Red kites at gigrin

[Rybear]

I love going to gigrin farm to see the kites but I really struggle to get sharp pics 

650 images... Only a couple are useable

Wish I had the money for a lens upgrade but I don't so my Sony a68 and tamron 70-300sp will have to do 

[Clicker]

Well I  would have killed to have had one as  clear as that second one in flight Ryland ...      I will really have to get my settings right for  doing this ...  where is Roger when we need him ...lol 

[johntwo]

10 hours ago, Clicker said:

Well I  would have killed to have had one as  clear as that second one in flight Ryland ...      I will really have to get my settings right for  doing this ...  where is Roger when we need him ...lol 

The approach explained to me by a wildlife photographer is to set the camera to Manual so that you can select shutter speed to suit the action and Aperture to maintain DOF (especially with a very long lens) and rely on Auto ISO to get the exposure right.  A bit more difficult in poor light but in his view, a noisy shot was better than no shot at all.  Sounds about right to me but all I have to do is to remember to set up the camera accordingly.  The trouble is that I generally forget and it turns into one of those "I should have done" moments.

[Rybear]

That's what I did.. Manual.. 1250of a second.. F6. 3 and auto iso.... And let the Camera sort it... It's the focusing I have a problem with as they are so fast and unpredictable.. My new camera is a lot faster focusing than my old one but it's still not fast enough for these birds

[Clicker]

My problem is that I wait  patiently for a couple of hours waiting for the kites to fly within range of my lens which seems to be hardly ever and then the minute I  give up, pack the camera away or change the lens to get at least a landscape for my troubles,  the ruddy things seem to practically tease me by flying close enough for me to see what they ate for breakfast !!! ... As an old chemistry teacher once said to me ( I hated Chemistry) , “Polly must try harder to achieve  the results she has thinks  she deserves”.  Grrrr  !!!

[Rybear]

Have you been to gigrin farm? 

[Denis]

A bit of road kill might tempt them nearer Clicks, throw a dead rabbit or two out in your garden/selected field/park and sit and wait

[Clicker]

 No I haven't been there ... just checked the map ... I went to the one in the Brecon beacons a couple of years ago and was a bit disappointed ... Gigrin Farm  is only  65 miles away so I am earmarking that for a decent day out soon ... Thanks ... The  website looks like it's a good place to see plenty of them... Thanks ..   

[Rybear]

I went to the one in the Brecon beacons a few weeks ago as its closer to me.. It's ok but nothing like gigrin there must have been over 200 birds there.. It's an awesome spectacle.. Next time I go I'm gonna pay extra and try a photography hide and see if that makes it easier 

[Clicker]

Good Idea ...  You have got me sold on the idea too ...  It sounds like I may have a bit of a better chance  of getting something anyway.. 

[sjr]

A little further North just outside Aberystwyth there is also kite feeding at bwlch nant yr arian forest. There is a hide on a first come basis no charge (yes thats the tight Yorkshireman in me before anyone else says it), entrance fee is just car parking fee and a really nice cafe we went 3 times while on holiday last year. I also had about 2 good shots from hundreds so I feel your pain but saying that your second pic is a stunner.

[johntwo]

Just for interest, there is another spot in the Borders that provides great opportunity if you are up that way.  It's at the Southern end of Loch Kent.

[Ryewolf]

Some great shots there Ryland, I often see them flying around, but never close up.