Ultimate Sony A7R IV Accessories Guide

In this ultimate accessories guide you’ll find all of my recommended accessories for the Sony A7R IV / A7R IVA mirrorless camera in 2024.

Please let me know in the comments below if there are any accessories that you think deserve a mention.

Top 10 Sony a7R IV Accessories

Here are my top 10 recommended accessories for the Sony a7R IV.

1. Sony PCK-LG1 Screen Protector

The official screen protector from Sony for the a7R IV is the PCK-LG1. The PCK-LG1 is labelled as the screen protector for the Sony a9 (at least mine was), but this is also supported fully with the a7RIV. Feel free to check compatibility here on Sony’s website. This is the screen protector that I’m currently using on my a7III, a7R III and a9. It’s well made, doesn’t fall off like some of the cheaper screen protectors and still allows you to use the touch screen functions.

2. Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip

Since the a7R IV has a larger grip than its predecessor Sony have also designed a new VG-C4EM vertical grip. The grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries so effectively doubling the battery life of the a7R IV. The location, size, shape and feel of buttons are just like those on the a7R IV camera body, they also use the same material.

3. Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Commander

The RMT-P1BT operates using Bluetooth connectivity which provides a reliable connection even in bright sunlight or when there are obstacles between the commander and the a7R IV. In my own tests the RMT-P1BT remote works reliably up to around 18m or 60 feet away from the camera, and this is the case whether you are behind or in front or the camera, indoors or outdoors.

It features a fast 0.05 seconds release time and an external LED that flashes or lights continuously to show shutter, movie recording and AF status. The remote covers essential camera controls including releasing the shutter, a focus button, a lock switch that prevents accidental operation during transport, movie recording start/stop and power/digital zoom. There are also two custom buttons that mirror the functions of the C1 and AF-ON buttons on the camera body.

The RMT-P1BT also supports burst shooting when in continuous shooting mode.

Please note that you cannot link location information with a smartphone when the [Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl] is set to [On].

4. Sony NP-FZ100 Battery and BC-QZ1 Charger

The Sony a7R IV uses the NP-FZ100 battery. Although it has great battery life compared with Sony’s previous batteries, if you are shooting all day then you might want to keep one or two spares just in case. The a7RIV includes the BC-QZ1 external charger in the box but you if you need to charge two batteries rapidly then you can always purchase an additional one.

5. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Memory Cards

The Sony SF-G Tough Series of UHS-II SD cards have read speeds of up to 300MB/s and write speeds of up to 299MB/s. If you want the best possible memory cards for your a7R IV that take full advantage of the fast UHS-II slots, then these are the ones to choose.

The Tough series of memory cards are also are times stronger than standard SD cards, bend proof to 180N, drop-proof to 5 meters, waterproof to a depth of 5 meters for up to 72 hours (IPX8 rating) and dustproof with an IP6X rating, X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static and temperature proof.

6. Sony ECM-B1M Digital Shotgun Microphone

The Sony ECM-B1M is an ultra-compact camera-mount digital shotgun microphone designed for Sony cameras with the Multi Interface Shoe. Released alongside the a7R IV which features a built-in Digital Audio Interface, the ECM-B1M delivers a digital audio stream directly to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe.

7. Sirui T-25SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head

Although I don’t own the Sirui T-25SK I do own its predecessor the Sirui T-025x.

The Sirui T-25SK is made from carbon/magnesium, has 5 leg sections with 4 twist locks and includes the B-00 ball head. It collapses down to 34cm with the head attached or 30cm without, and weighs just 1 kg / 2.2 lbs. with the head. It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 5kg / 11 lb.

It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack to add stability as well.

If you want to pack small and travel really light, then this is definitely a travel tripod worth considering.

8. Peak Design Cuff + Slide Lite Straps

The Peak Design Cuff wrist strap connects to the a7R IV via Peak Designs anchor system and the wrist loop magnetically locks in the open position, or comfortably cinches down on your wrist for added security. It took me a little while to get used to the magnetic lock, but now I wouldn’t want to be without this strap.

The Peak Design Slide Lite can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. It uses internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder mode.

There are two versions of the slide strap, a full sized version with a strap width of 45mm, and a lite version with a strap width of 32mm. I’ve been using the full sized version of this strap for over a year but it’s overkill for a mirrorless camera like the a7R IV. So I’d recommend going with the Lite version which I’ve also since picked up and now the full sized version never gets clipped on!

9. Think Tank / MindShift Gear TrailScape 18L Backpack

If you are looking for a high quality lightweight (2.8 lbs. / 1.3 kg) backpack for carrying and protecting your a7R IV then the MindShift Gear TrailScape 18L is definitely one to consider. It will comfortably hold 2 x a7R IV along with 5-7 lenses.

There’s a dedicated quick access smartphone/sunglasses pocket (fits 5.5” screen size), tripod/monopod/hiking pole mounting system on the sides, two large water bottle pockets with cinch cords and a seamless rain cover included for downpour conditions.

All exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus a polyurethane coating on the underside of the fabric. The backpack also features the highest-quality abrasion-resistant YKK® RC zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 600D poly, 320G DuraStretch mesh, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

10. Rocket Air Blaster Large

The Rocket Air Blaster is really a must have item for your gear bag. If you don’t already own one then please make this your next purchase. It’s ideal for blowing dust off your lenses, a7R4 sensor and filters too.

Batteries

The Sony a7R IV uses the Sony NP-FZ100 battery. Just be careful with whom you purchase these batteries from as there are many fakes out there. There are many third-party NP-FZ100 batteries but Sony is really clamping down on their use and many will throw up a warning if used in the a7R IV and although they will still work you’ll lose the battery status indicator.

Sony NP-FZ100 Battery

These are the official Sony a7R IV batteries. They are not cheap but they are most definitely the safest for and most reliable for your expensive camera.

