flight shot help

[denn]

hi all, i am hoping by putting these images up for you guys to look at, that i may be able to improve on what i am doing, these pics have been cropped because of the distances involved, i am desparate to be able to get a good clean, sharp image, but still struggling, be gentle, lol.
canon 400d
sigma 50-500 lens.
centre spot focus.
a1 focus. many thanks, denn

[Jason Green]

Hi Denn,

Not too sure where you need improving TBH - good settings, sharp focus, nice composition, etc.

As I said, I'm not just saying that.

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by denn

hi all, i am hoping by putting these images up for you guys to look at, that i may be able to improve on what i am doing, these pics have been cropped because of the distances involved, i am desparate to be able to get a good clean, sharp image, but still struggling, be gentle, lol.
canon 400d
sigma 50-500 lens.
centre spot focus.
a1 focus. many thanks, denn

Hi Denn, nice to see you again

I don't think you have a problem, just that you can't do your best because of the distance between you and the subject. Generally speaking, the closer the bird is, the more effective your autofocus system will be, the more accurate the exposure will be on the bird and most importantly, the closer it is, the more detail you're going to allow your lens to capture.

That's the problem I have! I just can't get close enough

EDIT; Just noticed your 'centre spot focus'. Next time you go out, try setting your spot to the left as a bird is on the left of the frame. Compositionally, you'll have the bird flying into the picture and the bird will be in focus (assuming your AF point is on it)

[Jason Green]

...yep, as Nick says; that is about the only thing I could have said. That really though is more to do with where you are as opposed to your camera skills.

Next time they come close enough/you get sufficiently near, you'll know that when that chance comes you'll have the skills to capture it. It's just a matter of When.

[denn]

thank you very much for the advice, i just get frustrated sometimes when you see some of the pics on this forum, i know its not top end equipment, but i feel i can do much better, ( that was always on my report at school). lol, the most annoying thing from today was the fact that i got to about 20yds from the seo. but my bottle went, all out of focus every shot, instead of trying for just that one shot. anyway thats the joy of photography i suppose. there's always next time, thanks once again guy's keep you informed.
denn.
ps. they where taken at parkgate if you are interested.

[SteveHL]

Hi Denn
You just need to get closer and once you are close its a combination of patience, practice and a touch of luck. Its one of those projects where the more time you put in the better your results will be.
Cheers
SteveHL

[Ollie]

Hi Denn.

As others have said there isn't much wrong with these. Just a case of getting nearer to your subject. Is there anywhere in your locality that has a resident flock of Greylag or Canada Geese or even Mute Swans as they usually allow a fairly close approach and being relatively large and reasonably slow are one of the easier in flight subjects to practice on

Just a matter of biding your time then until something decides to take off. I have often waited for over half an hour for something to take flight to get a shot. It can be a bit boring waiting but if you get that shot you were after it more than makes up for it.