The BIRDS AS ART SONY 400-800mm f/6.3-9 G Super-telephoto Zoom 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 four months of using it, I could not live without it; I have been using it pretty much every day. After returning the loaner, I was miraculously able to get my own from Bedfords on 16 April 2025. It has quickly become my all time favorite lens because it simplifies my life and allows me to go without a tripod in most situations. There is no need for a teleconverter, and with a Delkin 960GB Black CF Express A card in the top slot, I am good to go with just one extra battery in my pocket. 

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 slow 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 possible aperture by working in Shutter Priority mode with AUTO ISO.

If you are able to handhold 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.