1. Camera Settings for Sharpness

• Shutter Speed: Birds move fast. Use 1/2000s or faster for birds in flight, 1/1000s+ for perched birds. Faster is safer.
• Aperture: Wide open (f/4, f/5.6) lets in more light and blurs background, but stop down slightly (f/7.1–f/8) for extra sharpness if light allows.
• ISO: Keep as low as possible, but don’t fear higher ISO (800–3200) if it means keeping shutter speed fast.
• Burst Mode: Always shoot in continuous high-speed mode – sharp frames often hide in the burst.
• Focus Mode:
• AF-C/AI-Servo for moving birds.
• Single-point AF / small zone AF for perched birds.
• Wide-area AF for birds in flight.
• Image Stabilization: Keep it ON for handheld shots, OFF if using a tripod.

2. Focusing Techniques

• Focus on the eye – a sharp eye makes the whole bird look sharp.
• Use back-button focus to separate focusing from the shutter.
• Anticipate flight direction – pre-focus where the bird is likely to enter.

3. Fieldcraft for Sharp Images

• Approach quietly and avoid sudden movements. Sharpness improves when you’re closer (less cropping, more detail).
• Good light = sharp shots – shoot in early morning or late afternoon (golden hours).
• Shoot with the sun at your back so the bird is well lit.
• Use natural perches and wait, instead of chasing birds.