When bird and wildlife photographer Alex Phan (@alex_phan714) is packing his photo kit for the field, his philosophy has always been that less is more. “I will continue to use a single lens and camera combination exclusively to master the intricacies of my gear,” he says. “This approach fosters discipline and enhances my ability to adapt to challenges in the field.” With that in mind, here’s what you can expect to find in his bag when out photographing birds in action.
Product Preview – In This Article You'll Find:
–Sony Alpha 1
–Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 1.4x Teleconverter
–Sony 2x Teleconverter
–Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
Camera
Sony Alpha 1: The Sony Alpha 1 remains the ultimate camera for me, delivering everything a wildlife photographer could wish for. With the capability to shoot at 30 frames per second, I will never miss any action; I can easily choose from various poses and angles in the series. The camera features a generous 50-megapixel sensor, allowing me to crop in post-production without sacrificing image quality. Additionally, when necessary, I can switch to APS-C crop mode and still obtain a 21 MP file size.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/4.5, ISO 500
Lenses
Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master: Recently, Sony released the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS, which is an impressive lens. It features a compact design, ultra-lightweight construction, and exceptional image quality, even at f/2.8. It offers buttery smooth transitions between out-of-focus and in-focus areas, excelling in shallow depth-of-field shots. The dual XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motor System quickly and quietly focuses on fast-moving subjects, enabling high-speed image capture. The high-precision XD motor system is enhanced by updated auto-focus algorithms, improving responsiveness and providing quieter operation, which is especially beneficial for wildlife photography.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master + 2x TC. 1/500-sec., f/9, ISO 320
I appreciate how this lens beautifully separates subjects, presenting them against a creamy, smooth background. Weighing only three pounds without the collar, this lens is a dream come true for me. With a much lighter payload, I can move around more quickly and perform 360-degree tracking motions. I have been using the 300mm f/2.8 GM full-time now. The 300mm f/2.8 GM works exceptionally well with both the Sony 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. Having this lens is like possessing three lenses in one: a 300mm f/2.8, a 420mm f/4, and a 600mm f/5.6 at your disposal. When you attach the 1.4x teleconverter, you will barely notice any degradation in quality, and auto-focus remains extremely fast.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/2000-sec., f/2.8, ISO 250
One additional advantage of using the smaller 300mm f/2.8 GM lens is for travel. I can now go without packing heavy gear. The camera and lens fit nicely in the Tenba Solstice 12L Backpack, which can stow under the seat in front of you on a plane. This way, in case my luggage gets lost, I still have my gear to use.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/800-sec., f/2.8, ISO 400
Accessories
Sony 1.4x Teleconverter and Sony 2x Teleconverter: The 1.4x and 2x TC extend the effective focal length of select Sony E-mount telephoto lenses, increasing magnification by 1.4x or 2x for a narrower field of view. Unlike many teleconverters used with DSLRs, which can lead to reduced autofocus performance and image quality, the Sony teleconverters are designed to work seamlessly with Sony lenses like the 300mm f/2.8 GM, 400mm f/2.8 GM and 600mm f/4 GM. These three prime lenses are designed to handle resolutions of up to 100 megapixels, ensuring excellent image quality and very fast autofocus. I highly recommend these teleconverters if you own the 300mm, 400mm, or 600mm GM lenses, as I have been using them frequently and achieving great results.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master + 1.4x TC. 1/2500-sec., f/4.5, ISO 640
Sony NP-FZ100 Battery: I know there are many third-party battery options available that are also very good and cheaper, but I'm still sticking to the authentic Sony NP-FZ100 Battery. Under extremely cold conditions, it does not drain as quickly as third-party batteries.
Memory Card: This is the card I use with my Sony Alpha 1. It helps clear the buffer more efficiently and expedites file transfers to your computer.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1 II. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master + 2x TC. 1/1000-sec., f/5.6, ISO 800
Leofoto EB-01 Electric Air Blower Jet Fan Cleaner: Since I’m changing teleconverters with the 300mm f/2.8 GM in the field, I want to make sure dust doesn’t get into the sensor. This electric air blower ensures that doesn’t happen. It features high-speed turbo electric air blowing specifically designed for removing dust from photographic equipment and static objects.
Photo by Alex Phan. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G Master + 2x TC. 1/640-sec., f/5.6, ISO 640
Overall, my setup is all about efficiency and mobility, allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot while staying prepared for whatever nature throws my way.
See more of Alex Phan’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @alex_phan714.
