• Sony a7RIV Review for Wildlife Photographers

    An African Adventure

    Sony a7RIV Review for Bird and Wildlife Photography

Introduction

I recently spent a month in East Africa leading photo safaris where I had the opportunity to field test Sony’s latest high megapixel a7RIV paired with a variety of their new super-telephoto lenses.  In particular I evaluated the camera and lenses (600mm f4, 200-600mm, 100-400mm) on the features most important for wildlife photographers.

Unlike several other genres of photography, portrait, wedding, and still life for example, where mirrorless cameras have had the performance and lens selection, they demand for quite some time, professional wildlife photographers have been waiting for a full frame, fast focusing, mirrorless cameras with native mount super-telephoto lenses.

Sony delivered big for us with the announcement of their flagship a9 (now a9II) which I reviewed with great optimism last year in Alaska (click here if you missed that review).  But the longest lens available at the time was a 100-400mm.

Excitingly, in October I received one of the first copies of a squeeky new Sony 600mm f4.  After testing it extensively I can confirm that it is a truly remarkable lens and the lightest one on the market for that matter.  Mounted to an a7RIV my setup is 3.5 lbs. lighter than my DLSR equivalent with a grip which equals much appreciated weight savings for my international schedule.  My back won’t complain either as I hand hold the big telephotos quite a bit.  I enjoyed some of the new features included a dedicated MF setting so you don’t bump focus when panning off a bean bag, and a new focus ring for rack focusing.

Now with a variety of high preforming super-telephotos, and the addition of the A7RIV Sony has a deadly duo of cameras and lenses that for me sets a new standard for wildlife photographers.  These innovations further my excitement about the new camera technology that will lead us into the future.

Watch the Review

A7RIV Camera Highlights:

  • The 61MP sensor delivers some of the most stunningly detailed images I have ever seen.
  • An innovative autofocus system with subject tracking and animal AF fast enough to track birds and wildlife.
  • Pair it with one of over 50 native lenses (no adapter needed) including a spectacular new lightest on the market 600mm f4, 400mm 2.8, 200-600mm, or 100-400mm.
  • Exceptional low light performance.  I’m very happy with files up to ISO3200 and comfortable pushing to ISO6400 when needed.  ISO12800 is usable.
  • Brilliant OLED EFV viewfinder with live histogram, the first one I have looked at that I consider superior to the optical experience of a DSLR.
  • 5.5 stops of in body stabilization.  Although still not as good as Panasonic or Olympus.
  • Excellent battery life, no issues here.
  • Charge your camera with a USB-C cord, save carrying a bulky battery charger.

Gallery – Wildlife Photography Shot on the Sony a7RIV

The a7RIV allows you to print your images big with a new level of detail.  Check out my Mountain Gorillas 40x60in and Baby Elephant 20x30in.  Both stunning to look at in person.

My images are available as limited edition fine-art prints on my brand new fine art website: www.AaronBaggenstos.com.

For sponsorship, brand deals, speaking engagements and more, please email us at info@aaronstours.com with proposal and details.

1
2
Aaron Baggenstos
1

Baby Elephant shot on A7RIV.  I got some of the most beautiful prints I have ever seen out of this camera.

Print Info: UltraHD Photo Print on Fuji Crystal DP Maxima 20″ x 30″ with walnut frame.

2

Mountain Gorillas shot on A7RIV.

Print Info: Acrylic glass 40″ x 60″ showcasing the stunning details you can get in large prints with this camera.

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I did making it.  Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and to our newsletter using the form below.  Check out the latest from our adventures on Instagram.

I would love to hear your comments/questions below.  And I’ll see you on the next adventure.

Aaron’s Newsletter

Want to be the first to hear about new camera reviews?  Sign up for our newsletter today.

Sony a7RIV Review for Bird and Wildlife Photography

Disclosure:

  • The opinions in this review are my own and not persuaded by anyone or any company.  I did not receive payment from Sony to make this review.
  • Although I’m a member of Sony Pro Services I did purchase the camera equipment for this review with my own money from Allen’s Camera my go to source for camera equipment.
  • For many years I’ve field tested a wide variety of cameras for Nikon, Olympus, Sony, and others.  I generally select these cameras based on their merits for the images I am trying to make.
  • I use the camera equipment I personally enjoy and often trade my cameras in for the latest and greatest, just my personal philosophy.  This helps me with articles and teaching clients showing up with a wide variety of cameras on tours and workshops.  
  • Always remember, it’s the photographer and not the camera that creates an image, and “a good image is a good image” regardless of what camera produced it.

A7RIV Limitations:

  • You’ll need higher shutter speeds in general with the higher MP’s, I noticed at least a stop difference over my D850, plan at least two stops over a D5.  
  • It’s still not possible to move the focus points or access some of the key menu items while buffering.
  • The uncompressed RAW files can be a massive 120MB, so you’ll want fast SD cards, and an upgraded laptop with SSD.
  • EVF blackout significant while shooting uncompressed RAW, much less while using APSC crop or on continuous high +.  Use this setting for birds in flight or action.  The files still look great.
  • The silent electronic shutter suffers from bad rolling shutter.  Shoot mostly with the mechanical shutter.  I actually missed my shutter click sounds when I turned it off anyway.
  • Like all mirrorless cameras the sensor attracts a bit of dust so make sure to carry a sensor cleaning kit with you into the field, or be prepared to remove spots in post.
Aaron Baggenstos

Aaron Baggenstos

In the last 10 years Aaron has lead over 200 photography tours around the world. He has earned a reputation for his gracious teaching style to photographers of all skill levels and extensive knowledge of Nikon, Sony, Canon, Olympus, and Panasonic digital cameras.

Aaron is a member of both Nikon and Sony Professional Services, Gura Gear Pro Team member, and a Really Right Stuff Champion. Along with leading tours and workshops Aaron is a contributor to Outdoor Photographer Magazine.

Aaron’s images are available as limited edition fine-art prints at www.AaronBaggenstos.com.

©Aaron’s Photo Tours™ – Wildlife Photography Tours – Call (425) 760-1505 – Email info@aaronstours.com