Was the Arduous Butt-Crawl Worth It? 400-800 + 1.4X TC

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Super-Telephoto lens (the “old five”) with many Extras!

Avian audio recording expert Lang Elliott is offering a used Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM super-telephoto lens (the “old five”) in very good plus condition plus a ton of extras for a ridiculously low $1999.00. Included are a 1.4X III TC in near-excellent condition, a 2X II TC in near-excellent condition, the front leather lens cover, the lens trunk — sorry, no key), the rear lens cap, the original drop-in clear filter, a drop-in circular polarizing filter, a drop-in screw filter (with three ND lenses to choose from), and insured ground shipping via major courier to lower 48 US addresses only. Your items will not ship until your check clears unless other arrangements are made.

Please contact Lang via e-mail.

I owned, used, and traveled with “the old five” for many years back when I was a Canon Explorer of Light, one of the original 55. It was and is much lighter than all but the most recent versions of theCanon 600mm f/4IS lenses (and a lot smaller as well) and thus is a lot easier to travel with. It is a sharp lens and does just fine with either TC. With so many extras, Lang’s lens is an absolute steal. It does quite well with any of the high end Canon mirrorless camera bodies (with one of the RF to EF adapters). artie

Canon EOS 7D Mark II with Extras

Price reduced $50.00 on 11 August 2025

Good friend and many multiple IPT veteran Indranil Sircar is offering a Canon EOS 7D Mark II in excellent plus condition with several extras for a now ridiculously low $399.00 (was $449.00). The shutter count is 31001. The sale includes the Canon Battery Grip BG-E16 (a roughly $69.00 value), the original and one extra Canon battery (a roughly $50.00 value), the original box, the cables and software and manuals, the battery charger, the front body cap, Canon Remote Release RS-80N3 (a roughly $50.00 value) and insured ground shipping via UPS to lower-48 US addresses only.

Please contact Indranil via e-mail.

If you are looking to get started with a Canon dSLR, Indranil’s 7DII is perfect for you. Both Patrick Sparkman and I used and loved the 7D Mark II bodies until about ten years ago when we both committed to using full-frame Canon bodies. We both made some truly great images with it. Two of my three 2016 Nature’s Best honored entries were created with the 7D II, one still, and one video. The 7D Mark II remains one of the greatest-ever values in a digital camera body. artie

What’s Up?

After grabbing Steve Shore at JFK on Saturday afternoon, we had a nice fish dinner at our Long Beach AirBnB and then headed to Nickerson. There was a gentle south wind and we did well with flight and skimmer chicks of varying ages. Sunday morning was tough with wind against sun conditions but the morning was saved when I found a tiny skimmer chick. With a brisk SW wind, Sunday afternoon was stellar for skimmer flight and midair fights.

Today is Monday 11 August and we will be headed to the beach early to face the morning wind-against-sun conditions 🙁 I still have room in the AirBnB for the last Nickerson Beach IPT:

Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.

If an item — a Delkin flash card or reader, a Levered-clamp FlexShooter Pro, or a Wimberley lens plate or low foot — 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 or beat any price. Please remember also to use my B&H affiliate links or to earn 3% cash back at Bedford 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.

Gear Questions and Advice

Too many folks attending BAA IPTs and dozens of photographers whom I see in the field and on BirdPhotographer’s.Net, 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.

Don’t Just Shoot: Learn

If you are interested in changing your life and becoming a better photographer by joining me on the Extended IPT at Sebastian Inlet for Ospreys and more (SEPT 25 to NOV 24, 2025), in San Diego for Pacific-race Brown Pelicans and more (JAN 6 to FEB 2, 2026), or for Roseate Spoonbills at Stick Marsh (March 2026), please e-mail for dates, rates, terms, and additional information. Or shoot me a text to 863-221-2372. Some offerings include options for shared AirBnB lodging and meals. Ground transportation during your stay is a possibility at times.

This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand I used the foot pod technique with the handheld 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 1000: 1/3200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:55am on a sunny morning. Tracking Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #1: 3-day old Black Skimmer chick bird-scape Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Pulling One Out of the Hat!

With bright sun and a brisk wind from the southwest (wind-against-sun: bad), Steve Shore’s first morning was a challenging one. That after Judy Stepanaskie enjoyed three east wind mornings (wind and sun together: good). We took a long walk down the beach and found one un-banded American Oystercatcher catching mole crabs in the surf. While sitting trying flight photography with the wrong wind, we stumbled across a tiny skimmer chick.

When it nestled down 3/4 facing me in a small scrape to the right of a small stand of beach vegetation, I thought “bird scape!” 800mm with a small crop turned out to be perfect.

This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Standing at full height I used the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Focal length: 6.8mm. (iPhone 15 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78). ISO: 64: 1/12000 sec. at f/8. Image #2: artie’s seated butt crawling tracks in the sand Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

The Very Arduous Butt-Crawl

Boys and girls, those are not sea turtle tracks. Honest. As described here previously, I put my rig on my lap and pushed myself forward with my hands. I got down at the starting point and somewhere along the journey created Image #1. The tiny chick kept moving west. One of the parent birds landed briefly near the chick several times and then flew off. From the starting point to “A” was about 15 yards. From “A” to “X” was about 12 feet. Sitting at “A,” I photographed the chick in a small scrape at “X.”

This image was created on 10 August 2025 on the first morning of the Nickerson Beach Extended IPT with multiple IPT veteran and good friend Steve Shore. Seated on dry sand I used the foot pod technique with the handheld Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter (at 1071mm) 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 1000: 1/1000 sec. at f/13 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. RawDigger showed that the exposure was dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:15:31am on a sunny morning. Tracking Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #3: 3-day old Black Skimmer chick bird-scape Image copyright 2025: Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Sony 400-800 + the 1.4X Teleconverter

On sunny days, the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter is a viable combination. The results are incredibly sharp. I have used this combination previously but never got around to publishing the image. At least I do not think that I did. Please correct me if I am in error.

