To Switch or Not to Switch...

I am writing this blog post because so many folks are asking me for advise on whether or not to switch camera systems to Sony. I get questions like- How the focus on the Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera compares to Canon’s top of the line and Nikons top of the line cameras?- the answer I give is: that for me— and I stress for me the Sony a9 has performed better than my Canon cameras ever did. Please note that I had the Canon 1DX II for a couple of weeks before sending it back due to oil splatting which caused speckling around the edges of the frame. I then went back to the original 1DX. It worked great but I really liked the lighter weight 5DIV and found myself giving up faster focus acquisition and rapid fire for what I felt was a nicer image quality. 

Sony 200-600mm len.jpg

It was only after not being happy with Canon’s decision not to move forward with a mirrorless system that I even started looking at Sony as an option. After much research, I felt that Sony was a better choice for me. Then, Canon came out with their mirrorless body, it did not get rave reviews so I moved forward with Sony as I felt the other systems would be chasing Sony’s skirt tails for sometime. I have not been disappointed with my switch. I have missed having multiple exposure capabilities but that is about it. 

The next question I get a lot is- How does the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens compare to the Canon 600mm II OR version III? The short answer is- it doesn’t. Why, because the 600mm lens is a prime lens with an f/4. The 200-600mm lens is an f/6.3 and with a teleconvertor it is an f/9. So it is not a truly fair comparison. If you ask me how the Sony 600mm lens compares to the version III Canon 600mm lens I would say they are comparable. I like the way the Sony balances and I like being able to use the lighter body of the Sony- but both are tack sharp and expensive!! 

The Sony 200-600mm lens is not meant to replace or compete with any prime 600mm lens. instead it is an inexpensive option (about 2k) with a great internal zoom that makes the lens a valuable option when traveling or hiking- when you want a bit more reach than a 100-400mm lens. It is also more manageable for Safari shooting as it can easily be lifted or handheld. It is very sharp and focuses accurately with the Sony a9. I have found that in very low light the Sony a9, 7r3 and 7r4 struggle a bit with focus sometimes. 

I can’t tell anyone what is right for them, each person considering the move over to Sony needs to ask themselves a lot of questions. Make a list of pros and cons and see if the system fits your style of shooting. Don’t just switch because you are hearing all kinds of hype. All of the major brands produce excellent options-knowing which works best for you and knowing your gear is most important.

If anyone wanted to get their feet wet, I’d start with a Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless and a Sony 200-600mm lens for wildlife photography. You could get the a9 II but without an increase in the mega-pixels, I feel it doesn’t warrant the additional cost. I have also heard rumors that Canon will be coming out with some very nice new cameras….

Just my 2 cents, thanks, denise

My Sony Gear:

Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4, G lens

Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter

Looking Back -2019

At the end of each year I like to take some time to reflect on the past year before it becomes ancient history. With this fast paced world that we have developed, it seems that years flip by like minutes and we don’t spend much time looking back. We focus on tomorrow and today. That is good to some degree but our past is what makes us who we are.

To say I feel blessed is an understatement. I may not be a millionaire but I am rich in so many ways that I thank the stars above every night. This past year was filled with family, friends, travel and work. I don’t have an assistant so each and every email, workshop, seminar and eBook is created by, given by or answered by me. It can be overwhelming at times but then I look at my overall life, and smile…I would not want it any other way!

I’d like to take this time to thank all of my loyal followers, workshop participants, blog supporters, affiliates, sponsors, family and friends. Your continued support of my work is what keeps me going. Every time I think about how lucky I am to be at a location, I remember that you are the reason it is possible. So thank you again.

The pictures below represent only a small portion of my adventures form this past year. I love photography and it has become an extension of who I am, I embrace it more than you could know. BUT as time goes on, I realize that the entire experience is what I relish from my travels. I like to try to live in the moment and be aware of my surroundings. I am very lucky to be able to see so many parts of our beautiful world. When travelling, I urge everyone to put down your phones, get off of social media and engage in where you are and what you are doing. Spend time with others-enjoy all the sights and sounds and most of all, take time to enjoy each and every breath that you have been given.

I was brought up celebrating Christmas, I like to celebrate the day just as I did for many years as a child, it brings back great memories. So for those of you that celebrate Christmas, I’d like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas. For those who don’t celebrate Christmas or any other holiday I wish you a time of peace and happiness filled with love and family. A Very Happy Hanukkah to those that celebrate Hanukkah. Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanzaa for those that celebrate Kwanzaa.

Below is a collection of some of my favorites from this past year. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

I have a few spots left on my Norway Aurora workshop for March 2021. Also, my Camargue, France 2021 in June has some openings. Both of these workshops are terrific. I love Norway in winter and the Camargue horses never disappoint!