RAVPower NP-FZ100

If you do insist on using third-party batteries in your a7R IV then the RAVPower NP-FZ100 are reported to work well and not throw up any error messages at this time, although this could change with new firmware. These batteries are also bundled together with a dual charger.

Capacity: 2000mAh
Battery life stills: 1500 shots (approx)
Battery life video: 2 to 2.5 hours (approx)
Recharge time (with Wasabi charger and wall adapter): 180 minutes (approx)
Recharge time (in camera via USB-C): 300 minutes (approx)

Battery Chargers

Thankfully Sony does include an external battery charger with the a7RIV but if you’d like an additional one here are your options.

Sony BC-QZ1 Charger

You can charge the Sony NP-FZ100 battery in around 2.5 hours by using the Sony BC-QZ1 charger, this compares with 5 hours if you decide to charge the a7RIV internally via USB.

Sony BC-ZD1 Dual Battery Charger

The BC-ZD1 is a high-speed charger for Sony’s NP-FZ100 batteries. It can simultaneously charge two batteries in approximately 155 minutes when connected to a USB Power Delivery (PD) compatible power supply with 30W or higher output and a USB cable with USB PD support (3A) or higher current.

• Charges two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously in approximately 155 minutes when connected to a USB PD compatible power supply
• Equipped with an indicator lamp that shows the battery charging status in 5 stages
• Width approx. 84.5 mm x Height approx. 29.2 mm x Depth approx. 70.0 mm, weight approx. 149g
• With heat dissipation measures plus built-in heat monitoring and control

Sony DC-C1 DC Coupler

The DC-C1 DC coupler allows for a stable power supply during long shoots or streaming by providing continuous, reliable power to cameras compatible with NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50 rechargeable battery packs using an external power source such as a USB PD (65 W or more) compatible AC adapter and USB cable with USB PD support (5 A).

• Supplies power directly from an external power source such as a USB PD compatible AC adapter (65 W or more) to a camera body that supports NP-FZ100 or NP-FW50 batteries
• To prevent accidental cable disconnection, the DC-C1 is equipped with the locking screw hole, or an anchor loop can be used to secure the cable to the USB port ​
• 1.6m cable connects plug-in plate to the power supply assembly for flexible setup during shooting
• Equipped with Power Indicator Lamp that shows the power supply status
• Width approx. 52.0 mm x Height approx. 70.6 mm x Depth approx. 32.0 mm

Sony NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adaptor Kit

The Sony NPA-MQZ1K multi battery kit will charge 4 Sony NP-FZ100 batteries in approximately 8 hours whilst also providing power to two USB devices and the a7R IV at the same time. The NPA-MQZ1K also includes two NP-FZ100 batteries, a cable protector and a mounting plate in the box.

Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger

If you want to charge your a7R IV whilst travelling light then the Anker PowerCore 20100mAh with its capacity of 20100 mAh will let you charge a single Sony NP-FZ100 battery inside the a7R IV approximately 4 times.

You can also use it in combination with a Nitecore USN4 Pro smart charger. You only need one spare original battery and can keep shooting while charging the other one.

Battery Grips

If you’d like to double the battery life of the a7R IV and at the same time improve the ergonomics, then you might want to consider a battery grip.

Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Battery Grip

Since the a7R IV has a larger grip than its predecessor the a7R3 Sony have designed the new VG-C4EM vertical grip. The grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries so effectively doubling the battery life of the a7R IV. The location, size, shape and feel of buttons are just like those on the a7R IV camera body and they also use the same material.

Meike MK-A7R IV Pro Vertical Battery Grip

If the official Sony battery grip is too expensive then the third-party Meike MK-A7R IV Pro grip is around one third of the price! The grip also holds two NP-FZ100 batteries just like the Sony grip and also features identical button placements for vertical shooting. It also includes a 2.4GHz wireless remote control with timer for setting a delay, exposure time, time interval and the number of shots.

I own this grip myself although don’t use it because it smelled toxic when it first arrived, I’m not sure what it’s made from but it really gives off a nasty smell. After 12 months it as faded but because of this I’m reluctant to use it.

If consistency is important to you and you want the exact same tactile response from the buttons as you have on the a7R IV, along with identical grip and camera material, then you will unfortunately need to go with the official Sony grip which thankfully doesn’t smell toxic.

Memory Cards and SD Card Readers

There are many different memory cards that you could use with the a7R IV but here are the ones that I would recommend.

Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II Memory Cards – 299MB/s

The Sony SF-G Tough Series of UHS-II SD cards have read speeds of up to 300MB/s and write speeds of up to 299MB/s. If you want the best possible memory cards for your a7R IV that take full advantage of the fast UHS-II slots, then these are the ones to choose.

These Tough memory cards are 18 times stronger than standard SD cards, bend proof to 180N, drop-proof to 5 meters, waterproof to a depth of 5 meters for up to 72 hours (IPX8 rating) and dustproof with an IP6X rating. The cards feature a one-piece ribless structure and don’t have the common lock switch, they are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static and temperature proof.

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II Memory Cards – 260MB/s

The Sony SF-G Touch cards are quite expensive so if you don’t feel the need for the extra protection that the Sony Tough Series offers then the SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II memory cards are normally around 10 percent cheaper. Their write speed of 260MB/s is a little slower than the Sony SF-G cards but the read speed of 300MB/s is identical.

Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II Memory Cards – 150MB/s

Sony’s SF-M Tough Series are identical to the more expensive SF-G Series but their write time has been reduced to 150MB/s and the read time to 277MB/s.

Sony SF-M UHS-II Memory Cards – 150MB/s

If you don’t need the Tough cards then Sony’s SF-M Series have the same write and read speeds as the Tough version above but for a little less money.

SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I (170/90)

The a7R IV also supports the use of the slower UHS-I SD Cards in both slots one and two, so if you don’t need the faster UHS-II speeds then you can save yourself some money and purchase UHS-I cards instead. These SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I memory cards are ideal if you don’t plan on shooting lots of continuous bursts and therefore don’t require the performance of the faster and more expensive UHS-II cards.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro cards have a claimed read speed of 170MB/s and a write speed of 90MB/s. Here are my in-camera test results:

Although there are many more brands of memory card on the market, the cards listed above are the best performing cards that have also received the highest average reviews at stores like Amazon and Adorama.

Lexar used to make really fast and very reliable memory cards until they were bought out, if you now check recent reviews for Lexar cards you’ll see many people complaining about cards not working and reliability issues.

The executives who left Lexar then created ProGrade Digital but if you read their reviews they are not all that reliable either.

Sony MRW-S1 High Speed UHS-II USB Memory Card Reader/Writer

Sony’s MRW-S1 UHS-II USB SD Card Reader/Writer enables the fast transfer of your images and videos via a USB 3.1 interface. It can read/write to UHS-II SD Cards and is backward compatible with UHS-1 SD cards. The MRW-S1 together with Sony SF-G or SanDisk UHS-II SD cards can transfer files to and from your computer at around 2.6x faster than UHS-1 cards.

Beeway Water & Shock Resistant Memory Card Case

This Beeway SD Card holder holds 12 SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and 12 MicroSD cards in a secure water resistant hard case. I’ve had one for years and my memory cards don’t go anywhere without it.

L-Brackets / Plates & Grip Extensions

If you would like to add an l-bracket or grip extension to the a7R IV to make mounting to a tripod easier or improve the ergonomics then here are your options.

SmallRig L-Bracket (LCS2417)

The SmallRig L-Bracket includes Arca-Swiss compatible mounts for mounting to a tripod head and also doubles up as a grip extension, not that the a7R IV grip really needs extending. With the l-bracket attached you can still access all of the important ports and battery compartment.

Really Right Stuff L-Bracket

The RRS L-Plate is one of the best l-brackets on the market but it’s also one of the most expensive at around $190.00, making it considerably more expensive than the SmallRig l-bracket.

The l-plate is Arca-type compatible and the CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum L-plate set maintains access to the camera’s side ports and battery door while posing no constraint to the tilting LCD screen. A QD socket can be found on the bottom of the plate, so you can connect a camera strap with the universal Quick Disconnect system.

3 legged thing Ellie Short + Peak Design L-Bracket

The 3 Legged Thing Ellie Short comes in two versions. One is a standard l-bracket and the other includes a Peak Design Capture base for use together with the Peak Design Capture Clip System.

The l-bracket is compatible wіth ѕtаndаrd Аrса-Ѕwіѕѕ сlаmрѕ and аlѕо fеаturеѕ twо dіffеrеnt ѕсrеw mоunt ѕlоtѕ іn thе bаѕе for additional mounting flexibility. It’s available in two colors, copper orange and metallic slate grey.

You will need to pull the l-part out slightly to access the ports on the side of the camera when using this l-bracket. The battery door is not blocked when mounted.

A big thanks to our Sony a7R IV Shooters Facebook Group member Angela Fox for giving me the heads up about this l-bracket and also providing the following photos of the Peak Design version of the l-bracket:

Meike MK-A9 II G Hand Grip

The MK-A9 II G hand grip offers a little additional grip to the body of the a7R IV. With the grip attached you are still able to access to the battery compartment.

Screen Protectors

The Sony a7R IV has a touch screen so it’s important not to throw any cheap screen protector on unless you want to lose access to the touch screen functions (not that there are many).

Sony PCK-LG1 Screen Protector

The PCK-LG1 is Sony official screen protector for the Sony a7R IV. Please note that the PCK-LG1 is labelled as the screen protector for the Sony a9 but it is fully supported with the a7R IV. You can check the compatibility information here on Sony’s website. I’ve been using this screen protector on my a9, a7R III and a7III for quite some time already without any complaints.

Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector

The Expert Shield glass screen protector works perfectly with the a7R IV but please be careful when installing it as it can break pretty easily if you bend it too much.

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Neck Straps, Wrist Straps & Clips

You may be perfectly happy with the included strap that the a7R IV comes with but there are definitely some much more comfortable options available. I really like the Peak Design straps because their anchor system lets me quickly swap between neck and wrist straps.

Peak Design Slide / Slide Lite

The Peak Design Slide can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. The nylon strap has a smooth side that glides over clothing in sling mode and a grippy side that prevents slipping in shoulder mode. The Peak Design system connects quickly with dual connection points to keep your camera safely attached at all times.

Peak Design Cuff

The Peak Design Cuff is a very nice wrist strap option for the Sony a7R IV. Just like the Slide above it also uses the Peak Design anchor system. Once on your wrist the strap magnetically locks into place. It does take a little bit of time to get used to but once you do it’s very easy to take on and off.

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

The Capture clip is a great way to keep your camera secure and accessible while hiking, biking or simply exploring a local town. The metal clip will clamp to a backpack strap, belt, or bag, and there’s a Arca-Swiss compatible plate that screws into the bottom of the a7R IV.

Cases and Bags

There are hundreds of cases and bags available that could be used to carry the a7R IV. Here are just some of my recommendations including the ones I’m using myself.

MindShift Gear TrailScape 18L Backpack

If you are looking for a high quality lightweight (2.8 lbs. / 1.3 kg) backpack for carrying and protecting your a7R IV then the MindShift Gear TrailScape 18L is definitely one to consider. It will comfortably hold 2 x a7R IV along with 5-7 lenses.

There’s a dedicated quick access smartphone/sunglasses pocket (fits 5.5” screen size), tripod/monopod/hiking pole mounting system on the sides, two large water bottle pockets with cinch cords and a seamless rain cover included for downpour conditions.

All exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus a polyurethane coating on the underside of the fabric. The backpack also features the highest-quality abrasion-resistant YKK® RC zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 600D poly, 320G DuraStretch mesh, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II

If you are looking for a small case for the a7R III then the Lowepro Adventura TLZ 30 II is definitely one to consider. It will hold the a7R IV together with a single lens that is no longer than 115mm. I’ve tried it with the Sony FE 24-70 F4, FE 16-35 F4, FE 28-70, FE 24mm F1.4 GM, and FE 85mm F1.8 all of which fit comfortably.

Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera and Laptop Backpack

The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is a very popular backpack. There is plenty of space for the a7R IV along with multiple lenses and a 15″ laptop. The straps are well padded and there’s a built-in waterproof cover.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2 features a MagLatch closure, origami-inspired FlexFold dividers, weatherproof expandable protective shell (400D nylon canvas) and hyper-adjusting internally padded seatbelt strap.

There are dedicated Peak Design Capture clip attachment points and a front access panel. This bag will hold the a7R4 together with a couple of smaller lenses and accessories. Don’t expect it to carry the 600mm F4 GM lens though!

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

The Everyday Backpack from Peak Design features dual side-loading via two weatherproof side zips, integrated luggage carry, internally padded accessory pockets and a dedicated sleeve for up to a 15” laptop or tablet. It features a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell to keep your gear dry. The Everyday Backpack is available in both 20L and 30L sizes as well as 4 different colors.

Sony FE 200-600 Bag Guide

If you plan to purchase or already own the Sony FE 200-600 G lens then you might find my bag guide helpful.

ND and Polarizing Filters

If you spend $3500 on a camera plus a lot more on lenses it makes little sense to then use a cheap poor quality filter. Here are some of the best polar and ND filter options for the a7R IV.

Breakthrough X4 Screw-in CPL Filters

Breakthrough CPL filters are color neutral so there is no color cast that will require removing in post. They are made from SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass. Each side of the glass is then treated with eight layers of Breakthrough Photography’s proprietary nanotec® and MRC (multi-resistant coatings) optical coatings which cause dirt and moisture to essentially slide right off of the glass itself. You won’t need to look too far to find glowing reviews of these filters.

Breakthrough X2 Screw-in ND Filters

Just like their CPL filter, the Breakthrough X2 ND filters are color neutral so there is no color cast that will require removing in post. The X2 ND features critically sharp H-K9L optical glass made in Japan, and incorporates their MRC8 to eliminate unwanted glare and ghosting. MRC8 is structurally harder than the glass itself, providing a protective scratch-resistant layer, shielding the glass from the elements. There is a 25-year guarantee included.

Breakthrough X4 Screw-in ND Filters

A step up in quality from the X2 ND filters, the X4 filters features SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass, which is an ultra clear crown glass. There are 16 layers of multicoating (8 per side with the outer being hydrophobic) compared with 8 layers for the X2. The X4 incorporates state-of-the-art nanotec® Nano Coatings Technology, which beads water and other elements rather than absorbing and smearing. There is a 25-year guarantee included.

Waterproof Housing

If you want to take your a7R4 underwater then you’ll definitely need a waterproof housing. Currently only Nauticam offer a product for the a7R IV but I’m sure Ikelite will bring a product to market very soon as well.

Nauticam Sony A7R IV Underwater Housing

The NA-A7RIV underwater housing provides fingertip access to all key camera controls in a rugged and reliable aluminum underwater housing. Ergonomic camera control access is one of the defining strengths of a Nauticam housing, and the NA-7RIV continues this tradition. Essential camera parameter changes are made from the handles, without awkward reaches.

New features of the NA-A7RIV include a M24 accessory port for HDMI 2.0 output connection, two more accessory ports on the rear housing: M14 x1, M16 x1 and increased zoom/focus gear ratio on the housing, which means faster and more precision control of the lens for video. There is also a new N100 to N120 35.5mm port adaptor II, (37305) featuring a gear box, for faster zoom and more focus control.

Flashes, Radio Receivers and Commanders

If you require a little additional light then here are some of the best flash options for the Sony a7R IV.

Sony HVL-F45RM

The Sony HVL-F45RM is a high powered flash with built-in wireless radio control. The head rotates 360° horizontally (180° in both left and right directions) and also tilts 150° upward and 8° downward, providing the illumination you want depending on shooting situations. The flash automatically selects the appropriate flash coverage for the focal length of the lens on the a7R IV within the range of 24mm to 105mm. It’s also dust and moisture resistant.

Sony HVL-F60RM

Sony’s flagship flash is the HVL-F60RM. More powerful than the HVL-F45RM, if you want a top-of-the-range flash and money is no object then this is it. Full details can be found here on Sony’s website.

Godox VING V860IIS TTL

If the Sony flash options are a little too expensive then take a look at the Godox VING V860IIS TTL. I own this flash myself and it rarely disappoints for the price.

Godox V1-S

The Godox V1 is a unique take on the portable flash design. Instead of the traditional rectangular flash head, it has a round head that produces a softer light spread and more pleasing light pattern than competing flashes.

It includes a built-in 2.4G wireless X system that works with the X1T-S or XPro-S transmitter. It supports 1/8000s high-speed sync, FEC, FEB, FEL, second curtain sync, etc.

Note: If you purchase this from Adorama then they have rebranded it to Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2.

Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander

You can use the FA-WRC1M to connect up to 15 wireless receivers (FA-WRR1) for radio wireless flash control. You can also control existing flash units like the HVL-F60M, F45RM, F43M or F32M over a range of up to 30 m (98.4 ft.). For details on how this works I recommend taking a look at Sony Ambassador Mark Galer’s article.

