Sony Alpha A9 III - 4 weeks real world usage
My Four-Week Journey with the Sony Alpha A9 III:
A Wildlife Adventure with the 200-600 G, 300mm f/2.8 GM, and 70-200mm GM II
When Sony sent me the new Alpha A9 III, I felt a surge of excitement that every photographer knows too well. The anticipation of capturing breathtaking wildlife moments, the thrill of freezing a surfer mid-air, the idea of getting up close and personal with foxes—all these visions were dancing in my head before I even unboxed the camera. With a lineup of Sony’s finest lenses—the 300mm f/2.8 GM, the 70-200mm GM II and the 200-600mm G, —I was ready to make magic. Or so I thought.
The Reality Check: Not Everything Goes as Planned
The first few outings were, well, frustrating to say the least. I found myself in the right places at the wrong times. The wildlife seemed to have received the memo that a new photographer was in town and decided to stay hidden. Birds that should have been soaring majestically were nowhere to be found, and the waves that I hoped would carry surfers to glory decided to be quite small that day. My enthusiasm was being tested by nature itself. There’s nothing quite as disheartening as standing in a perfect spot with a camera ready to shoot, and nothing happening. Well - let’s be fair…not nothing, but not exactly what I had in my mind.
But here’s the thing about wildlife photography—it’s not just about the gear. It’s about patience, timing, and perseverance. And after a few quiet days, things started to change.
Finally, the Photos: The Alpha A9 III Shines
When the wildlife did decide to cooperate, the Alpha A9 III proved itself to be a true game-changer. The camera’s autofocus system is on another level. Paired with the 200-600mm G lens, tracking birds in flight was seamless. The autofocus was not just fast—it was accurate, locking onto even the smallest and fastest subjects with ease. The A9 III’s advanced Real-Time Tracking and Eye AF worked beautifully, even with the unpredictable movements of animals. Capturing birds that start or a fox darting through the underbrush felt almost effortless.
The 300mm f/2.8 GM lens delivered stunning results when I wanted those creamy, blurred backgrounds to make the subject pop. The lens is sharp across the frame, and the shallow depth of field at f/2.8 adds a cinematic quality to the shots.
The 200-600 G was my go-to for versatility. Whether I was focusing on closer wildlife or switching gears to capture some surfing, this lens delivered consistently sharp and vibrant images. The relatively lightweight design made it easy to carry around, and the optical image stabilization was a lifesaver in situations where I had to shoot handheld.
Comparing the Alpha A9 III to the Alpha 1
Now, for those who are wondering how the Alpha A9 III stacks up against the Alpha 1, here are my thoughts. The Alpha 1 is, without a doubt, a beast—especially when it comes to resolution and speed. However, the Alpha A9 III holds its own in ways that make it more than just a “second best.” The A9 III is a focused tool, designed for speed, and it excels in situations where capturing fast-moving subjects is key. The pre-capture function is something I’ve come to appreciate deeply, and it’s one of those features that once you experience, you don’t want to go without.
The Alpha 1 does have the edge in terms of resolution, which is crucial for certain types of work. But for wildlife and action photography, where speed and reliability are paramount, the A9 III feels more intuitive and responsive. The battery life on the A9 III is also impressive, allowing for extended shooting sessions without the constant worry of running out of juice.
Final Thoughts: A Camera That Delivers When It Matters
After four weeks with the Alpha A9 III, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic camera for wildlife and action photography. The combination of speed, autofocus accuracy, and overall handling makes it a joy to use. Yes, there were moments of frustration, but that’s part of the journey. In the end, the A9 III helped me capture the images I had envisioned—moments of nature in all its raw beauty.
If you’re considering this camera and wondering if it can deliver, my answer is a resounding yes. The Alpha A9 III might not replace the Alpha 1 in every scenario, but it certainly carves out its own niche as a reliable, high-performance tool for those critical moments when speed and accuracy are everything. And when paired with Sony’s top-tier lenses, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
And here is the little film about my adventures testing out the Sony Alpha A9 III