Sony A1: So I have decided too move on from buying the Z8 with a megadap….what are peoples thoughts on the Sony A1 for my bird photography. I currently own the Sony a7IV and the Sony...

Through_MI_Eyes

So I have decided too move on from buying the Z8 with a megadap….what are peoples thoughts on the Sony A1 for my bird photography. I currently own the Sony a7IV and the Sony a7RIV. My favorite lens my Sony 600f4, I also have the Sony 200-600.

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But it. Its the generous thing to do.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

I don’t know the Z8, I do like my A1 have you thought about the A9iii with global shutter

BebuLamar

I don't have any of the Z nor A cameras and although I am a Nikon guy but you have Sony lenses and also Sony A bodies the A1 would make a lot more sense than a Z8. There may be something the Z8 is better at but can't be signficicant enough for you to use an adapter to use your lens.

wireloose

I like my A1 for bird photography with the 200-600, with your lenses and familiarity with Sony it seems a no-brainer. Steve Perry posts a lot on this, eg https://backcountrygallery.com/sony-a1-review-for-wildlife-photographers/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Through_MI_Eyes wrote:

So I have decided too move on from buying the Z8 with a megadap….what are peoples thoughts on the Sony A1 for my bird photography. I currently own the Sony a7IV and the Sony a7RIV. My favorite lens my Sony 600f4, I also have the Sony 200-600.

The Sony A1 is by far the best bird photography camera I have ever used. I have all my custom buttons positioned so that I do not have to take my eye off the viewfinder to make quick adjustments for exposure. I have added the vertical grip to give me a better balance for my 200-600 and 600 f4 lenses.
You are going to love this camera.
Again, it is the best I have ever used.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Through_MI_Eyes wrote:

So I have decided too move on from buying the Z8 with a megadap….what are peoples thoughts on the Sony A1 for my bird photography. I currently own the Sony a7IV and the Sony a7RIV. My favorite lens my Sony 600f4, I also have the Sony 200-600.

If billnikon's wonderful photos are examples of the A1's capabilities, I'd say it's a no brainer. You already have the lenses.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Bill already said what you need to hear. And you already have the glass you need for most bird photography. And, in my photography (mainly birds) I have never noticed any rolling shutter that is bothersome. My suggestion would be go for it. Additionally, they are tough and do well in incremental weather. For example, I have a friend who guides for a world renowned international tour group. They were on S. Georgia island in a sever storm photographing the wildlife. A dozen or so “other” cameras failed in the weather. The Sonys survived.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I totally agree with Bill. My A1 is great with birds. I recently tested the a7Cii and a7CR. I still prefer the A1. I'm hoping that the next Sony firmware will upgrade the A1 eye and tracking to that of the a7Cii and a7CR.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I have to join the A1 chorus. I used the Steve Perry video to set up my A1. The customization of the camera function to various easy to reach buttons makes it great for bird shots. I use it with both the Sony 600mm f/4 and the Sony 200-600 and it is a wonderful bird camera.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

Check out Matt Schetzer's web site. He had just started using the Sony A1 in 2021 when I did an Eagle Trip to Haines, Alaska with him. I was amazed at his eagle shots in low light with the A1.

https://www.shetzers.com/

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I’m a Nikon, (and Olympus), shooter and while I love my Z9 and I’m sure the Z8 is also great, with those Sony lenses I think the A1 is the obvious choice. A friend with the A1 and 200-600 recently went to Costa Rica, followed by a trip to Brazil to shoot jaguars. Results from both trips were fantastic.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Jeffcs wrote:

I don’t know the Z8, I do like my A1 have you thought about the A9iii with global shutter

I think at this point the A1 will fit his needs better than the A9III. The A9III is definitely intriguing, but until we see some raw files from a production A9III we won’t really know how well they’ve dealt with the noise and DR issues global shutters are known for. It sounds like it will be a great camera for those that shoot a lot of high speed flash. Also, for wildlife, where even with a long lens there’s need for cropping, I’ll take the 50+ mp of the A1 over the 24 of the A9III.

markwilliam1

billnikon wrote:

The Sony A1 is by far the best bird photography camera I have ever used. I have all my custom buttons positioned so that I do not have to take my eye off the viewfinder to make quick adjustments for exposure. I have added the vertical grip to give me a better balance for my 200-600 and 600 f4 lenses.
You are going to love this camera.
Again, it is the best I have ever used.

You should know Bill…You’re the Best!

markwilliam1

billnikon wrote:

The Sony A1 is by far the best bird photography camera I have ever used. I have all my custom buttons positioned so that I do not have to take my eye off the viewfinder to make quick adjustments for exposure. I have added the vertical grip to give me a better balance for my 200-600 and 600 f4 lenses.
You are going to love this camera.
Again, it is the best I have ever used.

You should know Bill….Your the Best!!