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Thanks, I'm using the practice to learn settings to try for some raptor in-flight shots. Looks like I need just a bit more speed to stop the wings more. The challenging part seems to be catching the moving targets in the close zoom and keeping them in focus!

Practice makes perfect!
I had the same issue regarding shutter speed, around 2k to 2.5k works best when im taking in flight pictures.
Yeah focusing on birds comes with practice.

Yes, That's what I've read from other experts. I've been trying to fudge that number lower, these were at 1/1600, but it seems I will have to cave and speed it up. I guess other folks really do know what they are doing lol.