Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

Your Call?

Be so kind to leave a comment letting us know which three of today’s eleven featured images are your favorites and what you liked about each one.

My Call

Picking only three Pat Fishburne images from the Both 86- and 78-Year Olds Learn on an Extended IPT blog post here was indeed difficult. With some trepidation, here are my three favorites (in no particular order) along with the reasons I liked each of them:

Image #1, the skimmer/tern-scape because I loved the soft light and the way the birds were lined up and spaced.

Image #5, the skimmer orange sunrise flight image because of the sharpness, the spectacular color, and because Pat followed directions carefully and then made her own great image.

Image #6, the adult Common Tern with spearing image because hers was much better than my best despite the fact that I was sitting right next to her!

What’s Up?

If you live in a spot that offers excellent bird photography from October through June, what is the best plan if you’d like to make some excellent images when it is usually hot and humid?

Head out anyway! You cannot make any images sitting in your living room. As I have been since getting back from Long Island, you just might be pleasantly surprised by a variety of cooperative subjects and good situations.

Today is Wednesday 18 September 2024. (Fall starts on Sunday). I headed down to the lake early today on a still morning with the first clear sunrise in the last three weeks. It was amazing to the tune of 1881 as yet un-edited images. I enjoyed still blue water, several ridiculously cooperative Killdeer, a handsome Mottled Duck, and my first good chance in months with a Black-bellied Whistling Duck. I created about 700 Killdeer images but after an hour, I made one really special one. I finished my morning off by working the dependable Black and Turkey Vultures. There are more juvenile TVs than I have ever seen before.

Anywho, whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — 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.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a Thank You gift here.

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear.

This image was created on the morning of 12 September 2024 in my front yard. I used the Robus RC-5558 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod/Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens with the Metabones Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Sony E Mount T Smart Adapter (Fifth Generation) and The One, the Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera body. ISO 2000. The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial: 1/125 second at f/8 (stopped down two 2/3 stops) in Manual Mode. Shade WB at 9:09:00am in the shade on a cloudy morning. Manual focus with (RED) focus peaking. Click on the image to enjoy a larger version. Image #1: Daisy blossom, possibly Englemann’s –picked and Plamped. Thanks to David Policansky for the ID correction.

White Balance Flower Tip

Though you can always change the White Balance after the fact when shooting RAW, I find it best to change the WB to cloudy when photographing flowers on cloudy morning or in the shade. I find it hard to explain why, other than to say that seeing accurate yellows while you are working puts my creative mind at ease.

Why the Canon 180mm Macro Lens?

Over the past few years, you have seen more than a few really fine images made with the rig that I used to create today’s two featured images. I love long focal lengths with their narrow angles of view and sweet backgrounds; the no-longer available Canon 180mm Macro lens is the longest macro lens around. Shoot me an e-mail if you’d like me to help you find a used copy.

This image was created on the afternoon of 12 September 2024 from the end of the pier at ILE. ISO 64: 1/11236 sec. at f/1.8 iPhone 15+ pano) Be sure to click on this image to enjoy the wider, high-res version. Image #2: Cloud/lake pano with the iPhone 15+

Why Cell Phone?

Whenever I am out photographing, I have my iPhone 15+ with me (unless I forgot to bring it). It kills as a wide angle lens, and the ability to create powerful panos is simply astounding. I always take my phone along when I take a sun walk. On Thursday afternoon past, it was hot and hazy and the cloud formations were pretty darned neat.

What can I say? I love photography in any way, shape or form.

This image was created on 13 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 2000. 1/2000 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:20:25am on a then faintly sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Least Sandpiper adult in basic (winter) plumage

Sandpiper Aging and ID

You can tell that this is a Least Sandpiper by its yellow legs and its pointed, fine-tipped, slightly decurved bill. The gray feathers of the upperparts (with no orange or rufous tinges) make this bird an adult in basic plumage. I did get to photograph some juvenile and worn juvenile plumage Least Sandpipers for the first time at ILE this September.

Want to learn more as the shorebirds are moving south across North America (and Europe and Asia as well)? Get yourself a copy of my Shorebirds, Beautiful Beachcombers.

This image was created on 13 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 500mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:02:11am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking: (upper) Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #4: Sandhill Crane adult calling

The Forgotten Lens

Since I got my hands on the 300mm f/2.8, I had quit using the 200-600. I started using it again to test it with the a-1 Firmware Update 2.01. While doing so, I realized that there are many advantages of using a zoom lens that you lose when working with the 300mm f/2.8 with TCs. In addition, you can max out the 200-600 by adding the 1.4X TC if necessary. That puts you at 840mm. With the 300 and the 2X, you are stuck at 600mm as your longest focal length.

