As a professional photographer with over five decades of experience, Sony Artisan Andy Katz has dedicated his life to capturing the world's beauty through his lens. “My journey has taken me to over 90 countries, culminating in my role being named to the first group of Sony Artisans of Imagery,” Andy says. “My current endeavor, ‘America The Beautiful,’ is a deeply personal project where I aim to photograph the soul of every U.S. state, fostering unity and appreciation for our nation's diverse landscapes. The gear in my bag is meticulously chosen to support this ambitious undertaking, allowing me to capture breathtaking landscapes and intimate details, often in challenging conditions, without compromising on image quality or portability.” Keep reading below as Andy shares the gear he's used to photograph our beautiful country.
Shop This Kit:
Camera: Alpha 7R V
Lenses: 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master, 20-70mm f/4 G, 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II, 14mm f/1.8 G Master
Cameras
Alpha 7R V (x2): The Sony Alpha 7R V is my constant companion on this journey, a camera that truly merits its place in my bag...so much so that I brought two of them. Its remarkable 61-megapixel sensor and incredible dynamic range are game-changers, allowing me to produce massive 40x50-inch prints with stunning clarity. What I value most is its 8-stop image stabilization, which has fundamentally changed my approach to photography. At 72, traveling light is essential, and this feature allows me to often leave the heavy tripod behind, confidently shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds like 1/8-sec. This freedom enables me to capture fleeting moments and unique perspectives that would otherwise be impossible, ensuring I get the shot I'm going for with exceptional detail and minimal noise.
"Captured with the Sony Alpha 7R V, this image exemplifies the camera's ability to render intricate details and broad tonal range, even in challenging light." Photo by Andy Katz.
While the Alpha 7R V is my primary workhorse for its sheer resolution, I have another Alpha 7R V that complements it perfectly, especially when I need to capture fast-moving elements within a landscape or when I require its advanced autofocus capabilities. It provides an excellent balance of high resolution and rapid performance, ensuring I don't miss any critical moments during my extensive travels across the country.
"A moment frozen in time by the Sony Alpha 7R V, demonstrating its precision and speed." Photo by Andy Katz.
Lenses
100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: This telephoto zoom lens is indispensable for my landscape work. While wide-angle lenses capture the grandeur, the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM allows me to isolate distant elements, compress perspectives, and reveal intricate details within the vast American landscapes. It's crucial for capturing distant mountain peaks, unique rock formations, or wildlife from a respectful distance. The sharpness and clarity across its zoom range are exceptional, helping me achieve the precise compositions I envision for my project.
"The Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master lens brought this distant vista into sharp focus, highlighting the subtle textures of the landscape." Photo by Andy Katz.
20-70mm f/4 G: The Sony 20-70mm f/4 G is a versatile workhorse that rarely leaves my bag. Its broad focal range makes it incredibly adaptable for a variety of situations, from wider landscape views to more standard compositions. It's an excellent all-around lens for when I need flexibility without constantly changing lenses, especially when I'm on the move or in environments where dust and elements are a concern. Its consistent f/4 aperture and optical quality make it a reliable choice for capturing the diverse scenes of "America The Beautiful."
“This scene, captured with the Sony 20-70mm f/4 G Master, showcases the lens's versatility for everyday landscape photography." Photo by Andy Katz.
16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II: For capturing the sheer expanse of the American landscapes, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is an essential wide-angle lens in my bag. It’s fast and the aperture makes it ideal for low-light conditions, such as twilight or astrophotography, allowing me to gather ample light without significantly increasing ISO. The wide focal length is perfect for sweeping vistas, architectural elements, and immersive environmental shots, ensuring I can convey the scale and majesty of the scenes I encounter. Its exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion across the frame are crucial for maintaining the integrity of these expansive views.
"The vastness of this landscape, captured with the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 highlights the lens's capacity for immersive wide-angle photography." Photo by Andy Katz.
14mm f/1.8 G Master: My Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM is like that reliable friend who's always there for you. It's a super versatile lens that hardly ever leaves my bag because its zoom range covers so many situations, from wider landscape shots to more standard compositions. It's my perfect all-rounder when I need flexibility and don't want to constantly swap lenses, especially when I'm on the move or in dusty places. Its consistent f/4 aperture and awesome optical quality make it a solid choice for all the diverse scenes.
"This scene from Acadia National Park, captured with the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM, proves its versatility for all kinds of landscape photography." Photo by Andy Katz.
Accessories
RV: My RV was more than just an accessory; it was my mobile base and home for three years during the "A Walk In The Park" project, and continues to be vital for "America The Beautiful." It allows me to live and work directly within the landscapes I photograph, providing unparalleled access and immersion.
Andy Katz's RV while photographing, 'America The Beautiful'
Sony Image Stabilization System: While built into the cameras, the advanced in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system in my Sony Alpha cameras is a critical accessory that allows me to shoot handheld in conditions that would typically require a tripod. This freedom is a game-changer for a photographer like me, enabling me to capture sharp images even at slower shutter speeds and reducing the overall weight of my gear.
See more of Andy Katz's work on his Alpha Universe Profile, on Instagram @andykatzphotography and at andykatzphotography.com.
