Swallows

[astral16v]

Just taken these tonight. Struggled with them as they are fast little beggars. Any tips on how to improve them ?

 

[artyman]

Most of the time I'm grateful they are even in the frame!

 

[astral16v]

Most of the time I'm grateful they are even in the frame!

Believe me, there were quite a few blank photos. I think part of the problem is my lens. It only goes to f4 so limits the speed v iso a bit. It's an old Minolta beeran 70-210. still good and sharp, but maybe not just fast enough for these types of shot.

 

[4wd]

Probably easier to get them perching, often one will hover just by a mate.
Not that I've managed it yet!

 

[Wozzaaah]

I think you've done very well to get those shots!
Their flight is so quick and erratic it's very difficult to track them.
They're far better than my attempts....which I daren't post!

 

[astral16v]

I think you've done very well to get those shots!
Their flight is so quick and erratic it's very difficult to track them.
They're far better than my attempts....which I daren't post!

Thanks. You haven't seen all the photos that failed.

 

[Wozzaaah]

If they're anything like mine, several probably contained invisible birds?

 

[arclight]

These little fellows are the most awkward blighters to photograph.

 

[Porsupah]

So worthwhile when the shots do work out, though! Their agility's truly something to marvel at - not only the rapid turns, but the way they'll skim across the tops - or sometimes even amidst - of the tall grasses in the fields. To be able to fly would be one thing, but to be able to fly like that.. !

Wish I could offer useful advise on how to improve the "keeper" rate, but I'm in the same boat as everyone else - try to track them, and hope my efforts satisfy the AF sensors.

 

[straycat]

why the massive copyright are you worried some one will use them?

 

[Martyn...]

Make sure the sun is behind you, wait for a day with decent light, use rear button focusing, try and shoot at 1/2000 sec, and stop down to f7.1 to give a greater depth of field, this gives some latitude to compensate for focus lagging / accuracy.

Here are an couple of examples, the light was not perfect but I was bored and they were all that were about.

Swift

Swallow