If there’s anyone who understands the pressure of moving fast and capturing everything, it’s Sony Artisan Taylor Rees. As a documentary filmmaker and photographer who often works solo or with a tiny crew, Rees needs a system that can adapt to unpredictable, high-stakes situations without slowing her down. “Oftentimes I’m running around just with myself or with a small crew, and even then we don’t have the capacity to have bags or cases,” she explains. That’s why her primary kit is intentionally minimal: the Sony Alpha 1 (Buy Now) paired with the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II (Buy Now). The combo gives her speed, reliability and professional-grade photo and video in a compact, streamlined package.
Why The Sony Alpha 1 Is Her Do‑Everything Camera
“The Alpha 1 just has all of the video capacity I need, the stills capacity I need. It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” she says. For hybrid shooters, the appeal is obvious. The Alpha 1 is built to switch seamlessly between high-resolution stills and cinematic video without changing bodies or compromising on quality. That’s essential for documentary work, where moments unfold quickly and there’s no second take.
Key advantages for hybrid documentary shooters:
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Fast, reliable autofocus for both stills and video, crucial for unpredictable subjects.
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High-resolution imaging for publication-quality photos and detailed frames for editorial use.
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Professional video formats and features that stand up to color grading and broadcast needs.
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Rugged build in a compact body, making it suitable for travel, remote locations, and fast setups.
In the field, fewer pieces mean fewer points of failure. Rees’ emphasis on reliability is not just about gear specs – it’s about a workflow that keeps her present with the story. With the Alpha 1, she can move nimbly from a handheld interview to a still portrait to a vérité sequence without changing tools or breaking rhythm.
The 24‑70mm f/2.8 G Master II: Versatility Without Compromise
The 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is the anchor of her lens setup because it hits the sweet spot between speed, range and optical quality. At 24mm, she can establish context and environment. At 70mm, she can tighten up for intimate moments and interviews. The constant f/2.8 aperture offers low-light performance and subject isolation that many documentary scenarios demand.
Why the 24‑70mm f/2.8 GM II is a documentary staple:
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Fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light scenes and cinematic depth of field.
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Sharp, high-contrast optics that render skin tones and textures beautifully.
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Lightweight, balanced design that complements compact camera builds.
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Quick, quiet focusing – ideal for both photo and video.
“It’s just super versatile. It’s kind of the workhorse. I like to use it more often than the 24-105mm because it’s a little bit faster. I think it’s a little bit prettier.” Her preference over the 24-105mm f/4 makes sense for run-and-gun filmmaking. The extra stop of light helps maintain cleaner ISOs in dim environments and gives more creative control over background separation. When time is tight and weight matters, the “pretty” look she’s after comes without needing to swap lenses.
A Simple, Pro-Ready Audio Setup
Clean, controllable audio is non-negotiable for documentaries. The Sony XLR adaptor allows her to run professional microphones directly into the camera with secure connections and onboard level control. That keeps the footprint small – no external recorders hanging off the rig – and speeds up her workflow from shoot to edit. “If I’m doing documentary film, I’ll throw the Sony XLR Adaptor on here with a Sony mic, and that’s pretty much all I need.”
Carry less and capture more with Taylor Rees' streamlined kit:
–Purchase the Alpha 1
–Purchase the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
Explore the gear carried by your favorite photographere at alphauniverse.com/wimb.