Was the Arduous Butt-Crawl Worth It?

This, perhaps, is the same question: which is the stronger image, #1 or #3? Why did you make your choice? Either way, a good bit of field skill was required to get close to the very small chick. Note that the “eye tooth” is still visible on the tip of the upper mandible.

The original pre-clean-up files for today’s two featured images

More Too Bad That They Do Not Award Nobel Prizes for Image Cleanup

I used my usual cadre of cleanup tools to clean up today’s images. Those primarily included the Patch Tool and the Remove Tool. I finished Image #1 by applying a 65-pixel Gaussian Blur that was painted in judiciously (I hope) with brushes of varying Opacities after the addition of a Hide All (Inverse, or Black) Layer Mask. While both results are quite impressive (he said modestly), the process is actually very easy to learn. All you need to do is master the use of a handful of Photoshop Tools.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II). You can order your copy from the BAA Online Store here, by sending a PayPal for $40 here, or by calling Jim or Jennifer weekdays at 863-692-0906 with your credit card in hand. Be sure to specify Digital Basics II.

The BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II)

The techniques mentioned above and tons more great Photoshop tips and techniques — along with my complete digital workflow, Digital Eye Doctor Techniques, and all my personalized Keyboard Shortcuts — are covered in detail in the BIRDS AS ART Current Workflow e-Guide (Digital Basics II), an instructional PDF that is sent via e-mail. Note: folks working on a PC and/or those who do not want to miss anything Photoshop may wish to purchase the original Digital Basics along with DB II while saving $15 by clicking here to buy the DB Bundle.

Please note: the Divide and Conquer technique was inadvertently omitted from DB II. It is detailed in a free excerpt in the blog post here.

Folks who learn well by following along rather than by reading can check out the complete collection of MP 4 Photoshop Tutorial Videos by clicking here. Note: most of the videos are now priced at an amazingly low $5.00 each.

You can learn how and why I converted all of my Canon digital RAW files in DPP 4 in the DPP 4 RAW Conversion Guide here. More recently, I became proficient at converting my Nikon RAW (NEF) files in Adobe Camera Raw. About three years ago I began converting my Nikon and Sony RAW files in Capture One and did that for two years. You can learn more about Capture One in the Capture One Pro 12 Simplified MP4 Video here. The next step would be to get a copy of Arash Hazeghi’s “The Nikon Photographers’ Guide to Phase One Capture One Pro e-Guide” in the blog post here. Today, I convert my Sony raw files in Photoshop with Adobe Camera Raw.

You can learn advanced Quick Masking and advanced Layer Masking techniques in APTATS I & II. You can save $15 by purchasing the pair.

Sony 400-800 GM Lenses

Steve Elkins of Bedfords texted me yesterday and let me know that he has six of my favorite lenses in stock. To grab yours, click here and choose standard shipping. 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. Best of all, you will earn a free copy of the BAA Sony 400-800mm GM Lens Guide.

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 months 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 and low foot 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 67-image gallery.

Free to folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase their Sony 400-800 G lens. Otherwise, please click here to order yours or send a PayPal for $115.43 to birdsasart@verizon.net and include the words “400-800 Lens Guide” in your e-mail.

Summer bird photography at Nickerson Beach is excellent.

Nickerson Beach 2025 Educational Opportunities

Please note that prices for both the IPTs and the ITF sessions have been reduced in an effort to attract new blood. Please e-mail for late registration discount info.

Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.

Nickerson Beach 4-Day Instructional Photo-Tour (IPT): MON AUG 25 afternoon thru the morning session on FRI AUG 29, 2025: $1899.00.

Three afternoon sessions, three morning sessions, two brunches with Image Review & Photoshop sessions. AirBnB lodging and rides with the leader possible. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.

Breeding Black Skimmers, Common Terns, and American Oystercatchers with young.

Morning BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS) followed by brunch and an Image Review & Photoshop session: $449.00/per session

Available dates: AUG 10-31, SEPT 1-5, 2025. Please get in touch with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net (and please BCC birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) and/or via a text to 863-221-2372 with questions or to register.

Afternoon BAA In-the-Field Instructional Sessions (ITFIS): $299.00/session.

Available dates: AUG 10-15 & 17-31, SEPT 3-5, 2025. Please get in touch with questions or to register with an e-mail to samandmayasgrandpa@att.net and please copy birdsasartstaff@gmail.com) just to be sure. It looks as if Will have access to webmail on one of the two office computers. You can also shoot me a text to 863-221-2372.

Morning and afternoon sessions may be combined and multiple days of instruction are feasible.

Morning In the Field Instruction at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge may be available — 7/21-22/25.

Some of What You Will Learn on a Nickerson Beach IPT

• 1- The basics and fine points of digital exposure; how to get the right exposure every time after making a single test exposure (or before if you are using SONY gear).
• 2- How and why to work in Manual mode (even if you’re scared of it).
• 3- How to approach free and wild birds without disturbing them.
• 4- Lots about bird behavior and how to use that knowledge to help you create better images.
• 6- To spot the good and great situations and to choose the best perspective.
• 7- To see, evaluate, and understand the light.
• 8- To design pleasing images by mastering your camera’s AF system.
• 9- And perhaps most importantly, to evaluate wind and sky conditions and understand how they combine to affect bird photography. You will learn where and when to be (and why).
• 10- More than you could ever imagine.

Typos

With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.