Your Call?
Which two of today’s featured images do you like best? Why did you make your choices? (I am thinking that this might be a which image is in second place kind of post …)
My Call
In the last blog post, my favorite was Red’s Great Egret image in part because I loved the finger-mullet background. Each of the three folks that picked a favorite selected a different image. That leaves me thinking that they were all pretty decent photographs.
What’s Up?
I’ve continued to have some decent chances every morning here at ILE. It is finally beginning to warm up a bit. It is supposed to be back in the low eighties by Tuesday. I am staying at an airport hotel in Orlando on Sunday evening for my early morning flights on Monday: MCO to Seattle to Anchorage. I overnight in Anchorage and meet up with Brian “The Mailman” Bower and Kevin Hice. We drive down to Homer on Tuesday. After that for us will be two days of songbirds and five days of Bald Eagles. That will be followed by five more days of eagles for me. If you would like to join me on one or both Homer IPTs in FEB 2027, please get in touch via e-mail or try me on my cell at 863-221-2372. Please leave a message and shoot me a text if I do not pick up.
Volume V, the last and final six-image optimization treatise in the Digital Basics IV Video Series was sent to all subscribers on Tuesday afternoon. I will be sharing the Volume V details in the next blog post. Methinks it is the most impressive of the now 10 total volumes.
After a $100.00 price drop, IPT veteran and Used Gear Page regular Dane Johnson’s Sony 90mm macro lens sold for $598.00.
Today is Thursday 5 February 2026. It is supposed to rain but that has never stopped me before and will not stop me now. Then I need to do some serious cold weather trip packing. I hope that you too choose to have a wonderful and productive day and that you have fun too. And please remember that happiness is a choice — Byron Katie, The Work.Com (and as discussed in depth here recently).
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.
B&H Simplified
To ensure that I get credit for your B&H purchases, you can always click here. The tracking is invisible but using my affiliate links is greatly appreciated. And, with B&H, 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!
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 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. Using either my affiliate links is greatly appreciated and will often earn you free guides or discounts. To receive a free guide or free entry into a Sony Set-up and Info Notes e-Mail group, you need to shoot me your receipt via e-mail. The B&H receipts need to include the order number.
Bedfords Amazing BAA Discount Policy
Folks who have fallen in love with Bedfords can always 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 when your product ships. 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, or prior purchases.
You can visit the Bedfords website here, shoot Steve Elkins an e-mail, or text him on his cell phone at (479) 381-2592.
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This image was created on 16 September 2025 by yours truly at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing at full height on the boardwalk, I used the Robus RCM-439 4-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod, 65/Wimberley MonoGimbal Head-supported 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 via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 2000: 1/500 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:31:18am on a cloudy morning. Wide/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #1: Turkey Vulture juvenile — head & neck portrait |
A Bit Lucky With Shutter Speed
When the vulture leaned forward and raised its wings to get ready to take off, Wide tracked the eye beautifully but I was worried that 1/500 second would not be fast enough to prevent any motion blur. The image, however, was razor sharp on the eye. This young Turkey Vulture was surely hatched in the spring of 2025.
Robus MonoPodding With the Sony 400-800 G Lens
Learn more about monoPodding and see some excellent images from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and from ILE in the blog post here.
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This image was created on 3 February 2026 by yours truly at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV in the North Field, I used the BLUBB-supported 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 via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 1600: 1/3200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:32:20am on a clear sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #2: Crested Caracara juvenile — head & neck portrait |
You Gotta Love Young Birds
As a general rule, young birds are far easier to approach than the more wary adults. I first photographed this juvie caracara from my vehicle. Then I was able to open the door and get down on the ground for some eye level images. (That will never work with an adult of this species.) Last, I got back in the car and approached the bird very closely for a long series of head portraits. This one — the very last photo that I made on Tuesday morning, was my favorite.
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This image was created on 30 January 2026 by yours truly at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV in the North Field, I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens (Sony E) (at 780mm) and The Latest Greatest Sony Flagship Body, the a1 II Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 800: 1/1600 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 8:52:52am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #3: Sandhill Crane adult preening |
Sony 400-800mm Close Focus
The minimum focusing distance (MFD) of the 400-800 is 5’7.2″ at the short end and 11’6″ at 800mm. The resulting 0.23X magnification ranks this lens very near the top among super-telephotos. It compares quite favorably to the MFD of the Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens: 14′ 9.6″. The magnification with the 600 is only 1.4X. The incredible close-focusing of the 400-800 makes it ideal for head hunting bird photographers especially those with excellent stalking skills who are able to get physically near their subjects. And those working with relatively tame birds.
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Image #4: Photo Mechanic screen capture for the Osprey on the ground with crest blowing in the wind image. |
The Lying Histogram
If you judge this image by the Photo Mechanic histogram, you would think that it is two full stops under-exposed. RawDigger shows that it is less than 1/3-stop from being a perfect exposure. When judging the exposure of images with small areas of bright white (or other highlights), it is often extremely difficult to see the mere sliver of data on the right side of any histogram. That is just one of the reasons why Sony’s Zebra technology is so valuable.
