FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Braving the rugged wilderness of the Catlins Coast with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:39:59 +0000

Braving the rugged wilderness of the Catlins Coast with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin Tue, 02/27/2024 - 14:09

Article Categories

Tips

Body Category

Alpha 7CR

Lens Category

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

What’s in my backpack

Must-see attractions and highlights

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, Stefan Haworth is a Sony Digital Imaging Ambassador specialising in action, sports and travel photography. However, his passion lies in exploring the great outdoors in his backyard and beyond.

IG: @stefan_haworth

The Catlins in the deep south of New Zealand is where the forest meets the ocean. It’s a raw and powerful coastline. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for making the most of this wild destination.

What’s in my backpack

Photographing the diverse wildlife of the Catlins requires a camera that can capture the nuances of their behaviour and expressions. I used the latest Full-frame compact 61MP Alpha 7CR to ensure stunning, high-resolution shots. Even though it has a smaller and more compact body than other Alpha cameras, it doesn’t compromise image quality. It was always at my side to capture every moment on The Catlins Coast. Its fast autofocus system and 8 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed make it a great choice.

When paired with the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, the Alpha 7CR provides the reach and speed needed to capture wildlife moments that are fleeting and unpredictable. From fur seals in motion to penguins emerging from the water, this camera-lens combination ensures you never miss a shot. Be careful not to mistake any sleeping sea lions for logs as you walk along the beach. You might need some running shoes. I did!

Another lens I used on my trip was the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. It’s a versatile workhorse well-suited to a wide range of shooting situations. Whether you're capturing the lighthouse against the dramatic sunrise with the lens wide at 24mm or focusing on the intricate details of the structure during the golden hour at 70mm, this lens delivers sharpness and clarity. The F2.8 aperture lets you play with depth of field, creating images that pop with vivid detail while beautifully blurring the background.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24mm | 1/160 sec | F7.1 | ISO 250

Must-see attractions and highlights

Nugget Point Lighthouse is a highlight among many people for good reason. It’s simply stunning, surrounded by cliffs with nesting birds and seals lazing underneath. The lighthouse dominates the panoramic view. I’ve ventured to this lighthouse on multiple occasions. The sun rising over the ocean is one of my favourite times to capture the lighthouse. Next on my list is to capture the lighthouse with the aurora under the starry sky.

Alpha 7CR | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 200mm | 1/1250 sec | F2.8 | ISO 125

Alpha 7CR | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 103mm | 1/500 sec | F2.8 | ISO 80

The Catlins is home to the Yellow Eyed Penguin — the world’s rarest penguin. I waited hours in the dark for the small animal to appear at first light, only to appear on the other side of a shrub. Seals, on the other hand, are plentiful. You can find them sunbathing on rocks or rolling in the sand. If you’re lucky enough, October and November are the perfect time to see the baby seals play in the rock pools. Sometimes, in the distance, the odd Albatross with a giant 2m wingspan soars across the wave’s tops. It might be a harsh and raw environment, but there’s wildlife everywhere to capture.

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

The Catlins are known for having four seasons in one day. One moment it’s hot, next hailing, then raining, then snowing, then sunny again. It’s not just the downpours you’ll need a rain jacket for. It’s for getting close to the hidden waterfalls tucked along the coast. Exploring the waterfalls and enchanted forests of the Catlins demands a versatile camera system. The Alpha 7CR, with its adaptable features and impressive dynamic range, is perfect for such conditions. Whether you're experimenting with long-exposure shots at the crowd-favourite Purakaunui Falls or capturing the dappled light within Catlins Forest Park, the Alpha 7CR's flexibility shines through.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24mm | 1/30 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

Underneath the canopy, it gets darker, and an F2.8 aperture becomes particularly crucial for capturing in low-light situations. The camera’s ISO capabilities are exceptional, but even in the forest, an overhead thick cloud could challenge the shooting situation if you don’t have a tripod. I recommend a lens with an aperture of F2.8 or wider.

