As an experienced landscape photographer leading tours since 2017, I’ve learned that having the right gear can make all the difference in your photography experience. Here’s my recommended gear list to help you make the most of your trip.
General Tips
Pack all your camera gear in a backpack that meets airline carry-on requirements. This minimises the risk of damage or loss during transit, especially as checked luggage sometimes gets delayed or mishandled.
Pro Tip: If possible, book priority boarding. This ensures you’re one of the first to board the plane, reducing the chance of your bag being weighed or gate-checked.
Cleaning Kit
Your camera gear will get wet and dirty, so it’s highly recommended to bring along a cleaning kit.
- Air Blower – Perfect for blowing away rain, sand, and dust that might get onto your camera or lens.
- Lens Pen – Used for cleaning those more stubborn marks on your lens and getting right into the corners.
- Lens Wipes – Fantastic for removing any residue on your lens.
- Microfibre Cloths – There are two types of microfibre cloths:
- Suede-type cloths are great for polishing glass.
- Furry-type cloths are excellent for drying your equipment. I recommend getting both, as they serve different purposes.
Camera Equipment
- DSLR / Mirrorless Camera – It’s recommended to bring along a digital or mirrorless camera. Whether you choose a full-frame or crop sensor model, your camera should ideally handle high ISO levels with low noise. If your camera struggles at a maximum ISO of 1600, it may be worth investing in a more modern option.
- Memory Cards – Bring plenty of memory cards. Running out of storage is not a situation you want to face!
- Batteries – Always carry 2–3 batteries, as there’s nothing worse than having your battery die when you’re out in the field and not having a spare.
- Charger – You’ll need a reliable way to recharge your batteries each evening.
- Tripod – A reliable tripod is a non-negotiable for landscape photography. By “reliable,” I mean a tripod that isn’t flimsy, won’t wobble under pressure, and won’t blow over in a gust of wind. Avoid the budget “Ebay or Amazon specials” with thin aluminium legs and plastic pan-and-tilt heads, they’re simply not up to the task. Instead, invest in something sturdy and well-built.
- L-Bracket – I’m adding this as an essential piece of kit. Once you’ve used an L-bracket, you’ll never go back to a standard tripod plate. Being able to switch from landscape to portrait orientation without resetting your tripod is a game-changer.
- Tripod Head – A ball head is much better for working on uneven surfaces. They’re easier and quicker to operate than conventional handle-type heads. Just make sure the tripod head you bring is something you’re comfortable using.
Lenses
Lens choice is a deeply personal decision because we all “see” the world differently. Some photographers naturally gravitate toward wide-angle lenses, while others prefer medium or telephoto lenses, having trained their eyes to compose scenes in those focal lengths.
To figure out which lenses to bring, I recommend reviewing your Lightroom catalogue (or whatever software you use) and identifying which lenses you’ve used most frequently over the past year. If a particular lens has been a staple in your work, it’s worth bringing. On the other hand, if you’ve only used a lens sparingly, consider leaving it behind.
Here are my general recommendations for lenses to bring:
- Wide Angle: A fast wide-angle lens (14mm–24mm) is essential, especially if you plan to shoot the night sky. Look for a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster to handle low-light situations effectively.
- Standard Zoom: A versatile 24–70mm lens is a workhorse for most photographers. It’s the lens I have on my camera about 90% of the time because of its flexibility.
- Telephoto: A 70–200mm lens is perfect for isolating details in the landscape or capturing distant subjects with precision.
Of course, this isn’t a definitive list, lens choice depends on your shooting style. I’ve had participants bring macro lenses for textures and patterns or even 400mm lenses for unique perspectives. Ultimately, pack the lenses that align with how you see and photograph the world.
Filters
Filters aren’t essential for landscape photography, but they can unlock a world of creative possibilities. Whether it’s capturing the motion of the tide over rocks, shooting waterfalls, or going for super-long exposures to create minimalist photographs, filters can elevate your images from simple snapshots to works of art.
My go-to filter system is made by Haida. Haida filters are durable, reasonably priced, and produce no colour cast, even during long exposures. I prefer magnetic filters over screw-on types because they’re easy to take on and off. Using step-up and step-down rings, I can adapt my filter holder to fit lenses with varying thread sizes.
Important: When buying a filter system, ensure it works with all your lenses. Each lens has a thread size (e.g., 77mm, 82mm) printed on the front or inside the lens cap. To maximise compatibility, buy filters that fit your largest thread size and use step-up rings for smaller lenses. This way, you avoid needing multiple filters for different lenses.
Recommended Filters:
- CPL (Circular Polariser): If you’re going to invest in just one filter, make it a polariser. It removes glare from reflective surfaces like water, boosts colours in grass and foliage, and enhances the blue in skies, making clouds pop. A polariser is versatile and should be on your camera almost all the time.
- ND Filters (Neutral Density): These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposures. A 3-stop, 6-stop, or 10-stop ND filter is ideal for creating effects like streaky clouds or silky smooth water in seascapes or waterfalls. If you want to push the boundaries, a 16-stop ND filter enables ultra-long exposures lasting 15 minutes or more, producing truly unique results.
Recommended Filters
I’m delighted to now offer Haida filters for sale, the exact same magnetic filter system I use in my work every day.
Filters are a fantastic addition to your kit, offering endless creative opportunities while being adaptable to your style and gear.
Miscellaneous
- Head Torch: We’ll be out before sunrise and may stay out after sunset. A head torch with a red light is perfect for preserving night vision. Look for one that’s USB-rechargeable.
- Power Bank: Useful for charging your phone, camera batteries, or head torch in the field.
- Cable Release or Intervalometer: Essential for long exposures and timelapse photography. It allows you to take a photo without touching the camera.
- Shower Caps (for rain): Use these to cover your camera and lens, protecting them from spray at waterfalls, the sea, or in the rain.
- Laptop: While not a necessity, I bring mine to edit photos during a tour. It’s also good practice to back up your images at the end of each day.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for your photography adventure. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to discuss or clarify further!
Copy-and-Paste Checklist
Here’s a basic checklist you can copy and paste into your notes:
Photography Gear Checklist General Tips: - Backpack meeting airline carry-on requirements - Priority boarding (optional) Cleaning Kit: - Air blower - Lens pen - Lens wipes - Suede-type microfibre cloth - Furry-type microfibre cloth Camera Equipment: - DSLR or mirrorless camera - Memory cards (multiple) - 2–3 camera batteries - Battery charger - Reliable tripod - L-bracket - Ball head tripod head Lenses: - Wide-angle lens (14–24mm, f/2.8 or faster) - Standard zoom lens (24–70mm) - Telephoto lens (70–200mm) - Additional lenses (optional, e.g., macro, super telephoto) Filters: - Circular polariser (CPL) - Neutral density (ND) filters (3-stop, 6-stop, 10-stop, optional 16-stop) - Magnetic filter system with step-up rings Miscellaneous: - USB-rechargeable head torch with red light - Power bank - Cable release or intervalometer - Shower caps for rain protection - Laptop (optional)
