alpha-stormy

@Craig A. Elson is an award-winning American wildlife, landscape and aerial photographer based in Los Angeles, CA. He has traveled to more than 60 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean over the past 30 years. Craig switched to Sony from Canon in early 2020! His initial setup of just the Sony Alpha 9 and the Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G lens for wildlife. Months later, his entire gear bag switched over to Sony. Today his bag is really two bags – one for wildlife and one for landscapes. And he says that that can cause some real packing headaches at times. We caught up with him to learn more about his current photography kit - keep reading as he shares what’s in his bag. His Cameras: Sony Alpha 1 (2): I have owned two Alpha 1 bodies from the day Sony released it and I’ve never looked back. They replaced the Alpha 9 II, my wildlife body, and the Alpha 7R IV, my landscape body. The versatility of 50 megapixels coupled with the ability to capture 30fps and its groundbreaking AF + Eye Tracking has allowed me to utilize the Alpha 1 for all shooting scenarios. Zebra technology for still images has proven to be a game changer as I no longer have to chimp or utilize the luminance histogram to nail exposure. High ISO performance is exceptional. The ability to fully customize the a1, and really any of the newer higher end Sony bodies, through the menu choices and programmable buttons has given me the freedom to instantly adapt to changing circumstances in the field without taking my eye away from the viewfinder. Sony Alpha 7R V: I recently purchased the Alpha 7R V primarily for my landscape and aerial photography. The 61 megapixels are a nice bonus when compared to the Alpha 1, but the features of this body that I coveted include the in-camera focus bracketing, the 8 stops of IBIS, and the 4 axis LCD screen. For all the touting of great technological features, the articulating screen might be the biggest gamechanger. The ability I now have with this camera to shoot wide angle landscapes handheld in low light and from low angles has given me so much more flexibility in my shooting style. His Lenses: Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G: The 200-600mm is the first Sony lens I ever purchased. In my opinion, to this day, there is no lens on the market that compares to it in terms of value for your money. For anyone looking for a wildlife lens to start out with, this is the one I always recommend. You can handhold the lens all day long given its relatively light weight. The short travel of the zoom ring and the internal zoom mechanism are welcome bonuses. The wide range of the zoom creates tremendous versatility in your ability to capture birds and wildlife, especially during fast action, when framing could otherwise present a problem with a long prime lens. Sony 600mm f/4 G Master: As a wildlife photographer, and one who likes to shoot birds, reach is always a major consideration in a lens. The 600mm f/4 G Master was the second lens I purchased after switching over to Sony. The constant f4 aperture married to the 600mm focal length has been vital to my success with wildlife in the low light situations in which I frequently put myself. The bokeh you can achieve with this lens utilizing proper technique is sublime. While by no means light, at 6.7 lbs. it is noticeably lighter and better balanced than the older generation of 600mm f/4 lenses. Consequently, I am now able to handhold it for much greater periods of time which allows for a more flexible shooting style (read: tripod stays home!) Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master: The 400mm f/2.8 G Master lens is a lens I never thought I would want or need once I owned the 600 f/4 G Master and the 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G. But one of the professional wildlife photographers I respect the most implored me to get it, saying it would change my photography forever. I eventually decided to purchase it and now all I think about is how I wish I’d had it on every previous trip I’ve ever taken! It is, quite simply, my favorite lens of all time. The subject-background separation this lens delivers wide open at f/2.8 is something you cannot put into words until you see your images on a large computer screen for the first time. The sharpness of the lens is simply extraordinary. The extra stop of light with the 2.8 aperture coupled with the world class optics and the a1 body allow me to acquire focus instantaneously in what most people would consider “darkness,” so my shooting window is easily 10 minutes longer than someone who is working with an f/4 lens. While only slightly lighter than the 600 f/4, the balance on the 400mm f/2.8 is even better, allowing me to handhold effortlessly for long stretches of time. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II: The 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II is a lens I almost never leave home without. For landscape and aerial photography it is my long lens, and for wildlife photography it is often what I like to use to incorporate the environment into the shot. This latest version is noticeably lighter, and the AF is noticeably faster, than the previous version, which I owned for several years. It is also an internal zoom, which I prefer, and it can be paired with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters for additional reach when you need it. If there is a sharper zoom lens in Sony’s lineup, I am unaware of it. Sony 24-105mm f/4 G: While it is one of the older lenses in Sony’s current lineup, I still cannot bring myself to leave home very often without the 24-105mm f/4 G in my bag, regardless of the subject matter I will be shooting. Given the tradeoff of gaining additional focal length vs. losing a stop of light (when compared to the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II), I prefer the greater focal length for my style of shooting. In short, this is my general purpose “walking around” lens and my primary lens for aerial imagery because of its great focal length versatility and constant f/4 aperture. Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master: For my landscape work, my shooting style has evolved over the years to where I now find myself working at very wide angles. As such, the Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master is now my “go to” lens for landscapes. I chose the f/2.8 version of this lens to be able to handle my astrophotography pursuits as well. This lens pretty much lives on my Alpha 7R V these days. Sony 1.4x Teleconverter and Sony 2.0x Teleconverter: While I would always prefer to not attach a teleconverter, sometimes you need to do so to get the shot you envision. Sony’s teleconverters perform better than any others I have used in the past in terms of sharpness and AF speed, so I do not hesitate to use them when necessary. Share what’s in your bag and how you use your gear to capture wildlife and landscape.

