Capturing sharp, crisp images of birds in flight is a challenge that many wildlife and bird photographers face. Birds move extremely fast, and their wings flap so quickly that capturing a sharp image requires a fast shutter speed. But determining the optimal shutter speed depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll discuss what shutter speed you need for sharp bird flight photos, how to choose the right shutter speed based on the situation, and techniques to help maximize your chances of getting great bird in flight shots.
The most basic factors that determine required shutter speed for birds in flight are:
- The speed of the bird
- The direction it’s moving in relation to the camera
- How close it is to the camera
- The lighting and exposure conditions
As a general rule of thumb, a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second or faster is a good starting point when photographing birds in flight. However, fast-moving birds like hummingbirds, ducks, shorebirds and raptors like falcons may require shutter speeds of 1/2000th of a second or more. The faster the motion and the closer the bird is to the camera, the faster shutter speed you’ll need.
Factors That Determine Shutter Speed
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the key factors that affect the choice of shutter speed for birds in flight:
The Speed of the Bird
As you might expect, the faster a bird is moving, the higher the minimum shutter speed you’ll need to freeze the action. Small songbirds don’t move as fast as waterfowl or birds of prey.
A good rule of thumb based on a bird’s speed:
- Slow moving birds like herons or egrets – 1/1000 sec or faster
- Small songbirds like finches – 1/1600 sec
- Shorebirds like sandpipers – 1/2000 sec
- Fast moving ducks or geese – 1/2500 sec
- Very fast birds like hummingbirds or swallows- 1/4000 sec or more
- Extremely fast birds like falcons or swifts diving – 1/8000 sec or more
Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and depending on their activity, even slow birds may require very fast shutter speeds if they are flapping wings or diving quickly.
Direction of Motion
The direction a bird is moving in relation to your camera also affects the shutter speed needed. A bird flying straight at the camera can be captured at a slower shutter speed since it’s not moving across the frame as much versus a bird flying horizontally or diagonally across the frame.
As a general guide:
- Birds flying straight overhead: 1/1000 sec or slower
- Birds flying horizontally across frame: 1/1600 sec or faster
- Birds passing diagonally across frame: 1/2000 sec or faster
The faster the bird is moving across the viewfinder, the faster shutter speed required to avoid motion blur.
Distance from Camera
If a flying bird is closer to your camera, you’ll need a faster shutter speed. Distant birds can be captured at slower speeds since any movement is also smaller in the frame.
As a guide:
- Distant birds: 1/1000 sec or slower
- Mid-range birds: 1/1600 sec
- Close birds: 1/2000 sec or faster
Birds that fill a good portion of the frame require faster shutter speeds to freeze their wing motion. The closer and more magnified the bird is, the faster the apparent motion.
Lighting Conditions
The available light impacts your ability to use faster shutter speeds. Bright daylight allows fast shutter speeds while lower lighting requires slowing down the shutter speed to avoid underexposure.
Some tips based on lighting:
- Bright sunlight: Aim for 1/2000 sec or faster shutter if needed.
- Cloudy days or open shade: 1/1600 to 1/1250 sec may suffice.
- Heavy overcast: 1/800 – 1/1000 sec may be the limit.
- Sunrise/sunset: 1/500 – 1/800 sec range.
To achieve faster shutter speeds in lower light, consider increasing ISO. But watch for increased noise at high ISOs.
How to Choose Shutter Speed
Start by considering the minimum speeds needed based on the bird and its movement. Then work within the constraints of available light to get as fast a shutter speed as possible.
Here are some tips:
- Observe the birds and their flying speed. Faster birds need higher minimum shutter speeds.
- Consider their flight path direction. Faster speeds are needed for horizontal flight.
- Watch out for diving birds like raptors. They require very fast shutters.
- For close up shots, err on the side of faster shutter speeds.
- Check your images and observe if motion blur is an issue. If so, adjust to a faster shutter speed.
- When light is low, consider boosting the ISO to allow a faster shutter if needed to freeze motion.
It takes practice and observation in the field to get a feel for the optimal shutter speed for sharp results. Be prepared to change settings as different species fly by.
Camera Settings and Techniques
Beyond basic shutter speed, there are camera settings and techniques that can help you achieve better bird in flight photos:
Use Continuous Focus
Switch your lens to AI Servo or Continuous Focus mode. This enables the camera to track focus on a moving subject. You may find that Case settings that favor erring on the side of shorter focus distance work best for erratic bird movement.
Select Continuous High Speed Burst Mode
High speed burst or continuous drive mode allows you to shoot many frames per second so you can capture the perfect moment. Use the fastest burst rate your camera allows.
Use Single Point Focus
Choose a single autofocus point, and keep that point over the bird as it moves through the frame. Having a single point avoids any focus hunting.
Pan to Track the Bird
Since birds move fast, pan and track the bird in flight with a smooth motion to match its speed. This keeps the subject framed in view and aids focus tracking.
Pre-focus on the Flight Path
If you know where birds will be flying, pre-focus on that spot so you are ready. This can help get sharp shots of birds as they enter the frame.
Use Lens Stabilization
If your lens has built-in image stabilization, enable it to minimize camera shake and let you use slightly slower shutter speeds if needed.
Add Light
If you need faster shutter speeds but are limited by lighting conditions, consider adding light with reflectors or external flashes. A flash can let you freeze motion despite darker environments.
Putting it All Together
Here are some bird in flight scenarios with recommended settings:
Small Shorebirds Skimming Over Water
For small birds that require a moderately fast shutter:
– Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
– Aperture: f/5.6
– ISO 400
– Single point AF focused on flight path
– High speed continuous burst drive mode
Owls Gliding Through the Forest
For large birds on slower horizontal flights:
– Shutter Speed: 1/1000 to 1/1250 sec
– Aperture: f/4
– ISO 800
– Exploit morning/evening light if possible
– AF Case settings optimized for birds
Swallows Chasing Insects in the Sky
For extremely erratic and fast-moving birds:
– Shutter Speed: 1/4000 sec or faster
– Aperture: f/4 to f/5.6
– ISO 1600 or higher
– Pre-focus on area of flight
– High speed burst mode and continuous AF
– Pan smoothly to follow flight path
Conclusion
Photographing flying birds requires a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the motion of their wings. While 1/1000 sec or faster is a good starting point, the optimal shutter speed depends on the speed and direction of the bird along with camera distance and lighting conditions. Using settings like continuous autofocus, single point AF, burst mode shooting, and panning techniques will maximize your chances of getting great bird in flight shots. With practice in the field and studying your resulting images, you’ll get a feel for the best shutter speed choices for tackling those fast flying photo subjects.