600s Rule ...

What’s Up?

Today is Friday 6 MAR 2020. We are headed down to the dock for our next-to-last eagle boat session in 33 minutes. Steve Elkins asked me to let everyone know that he has a Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens in stock right now with your name on it. His contact info is below. Grab the 600 GM right now and you earn a free copy of the new Sony e-Guide and Video. Gotta run.

Money Saving Reminder

If you need a hot photo item that is out of stock at B&H, would enjoy free overnight shipping, and would like a $50 discount on your first purchase over $1000.00, click here to order and enter the coupon code BIRDSASART at checkout. If you are looking to strike a deal on Canon or Nikon gear (including the big telephotos) or on a multiple item order, contact Steve Elkins via e-mail or on his cell at (479) 381-2592 (Eastern time) and be sure to mention your BIRDSASART coupon code and use it for your online order. Steve has been great at getting folks the hot items that are out of stock at B&H. Those include the SONY a7r IV, the SONY 200-600, the SONY 600mm f/4 GM, and the Nikon 500mm PF. Steve is eager to please.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BPN, are–out of ignorance–using the wrong gear especially when it comes to tripods and more especially, tripod heads… Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. Those questions might deal with systems, camera bodies, accessories, and/or lens choices and decisions.

This image was created in the harbor at Homer, AK on 3 MAR 2020. I used the Induro GIT 404/FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the blazingly fast Sony Alpha a9 II Mirrorless Digital camera body) that features incredibly accurate AF. ISO 2500. Exposure determined by Zebras: 1/500 sec. at f/5.6 in Manual mode. AWB at 5;17am on a partly cloudy afternoon. Tracking Flexible Spot S AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, inexplicably sharper version. Sea Otter pair — double head portrait<

600s Rule

The 600mm f/4 super-telephotos are the weapons of mass destruction for bird and nature photographers. With either teleconverter, the offer great reach (except for the Nikon 600 VR lenses with the TC-E20). I have always loved my 600s as they best fit my style: clean, tight, and graphic.

The SONY 600mm/1.4XTC/a9 II for Sea Otters!

After an early eagle boat session, we headed down to the docks to look for otters and possibly for some ducks and loons. There are many dozens of tame otters in the harbor, far more than when I used to visit Homer ten years ago (and more). 840mm proved to be a great focal length for creating this intimate portrait of the happy couple. Tracking Flexible Spot S AF-C allowed me to grab sharp focus on the eye of my main subject.

Depth-of-Field Question

Does the lack of depth-of-field bother you? In other words, would you have liked both otters sharp?

Canon 600mm Lenses for You!

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens

Rob Heifner is offering a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens in mint condition for the BAA record-low price of $10,799.00. The sale includes the original product box, the lens trunk, the rear lens cap, the lens strap, the tough front lens cover, an Aquatech soft rubber front lens cap, a Realtree Max-5 LensCoat, a Really Right Stuff dedicated lens plate (LCF-53B), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Rob via via e-mail or by phone at 1-281-967-9178 (Central time zone).

The 600 III is the latest Canon version of my favorite weapon of mass destruction for bird photography. With its super balance, light weight, incredible sharpness, and a five-stop Image Stabilization system, the 600 III is a technological marvel. The lens tips the scales at a relatively svelte 6.71 lb — about one ounce heavier than the SONY 600mm f/4GM OSS lens. It is a fraction under two pounds lighter than the 600 II. Thus, it is eminently hand-holdable for many folks. As this lens sells new for $12,999.00, you can save a neat $2,200.00 by being the one to grab Rob’s pretty much new lens (plus extras!) right now. This lens is super-sharp with either TC, one of the great advantages of Canon over Nikon. artie

Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Sold for $5496.00 6 MAR 2020

Craig Elson is offering a Canon 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens in near-mint condition for $5,996.00. Other than a few very small paint blemishes, it is in perfect condition cosmetically. The optics are mint. The lens was recently cleaned and checked by CPS. The sale includes the rear lens cap, the lens trunk and keys, the original tough front lens cover, the lens hood, the lens strap, the original lens foot, a 4th Generation replacement lens foot, a RealTree Lenscoat, the original product box,the manual and the warranty card, and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower-48 US addresses only. Your item will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Craig via e-mail or by phone at 1-704-904-7953 (Pacific time zone).

The 600 II has been the state of the art super-telephoto for birds, nature, wildlife, and sports for many years. When I was using Canon and could get it to my location, it was always my go-to weapon. It is fast and sharp and deadly alone or with either TC. With a new one going for $$9,499.00, you can save a cool $3503.00 by grabbing Steve’s Craig’s lens today. artie