Quick guide: nature watcher, patient walker in the wild

This photographer is more comfortable in the forest or the coastal breeze than in the glow of studio lights. His trump card is patience; waiting for the perfect light or the appearance of a timid animal can take hours. The equipment must be able to withstand rain, frost and hard use, because nature shows no mercy. This photographer values speed, silence and the ability to focus on the subject in a fraction of a second. The aim is to bring the viewer close to the wonders of nature in a way that does not disturb the ecosystem.

Camera

Sony A7R V or A7 IV. For the nature photographer, Sony's AI-based autofocus is revolutionary: it identifies birds, insects and animals with incredible accuracy, even through branches. The A7R V is a top choice thanks to its 61 megapixel resolution, which allows you to capture the most extreme cropping without losing detail - a vital feature when your subject is far away. The A7 IV is an excellent, slightly more affordable option that offers a great balance between speed and image quality.

Lens

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS. This lens has become the standard for nature photographers. Its focal length range is perfect for everything from deer to small birds. A built-in zoom mechanism means the lens length doesn't change as you zoom in, improving weather resistance and balance. It's sharp as a tack and works seamlessly with Sony's fast focus.

Additional information

Sony CFexpress Type A TOUGH memory card and sturdy stand. To make the most of Sony's burst shooting speed and buffer memory, you need a fast card. Sony TOUGH series cards are as durable and lightning fast as their name suggests. A carbon fibre tripod such as a Benro or Gitzo is ideal for supporting a heavy telephoto lens firmly in the field.

Filming tips

1. Take advantage of the ”Golden Hour” light. The best light for nature photography is often an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. The soft, low light creates a depth and atmosphere that the harsh midday sun cannot provide.
2. Land at the target level. Do not photograph an animal or bird from above from a standing position. Get down on your knees or even lie down. When the camera is level with the animal's eyes, the picture has an intimate feel and the background softens beautifully.
3. Use animal eye focus (Real-time Eye AF). Sony cameras can lock focus on the animal's eye with incredible precision. Turn this feature on and trust it - it frees you to focus on composition instead of moving the focus point.