Pierre Gavarry is a wildlife and nature photographer based in France. “I spend most of my time exploring forests, wetlands and mountains, chasing the quiet moments that connect us to nature,” he explains. “My camera bag is built for one thing – capturing emotion in the wild, whether it’s the calm presence of a heron or the speed of a kingfisher diving into the water.” We recently came across some of his stunning fall color photography and wanted to learn more about his kit. Keep reading as he shares what’s in his bag.
Shop This Kit:
Cameras: Alpha 7 IV, Alpha 6700
Lenses: 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G, 50mm f/1.8, E 16mm f/2.8
Cameras
Alpha 7 IV: This is the heart of my work. The Alpha 7 IV combines everything I need as a wildlife photographer – stunning dynamic range, precise autofocus and incredible low-light performance. It allows me to focus purely on the story and emotion within a scene rather than technical limits.
Photo by Pierre Gavarry. Alpha 7 IV. 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.
The Alpha 7 IV truly helped me make the most of this moment. The flamingo was moving slowly through the fog, and the soft light could easily have flattened the scene – but the camera’s dynamic range kept every delicate tone alive, from the mist in the background to the vibrant reds of the wings. The autofocus tracked perfectly through the haze, letting me stay focused on composition and timing rather than technical adjustments.
Alpha 6700: This is my go-to camera for self-portraits and behind-the-scenes content. It’s compact, reliable and its excellent autofocus lets me capture myself working in the field while staying focused on the natural environment. I use it to document not only the wildlife I photograph, but also the story behind the image – the patience, the setup, the connection with nature.
Photo by Pierre Gavarry. Alpha 6700. 50mm f/1.8. 1/400-sec., f/1.8, ISO 320
As a content creator, having a camera like the Alpha 6700 changes everything. It’s not just about image quality – it’s about reliability, speed and flexibility. The compact size lets me take it everywhere, the autofocus keeps me sharp even when I’m behind the lens, and the color science stays consistent across every project. Whether I’m filming wildlife or creating behind-the-scenes content like this shot, the Alpha 6700 allows me to stay fully focused on storytelling – not on settings.
Lenses
200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G: This lens never leaves my side. It gives me the reach and precision I need for wildlife photography while keeping the image quality exceptional. The internal zoom makes it perfect for handheld shooting, and the compression creates that cinematic look I love in my work.
Photo by Pierre Gavarry. Alpha 7 IV. 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G. 1/2000-sec., f/6.3, ISO 10000
The 200-600mm is the lens that lets me get close without ever disturbing the moment. For shots like this kingfisher, it’s all about distance, precision, and softness. The reach allows me to stay hidden, the sharpness brings out every feather, and the bokeh isolates the subject perfectly – turning a simple branch into a cinematic stage. It’s a lens built for patience and quiet observation – exactly what wildlife photography demands.
50mm f/1.8: The 50mm is my go-to for detail shots, portraits and when I want to tell a more intimate story. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for traveling light, while the shallow depth of field helps isolate subjects and bring emotion into the frame.
Photo by Pierre Gavarry. Alpha 7 IV. 50mm f/1.8. 1/500-sec., f/1.8, ISO 50
The 50mm f/1.8 is the lens I reach for when I want to keep things simple – and honest. It’s light, sharp, and creates that soft depth that turns even the most ordinary moment into something cinematic. For portraits or behind-the-scenes shots like this one, it captures the balance between intimacy and space – enough distance to frame the scene, but close enough to feel the emotion.
E 16mm f/2.8: On the Alpha 6700, the 16mm becomes roughly a 35mm equivalent – which makes it perfect for behind-the-scenes photos and videos. It gives a natural, immersive field of view that captures both the environment and the action, without distortion.
Photo by Pierre Gavarry. Alpha 6700. E 16mm f/2.8.
The 16mm 2.8 (35mm equivalent on the Alpha 6700) is perfect for capturing what happens behind the lens. It keeps a natural perspective while giving just enough context to feel the atmosphere around me – whether it’s the light, the landscape, or the quiet moment before the shot. It’s the lens I use to tell the story around the photo.
Accessories
Manfrotto Tripod: Solid, reliable, and perfect for stability during long observation sessions.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards: Because you never know when the magic will happen.
Camouflage Clothing & Mosquito Net: Blending in helps me get closer to wildlife without disturbing them.
Snacks: A piece of bread or a few biscuits and a thermos of coffee – essential gear for long, quiet mornings waiting for the perfect shot.
See more of Pierre Gavarry’s work on Instagram @pierre_gavarry.
