I was out today shooting a 7D. I was attempting to shoot Ducks as the were landing on a pond. I was using a Canon 70-200mm L IS at 1/1200 second and was trying multiple different settings with the focus and using AI SERVO. This is my first time trying to shoot birds in flight and I could not get the birds in focus. I was wondering if you could post more details of how this is done and also share more of the settings you use with the 7D?
1. Spot AF, Single Point AF, AF Point Expansion, Zone AF, 19 Point AF?
2. AI Servo Tracking Sensitivity (Slow Med Fast)?
3. AI Servo 1st/2nd Image Priority (0,1,2,3)?
4. AI Servo Tracking Method (Main Focus Point Priority or Continuous AF Tracking Priority)?

Could you talk about panning with the birds?
Do you hit the shutter release halfway to pre-focus or use the back focus?

Thanks for the wonderful article!
Guy

@John O’Neill;
John, I checked out your site and was pleasantly surprised to see hockey pix…nice shots.
I just had the opportunity to shoot a U New Hampshire hockey game w/the (rented for game) 7d and 70-200 2.8L IS…I was very satisfied w/the hand held results. I’ve posted a couple on flickr…search for bikejanitor in the people category if you’re interested.

I use my 7D to shoot pro hockey and love the focusing system. My only problem is my lens, 70-200/2.8L USM, I have to use a monopod to catch the action. I think the camera and lens are great, wish I had the IS but that will have to wait.

I’m also getting some great portrait images out of this camera!

I just finished shooting at an airshow (helo and fast jets) with the 7D and 300/2.8L IS. I was in fact wondering if I should have gotten a 1Ds MkIII for the occasion. In absolute terms, I was very surprised by some of the sharpness and details achieved. I also used AI Servo and this camera was phenomenal at locking onto a moving object. The only question was whether I would have gotten better results with a 1Ds MkIII.

Also as you have observed, the 7D performed very well against a bright background. I have supersonic jets crossing bright white clouds and it managed with aplomb. Dynamic range was very good too given the bright cloud, the shadowed areas of the planes and the bright flames coming out behind the engines.

The 7D and a top grade lens is a lethal combination for action shots.

Great to hear about your experiences with the 7D!