Explore the
Universe

Step 1 of 2

Create your profile to get all your Alpha Program notifications in one convenient location.

The Basics

Must contain at least 8 characters, an uppercase character, a lowercase character, a number and a symbol.
By joining the Alpha Universe community, you agree to the Terms and the Sony Electronics Inc. Privacy Policy and certify that you are a U.S. resident. (CA Privacy Notice).
Next

Personalize Your Profile

Step 2 of 2

Create your profile to get all your Alpha Program notifications in one convenient location.

Your Specialty *

(Select All That Apply)


I am a... *

(Select All That Apply)


(Optional)


What kind of camera(s) do you shoot with? *

(Select All That Apply)

https://alphauniverseglobal.media.zestyio.com/Alpha-Universe-WIMB-Abe-Curland-Gear.jpg?width=500&height=500&fit=bounds

What’s In My Bag: See This Photographer’s Kit For Fast-Action Wildlife, Landscapes & More

My name is Abe Curland and, for me, while landscape and street photography are fun, after my first taste of the action and rewards of wild bird photography, I was hooked! Birding is by far my greatest passion. At first, I was using an APS-C camera with good tracking and a high burst rate with a 150-600 lens and I was happy. I work in the photo business (I’ve been at B&H Photo for 13 years), so I stay up on the latest cameras and lenses when I wanted to add a full-frame camera to my gear for landscapes, portraits and he like, I decided on the Sony α7R III. Then, on a landscape excursion in the Nevada desert with the α7R III, I was suddenly treated to a verdin fluttering around in the brush. The incredible detail of that photo spelled retirement for my APS-C camera and I started using my α7R III full time. For my photography, the focus tracking was good, but it wasn’t designed for the fast action of birds. So I tried the Sony α9 and BINGO! The α9 is the best camera I have ever used for birding and the image quality for landscapes, street and portraits is fabulous! It’s now my only camera body. I use the Sony 100-400mm GM and by the end of the year I hope to own the new Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G to give me additional focal length that’s helpful with bird photography. Rounding out my lens array is the 85mm f/1.8, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 16-35mm f/4. Here’s more about my kit.

“Best focus tracking ever, great in low light, lighting fast focus acquisition, sharp image quality, 20 fps…a dream camera!”

Lenses

Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: Used for birding and great for compressed landscape shots. This is a lovely lens with an amazingly close focus. The majesty of the Bald eagle is breathtaking. The α9 got a tack sharp focus as I tracked him across my view. Because I am using only the 100-400mm lens, the bird was not filling much of my frame. Even at the heavy crop, sharp focus was maintained.

Sony α9. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/4000-sec., f/6.3, ISO 800

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master: This is a standard for any camera bag. I use this for landscapes and for the rare occasion I photograph an event. In the photo below, the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM captured all the color and was wide enough to get all three bridges. I have been taking this shot for many years and there has always been an issue. This was the best year so far and I will be there again next year!

Sony α9. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/3.5, ISO 100

Sony 16-35mm f/4: I use this lens often for street photography, landscapes (although I tend to use the 24-70mm more for landscapes) and any other time I just want to take a camera and lens along. It is lightweight and versatile. In the first photo below I was using the 16-35mm and only ambient light, and the α9 did a fabulous job with the stabilization. In the second photo I was at 14,000 ft and was having a difficult time breathing and getting around. The 16-35mm captured the lines and contours of this spot beautifully.

Sony α9. Sony 16-35mm f/4. 1/40-sec., f/4, ISO 1600

Sony α9. Sony 16-35mm f/4. 1/200-sec., f/8, ISO 200

Sony 85mm f/1.8: In my opinion, the 85mm f/1.8 is the Best value in the Sony lineup so I had to include it here even though I use it almost exclusively for portraits. Sharp as a tack.

Camera

Sony α9: Best focus tracking ever, great in low light, lighting fast focus acquisition, sharp image quality, 20 fps. What can I say? A bird photographer’s dream camera! I also use this camera for landscape photography, head shots, and to be able to afford more gear – I do real estate photography in my “free” time.

Sony α9. Sony 16-35mm f/4. 1/200-sec., f/9, ISO 400

Accessories

Vello Shutter Release & Vello Interval Timer: A must for landscape and real estate photography.

Oben Tripod & Head: Essential for both landscape and real estate photography.

Sony α9. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 1000

Oben Gimbal: Although I like to shoot handheld, many times I am standing outside for many hours. That is the nature is birding…wait and wait some more. The gimbal gives me the relief of holding a large lens and the versatility to follow birds.

Godox AD200 TTL Pocket Flash Kit & Godox TT685S Thinklite TTL Flash: I hope to incorporate these into my birding/wildlife photography. In the meantime, they are very helpful for photos of Homo sapiens.

Sony α9. Sony 16-35mm f/4. 1/200-sec., f/11, ISO 80

Lowepro Backpack: This large backpack can hold all my gear, a computer, a tripod and it fits in the airline overhead bin. It’s super comfortable to carry.

See more of Abe Curland’s work on Instagram @birdsongimages.

JOIN

Shop Now

Banner image

Who Knows You? Welcome to Public Profiles!

Pro Workflow: How Jessica Hirsch Creates Mouthwatering Food Photos & Videos

Challenge Accepted: How An Urbex Photographer Tried Something New In A Foreign Land

5 Tips For Landscape Photography

5 Things To Know About The New Sony ZV-1 II

Up-Close With The New Sony 20-70mm f/4 G Zoom

See Why This Leading Wildlife Conservation Photographer Is Making The Switch To Sony

Hands On With The New Sony Alpha 7CR

See Why This Pro Photographer Just Switched From Canon To Sony

For This Creator, Switching To Sony Came Down To Community

Promos

Save with Sony Special Pricing
Did you like what you just read?

Take a minute and share this story with your friends.


Banner image