Barn Swallow in flight

[Phil K]

I don't know how you guys did it. it always drove me crazy whenever I tried to capture Barn Swallows in flight. Today I tried again with the 200-400 VR + 1.4TC, handheld. These are the few that are barely acceptable.

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[BirdManPhotographer]

You did a good job just tracking this little rocket. It's a shame it wasn't flying towards you.

 

[Maji]

Phil,

Like Mike said, it is a challenge to keep up with these guys and you did very well. I love that little twinkle in their eyes.

 

[dmwphoto]

It is difficult for sure. Nice job Phil.

 

[hangin tree]

Great shooting Phil I can't even catch the whole bird in frame!!!

 

[Phil K]

You did a good job just tracking this little rocket. It's a shame it wasn't flying towards you.

Thank you Mike. They were ready like rockets flying by at different angles and I could not get one flying towards me.

Phil,

Like Mike said, it is a challenge to keep up with these guys and you did very well. I love that little twinkle in their eyes.

Thank you Maji. My arms were very sore after trying to track them.

It is difficult for sure. Nice job Phil.

Thank you Dave. I took a lot of captures are only several are okay.

Great shooting Phil I can't even catch the whole bird in frame!!!

Thank you Gary. I have many many that had nothing in the frame. :biggrin:

 

[spalding12]

well done, phil
i like these

 

[Paul Evans]

very nice Phil... I haven't tried this feat as they dart around so erratically.

 

[Louis Champan]

Good job Phil, I haven't managed to be able to do this yet.

 

[Phil K]

well done, phil
i like these

Thank you Greg. you'll have lots of fun when your long lenses arrive.

very nice Phil... I haven't tried this feat as they dart around so erratically.

Thank you Paul. You're right about their erratic flight. The fast AF of the D3 helps a lot.

Good job Phil, I haven't managed to be able to do this yet.

Thank you Louie. I found tracking is slightly easier handholding the lens than with a gimbal.

 

[Sarheat]

Hi Phil, think you nailed this one, lose the 1.4 and use the 9 point focus, thats what i do

Good luck

 

[Phil K]

Hi Phil, think you nailed this one, lose the 1.4 and use the 9 point focus, thats what i do

Good luck

Thank you for the great advice. I love your swallow and swift captures.

 

[LeeD]

I think they are great. Keep up the good work.
Lee

 

[Phil K]

I think they are great. Keep up the good work.
Lee

Thank you Lee. I'll keep trying.

 

[mao ouyang]

You managed to get some decent shots Phil. When I'm done photographing these guys, I need a hot tub to relax all the upper body muscles!

 

[Phil K]

You managed to get some decent shots Phil. When I'm done photographing these guys, I need a hot tub to relax all the upper body muscles!

Thank you Mao. I had to go back to the car and sit for quite a while before I could continue shooting. :biggrin:

 

[raymond j barlow]

good shots of the rocket bird Phil!

 

[Phil K]

good shots of the rocket bird Phil!

Thank you Raymond. These birds are really difficult to follow.