Sony FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver

You can pair a maximum of up to 15 FA-WRR1 receivers with the FA-WRC1M commander. Full details on Sony’s website.

Lens Adapters

There are many lens adapters that you can use to mount non E-mount lenses to the Sony a7R IV, here are some of the most popular options.

Sony A-Mount to Sony E-Mount Lens Adapters

For adapting Sony A-mount lenses to the a7R IV there are three adapters to choose from. For a full comparison of these lens adapters I’d recommend checking this Sony Article.

Sony LA-EA5 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA5 is Sony’s newest A-mount to E-mount adapter. The LA-EA5 adapter provides autofocus support for Sony A-mount SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) lenses, SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) lenses, and even non-motorized screw-drive lenses (currently limited to the a7R IV and a6600 only) in still shooting modes.

Sony LA-EA4 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA4 A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter enables you to attach most A-mount lenses to an E-mount full-frame digital camera body like the a7R IV. The adapter features a built-in AF motor, aperture-drive mechanism and Translucent Mirror Technology to enable full-time, continuous, TTL phase-detection autofocus. AF is supported with all A-mount lenses except STF models, and auto exposure will be enabled with all compatible lenses. Teleconverters and Minolta XI lenses are not compatible.

Sony LA-EA3 Lens Mount Adapter

The LA-EA3 A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter enables you to attach most A-mount lens to an E-mount full-frame camera body. It supports Auto Exposure (AE) and features an aperture mechanism. Unlike the LA-EA4 adapter, this does not include the AF motor.

Canon EF to Sony E-Mount Lens Adapters

If you want to mount Canon EF mount lenses on your Sony a7R IV then you’ll want one of the following adapters.

Metabones Canon EF/EF-S T Smart Adapter

The Metabones adapter lets you mount Canon EF/EF-S lenses to Sony E-mount cameras like the a7R Mark 4. It retains electronic communication between the camera and lens to provide automatic aperture control, EXIF data, image stabilization and autofocus. Metabones regularly update the firmware that helps to improve AF performance with many Canon EF lenses.

Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter

The MC-11 Mount Converter enables the use of Sigma EF-mount lenses on Sony E-mount camera bodies. It supports autofocus and auto-exposure, as well as in-camera image stabilization and full EXIF data transfer. Sigma has a lens compatibility list for this adapter but many Canon lenses also work very well.

Nikon F to Sony E-Mount Adapters

If you want to adapt Nikon F mount lenses to the Sony a7R IV then there are a couple of options.

Monster Adapter LA-FE1 Magic Ring

The Monster Adapter LA-FE1 Magic Ring adds autofocus support to Nikon AF-I, AF-S and AF-P lenses when used with the Sony a7R IV.

For lenses that are fully supported, the adapter will drive both electromagnetic and mechanical lever aperture diaphragms. Fully-manual lenses and screw-drive lenses don’t get any sort of focus or aperture control, but the adapter will work passively with them.

The adapter will work together with lens stabilization when available and also works together with Sony’s in-body stabilization (IBIS).

The adapter also supports Sony’s Human and Animal Eye-AF, as well as high-speed continuous shooting (up to 10 frames per second on compatible cameras).

Commlite CM-ENF-E1 Pro

The Commlite CM-ENF-E1 Pro will let you adapt Nikon F Mount lenses to Sony E-Mount. Unfortunately it’s not officially supported with the a7R IV and although it was working, the latest a7R IV v1.20 firmware update seems to have broken it.

I’ve also heard that this adapter is no longer being developed unfortunately. I’ve left it here just for reference purposes.

Remote Controls

If you want to control your a7R IV remotely and take long bulb exposures then here are your options.

Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Commander

The RMT-P1BT operates using Bluetooth connectivity which provides a reliable connection even in bright sunlight or when there are obstacles between the commander and the a7R IV. In my own tests the RMT-P1BT remote works reliably up to around 18m or 60 feet away from the camera, and this is the case whether you are behind or in front or the camera, indoors or outdoors.

It features a fast 0.05 seconds release time and an external LED that flashes or lights continuously to show shutter, movie recording and AF status. The remote covers essential camera controls including releasing the shutter, a focus button, a lock switch that prevents accidental operation during transport, movie recording start/stop and power/digital zoom. There are also two custom buttons that mirror the functions of the C1 and AF-ON buttons on the camera body.

The RMT-P1BT also supports burst shooting. So when you are in continuous shooting mode, you can hold down the shutter button to shoot continuously.

Please note that you cannot link location information with a smartphone when the [Bluetooth Rmt Ctrl] is set to [On].

Sony RMT-DSLR2 Wireless Remote Commander

Another wireless remote control option for the a7R IV is the Sony RMT-DSLR2. It uses infrared communication and is pretty reliable. However, it rarely works well from behind the camera when outdoors, but works perfectly indoors from behind with a range of around 5-6 meters (18-20 feet) away from the camera. It will also work outdoors with the same range when you are in front of the camera, and a range of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) to the side of the camera.

As well as letting you control your shutter for long exposure in bulb mode, it also lets you to control other aspects of the camera. You can access and change menu/settings, start and stop video recording via the ‘start/stop’ button, and remotely review photos, delete photos, or even send photos to your printer if you have this setup. It doesn’t however work when burst shooting, so if you are in any of the continuous shooting modes then it only fires the shutter once.

Sony RM-VPR1 Remote Commander

The RM-VPR1 is connects via cable to the multi-terminal on your a7R IV. There’s a shutter release button which can also be locked on, a video recording start and stop button, as well a zoom control rocker switch.

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Sony a7R IV Intervalometers

An intervalometer is a device that plugs into a camera and controls how often, how long and how many shots are taken, they are widely used for time-lapse photography. While the a7R IV does now have interval shooting built it, you may still wish to have an independent intervalometer.

