Started by andyp_1974, 21 Oct 2025. 6 replies, 271 views
Gear in this topic: Canon EOS R7, RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
Been going up to a spot outside Northampton where the kites hang about, R7 with the 100-400, and I'm getting maybe one sharp one in 30, the AF locks on fine then just drops off and goes hunting into the sky which is baffeling because theres nothing else in the frame, using servo, animal detection on, whole area, 1/2000, f8, auto ISO, any ideas, starting to think its the lens being slow
andyp_1974 said:the AF locks on fine then just drops off and goes hunting into the sky
Try a smaller AF area instead of whole area. With a blank sky the camera sometimes has nothing to grab when the bird turns and loses contrast. Flexible zone or one of the zone boxes, with animal detection still on, made a big difference for me with hawks.
Kites are an excellent test, because they tilt and twist constantly and the underwing changes brightness every time they bank. Smaller zone, as Kathy says, and try to track from before the bird enters the part of the sky you want rather than trying to acquire it mid-air. If you can, pick them up while they're still against the treeline and follow them out.
The other thing is to give the camera a moment. Half-press, let it lock, follow for a second or two, then fire. Most of my misses with kites come from stabbing the button the instant the bird looks good.
On the R7 I'm told the tracking sensitivity settings are worth a look as well. If the camera is set to jump to new subjects quickly it will happily abandon a kite for a patch of bright cloud. I'm not a Canon user so someone else will know the menu, but on my OM-1 dialling that back made more difference than any lens ever did.
andyp_1974 said:starting to think its the lens being slow
Agree with the ladies. I'd also add +0.7 exposure comp against a bright sky, otherwise the meter goes for the sky, the bird turns into a silhouette and the AF has less to chew on. FWIW the 100-400 isn't your problem. It's plenty quick for kites.
cheers all, went back today with zone and +0.7 and Fen's half press thing, maybe one in 6 now which is massive tbf, still drops off when they bank hard against the clouds but im not complaining, got one with the sun coming through the tail feathers which is going on the wall
One in 6 on kites is good going! Some of those turns are just luck no matter what camera you have. The tail feathers lit up sounds lovely, you should post it in Showcase.
Not related but has anyone heard any more about the R7 II, rumours been saying soon for about a year now