Mixed Sony A1 200-600 Wildlife Advice

[Karolshelby]

Hi all, I have recently purchased a Sony A1 and 200-600 lens, I am learning wildlife and bird photography -but I am struggling to get consistent sharp shots, and its a combination of user error and lack of knowledge on settings with this combo
Currently I am manual with auto iso on monopod

Would anyone please suggest settings -I am trying to perfect dolphin photos and also shore birds, slow moving and BIF.
Thanks so much

 

[iamdlewis]

Can you provide some images for us? Also general camera settings.

Generally a faster shutter speed will help. Smaller the bird the more speed you will probably need as they tend to be twitchier.

 

[Unframed Dave]

As above, there are three reasons you may be getting blurry wildlife shots.

1. Subject isn't properly in focus. What focus mode and area are you using?

2. Subject has moved whilst the shutter is open. If birds are moving, 1/2000th or faster is generally recommended. You can get away with lower, but practice will aid this judgement.

3. You are moving while the shutter is open. This comes down to practice and technique.

 

[THXGEEK]

And don't forget the basics!

Is 'Subject Recognition' enabled and set to 'Birds'? Is 'Image Stabilization / SteadyShot' enabled in the camera? Is OSS enabled on the lens?

I cannot tell you how often I've used my A1II for landscapes, macros, etc (and subsequently disabled subject recognition and IS), only to forget to re-enable them when imaging critters....

LOL, oh well!

 

[AlphaWorld]

Hi all, I have recently purchased a Sony A1 and 200-600 lens, I am learning wildlife and bird photography -but I am struggling to get consistent sharp shots, and its a combination of user error and lack of knowledge on settings with this combo
Currently I am manual with auto iso on monopod

Would anyone please suggest settings -I am trying to perfect dolphin photos and also shore birds, slow moving and BIF.
Thanks so much

I would suggest using Auto ISO minimum shutter speed, with a minimum shutter speed of 1/2000 for BiF, and 1/1000 for the rest.

https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2040/v1/en/contents/TP1000409211.html?search=Auto iso min

I would not recommend manual mode. I’d suggest use Aperture priority, and try shooting wide open, possibly reducing the aperture if you have lots of light. That lets the shutter speed+ISO handle the exposure. If you are running manual mode you only have ISO to handle exposure, and are more likely to overexposed or under expose.

I’d set the shutter to electronic (that enables higher shutter speeds and also means the camera will be silent).

 

[Richard A]

I would not recommend manual mode. I’d suggest use Aperture priority, and try shooting wide open, possibly reducing the aperture if you have lots of light.

I would. I use Manual Mode with the appropriate Shutter speed and the Aperture wide open or closed down 1/2 to one stop. And Auto ISO. I generally use 1/1000 - 1/2,500 sec. I find this gives me the best, most consistent results. And the camera only has to come up with one setting - ISO. I have come up with these settings after testing over a period of time. Also, I don't use a monopod. Only handheld. I find a monopod just gets in the way more than anything.

You need to try all these different settings and see what works for you and the subjects you are photographing.

What Focus settings are you using?