Pixel TW-283

The Pixel TW-283 not only works as a remote control it also works as an intervalometer and it also has a range of around 80 meters. With the intervalometer mode you can select the initial delay, exposure duration, the interval time, number of shots to take, interval repeat time and the number of cycles. The Pixel TW-283 includes both a remote and a receiver unit.

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Microphones

The internal microphone in the a7R IV is not the greatest, so if you enjoy shooting video then you may prefer an external microphone.

Sony ECM-B1M Digital Shotgun Microphone

The Sony ECM-B1M is an ultra-compact camera-mount digital shotgun microphone designed for Sony cameras with the Multi Interface Shoe. Released alongside the a7R IV which features a built-in Digital Audio Interface, the ECM-B1M delivers a digital audio stream directly to the camera through the Multi Interface Shoe.

Sony XLR-K3M Digital XLR Adaptor Kit with Microphone

The Sony XLR-K3M Digital XLR Adaptor Kit is a dual-channel digital XLR audio adapter that allows you to connect microphones and other audio sources to cameras equipped with a Multi Interface Shoe like the a7R IV.

The adapter delivers a digital audio stream directly to the a7R IV through the Multi Interface Shoe. The XLR-K3M features two XLR-1/4″ combo mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power, and a 3.5mm stereo input with plug-in power, all with individual level controls.

Rode VideoMic Pro R

The Rode VideoMic Pro R is a very popular shotgun microphone which also includes Rycote’s Lyre suspension system to isolate your microphone from vibrations or rumbling when operating the camera. It connects to the a7R IV directly using the 3.5mm input and provides a dual mono signal.

Rode VideoMicro

If the Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a little too expensive then the Rode VideoMicro is a great alternative that you might want to consider. It’s much smaller and lighter than the Pro+ version and it does not require an additional battery, you simply connect it through the mic port on the a7R IV and you are ready to go.

Rode Wireless Go

The Wireless GO features a compact design and offers a simple receiver and transmitter with microphone built in. The two-piece set simplifies the setup process by clipping the transmitter-microphone combo to your subject then connecting the receiver to the a7R IV.

The Wireless GO uses an internal lithium-ion battery that Rode claims will last up to seven hours. Charging is done to both transmitter and receiver via USB-C ports and it can be fully recharged in two hours. The transmitter has a built-in pre-polarized omnidirectional microphone with a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz and weighs just one ounce. It also has a 3.5mm TRS powered port to support a lavalier microphone. The Wireless GO can transmit up to 230 feet and uses the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as the RodeLink.

If you have seen any of my recent YouTube Videos then this is the microphone that I’m currently using.

Rode RodeLink Wireless Filmmaker kit

The RODELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to record audio wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and lavalier microphone. The receiver features an OLED display with information on level, battery status (receiver and transmitter), mute and channel selection. The unit can be mounted on the a7R IV hot shoe mount, a 3/8 inch thread or belt-clip. The lightweight transmitter can be fitted to a belt or clothing and features a locking thread to ensure the microphone connection is as secure as possible.

Tripods and Monopods

There are thousands of tripods on the market that you could use with the a7R IV, but if you don’t want a $3500 camera to come crashing to the ground then here are my recommendations.

Peak Design Travel Travel Tripod Carbon

The Peak Design Travel tripod raised over $12 million on Kickstarter in 2019, largely due to its unique compact design and Peak Designs reputation for building high quality products.

There are two versions of this tripod available, a carbon model that weighs 1.27 kg (2.81 lbs.), and the aluminum model that weights 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs.). Both versions have a maximum weight capacity of 9.1 kg (20 lbs.) so you can even use this tripod with telephoto lenses.

The tripod features a very compact form factor and 5 section quick release legs that deploy in seconds without having to flip over like traditional travel tripod legs.

There’s an omnidirectional ergonomic ball head included that is compatible with all PD plates and most 3rd party Arca-type plates.


When collapsed the tripod measure 39.1 cm (15.4”) in length and 7.9 cm (3.125″) in diameter. The maximum height (center column raised) is 152.4 cm (60″), or 130.2 cm (51.25″) with the center column down. The minimum height (low mode) is 14 cm (5.5”).

The following accessories and tips video provides a lot more details on this unique tripod:

Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Tripod

I’ve been using the Sirui W-2204 4 section carbon fiber tripod for a couple of years now and can’t really fault it for the price. The rubber twist locks are rock solid and I’ve never had one comes loose on me, they are also waterproof and dust proof.

I’ve used mine in rivers and along the coast and it’s still going strong. It includes both rubber feet and stainless steel spikes for securing it to softer ground.

There’s an integrated monopod too which comes in handy at times. The center column can be split up, its height can be adjusted and it is also reversible, meaning that all shooting positions are possible. The flexibility of the center column allows ground-level shots to be taken as well as allowing the total height of the tripod to be increased.

The aluminum head support plate is fitted with a set screw to secure the head and the head mounting screw quickly switches from 1/4″ to 3/8″. There’s a carabiner hook too for adding extra weight for additional stability.

It weighs 1.76kg and supports a maximum weight of 18kg. Maximum height is 1782mm and it folds down to 560mm.

Gitzo Mountaineer Series 3, 3 Section Tripod (GT3532)

If money is no object and you only want the best then it’s hard to go wrong with a Gitzo tripod. I don’t own one myself but would very much like to. Gitzo offer a wide range of tripods but if I were buying one I’d probably go for their Mountaineer Series 3.

The Gitzo GT3532 is a standard-height, 3-section, Series 3 carbon fiber tripod that weighs just 1.88 k, supports a maximum weight of 21 kg and reaches a maximum height of 161 cm and a minimum height of 64 cm.

