Sony Artisan and National Geographic photographer Ira Block recently traveled to Cuba with B&H Photo/Video for a project on environmental portraits and adventure storytelling. “A project like this doesn't come easy,” he explains. “There are a lot of logistics involved, a lot of preparation and a lot of research. AND you need the right gear.” So, which gear made the cut? Watch the video below and keep reading to learn what he packed in his kit for journeying through Cuba.
A Solid Sony Spread To Avoid Surprises
Block says that while he always thinks he’s going to pack light, he never actually ends up packing light. He ends up bringing more than he needs because he doesn’t want any surprises. Within that pack he includes two Sony Alpha 1 cameras. "At the moment it’s my favorite go-to body for most of my work. It’s just a terrific camera and I can’t say enough good things about it. They’re very quick to work with, maybe it’s because I know them so well. And I like the physical dials on top to make changes.”
He also packed three zoom lenses for his trip, which he calls his trinity with a “slight change.” He brought the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II that he says 90 percent of his photos are taken with, the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II, and then instead of the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master, he brought along the Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master. Why the small change to his trinity? He was anticipating being in smaller rooms where he would need to stand back, so the Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master gives him more width.
As for prime lenses, Block brought the Sony 55mm f/1.8, a great classic lens he says is one of his favorites. He also packs the Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master to use, especially at night when he’s walking around and needs that f/1.4. Rounding out his lenses is the Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master, which he likes to use for close-up portraits with beautiful background bokeh. In case he needs more reach, he also throws in his Sony 1.4X Teleconverter.
