D300 focus settings for BIF's

[gll]

Just bought a D300 and a 200- 400 f4 for my wife and a trip to Alaska in 4 weeks. I have a d2x and 500 but have never been happy with the focus on BIF's and was wondering what setting to use on the 300 for the eagles we hope to see and the general focus setup you use.
thanks

[dhphoto]

My everyday settings on my D300 for focus is generally 3D Tracking with the three-way selector switch on the back set to Dynamic AF. For still subjects I keep it on Single and manually select my focus point then for moving subjects I just switch the C, S, M switch by the lens to continuous and use the tracking, which works great in most conditions. For panning stuff like cars, runners, etc I'll switch from 51 point 3D to 9 point because I'm usaully able to keep the subject centered in the viewfinder. Hope this helps.

[ggeen]

+1 on what Derek said. For birds in flight, 3D tracking and set to continuous focus mode. Sometimes, not often, I use manual focus for birds in trees because it allows me to focus past any branches that may be in front of the subject.

[Cope]

Forum member Shadow shoots a D300, primarily for birds. Maybe he will see this and chime in.

[ldelacruz]

Also Slickshooter has the exact setup you bought your wife.

[gll]

Thanks everyone, I know we just need to work with it, hopefully this will speed up the learning curve..
thanks

[DougC]

This is from E.J. Peiker over at naturescapes.net

Continuous focus mode
Set AF-C priority selection to Release
Set Dynamic AF area to 9 (any more like 21 slows focus aquisition and tracking a bit)
Set Focus Tracking with Lock on to normal
AF point selection to 51
Built in AF assist illuminator to off.

Now select the middle position on the AF sensor switch on the back of the camera