Alpha 7CR | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 100mm | 1/5000 sec | F4.5 | ISO 320

Being remote and raw, the Catlins can be challenging but beautifully rewarding for photographers. The Alpha 7CR, paired with the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lenses, is a setup I found perfect for travelling along the Catlins coast as it’s ideal for capturing the beauty, wonder, and magic of this extraordinary destination.

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

The grandest voyages begin with a reliable set of gear that can keep up with your travelling pace and photographic needs. Equipment aside, it’s essential to be adaptable, adventurous and always ready to capture the world’s wonders.

Read more on Stefan’s journey around New Zealand.

Navigating the Majestic Mt. Cook with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Fly high above the Southern Alps of New Zealand with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Products

Featured

Alpha 7CR

Máy ảnh full-frame nhỏ gọn 61 MP

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Ống kính Zoom tiêu chuẩn G Master dành cho máy ảnh Full frame

FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Ống kính Zoom Telephoto G Master dành cho máy ảnh Full frame

Article Theme

Nature/Landscapes

Travel

Fly high above the Southern Alps of New Zealand with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:03:51 +0000

Fly high above the Southern Alps of New Zealand with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:33

Article Categories

Tips

Body Category

Alpha 7CR

Lens Category

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

What’s in my backpack

Must-see attractions and highlights

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

IG: @stefan_haworth

Flying amongst the Southern Alps of New Zealand is a breathtaking adventure that offers unparalleled views of the stunning alpine landscape. It’s an absolute dream for many photo-enthusiasts as well as professionals.

Alpha 7CR | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 180mm | 1/1600 sec | F3.5 | ISO 250

What’s in my backpack

Capturing this once-in-a-lifetime journey with the Sony Alpha 7CR, equipped with the two G-master lenses; the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lenses that proved to be a masterstroke. These two lenses offered a perfect blend of diversity, allowing for both detailed, close-up shots of the mountain's intricate features, and expansive, wide-angle views of scenes like the sunrise over Mount Aspiring.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 56mm | 1/500 sec | F2.8 | ISO 160

Must-see attractions and highlights

Mount Aspiring is a sharp mountain top that dominates the scene surrounded by glaciers and big cliffs that loom over the Matukituki River. The first light’s glow upon this peak was easily one of my favourite photos. The fast F2.8 aperture of these lenses played a crucial role, as it was still challenging with bumps and low light scenes. In the low light conditions experienced, a slower aperture like F4 would have posed a significant challenge even with amazing ISO. With the versatility of the F2.8 lenses, I was able to adapt to the rapidly changing lighting conditions and capture the essence of this majestic landscape in all its glory. As the last thing you want to do is land and realise some images are blurry from turbulence.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24mm | 1/1250 sec | F3.2 | ISO 800

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

You can’t always guarantee the wing strut and wheel won’t get in the way of your framing so having the zoom helps navigate obstructions and snap an opportunity when it arises. It saves cropping in post and losing valuable pixels. Don’t forget to also embrace it and make the window part of your framing too.

Treated with an open window was great without glass reflection, but at that altitude the temperature was a bitterly cold -10 degrees Celsius. Make sure you don’t forget your gloves and have everything strapped in, you don’t want to lose your camera or loose items of clothing. Even take off your lens hood as that can get ripped off if you lean out the window.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 38mm | 1/1250 sec | F4.5 | ISO 160

The biggest importance when flying is preparation, making sure your SD cards are empty and lenses are clean. You can’t go back and reframe your photo with ease in an aeroplane. Having a responsive camera is just as vital. The Sony Alpha 7CR proves to be an ideal companion in these situations, boasting a remarkable burst shooting capability of up to 8 frames-per-second. This high FPS rate allows for capturing a rapid sequence of shots in quick succession, ensuring no moment is missed amidst the breathtaking landscapes and fleeting lighting conditions of aerial photography. Moreover, the advanced autofocus system of the Alpha 7CR ensures sharp and precise focus even in fast-paced, dynamic environments, allowing photographers to seize every detail with confidence and clarity.

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

I’d highly recommend exploring the Southern Alps from the air if you really enjoy photography. Go capture a sunrise on your Sony Alpha 7CR where first rays of light paint the peaks and valleys with a warm, golden hue. If you’re lucky you may even land the plane on the glacier!

