Cheat sheet · Wildlife

Camera settings for birds in flight

1/2500 s+, wide tracking AF and +0.3 to +1 EV when shooting against sky.

ModeManual + Auto ISO
Shutter1/2500–1/4000 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
ISOAuto
FocusAF-C, wide tracking, bird-eye AF
Exposure compensation+0.3 to +1 EV vs sky
Quick start: 1/2500 s+, wide tracking AF and +0.3 to +1 EV when shooting against sky.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 14. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/8000 stoo brighttoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/2000 s1/8000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/5.61/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 stoo bright
f/81/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/111/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 s

Step by step#

  1. Keep the sun behind you.
  2. Acquire the bird early and track.
  3. Shoot bursts as wings rise.

Gear checklist#

  • 400–600 mm lens
  • Fast card

Pro tips#

  • Practise on gulls and pigeons.

Common mistakes#

  • Underexposing birds against bright sky.
Wildlife photographyLong lens, fast shutter, patience and fieldcraft; respect the animal's space.… Perched birdsSingle-point or eye AF at the bird's eye, 1/800 s for twitchy songbirds.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for birds in flight?

Aperture: f/6.3–f/8 · Shutter: 1/2500–1/4000 s · ISO: Auto. 1/2500 s+, wide tracking AF and +0.3 to +1 EV when shooting against sky.

What gear do I need for birds in flight?

400–600 mm lens, Fast card.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources