Settings Breakdown
The key to panning: slow enough for background blur, fast enough to keep subject sharp. Start around 1/60s and adjust based on subject speed and desired blur.
Use your lens/camera's panning IS mode. It stabilizes vertical movement while allowing horizontal pan motion. Regular IS fights against your pan.
Continuous focus tracks the subject as you pan. The subject distance changes slightly during the pan — continuous AF compensates automatically.
With slow shutter speeds, you'll have plenty of light. Use base ISO for maximum image quality. May need ND filter in bright conditions to allow slow shutters.
Fire bursts while panning to maximize keeper chances. At slow shutter speeds, tiny variations in your pan technique mean only some frames will be sharp.
In Shutter Priority mode, the camera selects aperture. Expect narrow apertures in daylight. This increases depth of field, helping with focus accuracy.
Pro Tips
Move From Your Hips
Rotate your entire torso smoothly from the waist, not just your arms. This creates a steadier, more consistent pan motion. Plant your feet and pivot.
Start Tracking Early
Begin following the subject before pressing the shutter. Match their speed, then fire while maintaining the pan. Continue after the shutter closes.
Keep Subject in Same Frame Position
Lock the subject on one AF point (often center) and keep them there throughout the pan. If they drift in frame, your pan speed doesn't match.
Background Matters
Colorful, varied backgrounds create more dramatic streaks. Plain walls blur to boring mush. Position yourself where background has interesting elements.
Use a Monopod
A monopod with a fluid head provides stability while allowing smooth panning. It reduces vertical shake while you focus on horizontal tracking.
Practice on Predictable Subjects
Cars on a road, cyclists on a path, runners on a track. Predictable paths let you nail the technique before attempting erratic subjects.