Which two of today’s featured images do you like best? Why?
Of Images #3 and #4, which one is the stronger image. Why?
Picking My Keepers from a 5851 Sony a9 iii Image Folder
I did not want to fall in love with the Sony a9 iii. I had hoped that the relatively small flle size would be a deal breaker. Reality, however, got in the way. For photographing birds in flight and in action, it is, with its maximum frame rate of 120 frames per second, beyond compare. Not to mention the Bird Face/Eye autofocus is significantly better than with the Sony a1. Sit beside me as I go through 5581 images in less than 30 minutes. And if I had not been yakking when I created the video, I would have gotten the job done in less than twenty minutes. I wound up keeping 121 images after the first edit. Along the way, you will get a glimpse of what makes the best wing and head positions. And this might sound funny, but it was not a great day at Sitck Marsh.
Below are five of my favorites.
Note:Many folks feel that 120 fps is too much, that it would not be possible to pick your keepers from so many images. Using Photo Mechanic, I have found that doing so is actually easy; I go so fast that the good ones literally jump off the screen. Watch the video to see how it is done. Remember that I tag the keepers with a “T” and then select all the Untagged images and delete them all. As seen near the end of the video.
What’s Up?
I enjoyed decent morning and afternoon photo sessions on Sunday. The latter a rarity here at ILE.
Today is Monday 8 April, 2024. I fly to Bismarck, ND to photograph with BPN friend Kevin Hice for two weeks. Though I have not put a single thing in either of my checked bags, I will be heading down to the lake for a short morning session as soon as I hit “Publish.” Whatever you are doing, I hope that you also have a great day. Be sure to watch the Sony a9 iii Bird-Face/Eye Detection Autofocus video that opens this post.
Don’t look now but this blog post makes nine days in a row with a new educational post just for you.
If you plan on purchasing a Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera (or anything else for that matter), please remember to use or write for either my Bedfords discount code or my B&H affiliate link. Folks who use one of my two affiliate links to purchase the a9 III will receive my .DAT settings (the complete camera set-up) along with a Buttons and Dials Guide.
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.
For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.
Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.
The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide
Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.
If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.
This image was created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Crouching a bit as I was shooting down at the bird, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1000: 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:04:28am on a then sunny morning.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper high-res version.
Image #1: Roseate Spoonbill head portrait
A Sucker for Crimson and Powder Blue
I’ve long been in love with images that feature crimson set against a powder blue background. Using the Lumincance Targeted Adjustment Tool (L-TAT) during the raw conversion enable me to get the BLUE perfect. Instructions for using this great new Photoshop tool are a bit part of the Digital Basics III Series.
Bored, I walked away from the traditional airboat ramp spot to go exploring. This one was made just past the parking lot bathroom after stalking the bird carefully. A fisherman casting just a few feet away helped to relax the bird (if that makes sense).
This image was created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:07:28am on a then sunny morning.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger, sharper high-res version.
Image #2: Fish Crow Calling
Photograph Me!
Apparently upset that I was concentrating on the spoonbills, this Fish Crow was calling incessantly. After a few minutes, I added a ton of light to the exposure and gave in. I wish that I had pointed the camera down just a bit so that the square crop would have been more pleasing.
This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:20:04am on a then cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #3: Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggling with a long string of nesting material.
Same Old, Same Old
With a south wind, the airboat ramp spot is not as good as it is when the wind has an easterly component. The clouds were hugely important — if it had been sunny, creating Images 3, 4, and 5 would not have been possible as they would have been glaringly sidelit. As always, understanding the relationship between the wind direction and sky conditions made the best place to be quite obvious. Join an IPT to learn more.
This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:20:04am on a then cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Image #4: Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggling with a long string of nesting material.
a9 iii Speed
It is very simple. When you are using the Sony a9 iii at 120 fps you will get four times as many poses and wing positions as when you are using a 30 fps camera body. The speed is addictive.
This image was also created on 2 April 2024 at Stick Marsh, Fellsmere, FL. Standing at full height, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/4 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be perfect. AWB at 8:27:45am on a then cloudy morning.
Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy a high-res version.
Roseate Spoonbill turning in flight and struggle with a long string of nesting material.
