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Eagle fledgling series.
Just chilling out.
Got to go now.
I'm out of here!
Changed the camera settings to manual, servo, continuous, SS 1250, used a tripod and shutter release.
Purchased a Manfrotto tripod and head yesterday after these shots were taken to see if I can get better focus. I'm thinking that some of the OOF is due to tripod (Wally World Special) movement.
Most of my shots of eagles in flight are taken hand held. Based on my experience, I think some of the "soft focus" in your photos is not the tripod but the autofocus locking on the branches just in front of the eagle. You probably didn't even notice them as you were taking the photos. It might have been remedied had you been standing a little to the left so there were no branches sticking up and blocking the eagle's body. After 4-5 years of shooting our local eagles, I know how fast conditions change in the field. You don't always have time to set up for the perfect shot and must settle for "grab" shots.
Try to shoot with as high an f stop number (aka as small an aperature opening) as possible to avoid depth of field issues. I feel this is more important than shutter speed when shooting a large bird with a slow wing beat like an eagle. My "default" settings are M mode, 1/1000, f/8.0, and auto ISO.
If lighting conditions necessitate exposure compensation, I switch to Tv mode using auto ISO and start experimenting with various exposure compensation increments to get the effect I want. I have started experimenting with doing the same thing in Av mode when the lighting is adequate to support a decent shutter speed in order to keep the camera from defaulting to the lowest f stop number (aka largest aperature opening) and creating depth of field issues.
The advantage of digital photography is that you can afford to experiment. You aren't paying $$$$ to purchase and develop film for throw away photos.
I have a Manfrotto tripod. You will like your new one.
Bill, you may be right about the branches in front of the eagle. Branches are really hard to see in the viewfinder.
I think I need to hire someone to 'trim' that branch. LOL
These were taken with f/11 and auto ISO as well as what is mentioned above.
There is so much to learn but I'm enjoying the experience and look forward to having more opportunities to improve.
Used the new tripod and head yesterday. I have to say... Much more stable than what I was using. I can see why moving up to a better tripod and head can make a difference although the shots I took didn't reflect it. I think I was trying to over compensate to much.
Free hand for bird flight! Oh my!!! I have enough trouble getting birds dialed in when they are stationary with a tripod much less free hand and in flight. You must have years of experience with that technique and very strong arms.
I backed away from photography years (30+) ago because of the film and developing cost. It is nice to be able to get back to it but it seems like there is so much more to learn with digital. Initial expense may be high but you can shoot away and glean out the keepers.
I think I was trying to over compensate to much.