Balancing Soul and Versatility: Adding the Sony A7 IV to My Photography Toolkit
Shot with the Sony A7 IV - 70 - 200 GM OSS II
As a photographer, my journey has been about capturing where humans interact with their surroundings , especially more recently. For quite some time now, my go-to camera has been the Leica Q3. Its 28mm lens has felt like extension of my creative vision, delivering images that consistently feel authentic, textured, and rich in emotion. There’s a certain warmth and soulfulness the Leica brings to each shot, making it hard for any other camera to compete on that front to my eyes. The three images are taken with the Leica Q3.
However, photography for me , is not just about preference alone; it’s about versatility too. Recently, I found myself yearning for something with more reach, a system that could handle the demands of hybrid shooting (stills and video) and offer me the flexibility that my beloved Leica, as perfect as it is , couldn't provide. That’s where the Sony A7 IV steps in.
The Sony A7 IV isn't here to replace my Leica Q3. Let’s be clear about that. The Leica will always be my favorite when I want to shoot up close, personal, and in the moment and when I want to travel light. But as my photography evolved, especially living in rural Norfolk with more long-range and varied subject matter, I knew I needed something to complement what the Q3 couldn’t achieve on its own. The A7 IV offers that flexibility—a true hybrid system for both stills and video.
Shot with the Sony A7 IV - 24-105mm G OSS
What attracted me to the Sony A7 IV was its all-round versatility. With its 33MP sensor, excellent dynamic range, and reliable autofocus system, I feel equipped to handle a broader range of projects. Whether it’s shooting wildlife, distant landscapes, or video content, the A7 IV has the capability to deliver sharp and vibrant images.
Shot with the Sony A7 IV - 70 - 200 GM OSS II
The New Lenses: FE 4/24-105 G OSS & FE 2.8/70-200 GM OSS II
Along with the Sony A7 IV, I paired two lenses that cater to my need for reach and flexibility: the FE 4/24-105 G OSS and the FE 2.8/70-200 GM OSS II.
The FE 4/24-105 G OSS is my versatile, all-rounder lens. It's the one I’ll grab when I need a reliable, do-it-all zoom. With its wide-to-medium focal range, I find it perfect for landscapes, street photography, and travel. It’s sharp, fast, and compact enough to not weigh me down on long shoots and especially important to me for video.
Then there’s the FE 2.8/70-200 GM OSS II, the real powerhouse in this setup. This telephoto lens has given me the long-range reach I was missing with the Leica Q3. Whether I’m capturing wildlife or sports, the 70-200mm focal length, combined with its fast f/2.8 aperture, ensures that I can capture fast-moving subjects in sharp detail with beautiful bokeh. This lens brings a level of clarity and precision that has been a game-changer for me when working on projects that require distance.
Shot with the Sony A7 IV - 70 - 200 GM OSS II
Leica vs. Sony: Two Tools for Different Jobs
I’ll be the first to admit that the Sony lacks the emotional warmth of the Leica Q3. When I shoot with my Leica, it feels like I’m crafting art with every click, or at least in my imagination. The images are not just technically excellent; they are full of soul. There’s something about its simplicity—no interchangeable lenses, no frills, just pure, distilled photography. That’s why the Q3 will always be my first love.
But where the Leica shines in soul, the Sony A7 IV shines in technical versatility. When I need precision autofocus, long-range capability, or hybrid photo and video work, the A7 IV has proven to be a real asset already. It’s a tool that allows me to extend my creative reach, literally and figuratively.
Shot with the Leica Q3
The Sony A7 IV and its lenses are additions to my photography kit, not replacements. My Leica Q3 is still very much the heart of my photography journey, but the A7 IV is an invaluable tool that expands my creative possibilities. Together, these two cameras allow me to capture the world in ways I couldn’t before—from the intimate and soulful to the precise and far-reaching. It's the perfect combination for a roaming photographer like me, where versatility is key.
With both cameras at my side, I have options ready to take on any project, knowing I have the tools to capture whatever scene, moment, or story comes my way. The Q3 however , never gets left at home.
