How do I photograph a hummingbird in flight using 70-300mm VR with D80 digital camera SLR?

Question

I am having trouble taking a photo of a hummingbird. I am using Shutter Priority, ISO 200, F5 and shutter at 200 with flash

The flash is limiting my shutter speed to only 200 and my aperature to lowest of F5

If i turn flash off, then I can jack shutter up to 4000, but if I do anything over 500, its almost totally black. Any suggestions what I should do?

When I use flash, its just scaring the hummingbird away

Answer 1

To make it simple, I suggest openeing up your aperature all the way. and turning your shutter speed to high priority, and as well keep the ISO at the highest it can be. Then shoot on sport to get the hummingbirds entire flight.

And if it still turns black then maybe get somewhere with more light, if it is still black you are going to have to end up shooting the hummingbirds entire flight.  

Answer 2

GO to ISO 800 and start again.  This will allow a fast enough shutter speed and you won't need the flash.  If anything over 400 is black at ISO 200, you should be able to go up to 1500 at ISO 800 and get an exposure - if all other factors remain the same.

I have not shot hummingbirds, but I've tracked a few dragonflies, which dart about quite a bit.  I have not found that I need ultra high ISO's, though.  Here's one at ISO 100, 1/320, f/9: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei...

Here's another at ISO 400, 1/320, f/14: http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei...

I'm thinking you should be able to do okay with hummingbirds at similar settings.