Another Kingfisher

[Olybirder]

A couple of weeks ago I posted some shots of a Kingfisher. Unfortunately the background of reeds meant that the image had an unattractive bokeh. Also I had problems focusing on the bird as the camera kept latching onto the reeds behind it, despite using the small single target. Last week I returned to the hide and, upon entering, I was pleased to find that there was nobody else there. I spent some time moving about, trying to find a position which gave a better background behind the perch. I was about to tweak the camera settings to try to improve the auto focusing when I suddenly noticed that a Kingfisher was sitting on the perch.

I attempted to focus on the bird but, once again, the camera refused to do so, selecting the reeds in the background as before. The only way I could get a shot was to focus on the perch lower down, where it had water behind it, and then recompose the shot. Unfortunately only two of the shots were even moderately sharp. After the Kingfisher had caught a fish and departed I set the camera to manual focusing and took some practice shots of the end of the perch, which looked sharp. I then settled down to await the return of the bird. One and half hours later there was still no sign of it. Never mind, next time I will know what to do.

Ron

[Floribunda]

Re: Another Kingfisher

At least you know where to find a bird Ron - I can't even locate one!
Your perseverance is paying off, I would be thrilled with these shots.
Well done,they are such a gorgeous little bird! Very envious!

[Wee man]

Re: Another Kingfisher

Two nice shots like the second ones hairstyle.

[benvendetta]

Re: Another Kingfisher

Like the composition of the first one, and the bokeh is loads better.

[OM USer]

Re: Another Kingfisher

I like the pose in the first shot.

[jdal]

Re: Another Kingfisher

Yep, that first one is a classic kingfisher pose. The light is nice on it.

I have the same focussing problems with the E-M5, and small target has never made a difference. It's a bit rubbish really, the target square is fully contained by the subject yet it still focuses on something contrasty in the background. You should be able to reverse this priority at the least.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Another Kingfisher

I lurve them both and would be exceedingly pleased the second I like because of the back plumage detail !

Thanks for sharing and for waiting ... waiting ... waiting ...

[Olybirder]

Re: Another Kingfisher

Many thanks for the comments. John, that is exactly what was happening with me. The focusing rectangle was fully contained by the bird's outline but no matter what I did it wouldn't focus on the bird but picked the reeds in the background instead. The same thing has happened on both occasions. It is a bit of a mystery but extremely frustrating.

Ron