Light Always Has a Direction
It is important to understand that even when it is cloudy or heavily overcast, light is directional. As I was facing and shooting to the southwest and the birds were flying toward me, the left sides of the bird’s faces in Images 3, 4, and 5 were somewhat shaded. I did extensive work in on the bird’s heads first lightening the shadowed side and increasing the saturation.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Anke is a very good, very dedicated photographer who has been on many IPTs. She loves photographing birds in flight and in action. She often handholds the Sony 600mm f/4 for flight. Her style is to shoot wide and crop. She rarely uses even the 1.4X TC on her big lens. She spent a year photographing Flaco, the Eurasian Eagle Owl that was freed after living in captivity for many years in New York City’s Central Park Zoo. She worked almost exclusively at night most often using very long exposures and a cable release. You can see many of her excellent Flaco images on her Instagram account here. And you can check out related social media links and articles here.
Huge thanks to Anke for letting me share her fine work with you here on the blog.
Your Call?
Which two of Anke’s seven images are the strongest?
Which was the most challenging capture?
What’s Up?
I was down to the lake early today, Sunday 7 April 2024. After a very slow start, I located the three surviving crane chicks and worked them for a bit. I photographed an Osprey perched in the old eagle nest tree and one of the young eagles in flight. I will be creating the promised a9 iii picking your keepers video after breakfast. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you also have a great day. Remember: happiness is a choice.
Don’t look now, but this blog post makes eight days in a row with a new educational post just for you.
Please, therefore, 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.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #1: Bald Eagle juvenile in flight by frozen waterfall
Frozen Waterfalls
In 2024, it had been warm for weeks when we arrived and our favorite frozen waterfalls were all melted and missing. The captain and I put our heads together, explored some likely spots, and did OK. Anke is a skilled flight photographer and in addition, she is relentless. When she visualizes an image that she wants, she will stick with the situation until she gets the shot.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C was active at the moment of exposure and performed perfectly. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the larger version.
Image #2 Pine Grosbeak male wheeling in flight
The Real Thing
Anke created this image by tracking the bird in flight as it jumped off a perch. It is not one of those manually pre-focused spray and pray songbird flight shots. I do not think that images made with the latter technique should be considered photography as they are more like arts and crafts than art. Not that the spray and pray technique can produce some stunning images. Along with many thousands of instant-deletes.
This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 200mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 3200: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #3: Bald Eagle after a swing and a miss
The 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses
The 70-200mm lenses are incredibly useful on a Homer IPT. You could actually do the whole trip with just that one lens. At times you may want to add the 1.4X TC or even a 2X TC. Note that the Canon RF 70-200mm does not accept any teleconverter.
This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 178mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/3200 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #4: Bald Eagle jumping up
Listen to the Leader
I saw a really good situation with the snow-covered slope and a distant background and called everyone within earshot over. Several eagles cooperated nicely. Notice how beautifully and evenly the light reflected off the snow lit the eagle’s underwings.
This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 153mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 1600: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #5: Bald Eagle upside down before dive
Oh What Fun!
When the wind is just right, everyone enjoys the challenge of trying for the perfect upside-down eagle image. Even with my expert coaching :-), it takes some time to get the rhythm down pat. I urge folks to study the flight patterns of the birds. Those varied of course with the speed and direction of the wind. Folks in both groups had a ton of fun comparing their best upside down shots on their rear monitors and learned a lot in the process.
Best advice: don’t get greedy: zoom out to avoid clipping wings.
This image was created by Anke Frohlich on one of the 2024 BIRDS AS ART Homer IPTs. She used the used the handheldSony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens (at 178mm) and The One, the Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera.. The exposure was determined via Zebras with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 4000: 1/2500 sec. at f/2.8 (wide open) in Manual mode.
Tracking: Zone/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #6: Bald Eagle in predawn flight with pink purple blue earth shadow sky background
Early to Rise
When the weather is decent, my boat is always the first out of the harbor. And if I see stars when I wake and peek out the window, I call the captain and we arrange to leave even earlier so that we can try for the blue/pink/purple earth shadow sky colors. Near the end of the first IPT, we had one perfect morning. Conditions with little to no wind are ideal as the calm water in the coves can reflect the sky colors.
Tracking: Expand Spot/AF-C with Bird-Eye/Face Detection performed perfectly.
