Marty’s photo of the day #5041: This is a yellow-headed blackbird, photographed earlier this week. The bird was across a pond, at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 90 feet away.

I normally don’t mention products (other than my books, because well . . . that’s what authors do), but I’ve been having fun with my new lens. For years, I’ve scoffed at monster lenses, like those used by people lining the roads at Yellowstone National Park. Instead, I’ve gone with medium-sized lenses and used my legs to get as close as necessary. Then I learned about the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lens, which has “monster lens magnification” and is about the same size and weight as my old classic Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS.

Canon was able to reduce the size and weight of the lens by using Diffractive Optical Element Technology, which borrows from fresnel lenses used in lighthouses. Though the lens is only an f/11 (meaning it needs more light than an f/4), I have yet to encounter any light problems. I can’t wait to put it to use in Tanzania—hopefully photographing cheetahs.

For any interested photographers, I also have some buying advice. The Canon RF 800mm lens has a list price of $1,199.00, but I bought mine used from MPB for $634.00. Over the years, I have bought multiple lenses either used or refurbished with excellent results. I like MPB because they have a good reputation and provide a free six-month warranty. The lens I got was in perfect condition, and they even bought my old Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS lens for $400.00, resulting in me spending only $234.00 for what I consider to be a massive wildlife photography lens upgrade.