A distinct, loud guttural "skeow" broke the silence as we waited for this Green Heron to take flight from a perch it landed on in front of us a few moments earlier. I tracked it flying directly across my frame as it took flight and called—the fleeting moment when you get the shot or don't. Thankfully, the new Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x teleconverter attached to the Sony a9 mark III was already poised and ready.

What struck me immediately was the sheer versatility of this setup. Going from 560mm to 1,120mm with a 1/4 turn of the zoom ring while maintaining exceptional image quality is a game-changer. There was no time to swap lenses; frankly, I wouldn't have wanted to. The integrated zoom allowed me to track the heron smoothly as it flew, adjusting my composition on the fly.

And the autofocus? Absolutely tenacious. Even with the added magnification of the teleconverter, the focus locked onto the heron's eye instantly and held firm as it zipped past: crucial for capturing birds in flight, where even the slightest hesitation can mean a missed opportunity. The resulting images are tack sharp, revealing the intricate details of its plumage. The detail retention and auto-focus speed are remarkable.

This encounter perfectly illustrates the power and flexibility of the Sony 400-800mm with the 1.4x. It's a setup that allows you to react quickly, achieve incredible reach, and capture breathtaking sharpness, even in challenging situations. This lens is a serious contender for wildlife photographers who demand the best and need to be ready for anything. It's not just about getting closer; it's about capturing the moment with stunning clarity.

Be sure to take a look at my other blog posts from my trip to Florida with only a Sony a9 mark III, the new Sony 400-800 and both teleconverters (1.4X and 2X):

FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

Red-shouldered Hawk and the freedom of the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom lens