Zuiko and Birds in Flight

Shooting birds in flight was one of my challenges with the E-3. Along with the Zuiko Digital ED50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD lens, I was able to get closer with these little flying creatures. Some of the images even had the EC-14 extender to extend the range up to 283mm F4.9!!!


The trick with shooting birds in flight is all about anticipation. The smaller the bird, the higher the anticipation. The higher the anticipation, the tougher the shot.


With anticipation in mind, the best method to get sharp images is to use high shutter speed with large aperture. ISO value is best left at Auto.


Find the bird, scan its surroundings and its habits of flight. The best is to find it perching, and anticipate its next flight movement. Set the focus to Manual (MF), and lock. As the bird move scan and shoot bursts of 5fps. And hope for the best!


The beauty of the E-system is that it is possible to shoot at 283mm range (equivalent to 566mm in Full Frame) with a kit that is fast enough at F4.9 with just a 1120g lens! Thus, it will not easily tire your arms to scan and pan to anticipate the birds' flight plan.

283mm, Shutter priority

F4.9, 1/2500s, ISO800, -0.3EV

283mm, Shutter priority

F4.9, 1/2000s, ISO800

200mm, Aperture priority

F3.5, 1/1250s, ISO2000, -0.3EV

This was my last image with the ED50-200mm lens. I eventually sold it within one week after this shot.

184mm, Aperture priority

F7.1, 1/800s, ISO400