C&C Jackdaw

Muineach

hya's,
first off sorry for the large image at the top, it's done for a reason. Ok here's my problem, this is taken from a tripod with the camera about 3-4 foot from the feeder. I've made up my own "remote control" which works fine, the issue is that I find it very difficult to get the camera to focus "properly".
I
've tried manual with some good results, but then your relying on the DOF of the lens etc., with the remote control I have tried switching on the camera (half press) to try and get it to focus on the jackdaws once they have landed, but it seems to be hit and miss. I've also changed the AF point as well.
Just wondering if there is an easier way ?

The reason for the large image is that you can see where my problem is, he's in focus just to where the wings are, then i think its the DOF that begins to blur the eye ?

Any help much appreciated as usual
Muineach

Fajitas!

Not sure on the best advice for focusing, possibly use manual, an aperture of about f/16 or f/22 and a flash?

The last one there is excellent!!

The others are good, but I don't think the background works as well in them.

Hmmm...Get a sheet of glass, put some bait on it, and shoot through that

Muineach

Yea I understand about the background, once i can get the "setup" right I can start moving it around, never thought of glass tho :P

The problem is that the shutter speed needs to be at least 1600 to 2000 otherwise I get a "wing blur", its better at 2000.

I have the camera set for Tv mode with the shutter speed set, the problem is that for the speed I need it wont go above f/6.

I've played around with ISO (above 800 looks very poor), plus the amount of light needed is ridiculous, one cloud and your bug*erd.

Oh yea one other thing is that the jackdaws come flying in, take a scone and then gone in under 3 seconds, they don't hang around !

Fajitas!

You don't have an off camera flash do you?

Muineach

Well I do have an Speedlite 430EX Flash, think I need a few more accessories to make it "off camera" thought, I did think about using the flash but somehow I don't think the jackdaws would like it , suppose they'd get use to it

5uspect

Why not use some sort of artificial lighting like a halogen lamp. Shouldn't startle the birds as much as a flash. It won't be as bight but may get you that additional shutter speed.

As regards focusing, maybe have the camera shoot a burst with AI servo focusing. What camera are you using?

Muineach

Its a Canon 350d, I've tried the burst setting, AI servo, AI focus still same results, plus I dropped it down to jpg rather than raw and still same results, well except that I can take 15 shots in a burst rather than 6 and the odds of getting an "in-focus" shot go up.

As for the lens I'm using the Canon EFS 17-85mm IS with it set at about 26mm.

I do have a 500w halgogen lamp lying about, I might give that a try, if the neighbours see me they'll thing I'm

Fajitas!

Birds shouldn't take much notice of the flash. The clicking of the camera would disturb them more.

You can get an off camera cord from Jessops, and most other camera shops. Have to get one myself, but can't imagine the cost being much over 15 quid.

Fionn

have you the IS switched off while it's on the tripod - i think that causes trouble with some IS lens.
The photographs look a bit under exposed but i presume thats because of the settings your using. I've been trying to photograph birds myself and can appreciate how difficult it is to catch them.