We want to see your “Grandscapes.” Share your larger-than-life landscape photographs with the community, and tell us about the place and how you made the image. Every photo you share tells a unique story about our world. Take this chance to show us the amazing places you’ve visited, like stunning mountains, peaceful lakes, lush forests, and expansive deserts. Whether your photographic journey has led you through the familiar terrain of your hometown or taken you on epic adventures across the globe, show the community photos that feel “epic,” and let’s explore these places together, one image at a time. You can share your grandscape by replying to this thread with your work, and don’t forget to tell us all about it. We want to know where you were and how you captured your larger-than-life piece.

My absolute favorite moments during August were at Sony Kando Trip. Selecting just one photo from Kando seems impossible for me.

Hi everyone! My husband and I went to Big Sur, California, for my birthday this year. We have been planning a lot of camping adventures, but military schedules can get in the way. We were so happy we were able to make this one happen. It was beautiful, and we felt so at peace, especially because we had limited connectivity, so we had time to unwind and enjoy nature. It will always be one of my favorite places and trips because it was the start of many adventures. Here are two photos from Big Sur. I wanted to share a not-so-typical photo like McWay Falls or the bridge, and I usually pair these together.

Hi Burak! Congratulations, that is a big deal. Good luck; we are rooting for you.

I think everyone should have the 24-70mm GM II on their wish list. I absolutely love that lens. The new 70-200mm is on my list, and it is a plus that it has macro capability! There are so many lenses; can I have them all?

@GiuseppeProto Beautiful light!

I will use any excuse to make the two and half hour drive to Joshua Tree National Park.

Hi Courtney! Thank you for sharing. Great shot, especially with shaky hands; I can feel the cold. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Beautiful work! I need to get out more in the mornings.

I wouldn't say I'm a flower photographer, but I've recently started dabbling in it. I am enjoying the bloom after all the rain in California with one small light and my Alpha 7 IV. I'm excited to see how your flower farm works and what you create next! Please keep us updated.

I wear contacts, so I always keep a pair of prescription glasses in my bag just in case I lose a contact. I worry about walking around blind. I also always have Jolly Ranchers in my side pocket.

So my 24-70mm GM II rarely ever leaves my camera, but sometimes, when I'm looking for a more buttery background, I reach for my 85mm lens. I like the 24-70 GM II because I have recently been gravitating to more wide-angle portraits that capture more of the environment. I think I will have to give the 14mm a try.

I went to a beautiful place in Southern California a couple of weeks ago. The Diamond Valley Lake Marina has a trail that is only about 2 miles to the end and back. I highly recommend it.

Welcome to the forum! I look forward to seeing more of your work.

I couldn't agree more. I was really impressed with the AI human recognition. It is definitely something I will be picking up.

Did you hear the news? Sony just announced the #ZV-E1. You can read more at https://alphauniverse.com/stories/sony-electronics-announces-the-zve1-a-new-fullframe-interchangeable-lens-camera-for-video-creators/

@monicasigmon is such an inspiration. So glad you had a great experience and are happy about your switch to Sony.

Beautiful light! I can't wait to see more of your work.

Beautiful work! Welcome 😊

Join in on the Alpha Universe forum conversations, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner who just got your first camera. You can ask questions and learn from one another and we have the Sony Artisans of Imagery, the Alpha Imaging Collective and members of the Sony team who are eager to pass along their knowledge and experience. The Alpha Universe community is a supportive and positive community, and we can’t wait to see what’s on your mind when it comes to photography, filmmaking, vlogging, cameras, lenses and more.

Beautiful work!!

I did treat myself to the #FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, and I am already in love!

In every niche, there are people who are quick to judge and be overcritical. Try to avoid letting the negativity get to you and focus on finding the community for you. This forum is great for sharing your work and asking for advice without the "internet professional" tearing you down. We have the Sony Artisan of Imagery and members of the Alpha Imaging Collective that can give advice and guidance along we other creators who are in your shoes. From there, you'll be able to decide what to share elsewhere. Keep creating your art, and don't let negativity stop you from learning and growing.

We have all had that moment where we kick ourselves for forgetting something or not trying something on site. But, the great way to look at it is that you learned and can always go back. Beautiful work.