Mastering Macro Marvels with the Alpha 7R IV
The mastery of photography demands not just expert techniques, but also compelling content to achieve a desired outcome. From far-reaching landscapes and astrography to poignant portraits and mesmerising light trails, the genres span wide for a photographer’s picking.
In Eko Adiyanto’s case, he has gallantly ventured into a lesser known path: Macro photography. His subjects of interest? Wildlife.
In Eko Adiyanto’s case, he has gallantly ventured into a lesser known path: Macro photography. His subjects of interest? Wildlife.
“I love to capture unique moments of wild animals in extreme close-ups,” he shared. “This also helps increase our knowledge about wild animals.”
The photographer further explained how macro photography shows a different side of wild animals that is hidden in plain sight. From the crinkled hide on a reptile to the matrix of a bug’s eye, macro photography reveals details that are unseen by the naked eye.
With a decade of experience, Eko certainly knows what he is talking about. He even authored a guide on macro shooting and received various accolades, one of which is the Macro Photography of the Year 2017 by Macro World Mania Photography.
Aside from his keen eye, Eko wields the Sony’s Alpha 7R IV to get all his macro captures, proving the camera’s superb versatility in various genres.
Get incredibly close with the Alpha 7R IV
For the get go, Eko shared fast autofocus and high resolution are two things he depends on to procure his macro stunners. The Alpha 7R IV checked these off the photographer’s list, alongside a lightweight body and superior performance that highlights even the minutest of details, he went on to say.
The camera’s incomparable image quality is something to only expect, seeing how it boasts a 61.0-megapixel full-frame sensor. Aside from unprecedented resolution, the sensor exhibits fine gradation, enhanced sensitivity and low noise with the highest standards of ISO 32000. Each photo is set to capture the essence of each scene and the intricacies of every subject, even in low light conditions.
“Colour rendering and accuracy are very good,” Eko continued on the topic of image quality. “Photos captured are the same when we see the subject with our eyes.”
Keeping up with the wild
Eko revealed that the easiest way to shoot animals at close range is to take them when they’re asleep. However, it’s not always safe. The wild animals may harm him if he is not careful. But thankfully, there’s a solution.
He shared: “With the high resolution and shooting performance of the Alpha 7R IV, I can capture animals from a safe distance and still get very detailed shots.”
The Alpha 7R IV also flexes high speed performance that lets Eko easily freeze animals on the move. For instance, the camera’s Fast AF is something Eko relies on. Its incredible image sensor supplies wide and high-density AF coverage, alongside a Fast Hybrid AF that deftly captures an active animal in remarkable detail.
That's not all. From prowling mammals to creepy crawlies, Eko expressed his pleasure for the Real-time Tracking that locks onto the subject and effectively remains focused on it, alongside Real-time Eye AF with animal eye tracking that allows fast automatic detection. This way, Eko can concentrate on framing his shots while the camera does the work.
Shoot smarter
Eko’s photoscapes are not a walk in the park, but most likely an arduous trek in the wild for authentic captures of animals in their natural state. Hence, a fuss-free photography process is important.
The Alpha 7R IV is already on the right track with its lightweight body and long battery life, according to Eko. Furthermore, the camera boasts 5-axis image stabilization when handheld shooting.
He said: “When I use a FE 200-600mm G lens with 600mm focal length, I can manage speed in 1/200sec and get very good results.”
What’s more, the camera has been offered underrated features that made Eko’s workflow more efficient. One of which is the custom key settings, programming the Recall Custom Hold in a way he can access it easily.
“I often use (Recall Custom Hold) to quickly change camera setting to take a picture in a high speed 1/4000sec (to shoot the birds when they’re flying),” he elaborated “Then change the camera setting again to low speed 1/200 sec (when the birdlands on the tree).”
Final words
To ace photographing animal close-ups, Eko advised to go on more photo hunts, plus building up your knowledge of each animal’s behaviour will be incredibly useful. Other than that, the Alpha 7R IV is a good companion to help you get your shots, not just for wildlife macro photography.
“The Alpha 7R IV is very suitable for photographers who need fast AF and accuracy and still get good detail image quality,” he concluded.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of Eko Adiyanto. They do not reflect the opinions or views of Sony Singapore.
