The Power of Random AF Points in Bird Photography
How to manipulate focus points for successful bird photography
Bill Harris
March 18, 2025
Note: This tip comes from the Canon Bird Branch Project - How To Photograph Wild Birds
Photograph by Robert Gramner – In this situation which bird or birds do you want in focus? This is one example where using random moveable focus points is an extreme benefit.
Precise focus is essential when photographing stationary birds or those engaged in subtle movements like grooming or singing. Using a single AF point gives you the control needed to lock focus precisely where you want it—typically on the bird’s eye.
With back-button autofocus (AF), you can make small focus adjustments as the bird shifts without constantly moving the camera, keeping you ready for the perfect shot.
Photograph by Canon / Tozuka – This Siberian Rubythroat was perched in Japanese knotweed. Since it was not moving, the author took a shot with the bird in the center. They then adjusted the composition, moving the AF points of four-point AF point expansion (Manual selection) to where the bird was positioned in the frame and then focused. It might look like too much space on the left, but with this kind of composition, that space can be used to write a message if you use it as a postcard or something like that.
Graphic by Canon Global / Tozuka
Resetting the AF point to the center of the frame after shooting is a good habit. If you leave it on the edge, you might miss a sudden opportunity, resulting in blurry or misfocused shots when the subject appears elsewhere.
Graphic by Canon Global / Tozuka – It is always a good idea to immediately move the AF points back to center.
A single AF point often falls short for dynamic subjects like birds in flight as the bird moves quickly out of the focus area. In this case, AF point expansion (8 points) or Zone AF is more effective, allowing the camera to use surrounding points to track the bird while maintaining your desired composition.
Photograph by Canon / Tozuka – An 8-point AF point selection works best for birds in flight.
These modes allow you to frame the bird creatively while keeping it sharp, even if it isn’t perfectly centered. Zone AF is beneficial when prioritizing composition, as it tracks moving subjects across a broader area of the frame.
Photograph by Canon / Tozuka: The author discovered the flight path of a flock of Gulls. The setting was good, with mountains in the background, but the tremendous surrounding scenery would be lost if he focused on the center. So, after arranging the composition, he set the AF Point Expansion (8 Points) (Manual selection, surrounding points) to capture the flying Slaty-backed Gulls in the best position.
Balancing focus control and composition requires practice, but understanding these AF techniques will dramatically improve your bird photography. Use single-point AF for stationary birds and AF point expansion or Zone AF for birds in flight.
Combining back-button focus for fine adjustments and resetting the AF point when you’re done, you’ll be ready to adapt to calm and fast-paced moments, ensuring sharp and well-composed shots every time.
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