Image: Nick Merc Photographing birds can be thrilling and frustrating at the same time. These creatures are fast and unpredictable, so documenting them requires more than a sharp eye. You need the right camera settings to freeze motion, capture fine detail, and handle challenging light.
Whether you're tracking birds in your yard or out in the wild, photographing them perched or in flight, the right combination of shutter speed, aperture and autofocus can make all the difference when getting the shot. Here are some quick recommendations to get you started.
Camera settings for bird photography
Your camera settings will depend on the conditions, but there are some general rules of thumb. First, choose a shutter speed that, at minimum, matches your focal length to avoid camera shake. For example, if you're using a 400mm focal length, choose a shutter speed of at least 1/400s. In some scenarios, IBIS may let you get away with slower shutter speeds, but given how quickly birds move, you'll likely want to avoid those if you're trying to capture birds in flight or in action. For moving birds, something around 1/2000s or faster will typically be necessary to freeze the motion.
A relatively wide aperture, such as F5. 6, will allow plenty of light through your lens while blurring the background to keep your bird the star of the image. Finally, a low ISO will help you maximize image quality. However, depending on how bright it is outside, you may need to raise your ISO to compensate for the lack of available light.
Canon EOS R5 | Canon RF 800mm F11 STM | 1/1600 sec | F11 | ISO 800
Image: Richard Butler
There are more settings to consider beyond exposure, too. Autofocus settings are especially important. Single-point autofocus is ideal for small or well-camouflaged birds, while zone or area autofocus is best for flocks. You'll also want continuous autofocus so that the camera adjusts focus as the bird moves. Finally, choose a burst or continuous drive mode so that you can take multiple shots in rapid succession, giving you better chances of documenting the perfect moment. If your camera offers a pre-burst mode, it can help you get the shot even if you're a little late to the shutter button.
Wrapping it up
In bird photography, even small tweaks to your settings can lead to big improvements. With the right shutter speed, aperture and focus mode, you'll be better equipped to capture sharp, striking images of your feathered friends. Practice, patience and the ability to improvise as conditions change will help immensely.
If you're also looking to expand your bird photography gear or learn more about how to find birds, be sure to check out our additional guide.
Read our tips on bird photography
. dpreview.com2025-5-20 16:00
