button AF-On) and follow the bird's motion; keep the point on the same spot and release when the composition and background are right.
- Back-button AF is strongly recommended so focus and exposure stay independent.
Background and histogram
- Foliage background: sunlit foliage should peak mid-histogram; foliage in shadow peaks left of centre. If it doesn't, dial in about −1 EV.
- Sky background: clear blue sky peaks centred; cloudy sky peaks right of centre. If it doesn't, add about +1 EV.
- Turn on the Highlight Indicator (or Zebra) — white plumage clips before you notice it.
Birds in water
Ask two questions first: does the background complement or distract, and are the reflections creating mood or just excess contrast?
- Shutter: minimum 1/180 s, recommended 1/250 s.
- Aperture: f/2.8–f/11. ISO: adjust as necessary. White Balance: Auto. SteadyShot: on.
- Side lighting gives detail on the bird while separating it from the background.
- A polariser cuts water glare but costs about two stops — only when there's light to spare.
- A monopod beats a tripod here: birds on water rarely sit still, and long lenses need smooth movement.
Lens notes
- Zoom ranges that work: 150–600mm, 100–400mm, 70–200mm. Maximum aperture f/5.6 or wider; a tripod collar matters as much as the glass.
- Primes: 100–400mm equivalent depending on distance, f/4 or wider.
- Flash can drop a catchlight into a dark eye even at distance — but close in, watch for a flash shadow on the background.
Consolidated from references: Photzy Bird Photography, How to Photograph Birds in Water.