Image #7: Sea Otter with pup
Sea Otters
Over the years, on occasion, we have had some good chances on Sea Otters in the various coves across Kachemak Bay from Homer. But our best chances almost always occur as we are returning to the dock on a cloudy day. Adults with pups resting on their breasts always get everyone excited. The pups often have their heads buried in mom’s fur; Anke, however, did well here with two good head angles.
No Homer IPT Price Increase!
Despite that fact that the hourly boat fee has been increased by 33%, I have decided not to raise the price of the 2025 Homer IPTs. Note that similar trips with 40% less time on the boat cost $5800!
2025 Homer/Kachemak Bay Bald Eagle IPTs
IPT #1: FRI 14 FEB 2025 through the full day on TUES 18 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 2.
IPT #2: WED 19 FEB 2025 through the full day on SUN 23 FEB 2025. Five days/20 hours on the boat: $5500.00. Limit 5 photographers/Openings 1.
Register for both trips to maximize your travel dollars and enjoy a $1000 discount while you are at it. In 2024, three of the five participants did both trips!
This trip features non-stop flight photography as well as many opportunities to create both environmental and point-blank portraits of one of North America’s most sought-after avian subjects: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Other reliable subjects will include Sea Otter, Glaucous-winged and Short-billed (formerly Mew) Gulls.
In addition, we should see Common Murre, Black Guillemot, Pelagic Cormorant, two or three species of loons, and a smattering of ducks including two species of merganser, all three scoters, Common and Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Bufflehead, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks. Close-range photographic chances for these species will require some good luck. Some of these species, especially when in flocks, can, however, often be used effectively when pleasing creating bird-scapes.
If we need to be out early, we will be the first boat out. If the conditions are great, we will stay out. And when there is a chance for sunset silhouettes, we will be in the right spot.
We will be traveling through gorgeous wilderness country; landscape and scenic opportunities abound.
Also featured is a professional leader, often referred to as the world’s most knowledgeable bird photography trip leader and instructor. He is conversant in Canon, Nikon, and Sony. You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.
All images from Kachemak Bay in 2022!
What You Will Learn
You will learn practical and creative solutions to everyday photographic problems. You will learn to see the shot, to create dynamic images by fine-tuning your compositions, to best utilize your camera’s AF system, and how to analyze the wind, the sky conditions, and the direction and quality of the light. This is one of the very few trips Homer trips available where you will not be simply put on the birds and told to have fun. You will learn to be a better photographer.
You will learn to get the right exposure when it is sunny, when it cloudy-bright, when it is cloudy, when it is cloudy-dark, or when it is foggy. Not to mention getting the right exposure when creating silhouettes. You will learn to make pleasing blurs working in manual mode and to create silhouettes working in Shutter Priority mode. Most importantly, you will learn to pick your best flight photographs from tens of thousands of images.
You will enjoy working with the best and most creative boat captain on his sturdy, photography-spacious, seaworthy, open-deck watercraft.
There will be only five photographers (not the usual six), plus the leader.
Small group Photoshop, Image Review, and Image Critiquing sessions most days.
All images from Homer or Kachemak Bay, AK
What’s Included
One four hour or two two-hour boat trips every day (weather permitting), all boat fees and boat-related expenses (excluding tips), ground transportation to and from the dock and back to the hotel each day, in-the-field instruction and guidance, pre-trip gear advice, small group post-processing and image review sessions, and a thank you dinner for all well-behaved participants.
What’s Not Included
Your airfare to and from Homer, AK (via Anchorage), the cost of your room at Land’s End Resort, all personal items, all meals and beverages, and tips for the boat captain and/or the first mate.
Important Notes
We toss frozen herring chunks to bring the eagles into photographic range. The late Jean Keene, the Eagle Lady, fed the eagles in Homer for many decades and brought the population back from the brink of extinction.
On great days, the group may wish to photograph for more than four hours. If the total time on the boat exceeds 20 hours for the five-day trips the group will share the additional expense at a rate of $300.00/hour. The leader will pay for the bait.
Some folks may wish to rent their own vehicle to take advantage of local photographic opportunities around Homer. In 2024 those included Moose, Sea Otter, a variety of sea ducks in the harbor, and Great Grey and Short-eared Owl.
Deposit Information
A $3000 non-refundable deposit/trip is required. You may pay your deposit with credit card or by personal check (the latter made out to BIRDS AS ART) and sent via US mail only to Arthur Morris. PO Box 7245. Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855. Your balance, due 90 days before the date of departure, is payable only by check.