The tripod’s rapid center column is easily removed, transforming it into a ground level tripod, it also has a reversible column mechanism.

The Gitzo GT3532 three-section legs are secured by G-lock Ultra twist locks, with a built-in O-ring that keeps dirt and dust out of the leg mechanism.

The tripod features a stabilizer hook on its center column to add weight and increase stability when required. Its removable feet enable it to change and adapt to any type of surface.

A wide array of heads and other accessories can easily be added via the 1/4″ and 3/8″ attachment on the upper disc.

Really Right Stuff TVC-33 MK2 / TFC-33 MK2 Tripods

Just like Gitzo, RRS tripods are not cheap but you get what you pay for. There are many to choose from but if I was to splash out on one it would probably be the RRS TVC-33 MK2 / TFC-33 MK2 3 leg carbon fiber tripod. The TVC-33 Mk2 is their standard-height Versa Series 3 tripod. Weighing 4.3 pounds yet capable of supporting 50 pounds.

The TFC-33 Mk2 has all the features of the TVC-33 but swaps the Versa apex for a fixed apex. The fixed apex cannot be used with accessories like a quick-column but packs smaller in diameter that the TVC-33. Both versions have a maximum height of 58.6″ / 149cm and a minimum height of 4.1″ / 104mm.

Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod

If the price of the previous 3 tripods is a little too steep, then the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 3-section aluminum tripod might be just what you are looking for.

The main feature of the 055XPRO3 is its 90°centre column mechanism, which allows the column to be extended vertically or horizontally to open up a wide range of photography and video applications.

It weighs 2.5kg, supports a maximum load of 9kg, extends to a maximum height of 170cm and folds down to just 61cm.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha Travel Tripod

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alpha travel tripod is a special version of the Befree Advanced Lever dedicated to Sony Alpha Shooters. The plate is designed to ensure perfect grip, even in the most angled camera shots.

The front jut of the plate physically blocks the camera, preventing any play both on tilt and rotational movements, always keeping the camera stuck to the head plate.

The tripod weighs 1590g / 3.5lb, supports a payload of up to 8kg / 17.6lb, has a minimum height of 40cm and a maximum height of 151cm or 128cm with the center column down.

Sirui T-025SK Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head

Although I don’t own the Sirui T-025SK I do own its predecessor the Sirui T-025x.

The Sirui T-025SK is made from carbon/magnesium, has 5 leg sections with 4 twist locks and includes the B-00 ball head. It collapses down to 34cm with the head attached or 30cm without, and weighs just 1 kg / 2.2 lbs. with the head. It’s capable of supporting loads of up to 5kg / 11 lb.

It extends to a maximum height of 130cm with the center column or 95cm without, and will drop down to as low as 17cm without the center column with the ball head on or 10cm with the ball head off. There’s a handy carabiner for attaching a rucksack to add stability as well.

If you want to pack small and travel really light, then this is definitely a travel tripod worth considering.

MeFOTO RoadTrip Travel Tripod

The MeFOTO RoadTrip is a great travel tripod for the Sony a7R IV. I’ve owned one for over 2 years until I replaced it with the Sirui T-025x. It’s only 39.1 cm when folded but extends to 156.46 cm, it weighs 1.63kg / 3.6lb and can support up to 7.98kg / 17.6lb.

It comes with a precision matched Q series ballhead and Arca-Swiss style compatibility quick release plate with integral bubble level. This tripod is built like a rock and receives glowing reviews, I only replaced mine because I was looking for something a little smaller and lighter, otherwise I would have most definitely held on to it.

Sirui P-326 6 Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

If you are looking for a lightweight yet sturdy monopod for your Sony a7R IV then look no further than the Sirui P-326. I’ve had this monopod for a couple of years now and would be lost without it. It’s constructed of 6 carbon fiber sections, a non-slip rubber foot with fully retractable metal spike and it also includes a wrist strap.

The head features a reversible 1/4″ & 3/8″ screw for tripod heads and cameras. It extends to a maximum height of 1550mm and collapses down to 392mm. It weights only 0.45kg and supports a maximum weight of 10kg.

Cages

A cage is an open metal casing with multiple female screw threads for attaching a wide range of accessories. Here are your cage options for the Sony a7R IV.

SmallRig Cage CCS2416

The SmallRig CCS2416 Cage is designed for the a7R IV. It features multiple 1/4’’-20 & 3/8’’-16 threaded holes and ARRI locating holes, a bulit-in cold shoe mount and NATO rail, and a built-in screw driver on the bottom of the cage.

The cage is currently only available to pre-order from SmallRig direct but will most likely appear on Amazon very soon as well.

8Sinn Sony a7R IV Cage

The 8Sinn Cage for Sony a7R IV is a CNC Machined, anodized aluminum full-armored cage with integrated accessory mounting holes. You can still access all of the cameras buttons and dials, as well as the battery and media doors with the cage in place.

The cage is currently only available to pre-order from 8Sinn direct but will most likely appear on Amazon and other stores very soon.

Gimbals & Stabilizing Rigs

If you shoot a lot of video then you probably will probably want to use the a7R IV together with a gimbal. Here are some of the gimbal options available for the a7R IV.

Zhiyun Crane Plus

The Crane Plus introduces follow focus control, an intuitive way for you to control focus during your shoots. There’s a newly designed PoV (Point of View) mode that allows for additional camera movement by providing up to 45 degrees of synchronous motion on the roll axis.

What this means is that rather than Crane Plus keeping the camera level when you roll left or right, PoV mode will move with you and roll your camera left or right, up to 45 degrees. Even simpler, when you move, your camera moves with you. The Crane Plus can handle a weight capacity of up to 2.5kg (5.51 lbs.).

