City - Marathon Key State - FLORIDA Country - United States
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Was very difficult to get this shot. These birds were very fast, changing direction and falling instantly down to catch fish. Autofucus went crazy trying to follow them. Got only couple decent shots. This is about 1/2 crop from original. Can anyone to give me advice what telephoto lens will autofucus fast enough for situations like this? Made in Florida Keys during vacation.
Thanks Randy. I tried same as you suggested, but it didn't work, because birds were constantly moving and in very large distance difference, and fast in seconds they came from 200m distance to 20m and It was REALLY difficult to predict moment when they will attack fish. I did 5 shots in a row during attack you see. 3 completelly out of focus. and last one bird was melting into background water already before splash. But it was so great expirience shoting them, that I would try it again and again as soon as I will be in same situation. By the way, if you will be near the ocean you will have best chance to see them during morning hours and before sunset. Probably this is best hunting time for terns.
Wow Stan, what a cool capture! Great dynamic action shot. The second bird hovering above observing the action adds even more interest. Not a bad focus considering the distance everchanging subjects. I would think you might try prefocusing on something of similar distance in a different dirrection and hold that focus until right moment,tricky situation.