In Closing
I have been going to Homer off and on for close to two decades. Every trip has been nothing short of fantastic. Many folks go in mid-March. The earlier you go, the better the chances for snow. The only way to assure that you are on the best of these two trips is to sign up for both of them. If you have any questions, or are good to go for one or both of these great trips, please let me know via e-mail or give me a call on my cell phone at 863-221-2372.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
Which of today’s two featured images is the strongest? Why?
One thing about Image #1 does bug me. What is it?
Join me in Little Rock, Arkansas this May for a great weekend of learning and fun. You can check out any and all of the latest/greatest photo gear. If you know any good nearby spots for bird photography, and/or if you would like a free (5-image) portfolio review, shoot me an e-mail.
Little Rock Photo EXPO
A Bedford Event: Inspire, Learn, Discover
HUGE TWO DAY INTERACTIVE TRADE-SHOW
May 17-18, 2024
State House Convention Center
101 E. Markham St., Little Rock, Arkansas
Don’t miss the Photo Expo in Little Rock! Regardless of your experience level, join hundreds of photographers, as we take over Little Rock on May 17-18, 2024. The Little Rock Photo Expo offers a remarkable experience packed with presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and a massive trade show featuring all the major photographic companies. Explore the latest gear, trade in your old camera equipment, and gain valuable insights from our experts. Get up close and personal with world-renowned keynote speakers and seize countless unique photo opportunities. Bring your camera and get ready for a weekend of fun, learning, and inspiration to elevate YOUR photography to new heights.
Click here to learn more and follow the links to see the schedule of events and/or register. Use this discount code at checkout to save $20.00: VIPEXPO24.
What’s Up?
With a variable south breeze on Friday morning, I had a great session. With a strong NW wind on Saturday morning, and continuing clear skies, things were much more difficult.
I e-mailed a link to the 300mm f/2.8 lens guide yesterday to the nine folks who used one of my affiliate links to purchase this amazing lens.
Today is Saturday 6 April 2024. Whatever you opt to do, I hope that you also have a great day. Remember: happiness is a choice.
Don’t look now, but this blog post makes seven days in a row with a new educational post just for you.
Please, therefore, 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.
Save 15%!
If you’d like to try out a new lens or if you need a lens for a specific trip or project (or for an IPT), LensRentals.com is the only way to go. To save 15%, simply click on the logo link above, arrange for your rental, and type in BIRDSASART15. If you type the gear you are looking for in the search box, it will pop right up. LensRentals.com offers affordable insurance. You can decline it, opt for LensCap: Damage Only, or select LensCap: Damage & Theft. Then hit PROCEED TO CHECKOUT. After you enter all of your info but before completing your order, be sure to scroll down to Promo Code box and enter the BIRDSASART15 code to save 15%.
I checked on renting a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens for a week. The cost is only $122.00. LensCap: Damage Only coverage can be added for a very low $18.00. Going with LensCap: Damage & Theft would be $27.00. The shipping charge varies. They offer an interesting program called Lensrentals HD. By signing up for this shipping discount program ($99.00/year), you’ll get free Standard Shipping on all the orders you place.
Renting a Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS lens for a week will cost you $536.00. The two coverage options come in at $76.00 or $114.00. Less your 15% discount when you enter the BIRDSASART15 code into the Promo Code box at checkout and enter the BIRDSASART15 code in the Promo Code box at checkout to save 15%.
Remember, to save the 15% on your rental you must start your search by clicking on the logo above, or on this link: LensRentals.com
B&H
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. B&H will reopen on Fri April 14. Thanking me for the past 4000 educational blog posts could not be any easier and will not cost you one penny. Please shoot me your B&H receipt for major purchases.
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. 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. Either is greatly appreciated by yours truly.
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 stave 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.
This image was created on 5 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. working from the front seat of my SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 800: 1/4000 sec. at f/5.6 (wide open) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 8:21:38am on a clear sunny morning.
Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #1: Cattle Egret grabbing tiny insect
Where Does the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM Lens Fit?