Products

Featured

Alpha 7CR

Máy ảnh full-frame nhỏ gọn 61 MP

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Ống kính Zoom tiêu chuẩn G Master dành cho máy ảnh Full frame

FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Ống kính Zoom Telephoto G Master dành cho máy ảnh Full frame

Article Theme

Nature/Landscapes

Travel

Navigating the Majestic Mt. Cook with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:54:41 +0000

Navigating the Majestic Mt. Cook with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Calvin Tue, 02/27/2024 - 11:24

Article Categories

Tips

Body Category

Alpha 7CR

Lens Category

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

What’s in my backpack

Must-see attractions and highlights

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

IG: @stefan_haworth

Mount Cook National Park, home to towering mountains and vast glaciers, including Aoraki (the Māori name for Mount Cook) itself, presents a paradise for photographers to capture stunning landscapes.

What’s in my backpack

I paired the Sony A7CR alongside the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lenses, which proved indispensable allies for capturing the essence of the awe-inspiring landscapes. From the serene blues of Lake Pukaki to the rugged beauty of the Hooker Valley walk and the stunning vistas of Tasman Lake, this Sony setup demonstrated its worth at every turn.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 28mm | 1/640 sec | F5.6 | ISO 100

Must-see attractions and highlights

Driving towards Mount Cook National Park, travellers are drawn to the captivating allure of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 meters. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, this area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned for its glaciers, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountain ranges, the park attracts adventurers drawn to the pristine beauty of an alpine wilderness.

Alpha 7CR | FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II | 200mm | 1/200 sec | F2.8 | ISO 320

The road meanders alongside Lake Pukaki, famed for its vivid, surreal blues. The mirror-like surface of the lake reflects the stunning silhouette of Mount Cook, captivating travellers with its awe-inspiring presence. Taking a moment to capture this breathtaking panorama, the Sony A7CR, paired with the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II lens, meticulously frames the intricate details, unveiling the profound beauty of the region. The gear's advanced image stabilisation technology subtly ensures that each shot remains sharp, preserving the essence of this extraordinary landscape even during a moving journey.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 25mm | 1/800 sec | F5.6 | ISO 125

One of the most accessible gateways into the raw and wild mountains, the Hooker Valley walk offers an exhilarating adventure within minutes. This scenic trail traverses swing bridges and wooden walkways and meanders alongside glacial torrents, revealing the rugged beauty of glacial moraines. Along this journey, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is an indispensable tool for capturing the essence of the untamed terrain.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 24mm | 1/100 sec | F5.6 | ISO 400

Renowned for its versatility, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II effortlessly adapts to varying landscapes, offering a spectrum of focal lengths encompassing both tight and wide angles. From the grand vistas of the Southern Alps to the intricate details of the glacial moraines, this lens encapsulates sweeping views and intricate details, ensuring an immersive photographic experience amidst the raw beauty of New Zealand's untamed landscape.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 42mm | 1/2000 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Weather, climate and shooting conditions

While snowfall prevented an ascent to the famous Mueller Hut, the lesser-known alternative track, Red Tarns Track, unveiled stunning views over Mount Cook village with both Hooker Valley and Tasman lakes with the Icebergs. The sharpness rendered by the 61-megapixel sensor of the A7CR enhanced by the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens revealed unparalleled details of the old braided river beds covered in tussocks on the valley floor. This camera gear combination delivered a visual feast, preserving every detail from the crystal-clear reflections of the mountains surrounding the valleys.

Alpha 7CR | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 47mm | 1/800 sec | F6.3 | ISO 100

Embark on your adventures like an Alpha Traveller

For adventurers seeking to encapsulate the raw magnificence of Mount Cook National Park, Sony’s gear stands ready, offering precision and reliability to turn each frame into a timeless testament to this pristine wilderness.

Read more on Stefan’s journey around New Zealand.

Braving the rugged wilderness of the Catlins Coast with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller

Fly high above the Southern Alps of New Zealand with Stefan Haworth | Capture like an Alpha Traveller