What's in my (wildlife photography) bag?

Gear flatlay

Sony New Zealand requested I contribute a gear article for wildlife photography. I’m currently updating that list for 2025 so, if you stumble across this page, check back soon :)

You can read the full article on Sony’s Scene website.

Camera

Alpha 1 II

I recently acquired this camera and I’m enthusiastic about its capabilities. I have relied on the A7RIII since 2018 for remote area projects requiring durability, flexibility, and compact systems balancing resolution with speed. I own two A7RIII units and acquired a used A7RIV in 2022. I appreciate Sony Alpha customizability for programming quick access to settings across varied environments—rainforest, underwater housing, macro work. Photo editors appreciate the 42-megapixel files enabling cropping flexibility.

I’m planning a Sony webinar on camera customization for wildlife photography. I tested an A1 at a Sony event and found it impressive, though my underwater housings are model-specific.

Lenses

FE 100-400mm F4-5.6 GM Telephoto Lens

This is my “favourite lens and go-to for most wildlife subjects.” It’s compact, lightweight for hiking, and easily held while in boats. “The 100-400mm GM is very sharp, focuses almost instantly” with zoom range from landscapes to small birds.

FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G Telephoto Lens

Selected when extra reach is needed or my primary lens is unavailable, excellent for birds and distant subjects like polar bears.

FE 24-105mm F4 G Zoom Lens

Typically mounted on a second camera body, described as “light, flexible, and sharp” for animal-in-environment photos or close-approach scenarios. I’m considering switching to the 20-70mm in 2025 for traveling wildlife photography.

Accessories

Bags

  • Thinktank Airport Accelerator (travel bag)—I’m on my second, having destroyed zips on the first with saltwater spray
  • Mindshift Sling

Memory & Storage

I use 128GB and 256GB Sony Tough Series UHS-II cards for redundancy during multi-day, multi-thousand-shot sessions. I copy files to laptop and 2TB SanDisk SSD after each session.

Support Equipment

  • Peak Design Slide Lite and Slide straps
  • LensCoat camouflaged neoprene covers (reduces contrast, improves grip)
  • Gitzo 4-series monopod extending to 190cm with Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal head
  • Arca-Swiss compatible lens feet
  • Sony VG-C3EM Vertical Grip (for gloved polar region shooting)
  • Electrical tape, cable ties, multitool, Think Tank Emergency Rain Covers

I use tape loops as LCD screen pull-tabs when wearing gloves.

Dr. Simon Pierce is the Executive Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where he leads the Global Whale Shark Program, and a specialist ocean wildlife photographer.