AI servo tracking sensitivity

den

den

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Dennis
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Hi, i am doing a custom set up on my 1dmkii n for BIF , i have AF centre with maximum expansion points (13) ,but i am not sure what i should set the AI tracking sensitivity to , i have options standard,slow,moderately slow,mod fast,and fast.I think i have the general idea how it works with tracking so would i be correct in going for slow when following BIF on clear skies with no obstructions ,getting brain ache now so i think it's time to put my manual down but any help would be apreciated.Thanks
 
I don't have a 1D2n but I do have a 1D3 and a 7D and do shoot BIF occasionally. I'd go for "slow" and the fewest points you need in order to maintain track of the bird. That would be whether shooting against clear skies or busy backgrounds.

I'd choose "slow" because once I've locked onto my subject I can't think of a good reason why I should want the camera to quickly lock onto an alternative subject if my focus point wanders off the main subject onto something else. If I want to pick up a different subject, like a different bird within a flock, then I'll momentarily release the AF-On button, acquire my new target and resume tracking that.

I'd choose the fewest points possible (for my skills and the subject) because when you have a lot of points active the camera has a lot more AF data to process, more decisions to make and more to get wrong. This may not matter much against clear skies, but could matter with a flock or a busy background. Also, depending on the size of the bird and the amount it fills the frame you might want to concentrate your focus onto the head of the bird and not risk the closest wing tip being picked up instead.

But at the end of the day it's really about personal preference. There is no absolute right or wrong. See if there is anything here that you find useful - http://www.digitalbirdphotography.com/contents.html

EDIT : There's also this setup guide for the 7D for bird photography - http://www.deepgreenphotography.com/2009/12/setting-up-your-new-canon-7d/. Of course the options are a little different from those available for the 1D2n, but you can infer well enough which flavours of AF setup are recommended.
 
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Good links Tim :thumbs:
 
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