Nikon D200 - autofocus subpar for bird photography?

Martin Torriani , Aug 12, 2007; 11:26 p.m.

Hello, I have been attemping to photograph birds in flight using the my D200 with either the Nikon 18-200 VR or Nikon 200-400 VR.

It has been somewhat frustrating to have the autofocus begin a focus hunt at the most unexpected moments, even when the subject is in the center of my viewfinder.

When using servo, I sometimes have to release the shutter button and re-press it half-way for it to focus. This happens regardless of the autofocus modality I use (dynamic, single, group, etc).

I am setup with AF lock in long, frequently use maximum aperture in Aperture Priority, and lighting is always good.

Granted, several photos result in sharp images, however, several others are unexpetedly out-of-focus (slightly). Stationary subjects are invariably in-focus.

I believe my technique in tracking birds in flight is improving, especially in regards to aiming for the head/neck and preventing moving wing tips from defocusing the head. I am sure some of the issues above may resolve with better technique.

However, I wonder if there are known issues with the capabilities of the D200 quickly and reliably acquiring focus of subjects in motion and if the D2x is superior in this respect. Otherwise, if you have any tips on how to improve, please let me know.

Thanks a lot. Martin

Responses

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Shun Cheung , Aug 12, 2007; 11:40 p.m.

Are you using the AF-C (coutinuous) mode? I am talking about the C setting for the C/S/M switch just below the lens release button, on the front side of the D200.

IMO, the 18-200 VR is not suitable for bird photography; it is both too short and too slow: only f5.6 at 200mm. The 200-400mm/f4 AF-S VR should do a better job.

The D2X will give you even better AF, but the D200 should be pretty good already.

Dieter Schaefer , Aug 13, 2007; 12:55 a.m.

Agree with Shun, AF-S is not the correct mode for tracking birds in flight because once focus is acquired, the camera will not refocus until you lift your finger of the shutter release and press again (not entirely true, as tracking MAY get activated when the motion is detected during AF acquisition). AF-C will continuously adjust focus; it works pretty well with my D200 and tracking (larger) birds in flight. Small birds are a bit more difficult, especially those with a more erratic flight pattern as the camera may not be able to acquire focus or be able to maintain it. I usually use single and try to keep the central AF sensor on the subject; for smaller birds, group dynamic has worked well for me too.

Elliot Bernstein , Aug 13, 2007; 05:32 a.m.

Martin, I have had similar issues with the autofocus on my d200s. I have shot at events where the subject filled 75% of the viewfinder and the camera focussed on the background. I have read from others reporting similar issues here on photo.net.

You might want to call Nikon service to see if they have a fix.

Robert Budding , Aug 13, 2007; 06:22 a.m.

Faster lenses focus better - my 70-200 AF-S VR is fast and accurate on my D200. Also high-contrast subjects will focus more reliably.

David St George , Aug 13, 2007; 06:22 a.m.

You might also want to check autofocus setting a1 is set to "Focus" and not "FPS Rate".

Rick Moran , Aug 13, 2007; 07:03 a.m.

If your shooting birds in a low contrast or busy background situation AF will most of the time lose the bird if it's a small object. They haven't made a camera yet that's good under the above situations. I use c mode and the central AF sensor on all my cameras because it seems to work the best.

Rick Gallery: http://slopoki1.smugmug.com/Nature

Elliot Bernstein , Aug 13, 2007; 07:05 a.m.

Robert, my focus issues have been mainly with the 70-200, usually in lower lighting conditions. Most of the time focus is quick and accurate, but on occasion, I do experience the conditions Martin lists.

Martin, just curious, is your 'Lock On' feature on or off?

Joseph Smith , Aug 13, 2007; 10:44 a.m.

Martin, there are also other settings that will affect focus capture. Try setting 7 focal points vs 11. Also try single and dynamic AF settings. I agree with the other posters that the 18-200 VR lens is not the best for flight shots.

Try these links for more info on appropriate settings: (link)

Read all of the parts a couple of times.

Here is another one: http://www.luminescentphoto.com/articles/CAM2000/cam2000.html

Joe Smith

J. Doe , Aug 13, 2007; 01:29 p.m.

If I recall correctly I read somewhere that with such subjects (fast moving objects like cars, birds, etc) it's best to deactivate VR and try use the center focus point. Regards

Odin

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