Looking to find the best camera for pet photography? Here are my suggestions, ranging from just getting started to the professional leading the way.
Sections
7
Cameras for Fast Action
No Edit Options
Budget (Under 1k USD ish)
Middle Ground
What Lenses
Camera Accessories
Cameras for Fast Action
Our pets can move fast, having a good autofocus system will be extremely important to capturing just the right moment while keeping it in focus. Here are a few suggestions on capable AF systems. These will be on the top pro end.
Canons current flag ship. Good enough for the capture every moment at the olympics to f1. 100% be able to capture those pet moments.
Canon EOS R1 Mirrorless Camera
Could be the best in Sony A7 line. A super solid option.
sony alpha a7r iv | B&H Photo Video
From Canon, pretty close to the flagship r1. This Canon body will not disappoint keeping things sharp with its fast autofocus.
Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Camera
Close to top of the line but you also know you will get your shot every time.
Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera
A tried and true camera body from Sony that will help with each shot.
Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera
A great option for those stepping into the professional world. Pets, people, vehicles, this can do it all.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
A step up, another great option if you prefer the Nikon route.
Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera
If you have fully commited to Nikon and your business of Pet Photography, this is the one.
Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera
No Edit Options
For those of you that do not like or want to edit. Check these out with their baked in recipes.
My first pick, but might be hard to get at the moment.
FUJIFILM X100VI Digital Camera (Black)
A strong fuji x100vi competitor.
Ricoh GR III Digital Camera
Super pocketable, great for those wanting to carry something not so professional and in a small compact form.
Ricoh GR IIIx Digital Camera
Budget (Under 1k USD ish)
These will be options that could be found for under $1,000 USD. Maybe a few additional ones right above. We will see.
Classic style and a good budget option.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Mirrorless Camera with 14-42mm EZ Lens (Black)
This is right around the top of the budget, but has a solid history to support it.
Sony a6400 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens
Great budget option from Nikon. It has great low light performance.
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera
A decent entry level kit from Canon.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 75-300mm Lenses
Middle Ground
For those wanting to take their pet photography to the next level. You are not a beginner but maybe don't want to fully invest into the high bodies yet.
A kinda budget option on Canons mirrorless line.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
For those that link Nikon, a good option.
Nikon Z6 II Mirrorless Camera
Another great option from Sony, these slightly older models can be found for deals.
Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera
What Lenses
Here are a few suggestions for lenses. Primes will always be a solid choice. But if you are just starting out, I would try for the top two of the trinity. 24-70 and 70-200 range. 16-35 if you need a wide angle lens.
I love this lens, its a great all around work horse.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
For when you have a little distance. Canon
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens
A little lighter then the 2.8, still a great option.
Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
Sony E mounts, middle of the road range. Should be a good all arounder.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens (Sony E)
Sony E mount, for when you need to reach out a little bit more.
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens
Sigma makes great glass too, worth checking out.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens (Sony E)
For the Nilkons. I love this focal range.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
Camera Accessories
The extras that you'll need or be happy you have to make it a little easier on yourself.
I love Propro and use them when I can. These should be able to help find that perfect frame rate when out in brighter light.
PolarPro Helix Variable ND Kit
My new go to memory card case and reader. They have a few versions and comes in two colors. 100% worth picking up.
PGYTECH High-Speed SD Card Reader USB-C
Can't have too many of these.
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Card
I keep some sort of this kit always around. The blower, lens wipes, a lens cloth and the pen should be staples to ensure your lenses are in top shape.
K&F Concept 4-in-1 Camera Lens Cleaning Kit
One is none, two is one. Always keep a back up. I either choose Lexar or Sandisk.
Lexar 128GB Professional 2000x SDXC Card
Great brand, and again, you can always use one more.
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card
To keep your sensors clean.
K&F Concept 24mm Sensor Cleaning Swabs*10
Another top ranked VND filter.
Tiffen 82mm Variable Neutral Density Filter
Another great brand and VND filter.
NiSi True Color ND-VARIO Pro Nano 1 to 5-Stop Variable ND Filter (82mm)
My go to camera strap
Peak Design Leash Camera Strap (L-BL-3)
If you are looking for a hand strap
Peak Design Abdominal Support
Camera Bags
Protection your investment but still having the ability to access it quickly on the go. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
