Sony lenses: Creating an adventure of
light & shadow in the wildlife
By: Sony Artisan Aarzoo Khurana
Reminiscing the journey
I distinctly recall that about 8 years ago, when I started pursuing my passion for street photography, I unavoidably felt drawn to wildlife photography. That was just the beginning of a fated & unforeseen excursion into the wild. I had no idea what was coming for me until I was stunned by the breath-taking grandeur of nature and the splendour of the wildlife.
My dependable equipment for wildlife photography
What else do you think a photographer might be captivated by in addition to her subjects of photography? A photographer is always in sync with and hooked on their equipment, especially the best ones in the field. My go-to cameras, while I'm out on a wildlife photography excursion, are the Sony Alpha 9 II full-frame camera with pro capability and the Alpha 1 with superb resolution and speed.
But my two absolute favourite Sony lenses, the FE 70-200mm F2.8GM OSS II and FE 400mm F2.8GM OSS really make the action more exciting. There are many reasons why these lenses are among my favourite gears, and I must say that wildlife photography would be impossible without these superstar lenses.
FE 70–200mm F2.8GM OSS II: An intrinsic lens for wildlife photography
If you would ask me, I will always recommend using the α9 II with FE 70-200mm F2.8GM OSS II lens that every wildlife photographer should carry in their kit. Since it is immensely versatile and sharp, it gives me the freedom to capture the animals in their habitats with a closer view. It is a lens I never travel without.
Talking about the credibility of the camera it provides advancements to meet professional workflow expectations, such as intelligent operability and network connectivity for improved field assistance, everywhere reliability, and unmatched speed.
I am constantly in awe of the outstanding image quality of the lens, which is excellent across the zoom range and at all focusing distances. High resolution is ensured across the entire image area by two aspherical elements, one of which is of XA (extreme aspherical) type.
While Sony's Nano AR Coating II reduces flare and ghosting, two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements, two Super ED glass elements, and one ED aspherical element minimise chromatic aberration.
One of the top reasons why I call this gear superb is because of the exquisite G Master bokeh it provides in close-ups. This incredible G Master bokeh is offered through advanced optical design, an F2.8 aperture, and a new 11-blade aperture unit. The Close-up bokeh is just amazing, with a minimum focusing distance of just 0.4 m (1.32 ft) at 70 mm and 0.82 m (2.69 ft) at 200 mm. There are high-quality 1.4x and 2x teleconverters1 available to help extend the focal length of the lenses.
The cherry on the cake is that the lens is the lightest2 in its class, plus, it is superbly handy. Advanced design enhances balance, and a consistent barrel length adds to the ease and agility of handling. I typically carry this lens during the safari since it is so simple to take and shoot with it if an impromptu event occurs.
FE 400mm F2.8GM OSS: A lens which allows unparalleled photography freedom
With my detailed experience and understanding, I can state that this large-aperture super telephoto lens utilises Sony's most cutting-edge lens technologies to deliver exceptional speed, amazing G Master resolution, and bokeh, as well as professional control and durability.
Using α1 with FE 400mm F2.8GM OSS has been a one-of-a-kind experience for me as it offers an extraordinary combination of high resolution and lightning-fast speed. I have found it the best suitable for wildlife photography or any situation where the critical action is over in an instant. Unparalleled autofocus makes it possible for me to take wide shots of animals in their natural habitat.
Not to mention the endurance and dependability of this lens in difficult circumstances. Design3 that is resistant to moisture and dust offers the dependability required for outdoor use in difficult conditions; isn't it a fantastic thing for all wildlife photographers and enthusiasts? I am so much moved seeing how one can track4 up the moving subjects up to 5 times more effectively with this lens' ground-breaking XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors!
The full-speed performance of advanced camera bodies can be applied to capturing dynamic wildlife subjects. The G Master resolution and bokeh are stunning and sharp while a remarkable lightweight at just 2.90 g (102.2 oz) makes it a must-have camera gear for me. Outstanding portability, excellent handling, and optimal balance allow for quick, simple operation whether shooting-handed or when using a monopod.
Sony lenses will always be the best
It is interesting how these lenses have grown so familiar and ingrained in my photography. I have seen their usefulness in the most unpredictable and severe weather conditions. In these situations, the new 70-200GM II is incredibly dependable. I can easily use it in the monsoon, winter, and in direct sunlight, because it is dust-sealed and moisture-resistant.
I am grateful to Sony for making such amazing, practical, and durable lens gears that never fail to amaze and motivate me to explore more into the mystic world of wildlife.