This image was created on 14 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/800 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:13:19am on a cloudy bright morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #5: White-winged Dove on sand beach!

Beach Surprise

I was shocked to see a White-winged Dove on the sand beach to the left of the pier pretending it was a shorebird. I have had as many as a dozen at one time at my backyard feeder that is not set up for photography. Though the blue lores are brighter in the spring, I was quite happy with this image.

This image was created on 15 September 2024. Standing by the edge of the canal, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 341mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600. 1/1600 second at f/7.1 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:02:11am on a sunny morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed just well enough. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #6: Lynn and Chad Holleman with a 10lb. 10oz. Largemouth Bass!

Bird-Eye AF?

Bird-eye struggled a bit with acquiring focus with this happy couple image. Why not switch to Human-eye? I recently took “Fave/Eye Subject” off a custom button and added it to My Menu. Why? Too many folks including me were hitting the custom button accidentally. A-1 Group members will be hearing a lot more from me soon.

This image was created on 15 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1250. 1/500 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:27:10am on a cloudy morning. Tracking: (upper right) Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #7: Great Egret juvenile on The Perch

Wickedly Ridiculous

Reluctant to drive on the wet fields in fear of getting stuck, I decided to create a bird-scape at 1200mm with my car parked on Palmetto Drive. My best estimate of the distance to the bird is about 200 yards. The Sony Focus Distance EXIF is totally screwed up once a teleconverter is added. For this image it shows that I was 764.2 meters (2507 feet)! Not. 200 yards is quite impressive. Nearly 1/2 mile is ridiculous.

This image was created on 15 September 2024. Standing on the sand beach left of the pier, I used the hand held Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens (at 303mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless digital camera. ) The exposure was determined using Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 5000. 1/2500 second at f/6.3 (wide open) in Manual Mode. AWB at 8:53:30am on a cloudy morning. RawDigger showed the exposure to be dead solid perfect. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye Detection performed just well enough. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #8: Turkey Vulture — juvenile in flight

Zooming Out for Flight

For this image, zooming out to 303mm saved the day. I rarely use the 300mm f/2.8 alone for flight photography as I almost always add the 1.4X TC to get to 420mm at f/4. Sony a-1 AF performed perfectly on this young Turkey Vulture in flight just to the left of the pier.

This image was created on 16 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1000. 1/1250 sec. at f/9 (stopped down 1/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:09:22am on a sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #9: Great Egret juvenile with bill open

Determination Pays Off Nicely

I had decent chances on several young Great Egrets on Monday morning past. Despite several failed attempts, I kept trying. I got on this one on the grassy field to the right (north) of the pier and shot a long series. The first image I created was the winner. Don’t be a quitter!

This image was created on 17 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/640sec. at f/11 (stopped down one full stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:44:37am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #10: Stretched wing of Anhinga

Winging It!

I’ve tried for this shot on numerous occasions including several times recently. Tuesday morning’s effort was the best of the lot. Did I reduce the yellow too much?

Note that I went to f/11 in an attempt to cover the depth of field of the slightly curved wing. How did I do?

This image was created on 17 September 2024. Working from the front seat of my SUV I used the BLUBB-supported Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 1600. 1/200 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:53:03am on a partly sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot S/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #11: Killdeer adult — preening pose

Always Learning

Though passable, this image was not quite as sharp as I have come to expect at 1200mm. So, before I headed out this morning, I took a bottle of LensClens and an old t-shirt with me as I headed out. I stopped in the driveway to clean the contacts. That did the trick. Everything I shot this morning at 1200mm was spot-on with the crispy eye skins that I love.

Typos

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

Today’s Challenge

All are invited to leave a comment by putting the three images in order of their preference; put the image you judge to be the strongest first, your next favorite second, the least strongest third on the list. For example (arbitrarily): #3, #1, #2. Warning: all three images are pretty darned good. I still cannot decide on my number one pick …

What’s Up?

After a fabulous Black Vulture session on Tuesday morning– see Images #1 & #2 below — Wednesday morning was not as good despite seemingly perfect conditions — mostly sunny with a NE breeze. After a big rainstorm on Tuesday afternoon, the beach was littered with all sorts of clutter. Conditions were perfect for flight but many of the images of flying vultures had the pier in the background 🙁 The forty or so Black Vultures that came to the gar on Tuesday mornings were virtually absent; on Wednesday, about a dozen Turkey Vultures predominated –see Image #3 below.

