I photograph with a Canon 30D and Canon 100-400mm IS lens(I will likely add a prime lens soon). I often photograph using spot metering and a center AF point but have had mixed success. Many Chicago area birders using Canon 20D/30D/40D with the same lens use evaluative metering mode and automatic AF point selection with good success.
I would greatly appreciate a discussion regarding the pros and cons of these methods(or any other combination of them) including their usage for single birds versus groups of birds.
Craig Thayer Chicago, IL
[quote=Craig Thayer;1193539]I photograph with a Canon 30D and Canon 100-400mm IS lens(I will likely add a prime lens soon). I often photograph using spot metering and a center AF point but have had mixed success. Many Chicago area birders using Canon 20D/30D/40D with the same lens use evaluative metering mode and automatic AF point selection with good success.
I would greatly appreciate a discussion regarding the pros and cons of these methods(or any other combination of them) including their usage for single birds versus groups of birds.
Craig Thayer Chicago, IL[/quote]
Hello Craig,
there's a discussion going on now in the Technique section, about focussing on birds in flight ... perhaps you'll find it useful.
As far as I'm concerned, I have tried several methods (both re. focussing and metering), and I now prefer using the centre focus point only and partial metering on my 20D ... maybe if you can add some detail on what you feel is hindering your success percentuage, other members will surely add their own advice
Cheers,
Max
[QUOTE=Craig Thayer;1193539]I photograph with a Canon 30D and Canon 100-400mm IS lens(I will likely add a prime lens soon). I often photograph using spot metering and a center AF point but have had mixed success. Many Chicago area birders using Canon 20D/30D/40D with the same lens use evaluative metering mode and automatic AF point selection with good success.
I would greatly appreciate a discussion regarding the pros and cons of these methods(or any other combination of them) including their usage for single birds versus groups of birds.
Craig Thayer Chicago, IL[/QUOTE]
Another vote for Centre Focus point and Partial metering. I do occasionally use spot but the spot area needs to be right over the bird - if the bird is to small in the frame then I find spot can have some strange results.