Settings , in particular AF mode for stationary birds

[Cliff]

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful, I’m finding more consistent results now, using centre medium instead of small, I think the focus Was shifting ever so slightly .... I’m still monitoring, action I.e. birds in flight are fairly consistent thankfully

 

[garuda]

Cliff, if still experiencing inconsistency, you may want to try experimenting w Memu: Cam#1 AF2 page 6 of 15 - "AF Tracking Sens".

5 is responsive, which may tend hunt slightly even if area set Sm or Med or Zone. Then when you pull trigger and burst, there may be a subtle hunting due to hi sensitivity.

I usually use #1 (Locked On) which to my understanding locks focus on specific target regardless if other birds/objects pass in front/behind target. So we might assume sony programmed it not to hunt at this locked setting (#1). You may want to experiment w these two settings.

But Ziggy (or others) may know more about the intricacies of algorithm that functions at these two settings.

 

[Ziggy]

Peeps don't usually use tracking for static shots since they're SAF.
You can and I do use CAF without tracking in single shot drive since I want the AF to keep trying. I now also use short bursts on static subjects for the usual reasons.

 

[garuda]

I recall Cliff earlier saying he uses CAF & burst-10, since Single even for stationary doesn't guarantee sharpness. So I thought maybe his AF drift during bursts might be subtle P or C hunting due to hi sensitivity in af/track.

In Cliff's situation, I usually stay in afc-track since small birds hop & turn their heads or even take wing. Even toggling drives takes too long, I use only BBs: AF-On & toggling Areas. before pulling trigger. I burst stationary also, unless person has no eyelids.

 

[Alain]

What aperture are you using? I found out with my 200-600 that f/8 is much better than wide open at f/6.3, not just because the lens is sharper, but because it gives me a bit more depth of field and that helps compensate for possible AF lack of accuracy.

 

[Ziggy]

f8 is good for BIF for that reason and because spread wings will likely need it.

Static birds generally get wide open from me if possible so as to isolate them.