Yesterday, I got lots of work done on my 2023 taxes and began laying the groundwork for a lawsuit against AirBnB with regard to my month long Lido Beach rental; the alleged Superhost did not tell me that a major construction project would be going on during my entire stay. When I texted her about the noise, she told me to contact the next door neighbor in her absence. He was pretty close to worthless.

Today is Thursday 12 September and I will be heading down to the lake again no matter the forecast. Whatever you are doing, I hope that you too choose to have fun and to enjoy life.

Please remember to use the B&H links that are found on most blog pages and to use the BIRDSASART discount code at checkout when purchasing your new gear from Bedfords to get 3% back on your credit card and enjoy free second-day air FedEx. Please, also, consider joining a BAA IPT. You will be amazed at how much you will learn!

If an item — a Delkin flash card, or a tripod head — 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.

Supporting My Efforts Here

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, are all set for gear, or live overseas, consider leaving a Thank You gift here.

If you enjoy and learn from the blog, please consider using one of my affiliate links when purchasing new gear. It will never cost you a single penny. To support my effort here, please order from B&H by beginning your search here. Or, click here, to order from Bedfords and enter the discount code BIRDSASART at checkout to receive 3% cash back to your credit card and enjoy free Second-Day Air Fed-Ex shipping. It is always best to write for advice via e-mail.

In many cases, I can help you save some serious dollars. And/or prevent you from purchasing the wrong gear.

This image was also created on 10 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens, the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter, and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 640. 1/1250 sec. at f/8 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 9:04:16am on a then sunny morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #1: Black Vulture scavenging Florida Gar

Super Tight

My first instinct is often to work super tight. Image #1 is un-cropped and the clean-up was minimal. The trick with images like this is coming up with a pleasing composition and a perfect head angle. The bird-eye tracking with the a9 iii performed perfectly by first grabbing the eye and then tracking it perfectly as the bird alternately raised and lowered its head. That made it easy to shoot aggressively and wind up with lots of image design choices. Except when shooting flight, I work at only 60 fps with the a9 iii. 120 fps with pre-capture is reserved for pure flight situations.

Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?

This image was also created on 10 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the BLUBB-supported Levered-Clamp FlexShooter Pro-mounted Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the thumb dial. ISO 800. 1/1250 sec. at f/5 (stopped down 2/3-stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect. AWB at 9:21:29am on a variably cloudy morning. Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #2: Black Vulture scavenging Florida Gar

Sony Zebra Technology

On Tuesday morning the light was changing constantly. Image #1 was created in complete sun. I raised the ISO until I saw Zebras (live in the viewfinder) on the bird’s very white legs. When a cloud covered the sun to whatever degree, I did the exact same thing, raising the ISO until I saw Zebras on the bird’s very white legs. Fifteen minutes later, substantial clouds covered the sun. Working now at f/4 with the bare 600mm lens, I raised the ISO until there were lots of Zebras on the water and some Zebras on the bird’s very white legs. Both exposures were determined by RawDigger to be dead-solid perfect. (Note: most folks are scared to use RawDigger and learn how badly they are underexposing their raw files.)

When the sun is going in and out every few seconds because of passing clouds, I always think how blessed I am to be using Zebra technology to determine the exposures. Not having to create a test image and then evaluate the JPEG enables me to keep shooting without having to waste time every time that a cloud moves. What a huge advantage.

As to the water color question, I made no effort to add any blue to the water or two darken it. I love the look of the image, the image design, the soft light, the raised foot, and yes, the white water. This is a small crop and as with Image #1, very little clean-up was done.

Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?

This image was created on 11 September 2024 down by the lake near my home at Indian Lake Estates, FL. Seated on damp sand, I used the and held Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera). The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 400. 1/4000 sec. at f/3.2 (stopped down 1/3 stop) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead-solid perfect (ho hum). AWB at 8:56:00 am on a then sunny morning. Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version. Image #3: Turkey Vulture adult in flight — incoming

Flight Decisions

I went with the a1 rather than with the a9 iii so that I could see how the a-1 AF system worked after updating from Firmware 1.31 to 2.01. It seemed that nothing had changed; results were as expected. Image #3 was perfectly sharp with the AF point on the bird’s head barely below and just a bit to the right of the vulture’s eye. More than good enough.

