Least Bittern

Whoa! This is a very difficult bird to photograph.

David,

Thanks for the comment. As another bird photographer, you recognize the difficulty photographing Least Bitterns. They are very quiet, and secretive birds. They blend in very well with their background (very good camoflouge). In fact the birders that pointed out the bird had to point to the bird several times before I could even see it. I was fortunate to have this lens available to me from Leica as a loan. But, even with the 800mm focal length, I still needed the 1.4X Apo Extender to take this and about a dozen or so photos in different poses. The remarkable performance of the 800mm lens was maintained by the 1.4X Extender. Tremendous detail can be noted in the larger prints. Thanks to Leica Camera, USA for the loan of the Leica f5.6 800mm Modular Apo Telyt lens. Rich

I love birds and photograph them when I can but I don't have a lens for shots. This is a lovely photo.

Anyte,

Thanks for the kind words. It does take some effort, skill, and luck to photograph birds. Some of the best places to try are in National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and Bird Sanctuaries. The birds will often give the photographer a wider birth which allows the photographer to get closer than in the wild and to use shorter focal length lenses. When you are able, try to get at least a 300mm lens and a 1.4X extender to photograph birds. If you find you photograph them a lot then it is time to think in terms a 400mm or longer lens. Rich