Best Autofocus Settings for Small Birds | OM-1 Mark II

Comments · 83

• ST

  @stevebriscoe2147 · 4 months ago

  Well done, Todd. I&apos;m an OM1 shooter, and this explains the focus system extremely well. Thanks so much for your expertise.<br>.

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• DA

  @davidanderson6736 · 3 months ago

  Really helpful. And thanks to all the commenters who’ve shared their tips!

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• YA

  @yannislueer5346 · 4 months ago

  Those were really great tipps. Im using a om1 II aswell with a 40-150 f2.8 and a 300mm f4. A feature of the OM1 that i love is the MF+AFC function that allows the user to adjust the focus manually while stillt having autofocus. That comes in handy with thick bushes where the camera doesnt detect and reach through to the subject. When using backbutton af its really helpful to not press the af button and just adjust the af manually so the camera can detect the subject

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• CH

  @CharlieRenideo · 1 month ago (edited)

  Another option on the OM-1. Instead of turning off autofocus. In settings set the camera to shoot in AF + manual focus. That way when AF is not able focus on a bird deep in the brush, then just use the focus ring to focus on the bird.

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• RI

  @ridealongwithrandy · 2 months ago

  Good stuff. One thing i also do is use the cross hair display instead of like the rule of thirds display. Helps me get on target quicker.

• DA

  @davidligon6088 · 4 months ago

  I shoot Sony, A1 II and A7RV, nevertheless there is a lot of food for thought here. &nbsp;I have focus set to half press, with subject recognition on, and have the AF-On button programmed to enable tracking when pressed. I have not tried full back-button focus, but it seems a lot of bird photographers use it. I would have to change up multiple buttons to try it, but I might just do that. &nbsp;I have the C1 button programmed to toggle between subject types as I am often at the local dog beach photographing birds and dogs, or out hiking where I want to photograph people. I have the C2 button on the top of the camera to toggle between multiple focus areas. I have the AEL button programmed to change to Shutter Priority with a 1/640 shutter speed, when pressed, for perched birds. &nbsp;I have a ring on my lens that allows me to set and return to a focus distance, which I often use. I typically use the button on the lens to toggle APS-C mode. I have shot a lot of birds over the last couple years, but still consider myself a newbie, experimenting for the right setup for my cameras. There are a couple things I still struggle with understanding, like tracking sensitivity, and now tracking speed with the A1 II.

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• JA

  @jakesdewet3567 · 3 months ago

  Hi Todd what I like about your reviews and experience is that you talk about the reality of the strength and challenges of the system. The AF is very good but your tips here is spot on. I have had people getting violently upset in discussions about the OM focus system. Just like Nikon, Sony and Canon ad lets through in Fuji all produce fantastic AF results but can fail completely if we think the Camera will do all.

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• CA

  @catherinetremerryn · 3 months ago

  Thank you, this has been incredibly helpful. and given me much to plan and think about.

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• DA

  @darrencrutchfield7572 · 4 months ago

  Great tips, as I have honed my skills over the past 25 years, I&apos;ve learned many of what you&apos;ve addressed. Also with the 150-600mm the single pinpoint AF target area does automatically enlarge as you zoom in. Keep up the posture of learning!

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• FR

  @francoispelletier-g1g · 4 months ago

  that was my morning with the parulines, the new leafs and the little birds.... just before the mosquitos are back in the next days of this week!!!

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• RO

  @ronis2728 · 3 months ago

  It is really informative, Thanks ❤

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• JE

  @jereXIX · 4 months ago

  Thanks, Todd! I’m still getting used to the OM1 auto focus and this helps a lot.