Erin Sullivan (@erinoutdoors) is an outdoor, travel and miniature photographer based in LA. “This is my base kit – it covers landscapes, wildlife, portraits and the details in between. I bring gear that helps me to make photographs that communicate the feeling from the moments I was in, whether I am photographing landscapes, people, abstract colors and shapes, or miniatures.” Keep reading as the Alpha Collective member walks us through the cameras, lenses and accessories she includes in her photography kit.
Outdoor, travel and miniature photographer Erin Sullivan (@erinoutdoors) gives us a look at the cameras, lenses & more you’ll find in her bag.
Cameras
Sony Alpha 1: This is a recent addition that is becoming my main camera, and for good reason. It is just so fast, plus the high resolution and excellent autofocus (and real-time tracking) help me to translate what I am seeing and experiencing into my photographs.
Photo by Erin Sullivan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec., f/9, ISO 100
Sony Alpha 7R IV: The A7R series has been my go-to for 5+ years now, until the Alpha 1 was released. If I suspect that I will want to print a photograph at large scale, that’s where this camera comes in. The 61-megapixel sensor captures a ton of detail perfect for large format images. Plus the battery life is solid.
Photo by Erin Sullivan. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/160-sec., f/8, ISO 125
Lenses
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: This is my pick for the best all-around best lens to keep on your camera body. The range makes it super versatile, and the new mark II version is more lightweight and compact than its predecessor. Below is a scene I came across while hiking in Greece. Landscapes, environmental scenes, portraits – this lens does it.
Photo by Erin Sullivan. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100
Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master: I love using this telephoto lens for wildlife, but it’s so much more than that for me. This lens is fantastic for compressed scenes and playing with abstraction; it gives a totally different perspective than a wide or mid-range lens, which is why it’s almost always in my bag.
Photo by Erin Sullivan. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master. 1/320-sec., f/5.6, ISO 640
Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G: I started using this lens a LOT more when I began photographing miniatures in 2020. And while I still use it for my mini scenes (pictured here), I also use it when I travel now as well. It is perfect for capturing details and gives me creative freedom to get really close to my subjects. Plus, it works great as a portrait lens too.
Photo by Erin Sullivan. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G. 1/5-sec., f/8, ISO 100
Accessories
Sony LinkBuds S: Noise-canceling headphones are crucial for travel. I use over-ear headphones for airplane travel (like the Sony WH1000-XM5), otherwise I bring Sony LinkBuds S.
Battery: I find that I only need one extra FZ-100 battery as a backup.
Microfiber Cloth: To clean up my lenses, as they inevitably get dirty or dusty.
Sony TOUGH Memory Cards: Extra memory cards that can withstand a bit of moisture and dust.
Rocket Blower: No matter how careful I am, my sensor always gets a bit dusty. This is to clean it off while swapping lenses.
Peak Design Camera Straps: These removable straps are easy to take on and off, and are lightweight.
See more of Erin Sullivan’s work on Instagram @erinoutdoors.
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