In the Field: Sony A7R V for Landscape Photography
Published 28 May 2025 by MPB
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking canvas of majestic mountains, pristine lakes and dense pine forests.
Landscape photographer Jude Allen embarked on a journey to capture the unparalleled beauty of this natural wonderland, armed with the cutting-edge Sony A7R V. In this blog, Jude shares his first impressions of the camera and delves into its features, performance and suitability for landscape photography in Banff.
Jude Allen | type: entry-hyperlink id: 2clSJszovD010nfnEFlP8l | type: entry-hyperlink id: 46OePO1KHVxzJBhtekampa | 127mm | f/8 | 1/800 | ISO 100
First Impressions
The Sony A7R V’s sleek design and robust build quality caught my eye the moment I unboxed it. The compact yet durable body promises easy handling during long shoots in diverse weather conditions. The camera's impressive 61-megapixel full-frame sensor hinted at the potential for capturing intricate details in the vast landscapes Banff had to offer.
Jude Allen | Sony A1 | type: entry-hyperlink id: 44XxbCnYQ9fO8uzA9dmK2p | 16mm | f/8 | 1/8 | ISO 160
Camera Features and Usage
Image Stabilisation
The in-body image stabilisation of the A7R V proved invaluable when shooting handheld in challenging terrains. It ensured sharp images even in low-light conditions, a crucial factor in capturing the essence of Banff's landscapes.
Bulb Mode
The bulb mode capabilities provided flexibility in capturing long-exposure shots and ensuring optimal focus throughout the frame, crucial for dynamic scenes in Banff. Useful for shots well over 30 seconds on a tripod.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 44XxbCnYQ9fO8uzA9dmK2p | 16mm | f/5 | 1/640 | ISO 100
Anti-Flicker and High-Frequency Flicker-Free Shooting
Banff's changing lighting conditions posed a challenge, but the A7R V's anti-flicker technology and high-frequency flicker-free shooting allowed for consistent results, especially during sunrise and sunset shoots with time-lapses.
Performance and Image Quality
The camera's overall performance exceeded expectations. Fast autofocus, impressive burst-mode capabilities and exceptional dynamic range made it a reliable companion for capturing the ever-changing landscapes of Banff. The resulting images showcased rich colours, sharp details and a remarkable tonal range.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 46OePO1KHVxzJBhtekampa | 168mm | f/5 | 1/500 | ISO 100
Sony A7R V for Landscape Photography
The A7R V proved to be an excellent choice for landscape photography in Banff, excelling in various scenarios.
Time-lapse and Night Shooting
The camera's low-light capabilities and high ISO performance were pivotal for capturing the ethereal beauty of Banff at night. The A7R V's dedicated modes and settings for night photography delivered stunning results, minimising noise while retaining detail.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 44XxbCnYQ9fO8uzA9dmK2p | 22mm | f/2.8 | 1/30 | ISO 4000
Quick Tips for Landscape Photography
1. Composition is Key
Pay attention to the composition, framing your shots to include leading lines, foreground interest, and a sense of scale.
2. Master the Exposure Triangle
Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed and ISO to achieve optimal exposure in different lighting conditions.
3. Golden Hours are Gold
Capitalise on the soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset for captivating landscape shots.
4. Experiment with Long Exposures
Utilise long-exposure techniques to capture the motion of water, clouds and other dynamic elements in the landscape.
5. Embrace Post-Processing
Post-processing can enhance your images; don't shy away from refining your photos to bring out their full potential.
Jude Allen | Sony A1 | type: entry-hyperlink id: 2Oc5lBwbzCW51rlxwWkAlE | 23mm | f/6.3 | 1/100 | ISO 160
Best Sony Lenses for Landscape Photography
1. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
This wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes of Banff, offering sharpness and clarity across the frame. The f/2.8 aperture is advantageous for low-light shooting.
2. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
A versatile zoom lens that covers a range suitable for various landscape compositions. The f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance in low-light conditions.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 46OePO1KHVxzJBhtekampa | 136mm | f/9 | 1/200 | ISO 100
Top 5 Photography Spots at Banff
Moraine Lake
Photographing Moraine Lake was like hitting the visual jackpot—the Sony A7R V truly nailed the vivid blues against the epic mountain backdrop. It managed to capture all the details and vibrant colours, turning each shot into a solid piece of Rockies' beauty. The low light and stabilisation capabilities enabled me to shoot handheld during blue hour.
Morant’s Curve
Morant's Curve, with its railroad weaving through mountains, was a cool challenge. The A7R V's focus game was on point, ensuring sharp details from the front to the distant peaks. The shots here captured the natural-meets-manmade vibe of this famous spot without feeling too staged.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 5EFbdP2hCKxX1XeaERxlI0 | 24mm | f/2.8 | 1/80 | ISO 250
Lake Louise
Lake Louise was a versatile playground for the A7R V. Whether it was sweeping landscapes or up-close shots of the Chateau, the camera flexed its muscles, capturing the timeless charm of this Banff classic. I still can't get enough of the glacier water and how blue it is in person.
Icefields Parkway
Driving along the Icefields Parkway was a wild ride, and the A7R V kept up, snapping wildlife and killer landscapes at every turn. It showcased the ever-changing beauty of this scenic route without making it seem like a postcard cliché.
Two Jacks Lake
As darkness settled at Two Jacks Lake, the A7R V transformed into a nighttime champ. It effortlessly caught the night sky's reflection on the water, making it the perfect partner for exploring Banff's nocturnal wonders. The camera didn't just take pictures; it captured the gritty, magical side of Banff National Park after dark.
Jude Allen | Sony A7R V | type: entry-hyperlink id: 3RcjZbWj2ctFE3oMws4rtS | 24mm | f/7.1 | 1/500 | ISO 100
In conclusion, the Sony A7R V proved to be an exceptional companion for capturing the nature, wildlife and awe-inspiring beauty of Banff National Park. Its advanced features, robust performance and suitability for landscape photography make it a top choice for photographers seeking to immortalise the pristine landscapes of this natural wonder.
Interested in shooting more National Parks across North America? Check out our guide to Olympic National Park. For a similar Sony review, check out the Sony A1. Or, see all original content at the MPB content hub.