Goal: To create an acceptable image of a bird in a tree using the Canon R5 and RF 100-500mm lens.
Problems and approaches. This camera/lens combination is not for the faint of heart. It weighs 5 lbs, and the combination of possible settings is daunting. BUT I did mount the lens and begin the tedious task of trying out various settings as guided by the manuals and youtube videos.
To spare my wrists and fingers, shoulder and neck, I rested the camera/lens on a small triangular pillow placed atop a small chest of drawers facing a window that overlooks my back yard. My first big discovery was that shooting through the window glass is not good. So I opened the window. My second discovery was that those who have said that patience is essential for wildlife photography were absolutely right. I aimed at various positions in the yard frequented by birds and waited - and sweated - and hoped no birds or bugs would fly through the window. I took dozens of photos. The one that comes closest to being acceptable was ⬓Jayâ¬.
Camera and settings: Canon EOS R5. aperture priority; f/10; ISO 1600; 1/40 sec. The camera selected the shutter speed and it is very low for birds. However, the bird was very still, and I had the camera/lens well stabilized. Next time I will adjust the ISO to get a faster shutter speed. Additionally, the camera was set to auto focus, face recognition/tracking, animal subject, servo single shot, spot metering, and eye detection was enabled.
Lens and settings: Canon RF 100-500mm. Range 3 meters-infinity; set to 500mm; AF; Stabilizer on; Stabilizer mode 1.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 11 comments posted
Mike Cohen
Very pretty and nice job holding it steady at 1/40 second. The sensor in your camera is a very good one and another technique in situations like this is to purposely underexpose to get more shutter speed, then bring up the exposure in post. With my Sony, I often use an ISO of 500 or 640 when I need a higher one to get correct exposure, but the noise at those ISO settings is much cleaner and I feel I end up with a better result. Just a thought.
I thought the bright area behind the bird was a bit too bright, obsurring some of the bird's body. I played with toning that down using masks and a few sliders in LR. Posted: 07/10/2024 20:03:43
Mike Cohen
Posted: 07/10/2024 20:04:19
Judith Lesnaw
Many thanks Mike. I like your version. It really does show more of the bird. I will try lowering the ISO. My next experiment is a bird in flight where a higher shutter speed will be essential.
Posted: 07/10/2024 22:34:03
Ann Brixey
I really love Jays, and find them so entertaining, a bit pesky at the feeders, but fun to watch. They rarely stay around long enough for me to get a shot like this, so well done. The bird is sharp, but for my eye the background is too bright to show off the bird well. Mike's suggestion and version is spot on.
But you captured the bird so well.
Iechyd da
Ann Posted: 07/11/2024 17:02:49
Judith Lesnaw
Thanks Ann. I agree with you and Mike and will work on that background. Posted: 07/11/2024 17:05:28
Ally Green
A lovely pose for the Jay and kudos for you with your patience to take this shot. Thanks for detailing how you took this. The Canon R5 for me is still a learning curve! I agree with Ann & Mike about the bright background being toned down a tad. There seems to be noise in the background (or could be my computer)...did you run it through Topaz DeNoise? Posted: 07/11/2024 21:12:18
Judith Lesnaw
Thanks Ally! I did not run this image through Topaz DeNoise. I agree that it needs it - and I will do this. I am still at the low end of the learning curve with the R5. I am so very glad that several of are using it. I hope that we can share the camera settings beyond A/S/ISO. I need all the help I can get!
Posted: 07/11/2024 22:26:44
Polly Krauter
Wonderful image Judith, you are on your way to become a great bird photographer. Blue jays in your area are prettier than our west coast Scrub jays and Steller's jays. I think that you captured a moment where the jay is considering his options (kidding, but they are a very smart bird). I like the leaf framing around the bird. I agree with others that the brightness in the background could be decreased and perhaps a bit of sharpening applied when using the Topaz DeNoise might work. Posted: 07/16/2024 02:16:54
Judith Lesnaw
Thanks so much for your encouragement Polly. I am working on those suggestions.
Posted: 07/16/2024 12:18:11
Sharon Prislipsky
Judith, I am so glad you are working with that camera lens combination. I'll bet you will come to like it and rely on it more and more. I have a couple of ideas that might make things less difficult for you. 1.) I use a camera beanbag to support my lens when shooting from a window or porch railing. It is shaped like a molar and provides a lot of stability. Best part is it is not terrible expensive. 2.) Watch the birds for a while before trying to capture a photo. Often they will return to the same perch time after time. Adjust your camera setting for that location, get your focus set and then just wait for the bird to pop into your frame. Posted: 07/16/2024 17:01:57
Pamela Hoaglund
Congratulations Judith for being determined and venturing into the world of wildlife photography. I have a custom setting on my Sony for wildlife and I'm sure you can do one with the R5. Having a high shutter speed is important. I personally don't worry too much about a high ISO anymore. I would rather have a sharp image and deal with the noise in post. I agree with the suggestions offered. You captured a great pose and nice catch light in the eye. Well done. Posted: 07/17/2024 03:23:11