For me, at this time, the 300 f/2.8 is an auxiliary lens. I still use and love my 600mm f/4 GM, and there are times when I enjoy working at 840mm (with the 1.4X TC) and at 1200mm (with the 2X TC), and making razor sharp images. The 600, however, gets heavier every day and is always a bear to travel with. Will there come a time when I depend more and more on the smaller, lighter 300 f/2.8 that is so much easier to use and to travel with become my workhorse super-telephoto lens? Perhaps, but not right now. I will be taking both the 600 and the 300 with me to North Dakota for my Sharp-tailed Grouse/Prairie Chicken trip.
More Importantly
More importantly, where does the Sony 300m f/2.8 GM lens fit for you? There are about a zillion bird photographers shooting the Sony 200-600mm f/6.3 (at the long end) G lens as their big telephoto. Most are using theirs with an a-1 while a few have stuck with the a9 ii or the original a9. The 200-600 is a very versatile lens. The single biggest drawback is the relatively slow f/6.3 maximum aperture. The question now is, should they be retiring their 200-600 and going with the 300mm f/2.8 as their big gun? The 300 is smaller and well lighter (3.18 lbs. versus 4.65 lbs.). It creates super-sharp images with either the 1.4X or the 2X TC (the latter as seen in today’s featured images). And when working with relatively tame birds (as on most BAA IPTs), the wide apertures — f/2.8 at 300mm, f/4 at 420mm, and f/5.6 at 600mm, are a huge advantage when working in low light. I will be exploring this topic in depth in future blog posts.
I think that with the release of the 300mm f/2.8 GM lens that many more folks will switching to Sony in the near term.
Grabbing a Bug Images
I was astounded at the number of frames the a9 iii captures as the birds were swallowing the tiny bugs. At 120fps, I had perhaps ten with the bug in midair in the bird’s bill. For Image #1, I chose the perfect one with the insect centered in the egret’s open bill. Note also the second sharp insect just behind the claw of the bird’s raised foot.
For those who did not use my link to purchase their Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens, you can order your a copy here for $209.93.
Click on the image to enlarge and to be able to read the fine print.
The BAA Sony 300mm f/2.8 Lens Guide
Impressed by my Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) images from the last three posts? Use either my Bedfords or B&H affiliate link to purchase your Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM lens and shoot me your receipt via e-mail and request a copy of the first-ever BAA Lens Guide. I thought that it would take only minutes to create this guide, but I was dead wrong. In the process of creating it, I learned a ton about the lens. And even better, I discovered a simple yet potentially fatal flaw that was resulting in sporadically unsharp flight images. The set-up fix is simple. Just be sure to use one of my affiliate links and get the guide for free.
If not, you can purchase a copy here for $209.93. Yes, it never hurts to use my links and it never costs you one penny more. And if you contact me via e-mail before you make a major purchase, I can often save you some money.
This image was created on 6 April 2024 down by the lake near my home in Indian Lake Estates, FL. Standing outside of SUV, I used the handheld Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (Sony E) with the Sony FE 2x Teleconverter and the ridiculously amazing Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera. The exposure was determined via Zebra technology with ISO on the Thumb Dial. ISO 2000: 1/1000 sec. at f/6.3 (stopped down 1/-3 stop in error) in Manual mode. When evaluated in RawDigger, the raw file brightness was determined to be dead solid perfect. AWB at 7:54:27am on a clear sunny morning.
Tracking Zone/AF-C with Bird Face/Eye detection enabled performed to perfection. Be sure to click on the image to enjoy the high-res version.
Image #2: Bald Eagle recently fledged juvenile looking back
Fledged and Flying but Not Gone
The new eagle nest is so cluttered that I have not even attempted to make a singe photograph of the chicks. Last week, they were both flapping like crazy in their re-located nest so I knew they would be fledging soon. They had begun branching the week before. On Friday, both adults and the two very large chicks were at the nest tree. This morning when I drove by there were no birds eat the nest.
As I drove around on the South Field, I spotted the two young eagles low down in a pine tree on the edge of the canal. I got out of my vehicle, adjusted the exposure to get lots of Zebras on the sky (to ensure lots of detail in the dark tones of the plumage), and made a few images. When this bird pushed off to take flight, the branch it was perched on split off the tree with a very loud crack! Its nest-mate followed as they flew directly to the nest tree.
With perched birds on sunny days with NW winds you need to wait for a look-back head angle. As above.
Typos
With all blog posts, feel free to e-mail or to leave a comment regarding any typos or errors.
