Christopher Dodds field testing the Sony FE 100-400mm GM lens during torrential rain along Alaska's Katmai Coast for a real-world wildlife photography review. — The **Sony** **FE 100-400mm GM** proved itself during days of wildlife photography in torrential rain along Alaska's Katmai Coast, delivering outstanding image quality, reliable autofocus, and confidence-inspiring weather sealing.

Sony FE 100–400mm GM Review: Field Tested During Torrential Rain Along Alaska's Katmai Coast

Christopher Dodds June 27, 2026

What happens when you take Sony's new FE 100-400mm GM into days of torrential rain on Alaska's Katmai Coast? Instead of laboratory charts and specifications, this real-world review covers autofocus, image quality, weather sealing, handling, and why this versatile telephoto zoom impressed me in the demanding conditions where wildlife photographers actually work.

Golden-crowned Sparrow stretching after a shake while perched on the tip of a spruce tree in Alaska. Its wings are fully extended, revealing the bright yellow crown against a soft golden background. Photograph by Christopher Dodds. — **Golden-crowned Sparrow Landing on a Spruce Tip** (*Zonotrichia atricapilla,* Bruant à couronne dorée, Chingolo coronidorado, GCSP) Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens & Sony 2X teleconverter @800mm ISO 10,000, f/9 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Golden-crowned Sparrow Stretching After a Shake on a Spruce Tree on Kodiak Island, AK

Christopher Dodds June 26, 2026

While exploring the backroads of Kodiak Island, Alaska, Julie and I watched a Golden-crowned Sparrow perform a quick stretch after a shake, briefly revealing the bright golden crown that gives the species its name. Moments like this last only an instant, reminding us why patience—and being ready—are so important in wildlife photography.

Juvenile White-winged Crossbill perched on a stinging nettle plant against a soft yellow-green background. The bird's distinctive crossed bill and white wing bars are visible as it feeds among the seed heads in natural habitat. — **Juvenile White-winged Crossbill on Stinging Nettle** (*Loxia leucoptera,* Bec-croisé bifascié, Piquituerto aliblanco, WWCR) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @705mm ISO 40,000, f/8 @ 1/2,500s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Juvenile White-winged Crossbill on L’île aux Perroquets During the Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop

Christopher Dodds June 6, 2026

A Juvenile White-winged Crossbill continued to surprise participants on my Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop by remaining on L’île aux Perroquets for a second day. Far from its typical boreal forest habitat, this nomadic finch provided rare photography opportunities on a small treeless island off Quebec's North Shore.