Inside My Camera Bag | Frazer Leal

Photography surrounded me as a kid, with our family business offering worldwide photography tours and workshops since 1989. I had the opportunity to play with dad’s camera equipment (when he wasn’t looking). This early fascination led me to my own equipment later in life.

I have always had a love of wildlife, with birds being one of my favourite subjects as they are a challenging animal to shoot, each having their own unique and quirky personality.

My passion is to help photographers understand the tools of the trade and to maximise photo opportunities. I am a Sony Digital Imaging Advocate and photo guide for World Photo Adventures.

A couple of years ago, I made the switch from DSLR to a mirrorless system. After some homework, I decided that Sony offered the best equipment. I travel light with one body, three lenses, filters, first aid kit and accessories.

Everything in my kit fits in my LowePro ProTactic 450 AW bag.

Camera

The Sony a7R IV is an epic camera for wildlife shooters with 61MP 35mm full-frame sensor, 10fps, AI-based real-time tracking and 15-stops of dynamic range.

61MP…Yes! Size does count! You can use the APS-C/Super 35mm mode with 26.2MP which gives you approximately 1.6 times the focal length or crop in post-production, for wildlife this is essential. I can either keep a large distance from the subject or give myself a lot of room in the frame to crop in post, without worrying about loss of quality.

Lenses

A new addition to my bag is the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM. I use it in a unique way in that I shoot the aperture wide open then use the number of megapixels available as a tool, cropping to suit with AI tracking, I can lock on to my subject quickly and accurately.

Using this lens has enabled me to capture images that I never thought possible. The limited depth of field offers a different result when compared to traditional lenses for this subject. I also use Vello 16mm Extension tube with this lens for macro.

I use my Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM for landscapes and nature shoots.

My go-to lens is the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM. It’s great for Ospreys at home or the big game in Africa and at times, I use it in conjunction with Sony 1.4x Teleconverter.

Lights/Triggers

I love to use my Sony HVL-F32M Flash on TTL in Programme mode. This offers me very fast and easy use. At times, flash helps to punch light to give details in feathers and other parts of different creatures and it can be used creatively to freeze movement in lower light situations.

Lume Cube is a great light source for macro and astro-shoots, plus I have a MK Controls Lightning Bug for shooting lighting.

Straps

I use Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap because I like the easily detachable and ultralight design. When I’m out in the field I can have the wrist strap on, or when I’m doing tripod work I can easily detach it using the anchor link system.

Filters/Tripod

For longer exposures, I use NiSi V5 100mm Filter Holder paired with my Manfrotto 190 Tripod and Sony Remote Commander RMT-P1BT, but I do a lot of my work handheld.

Hardware/Software

I use Adobe Lightroom classic with my Apple iPad Pro, 1TB for my fieldwork and Adobe Lightroom CC with my Apple iMac for cataloging, final image preparation and printing.

My Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is great for candid photography.

I haven’t been taking photos for long, however, I like learning about this great form of art and love passing on helpful information to other photographers. I’m excited about the future of my photography as I continue to explore locations as far away as Africa, South America and the many great places in Australia and New Zealand.

www.worldphotoadventures.com.au | @frazerlealphotography