I elected not to work from my SUV, opting instead to sit on the sand with the 300mm f/2.8. As it was sunny, I added the 1.4X TC but quickly learned that I was too close as I clipped the wings of most of the incoming birds. As I did not bring my fanny pack along — always a big mistake, I removed the TC and laid it atop my cell phone on the sand.

Image #3 represents yet another pretty much perfect capture with close to zero cleanup — just a few specks of sand were removed from the bird’s bill. After a small crop from left and right, and a crop to a pano from above and below.

Could I have done anything different in the field to make this image better?

Click on the composite to view a larger version and be even more impressed. The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1 e-Book/PDF link sent via e-mail: $150.00

The Art & Science of Photographing Birds in Flight with the Sony α-1

by Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris

First of all, if you use Nikon or Canon (or Olympus or Fuji) gear, or a Sony a9 iii, do not be put off by the title. While a portion of the guide deals specifically with the Sony α-1, there is a ton of priceless information, tips, and techniques that can help you become a better flight photographer. No matter what system you are using. If you do not use a Sony α-1, be sure to read down to the bottom to save a few bucks.

Arash Hazeghi and Arthur Morris have created the definitive and most comprehensive ever treatise on photographing birds in flight. With more than sixty years of experience photographing birds, they know what you need to know but have not figured out yet! You will be astounded by the depth of their knowledge and the tips they have to offer. More than six months in the making, the guide contains 229 pages, 24,321 words,97 exceptional and inspirational flight images — each with a legendary, enlightening BIRDS AS ART caption, and 22 screen captures. The guide contains a wealth of useful, practical, and for the most part — never-before-available information.

Purchase

Click here to purchase your copy in the BAA Online Store.

What Everyone Will Learn

We will teach you the basic concepts that you need to master to become a great flight photographer along with the techniques used by the world’s best flight photographers.

You will learn that most any telephoto lens can be perfect for flight photography in a given situation; focal lengths for the images in the book range from 200mm to 1200mm and everywhere in between.

We discuss the merits of various lenses in depth, including and especially comparing the 400mm f/2.8 lenses with the 600mm f/4s.

We guide you in getting your hands on the flight photography lens that will best meet your needs. We offer a variety of handholding and rest position tips and include tips on working with a big lens on a tripod when working with a flight lens that is otherwise too heavy for you.

Both authors offer their thoughts on getting the right exposure when photographing birds in flight. You will learn to get the right exposure on foggy days and even when photographing black birds in white sky conditions.

You will learn the tremendous importance of pre-focusing, of finding the bird in the viewfinder quickly, acquiring focus almost instantly (with tips on doing all three).

You will learn the role of image stabilization in flight photography and the best settings.

Both authors share their thoughts on using the focus range limiter switch. In the same vein, you will learn to use Direct Manual Focus to make your flight photography life easier.

All will learn about the best wing positions and the importance of the background with images of birds in flight. With lots of examples.

You will learn about the best shutter speeds (and the best aperture) to use when photographing flying birds.

You will learn to photograph flight while seated and the many advantages of doing so.

You will learn the best methods of controlling high ISO noise.

All will learn to properly and safely format their flash cards.

You will learn what to do when your AF system is temporarily blinded.

All will learn the huge effect that wind strength and direction has on flight photography and to evaluate the quality and direction of the light on both sunny and cloudy days.

You will learn why it is vitally important to shoot aggressively when photographing birds in flight.

You will learn to carefully observe and evaluate a variety of bird behaviors that may shine light on some excellent opportunities for photographing birds in flight. And about getting into the best position from which to photograph.

You will learn to be a much better flight photographer.

What Sony Folks Will Learn

Exactly how Artie uses Zebras to come up with perfect exposure after perfect exposure.

The fine points and recommended settings for Optical Steady Shot (OSS).

The concept of Auto-Focus (AF) tracking in the α-1.

Everything there is to know about the complex Sony autofocus system.

About all the AF patterns, how to quickly switch them, and about those favored by each author. And why.

The Tracking and Non-tracking AF patterns. When and why Arash uses Non-Tracking Zone. And why Artie uses only two AF patterns.

How to set and use Bird Face-Eye detection for flight photography.

How and why to assign various custom functions to the various programmable buttons on the α-1 body.

The perfect settings for the many, many Menu items that are vitally related to flight photography.

How and why the Sony α-1 uses both contrast and phase detection AF to determine focus (and the benefits thereof).

Which are the best memory cards for the Sony α-1.

To quickly access frequently used menu items.

Non-Sony α-1 Discount

Using the honor system, folks who do not use a Sony α-1 body are invited to click here to save $25.00 on the purchase price of the guide.

Typos

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