Raj Bose (@rajbose_photography) is a professional fine art photographer and photo educator based in Houston, Texas, specializing in bird photography and capturing stunning landscapes that showcase the beauty of nature and the wonders of the great outdoors. Drawing inspiration from his love for nature and cultural diversities, Raj serves as an experienced tour leader, conducting workshops globally in countries like Brazil, Argentina, USA, Croatia, Slovenia, Iceland, Italy, Scotland, Ireland and more. As a hybrid shooter, Raj values a versatile camera system that is innovative, adaptive, provides excellent image quality and has a compact design. He relies on Sony cameras and lenses for their cutting-edge technology, impressive sensor performance and a diverse range of high-quality optics, enabling him to express his creativity across various genres of photography. We caught up with him to learn more about the gear you'll find in his bag – keep reading as he shares his kit.

Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 1
–Sony Alpha 7R V
–Sony ZV-E10
–Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 24-105mm f/4 G
–Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G
–Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master
–Sony 600mm f/4 G Master
–Sony 1.4X Teleconverter
–Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries

Cameras

Sony Alpha 1: This is my primary camera for action shots including bird and wildlife photography due to several key features. The Alpha 1 offers fast continuous shooting speeds up to 30 fps, capturing a rapid sequence of images. This is crucial for capturing dynamic bird movements and fast-paced action. This camera has amazing advanced autofocus systems, including mind blowing Real-Time Tracking and Eye Auto Focus which is absolutely crucial for sharp focusing on fast-moving subjects like birds. The other important feature of the Alpha 1 is its excellent low light performance. Overall, ever since I had this camera my “hit rate” in bird photography has increased tremendously and when it comes to bird or wildlife photography, I cannot think of any other camera than the Alpha 1.

“A Painted Bunting indulges in a refreshing bath – a vibrant watercolor masterpiece.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6. 1/2500-sec., f/5.6, ISO 2500

Sony Alpha 7R V: I started with Alpha 7R III then upgraded to Alpha 7R IV and now the Alpha 7R V. The Alpha 7R V features a remarkable 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, providing incredibly detailed images and fantastic autofocus even in challenging conditions. This is my workhorse for landscape and street photography as it provides amazing fine details which are needed in landscape and cityscape photography. The other aspect of this camera that I absolutely love is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization which minimizes camera shake and it allows me to take handheld sharp photos in low-light situations. This comes in very handy in museums where tripods are typically not allowed.

“An unforgettable sunset over Niest Point, Scotland, painting the sky with hues of wonder” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 13-sec., f/22, ISO 100.

Sony ZV-E10: I use this compact and lightweight crop sensor camera mainly for vlogging and capturing timelapses. Additionally, in urban settings where carrying expensive gear might be uncomfortable, I rely on this camera because it doesn't attract attention.

“The enchanting view of Port of Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony ZV-E10. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/800 sec., f/6.3, ISO 100

Lenses

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master: This is my primary lens for landscape photography, and it never leaves my bag. With its wide focal range, it's ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes, architecture, and immersive scenes. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance and enables creative depth of field control. Since it’s a G Master lens it has top-notch optical quality, delivering sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range. Also, the 11 rounded blades create excellent sunbursts. Almost the majority of my landscape shots including Astro photos are taken with this lens. I pair up the Sony Alpha 7R V with this lens and it is my typical combination for landscape photography.

“Enigmatic whispers in the ancient woods of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/25-sec., f/8, ISO 100.

Sony 24-105mm f/4 G: If I were to travel with one lens, then this is the one I would carry with me. The 24-105mm focal length range covers a wide spectrum, from wide-angle (24mm) to short telephoto (105mm), making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios without the need to switch lenses. Overall, because of its broad focal range, constant aperture, image stabilization, and high optical quality, I find this lens very useful for a wide range of photographic applications. Also, this is my backup landscape lens in case something happens to the 16-35mm lens.

“Golden hues embrace the ancient cliffs along the stunning Jurassic Coast in England.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/15-sec., f/10, ISO 160.

Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G: I affectionately refer to it as my "reliable workhorse." Although I've been using it less since acquiring the Sony 600mm f/4 G Master and the Sony 1.4X teleconverter, having this lens in my bag is reassuring. Its lightweight and compact design, featuring internal zoom, makes it an invaluable asset for me for wildlife photography. This lens excels in capturing intimate moments from a respectful distance, minimizing disruption to wildlife. With exceptional optical image stabilization and a well-balanced internal zoom, I can often shoot handheld, allowing me to seize more moments without the need for a cumbersome tripod.

“A Hawk takes a moment to rest its soaring spirit in Costa.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 1, Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G. 1/800-sec., f/6.3, ISO 100.

Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: This is another lens that I always carry with me. It is a very sharp lens with fast autofocus, and its small form factor is great for wildlife photography. I use it for landscape photography as it allows me to isolate my subject from distractions, create fantastic compression and creating panoramas in vertical orientation maintaining at least 25 percent overlap.

“Majestic fluffiness of a Highland Cow in the Scottish Highlands.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/500-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100.

Sony 600mm f/4 G Master: This is the mother of all my lenses. Someone said it right- it feels like a rocket ship in my hand. That being said, this lens offers unparalleled telephoto reach and professional-grade performance. This lens has exceptional low-light performance, sharpness and the creamy bokeh it creates is something out of this world which makes my wildlife images stand out from the rest. The lens's compatibility with teleconverters further extends its versatility, offering additional focal length options without compromising image quality. This lens is built like a tank and has exceptional build quality. Overall, this is my go-to lens for taking photos of birds or going for a safari.

“The Limpkin's aerial ballet, Texas.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 600mm f/4 G Master. 1/5000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 12800

Accessories

Sony 1.4X Teleconverter: This is a fantastic teleconverter! I can combine this with Sony 100-400mm, 200-600mm, or Sony 600mm f/4 G master lens. I have not noticed any reduction in image quality and I still get tack sharp shots. Albeit I don’t use this in low lighting conditions.

Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries: I carry a lot of these batteries and recommend using them all the time.

“Grand Canal bathed in the warm embrace of sunset in Venice, Italy.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 15-sec., f/6.3, ISO 80

F-stop Gear Backpack: Tilopa and Ajna. These camera backpacks are my ultimate companions, accompanying me on travels worldwide without a second thought about the safety of my gear.

Lens Wipes & Air Blower: These accessories help me to clean any dust and dirt on and in the cameras and lenses.

Haida ND Filter Kit: I use a variety of ND filters from Haida specially for long exposure photography. These filters fit perfectly on my Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master lens-my main lens for landscape photography.

“Kvernufoss, a hidden gem echoing the grandeur of the land of fire and ice, Iceland.” Photo by Raj Bose. Sony Alpha 7R III. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/25-sec., f/10, ISO 100.

Fotopro Carbon Tripod: I use different kinds of carbon fiber tripods from Fotopro depending on the situation. For general travel photography I carry a lightweight tripod whereas for wildlife and landscape photography I carry a heavier tripod.

Sony CFA cards: Essential for bird photography when I am shooting 30 fps using the Sony Alpha 1.

Extra SD Cards: I use these SD cards mainly for landscape photography and while taking videos.

“Serene sunbathing: A gray seal's rocky retreat in Faroe Islands.” Sony Alpha 1. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/6400-sec., f/5.6, ISO 2000.

Drone: This is a very versatile drone for aerial photography.

A Resealable Plastic Bag: comes in really handy for protecting my gear from moisture condensation in extreme humid and cold weather.

See more of Raj Bose's work on Instagram @rajbose_photography.