Your Call?
Which two of today’s seven featured images are your favorites? Why do you like each of them? I will share my top two picks with you here in the next post.
If you see any evidence of Photoshop foul play in one or more of today’s seven featured images, please identify them by Image # and state your evidence for each. By my standards, there are two that fit the category. Confessions in the next post.
In the Last Blog Post
In the last blog post, the main reason I drove up on the hill was to separate the duck’s head from the vegetation. Well done Bob Eastman. Learn more by reading my responses to the four comments here.
What’s Up?
Photographic opportunities at ILE continue to decline with the near complete absence of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and the fact that the six or seven surviving crane colts get bigger every day and are spending lots of time foraging in inaccessible backyards. I still get out every morning. On Monday morning, I made some nice images of a handsome young Great Egret in a field of tickseed blossoms and solved a White Balance riddle that had been bugging me. I have seen only two young Ospreys in the seven nests along the lakeshore. Several Killdeer families are doing well and the pair that hatched three of four eggs by the bathrooms have laid two new eggs in the same nest, i.e., double clutching.
On Sunday morning past, Clemens Van der Werf and his Canon gear (and two cycling friends from Tampa) joined me for the morning on Lake Blue Cypress. Our main targets were the fledged and nearly-fledged juveniles; we had lots of good chances and had a great time as well. Clemens and Anita North are my two most talented (former) students. You can see Clemens’s eclectic work here and check out Anita’s great images on her IG page.
If you are in the a-1 Firmware Update Group or my a-1 ii Group and would like to receive my latest, updated CAMSET.DAT file, please shoot me an e-mail and LMK which you need. Speaking of my Sony Camera Users Groups, I got this nice e-mail from long-ago IPT veteran Keith Kennedy yesterday:
Artie,
Today I successfully loaded your latest CAMSET file to my new a-1 ii. I followed your explicit directions and the installation was flawless! Thank you so much for doing such a great job; it is very much appreciated.
Keith
Today is Tuesday 27 May 2025. I will be heading down to the lake early as usual. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day. Do remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com.
If an item — a Delkin flash card or a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro — for example, that is available from B&H and/or Bedfords, is also available in the BAA Online Store, it would be great, and greatly appreciated, if you would opt to purchase from us. We will match any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedfords by using the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout for your major gear purchases. Doing either often earns you free guides and/or discounts. And always earns my great appreciation.
Don’t Just Shoot: Learn
To learn of the late-registration discounts and AirBnB availability for the Jacksonsville Royal Terns with chicks and more extended IPT late June/early July, or If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on an Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025) or in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Both offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and ground transportation during your stay.
BILD EXPO Presented by B&H
Why Attend? BIRDS AS ART Appearances, Speakers, Gear, Deals, and More!
I am pleased to announce that I will be doing portfolio reviews and four round table sessions at BILD this June. Here are the round table topics:
1- Systems, Lenses, and Camera Bodies for Bird Photography
2- Creating Sharp Bird Photographs
3- Bird Photography Hotspots
4- Creating Bird Photographs that depict Flight, Action, and Behavior
Stay tuned for a definitive schedule. I hope to see you there.
Bild Expo is back! Join us at The Javits Center in New York City for an unforgettable event featuring 100+ expert speakers, 250+ exhibitors, hands-on experiences, and the world’s greatest creative community. B&H’s incredible show specials will be the icing on the cake! Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an enthusiast, or a beginner, at Bild you will get inspired, learn, meet like-minded people, and celebrate being part of this amazing world of creativity.
Click here or on the logo link above for more information.
Click here to register.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but greatly appreciated. And, you can use your PayBoo card. You must use the website to order. You cannot get your free guides if you make a phone order. Once you have an item in your cart, you must complete the order within two hours. Huge thanks!
Bedfords Simplified
Click here to start your search. Choose standard shipping, and when you get to the payment page, enter BIRDSASART in the discount code box and hit apply. You will be upgraded to free second day air Fed-Ex and receive 3% cash back on your credit card once your stuff ships. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
B&H
Many folks have written recently stating that they purchased a Sony a1 from B&H and would like their free membership in the Sony 1 Info and Updates Group, a $150.00 value. But when I check my affiliate account, their orders have not been there. When I let them know that they get credit for B&H purchases only if they use one of the many B&H affiliate links on the blog or begin their searches with this link, they are always disappointed. If in doubt, please contact me via e-mail and request a BH link. I am always glad to help and to guide you to the right gear.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can now use the BIRDSASART coupon code at checkout to enjoy a post-purchase, 3% off-statement credit (excluding taxes and shipping charges) on orders paid with a credit card. The 3% credit will be refunded to the card you used for your purchase. Be sure, also, to check the box for free shipping to enjoy free Second Day Air Fed-Ex. This offer does not apply to purchases of Classes, Gift Cards, prior purchases.
Visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
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. And the same is true in spades when ordering new camera bodies or lenses. My advice will often save you some serious money and may help you avoid making a seriously bad choice. Please know that I am always glad to answer your gear questions via e-mail. If you are desperate, you can try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Sony Alpha 1 (a-1) Mirrorless Camera Body
Price reduced $100.00 on 26 May 2025
Multiple IPT veteran and longtime BAA friend Pat Fishburne is offering a rarely used Sony a-1 (ILCE-1) mirrorless camera body in excellent plus condition for a BIRDS AS ART record low $3198.00 (was $3,298.00). This body has been updated to Firmware 3.00 that reportedly improves Bird Face-Eye tracking to levels attained by the a1-ii. The camera has my latest a-1 set-up on it. The sale includes the current Buttons and Dials Guide and the Info Sheet, the original product box, one battery, the charger, the camera strap, 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 Pat via e-mail.
I used Sony a-1 bodies as my workhorse camera bodies for more than three years. They produce stunning 51MP files with vivid natural colors. The AF system is superb. They are rugged and dependable and 30 frames per second is nothing to sneeze at. With a brand new a-1 ii going for $6498.00, you can save an even $3200.00 by grabbing Pat’s nearly as good as new a- copy ASAP. Right now, B&H is offering a used Sony a-1 in the same condition, 9+, for $4,674.95 here. Don’t believe me? Click the link. Prices of some used gear items like the Sony a-1 are actually rising in anticipation of the coming tariff.
Used Induro GIT 505 XL Tripod Bargain
Price reduced $100.00 on 26 May 2025
Your truly, Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART, is offering a rarely used Induro Stealth GIT 505XXL in like new condition for $425 (was $525.00). This is the monster of all tripods. It offers maximum strength and rigidity and can support 88.2 pounds of gear with ease. It stands 81.3″ tall with the legs fully extended. It is perfect for folks desiring maximum stability in windy conditions, those working from a fixed position with very slow shutter speeds, and in situations where you need to get very tall such as when working a tree nest possibly while standing on a ladder. This is not a tripod that you want to be carrying around in the field unless you are Superman. The sale includes only the legs and insured ground shipping to your lower 48 address. Please contact artie via e-mail. I could not find a single one for sale anywhere in the world. I paid B&H $802.50 for it when purchased new in 2021.
|
|
This image was created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 5000: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 6:39:39 ten minutes after a hazy, well-muted sunrise. Tracking: Spot XS/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #1: Osprey — adult in flight |
Early on a Muted Sunrise Morning
As you make your way through this blog post, note my choice of rigs as the lighting conditions change. Early on, the sun was barely making it through a light fog bank to the east. In need of light, I grabbed the 400mm f/2.8 GM lens primarily for speed and, when compared to the lighter 300mm f/2.8 GM, for reach. I kept metering the white sky and adding 2 2/3 stops of light. Though ISO 5000 is not a favorite, it enabled me to create a decent image for web presentation. I used my usual double noise reduction technique on this image but switched from Low Light to Clear as the latter looked a lot better.
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:05:38am on a sunny but haze morning. Wide/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #2: Osprey — adult lifting off |
Once the Sun Brightened
It was still early — about 35 minutes after sunrise, once the sun fought its way through the fog. When it did, I had enough light to add the 1.4X TC to get to 560mm and 1/4000 sec. without having to go to a ridiculously high ISO. Looking at Image #2 alone, it looks as if the bird might simply be raising its wings. After checking the EXIF for Image $3, how do we know that the bird in Image #2 was actually taking fight?
In any case, score another one for Pre-capture.
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250: 1/4000 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was perfect. AWB at 7:05:38am on a sunny but haze morning. Wide/AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #3: Osprey — adult having just taken flight |
Hand Holding the 400mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Even though the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM lens is only 4 ounces lighter than the 600mm f/4 GM, I find it much easier to hand hold (albeit only for short periods for flight photography) than the 600. Why? It is physically smaller and with much of the weight to the rear of the lens, better balanced.
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 760mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 2000: 1/3200 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:24:48am on a then sunny morning. Detection performed perfectly. Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #4:Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage, calling |
As the Sun Approached Full Strength …
As the sun approached full strength, I put the 400 foot/2.8 away and grabbed the 400-800 for its versatility, its additional reach, its smaller size, and its lighter weight. It light years easier to hand hold the 4-8 than it is too hand hold the larger, heavier 600mm f/4 with the 1.4X TC added (to reach 840mm).
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 730mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 2000: 1/4000 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:36:06am on a then sunny morning. Detection performed perfectly. Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #5: Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage, on nest |
Positioning the Pontoon Boat
To get the green background, we directed Don, our skipper/guide, to position the boat so that the nest lined up with some distant trees. Such backgrounds, however, do not last forever as the boat drifts even in a light wind. Locals who wish to join me for a morning of In-the-Field Instruction on Lake Blue Cypress in early June with a wind from the east should contact me via e-mail.
