Samy's Camera recently met with professional wildlife photographer Moses Sparks at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area to talk about his experience with the all-new Sony a1 II mirrorless camera. As someone who has used the original Sony a1 extensively, Moses was eager to put the second-generation model to the test and share his thoughts on how it compares.
A Complete Redesign
From the outset, Moses emphasized that the Sony a1 II is far more than just a minor refresh. "The camera's really had a complete redesign, and everything in it just works better and faster now," he explained.
Improved Autofocus & Tracking
One of the most significant upgrades he noticed was the autofocus system. The eye autofocus and tracking capabilities are vastly improved, allowing the camera to lock onto subjects from greater distances and maintain focus even as they move unpredictably. On a recent trip to Canada, Moses captured a sequence of owls flying through dense forests, with tree trunks passing in front of them—yet every frame remained tack-sharp, a feat that was not as easily achievable with the original a1.
Beyond autofocus, the Sony a1 II has undergone a host of refinements. The grip has been enlarged for a more comfortable hold, and the camera’s modularity allows photographers to scale up or down depending on their shooting needs. Moses appreciates this flexibility, often using one body with a battery grip for extended shooting sessions and another without for a lighter, more travel-friendly setup.
Redesigned Flip Screen
The redesigned flip screen on the Sony a1 II is another major advancement. Unlike its predecessor, the a1 II’s screen allows for full articulation in multiple directions, making it easier to shoot from low angles in both horizontal and vertical orientations. This is especially useful for wildlife photographers capturing elusive subjects from difficult vantage points, such as from a safari vehicle or when using a monopod.
Unparalleled Image Stabilization
Another game-changing feature is the improved image stabilization, which now boasts an impressive 8.5 stops of compensation. "When you're looking through the camera with a big wildlife lens, the stabilization makes the image rock solid," Moses noted. This not only enhances composition but also ensures sharper images by counteracting natural hand movements.
Refined Controls & Customization
Sony has also refined the button layout and functionality with the a1 II, making the controls more intuitive and accessible without requiring photographers to take their eyes off the viewfinder. A long-requested addition is the extra-small spot focus area, which enables precise focusing even when shooting through obstructions like branches and tall grass. Custom autofocus areas are now available as well, allowing photographers to tailor focus zones to their specific needs.
Game-Changing Pre-Capture Feature
One of the most talked-about new features is pre-capture, a function that records images to the buffer before the shutter is fully pressed. For bird photographers, this is a game-changer, capturing the precise moment a bird takes flight—something nearly impossible to anticipate manually due to birds’ rapid reaction times. Moses found this feature invaluable when photographing owls, as it allowed him to capture entire sequences of takeoff and flight, ensuring he had the perfect frame.
Enhanced Durability & Battery Performance
Weather sealing has also been improved, making the camera more resilient to rain and snow. Additionally, Sony has redesigned how the a1 II’s battery grip draws power, now pulling from both batteries in parallel to extend overall battery life—especially useful in cold conditions where batteries typically drain faster.
Speed Boost for Burst Shooting
Speed Boost is another new feature, allowing photographers to set a default shooting speed (such as 5 or 10 frames per second) and then instantly jump to 30 frames per second at the press of a button. This makes it easier to manage burst shooting without generating excessive images.
Final Thoughts
Moses wrapped up by addressing those who believe the Sony a1 II is only a minor upgrade. "I have to think those people haven’t put their hands on this camera, because it's anything but minor. Every single thing in the camera just works faster and better. If you’re shooting wildlife—where every moment counts—this camera will help you come home with more images you’re proud of.”
You can try, rent, or purchase the Sony a1 II at any Samy’s Camera location. If you're a wildlife or action photographer looking for the best tool to capture split-second moments precisely, the Sony a1 II is an absolute contender to capture those moments.