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This image was created on 1 February 2026 by yours truly at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV in the North Field, I used the BLUBB-supported 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 via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 2000: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:40:58am on a clear sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #4A: Osprey on the ground with crest blowing in the wind — moderate crop |
The Northwest Wind Taketh Away and the Northwest Wind Giveth
I often refer to clear skies with a brisk northwest wind in the morning as the death-on-bird photography forecast as the birds will always be facing away from you. This bird read the book and was facing looking directly away from me into a 17mph wind from the NW. It is rare that anything good happens in this situation. But, one thing that is 100% true is that you will not make any good images while you are sitting in your office. As I drove slowly into position the Osprey turned to check me out. When it did so, the “bad” wind blew the feathers on its head into a crest that was both comical and dramatic.
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This image was created on 1 February 2026 by yours truly at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated in the driver’s seat of my SUV in the North Field, I used the BLUBB-supported 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 via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Wheel. ISO 2000: 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. AWB at 7:40:58am on a clear sunny morning. Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Click on the image to enjoy the larger, inexplicably sharper high-res version. Image #4B: Osprey on the ground with crest blowing in the wind — extreme crop |
Head Hunting with the Crop Tool
Sony a-1 ii Image Quality!
The moment I pressed the shutter button I envisioned a huge crop that included only the bird’s head and a bit of its back. The image quality of sharp, 51MP a-1 ii files is so spectacular that they can stand up to ridiculously large crops.
The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-8 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 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.
This guide is 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.
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Composite #1: All with the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body.
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The a-1 ii for General Bird Photography
I have found that eye-tracking for general bird photography with the a-1 ii is far, far better than with the original Sony a-1. It grabs the eye and tracks it faster and far more consistently. And, focus is rarely lost even with backgrounds other than sky.
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Composite #2: All with the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body.
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The a-1 ii for Birds in Flight
For birds in flight, the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body has no equal. As Arash Hazeghi says, “It is better than the a-1.” When I am late getting on a bird in flight, I have consistently been amazed at how often the AF system of the a-1 ii finds and tracks the bird’s eye.
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Composite #3: All the result of using Pre-Capture with the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body.
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Pre-Capture with the Sony a-1 ii
When it comes to Pre-Capture with the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body, Arash and I agree 100%; this feature is amazing. And with my slower reflexes, Pre-Capture is more important for me than it is for Arash. Understand that in each of the images in Composite #3, I did not push the shutter button until after the bird took flight!
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All with the a-1 ii Mirrorless Camera body.
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Purchasing or Upgrading to a Sony a-1 ii
The Sony a-1 ii e-Mail Set-up and Info Guide
I now own and use two Sony a-1 ii bodies. Every day that I use them, the more I am amazed by speed and accuracy of the Bird Face-Eye tracking in AF-C and the overall performance of the camera.
Aside from the improved ergonomics as compared to the a-1, other nice features include the fact that the rear screen tilts both ways — the lack of a tilting rear screen on the original a-1 always ticked me off. Pre-capture has proven to be a huge plus almost exclusively for take-off flight images. In my opinion, the Speed Boost feature is a total waste for bird photography because you should always be utilizing the maximum frame rate. In addition, the resolution on the rear monitor has been improved dramatically. I must mention again that Bird Face-Eye tracking on the a-1 ii is vastly improved as compared to both the a-1 and the a9 iii and that the 51MP files are to die for.
So, the big question is, is the a-1 ii “worth” a gear upgrade. Remembering that I can never know whether or not something is worth it to you, I can say that I was not floored when first using my a-1 ii. The differences between the a-1 ii and the original a-1, seemed to be neither huge nor eye-opening. But over time, I have come to realize that I was 100% wrong. The huge difference between the new camera body and the a9 iii is, of course, the 51MP a-1 raw files (as compared to the 24MP files rendered by the a9 iii).
The price of a new a-1 is $5,698.00. The price of a new a-1 ii is $1,100.00 more: $6,998.00. As the a-1 ii is clearly far superior for bird photography to the original a-1, the choice for folks new to Sony or for those upgrading from lesser Sony camera bodies is an easy one. Prices for used a-1 bodies have dropped but not as drastically as I had anticipated. At this point, a-1 folks who like showing flight and action and can afford an a-1 ii, are advised to purchase an a-1 ii. Please remember that life is short; we only get one ride on the merry-go-round.
If you do purchase an a-1 ii, be sure to use one of my two affiliate links so that you will receive my a-1 ii settings (in the form of a CAMSEa1ii.DAT file), the Buttons and Dials Guide, and an Info Sheet for free. Using my links will never cost you one penny and may actually save you some money. Folks who do not purchase their new a-i using my B&H link or from Bedfords here and entering the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout will be able to purchase the a-1 ii guide for $244.93. If you are at all confused and do not want to screw up your order, please get in touch via e-mail. If you would like to chat about upgrading, shoot me a text to 863-221-2372 and LMK a good time to call you.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
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