Andrew Macdonald (@a_mac_photo) is a photographer, filmmaker and storyteller. He makes content for the luxury travel industry and conservation projects. Andrew specializes in creating tailor packages of high-quality imagery and promotional videos. In addition to his own storytelling work, he offers guides and workshops on photo and video editing. As a freelancer who travels around the world to make content, we were interested in what gear Andrew travels with and relies on for creative vision. Continue reading to take a peek in his camera bag.

Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 1
–Sony ZV-1
–Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master
–Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G
–Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 1.4X Teleconverter

See the gear photographer, filmmaker and storyteller Andrew Macdonald uses to capture stories of conservation and travel.

Cameras

Sony Alpha 1 (x2): When the Sony Alpha 1 was released, I knew it would be a game changer for me. The 30fps 50mp capabilities are a huge help to me capturing the action as well as allowing me to crop in where needed. Then we have the various video capabilities. With my work I can often be shooting 50% photos and 50% video so having it all inside one camera was a dream come true. I love it so much I recently was able to add a second Sony Alpha 1 to my bag. I can now fully customize both cameras to prioritize one for photography and one for videography or when shooting wildlife I can have my 400mm 2.8 on one body and my 100-400mm or 200-600mm on the other body. The eye autofocus is also unbeatable. I have shared wildlife hides with people using different brands of camera and they are always blown away!

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.

Sony ZV-1: I love using this small lightweight camera to capture behind the scenes from my adventures. It really improved the look and feel of my vlogs. I have a little over 4K subscribers on YouTube and I love the ability to make high-quality videos easily.

Lenses

I have quite a range of lenses because my work is so varied. One morning I can be shooting a safari lodge at 16mm and in the afternoon I might be shooting wildlife at 600mm+. To help me cover this range I have a variety of Sony lenses.

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master: I use this lens mainly for landscapes and luxury accommodation shoots. It also comes in very handy when I shoot wide astro photos. There are so many situations where being able to shoot at 16mm allows me to get the composition I need.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master: This is a fantastic lens that I use for almost all types of photography. I use this for landscape, portrait, accommodation and adventure photography. It is always the first lens to go into my camera bag. One day I hope to upgrade to the 24-70mm 2.8 GM II.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master.

Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: This lens was my first wildlife lens and I still use it today. It covers a great range for safari shooting but it is also very good for picking out areas within a landscape, especially in the mountains. Its size makes it pretty easy to travel and hike with too.

Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G: This became my main lens for wildlife photography a couple of years ago, the extra range comes in so handy for those further away subjects. I think it's incredible value for money and I love the lightweight and also the internal zoom mechanism. The versatility from 200-600 comes in very handy which can make it better than shooting on a prime lens in many situations.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.

Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master: Lastly we have my new favorite lens for wildlife, the 400mm f/2.8 GM. This is my first prime lens and the results have been mind blowing, especially being able to shoot at 2.8 in those tricky low light situations. Coupled with the Sony Alpha 1 there can't be many better setups for wildlife on the market. I am also able to fit this lens into my hand luggage when traveling which is pretty amazing. I had always resisted buying a prime lens but now I wish I had this lens years ago. Shooting at 2.8 makes my subject pop so well against a milky background. Focus is fast, images are crisp and it's also so well balanced when holding in the hand. It's an absolute game changer.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master.

Sony 1.4X Teleconverter: A teleconverter is something I use when I need to, usually in slightly brighter conditions. It can give me that extra push I need to get the shot. When shooting on my 400mm f/2.8 GM the teleconverter can also allow me to park at a certain distance from my subject and still get some variety in my compositions by simply adding or removing the teleconverter.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master + 1.4X TC.

Accessories

Smallrig L Bracket: This L bracket always goes onto my camera when heading out on a landscape shoot. It allows me to quickly switch from landscape to portrait and keep the camera's center of gravity central to the tripod. It is also great for shooting panoramas.

Extra Sony Batteries: An essential to give you the piece of mind that you can be out and shoot all day if needed.

Lens Blower + Lens Pen + Lens Cloth: It's always essential to have something to clean dust off your gear, especially on safari.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.

Joby Gorilla Pod: I use this for my Sony ZV-1 to help capture behind the scenes videos of my work.

Peak Design Travel Tripod: An essential tool for both my landscape and accommodation photography.

Drone: I love drones. They are amazing when out on landscape shoots but also when photographing accommodation to give a sense of the location and environment around the property.

Sandisk 2TB SSD Drive: I love these small hard drives as they are nice and fast to dump photos and videos onto each evening.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master.

Beanbag: Everyone going on safari should take a beanbag to help steady their camera on the vehicle. They make a huge difference.

Kase Magnetic Filters: I use these when doing landscape photography when there is moving water or when I want to do long exposures to capture motion in the clouds.

Polar Pro Peter Mckinnon Variable Filters: I love these variable filters. They allow me to shoot at 2.8 in bright conditions while still keeping my video settings optimal.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master.

F-Stop Camera Bag: A recent purchase but so far I am loving it. Does everything I need.

Buffs: I use buffs all the time in all weather conditions. On safari they are great face covers for the dust but they are also very handy for quickly wrapping up the camera body when driving through dry and dusty areas.

Leatherman Pocket Knife: A very handy tool to have with you in remote areas. I use the screwdriver a lot when removing tripod plates etc.

Photo by Andrew Macdonald. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.

(NOT PICTURED)

Lens Covers: They can be expensive for what they are but as well as helping to camouflage my lens they give me peace of mind from scratches and bumps.

Ronin RSC2 Gimbal: Helping me get stable video shots when I need them.

Atomos Ninja V+ Monitor: An essential accessory when shooting video.

Tilta Cage: I have one of my Sony Alpha 1 cameras in the cage for video shoots to attach my Atomos Ninja V+ monitor and microphone.

See more of Andrew Macdonald’s work on Instagram @a_mac_photo and on his YouTube Channel.