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 400mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1250: 1/4000 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:41:16am on a then sunny morning. Detection performed perfectly. Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #6: Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage, in flight |
400-800 Versatility
Being able to zoom out smoothly and quickly to 400mm saved the day with this flight image. I would never have come close to fitting the bird in the frame at 800mm. Remember that the size of the bird in the frame is a function of the square of the focal lengths; in this case, 64 to 16.
Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens (Canon RF)
I have been wanting to get my hands on this lens since a guy took me to task with his comment at a YouTube video. I was a bit surprised when Clemens showed up with is brand new Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens (Canon RF) at Lake Blue Cypress. I have previously referred to this lens as an abomination because it changes length dramatically when zoomed in or out. The zoom mechanism was a bit smoother than I expected (as compared the Canon RF 100-500). The Sony 400-800 requires about an 80° twist of the wrist to get from 400 to 800mm or back again. With the Canon 200-800, getting from the wide end to the short end requires about a 120° turn. It is, therefore, impossible to get from one end to the other with a single motion.
Clemens of course realizes the limitations while stating, “It’s all they’ve got, but it is very sharp.” At only $1899.00, the 200-800 is priced $1400.00 less than the Sony 400-800 at $3298.00. He has of course, made some great images with the lens at Fort DeSoto. Most of the time, however, he reverts to using his 600mm f/4 with at 1.4X TC on a tripod. He loves his Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera.
|
|
This image was also created on 25 May 2025 at Lake Blue Cypress, FL. Standing on a pontoon boat, I used the hand held Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 800mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined by Zebras with ISO on the rear wheel: ISO 1600: 1/4000 second at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:10:19 am on a still sunny morning. Wide AF-C with Bird Eye/Face Detection enabled performed perfectly. Click on the image to see a larger, sharper high resolution version Image #7: Osprey — fresh juvenal plumage, tight face portrait |
400-800 Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD)
At 800mm, the Sony 400-800 focusing down to 11.5 feet. I was not much farther away than that when I created this image at a fortunately low nest.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom Lens Guide
When I borrowed this lens from Sony, I assumed that at 5.45 pounds it was too heavy to handhold for long and that at f/8 at the long end (800mm,) it was too slow for most bird photography applications. In short, I did not want to like the lens. After a month of using it, I cannot live without it. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. In this guide I share everything that I have learned about using the 400-800. For best results, you need to know exactly what you are doing to get the most out of this zoom lens. It would be best, therefore, to consider and study the material in the guide so that you can begin making great images with your new lens.
You will learn how to deal with the relatively show apertures: f/6.3, f/7.1, and f/8 when working in Manual mode.
You will learn how to ensure that you are working at the widest aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.
If you are able to hand hold the lens, you will learn proper hand holding techniques.
If you can’t, you will learn when, why, and how to employ other options. Those include:
1- The knee-pod, heel-pod, and toe-pod techniques
2- Using the lens on a monopod.
3- The best lens plate for your 4-8.
4- The best tripod and head for the 4-8 and how best to utilize them.
5- How to use the lens from your vehicle while supporting it on a BLUBB (or not and why not).
6- Detailed instructions on how to set and use the lens controls and buttons:
a- AF/MF
b- DMF Switch
c- Limit Range Switch
d- OSS (Optical Steady Shot) Switch
e- OSS Mode Switch
f- Focus Hold Buttons
The guide also includes a Hand Holding Shutter Speed Primer and an illustrative, educational, and inspiring image gallery.
Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
My two favorites are: #5 for the eye-level (or seemingly), clean view of the nest, and nice green background. I also love well made high-key images, so #1 is my second favorite. The down-the-barrel calling pose adds a lot.
Photoshop evidence? I can’t see any, but since you say there are some I’ll go with #5 as it is rare to get no intersecting twigs on the subject so perhaps you trimmed one there. Maybe some bill clean up on #7? But I do not see any traces in any of the images so those are just best guesses.
Thanks, Dan. #5 was a fairly low nest. The long focal length reduced the angle of inclination. #1 — not bad for ISO 5000! As for the Photoshop comments, they were spot on; two out of three ain’t bad. Nothing too dramatic.
with love, artie
Artie
That trip was amazing and to have captured some increadable pictures. I love the tight portrait #7 and at 800mm with the new lens that is really sweet. #5 on the nest is really clean and perhaps one of my favorites however #4 calling on the perch is also sweet. I can hear the call.
#2 is really cool and wondering if that shot was pre-capture or were you fast on the trigger? #1 and finally showing the clear underside of the osprey and yet a pleasing picture. Hard for my eye to see any photoshop hanky panky and no clear winner as I love them all. Not feeling it on #3 taking off.
What a trip though!
Always with love b
Thanks East Bobman, #2 was allPre-Capture 🙂 I even like #3.
much love, brother, a
#3 Flight image because of incredible detail on wings and tail.
Thanks, Pat.
with love, a
#2 — taking flight because the talons are not holding onto/wrapped tight around the branch? I’ll add that the bird has already done it’s quick down crouch to unlock the talons and probably eliminate as well.
Thanks, Elinor. I am not sure at all about the unlocked talons …
with love, artie