Zhiyun Crane 2

Not to be confused with the Crane v2 (Zhiyun product names are very confusing), the Zhiyun-Tech Crane 2 is a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer offering 360° rotation along all three axes. The Crane 2 introduces follow focus control, an intuitive way for you to control focus during your shoots.

Additionally, the maximum payload weight is 3.2kg / 7 lbs. There’s also an OLED screen that displays camera and stabilizer settings. Other features include a Manfrotto standard quick release plate for rapid camera mounting and a slow-fall function which protects your camera from sudden drops that may occur once the gimbal is powered down.

Zhiyun Weebill Lab

The Zhiyun-Tech WEEBILL LAB has added support for a mini tripod in the upper section of the gimbal, allowing for two-handed operation as well as easily switching to underslung mode. At the same time, Zhiyun has shortened the main handle to make the gimbal more compact and lighter.

The WEEBILL LAB supports up to 3kg / 6.6 lb and offers pan follow, full follow, locking, POV, vortex, and PhoneGo modes with 360° pan, tilt, and roll rotation.

DJI Ronin-S

The DJI Ronin-S is 3-axis gimbal that supports up to 3.6 kg / 7.94 lb. Reviews look very positive, but it currently sells for around $100 more than the Zhiyun Crane 2.

DJI Ronin-SC

The DJI Ronin-SC is 3-axis gimbal that is tailor made for mirrorless cameras like the Sony a7R IV. It has a net weight of only 1.1 kg making it extremely portable and ideal for travelling, yet it still supports a maximum payload of 2kg.

HDMI Recorders and Monitors

There are times when shooting video that a larger monitor makes life so much easier, and sometimes an additional recorder can be useful to eliminate your camera’s internal compression and time recording limits.

Atomos Ninja V

The Ninja V displays 10+ stops of dynamic range in realtime from Log/ PQ/HLG signals. This helps you to see your images clearly in bright daylight on the near edge-to-edge anti-reflection screen. You can also eliminate your camera’s internal compression and time limits and record 4K HDR video direct from the a7RIV over HDMI 2.0.

With an 1TB AtomX SSDmini (sold separately) you can achieve up to 150 minutes of 4K recording on a single drive! It supports both ProRes and DNxHR recording formats. I own the Ninja V myself and mainly use it for recording the screen output from my Sony cameras for YouTube Videos.

Sony CLM-FHD5

The CLM-FHD5 features a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 and an HDMI input to display the full HD signal out of your a7R IV

. The 5″ display features enlarging and peaking for precise focusing, false color and video level marker for exposure adjustment assistance, and S-Log display. It supports W, M, and V-type batteries, and also supports an optional AC power adapter.

The monitor includes a hot shoe mount and sun hood that protects the monitor from glare. There is no recording option, this is purely for display only.

Tethering Cables

To tether your a7R IV to a display you’ll want a good quality USB Type-C cable.

Tether Tools TetherPro

Tether Tools offer some of the best tethering cables on the market, and their new USB-C tethering cables are a great match for the Sony a7R IV.

Camera & Sensor Cleaning

Because the a7R IV’s sensor is exposed every time you change a lens, it won’t take long before it picks up some dust particles. However, you are unlikely to see these spots in your shots when shooting wide open, but if you step down to f/11 or higher they will soon become visible. Here are the tools that I recommend to keep your gear clean and shots blemish free.

Rocket Air Blaster Large

If you don’t already have a Rocket Air Blaster in your bag then this should definitely be your first purchase. It’s great for blowing dust off lenses and from your sensor. Mine goes with me everywhere.

VSGO Full-Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit

There’s really no need to send your a7R IV off to get the sensor cleaned, with this kit you can easily and safely do it yourself for a fraction of the price. Before you start shoot a piece of white paper with the aperture set at f/22 or higher, this will show you exactly where the dust spots are located on the sensor.

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Very soft and lint free microfiber cleaning clothes are definitely as essential item for any photographer, you can never have too many of these.

Care Touch Lens Cleaning Wipes

Some good quality lens cleaning wipes are vital if you want to keep your glass blemish free. They are also useful for cleaning your cameras body, LCD screen, as well as any filters you may have.

Replacement Parts

There are a handful of parts on the a7R IV that you can easily replace yourself, these include.

Sony FDAEP18 Eyepiece Cup

The eyepiece helps to keep out external light to enhance the clarity when using the viewfinder. It’s very easy to lose these so the replacement part is handy.

Sony ALC-B1EM Replacement Body Lens Cap

If you have lost your a7R IV lens cap then you’ll be glad to know that the replacement is very cheap. It’s always handy to have one of these spare too.

Sony FA-SHC1M Multi Interface Shoe Cap

It’s important to keep the multi interface hot shoe cap in place to protect the electrical contacts, as if these get wet there’s a risk of shorting out your camera. I know it’s a very small accessory and far too easy to lose, so make sure you have at least one spare.

Storage and Backups

There are many different storage and backup solutions, here are the ones that I’m using myself.

Samsung T5 Portable SSD

The Samsung T5 is a tiny portable SSD drive. It’s available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. I use this as a short-term storage solution. It’s my primary backup device whilst travelling, and I also use it to work on files at home before backing them up to my Synology box.

Synology DiskStation DS220+

The Synology DS220+ replaces the DS218+ which I’ve been using for a few years now and couldn’t be happier with it.

It’s a Network Attached Storage device that supports two drives in a RAID 1 configuration. These can be either 3.5″ SATA HDD (max 16TB each) or 2.5″ SATA SSD (max 3.84TB each) drives.

You can also configure the DS220+ to sync all of your files with various cloud storage platforms. Full details can be found on Synology’s website.

Cloud Backup

Unless you have a very slow internet connection, backing up all of your photos to the cloud is really a no brainer. I’m using DropBox which syncs nicely with my Synology DS218+. But other options include Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Amazon Drive and Box.

Sony A7R IV Guides & Resources