Landscape Photography Gear List
Written by Antonio Cala.
When it comes to capturing stunning outdoor scenes, having the right photography gear is essential. This article provides a detailed list of equipment for landscape photographers.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide covers everything you need, from cameras to tripods and more, to elevate your outdoor photography.
Check List
Before we go into the details of what specific models or accessories you should bring to your photography trip, let’s have an overview about what to bring in general.
Not everything is equal. Some things are absolutely essential, others can be very handy to have while others can be totally optional depending on your preferences.
In the following checklist, we’ve divided things into 3 categories: must have, very useful and nice to have. While we understand that certain gear might fall into different categories for different people, we are confident this list will give you an general and practical idea on what photography gear to bring in your next adventure.
Must Have: Essential item. You shouldn’t go without it.
Very Useful: Highly recommended. Will increase the quality of your photos and make your job in the field easier.
Nice to Have: Optional. Recommended if you want to have every piece of equipment for every situation.
Must Have
Very Useful
Nice to Have
CAMERAS
Camera
Second Camera
Drone
LENSES
Wide Angle Lens
Normal Lens
Telephoto Lens
TRIPODS
Tripod
Tripod Head
L-Bracket
Panorama Nodal Slide
Tripod Leveling Base
Spiked/Claw Tripod Feet
FILTERS
CPL Filter
ND Filter
Graduated ND Filter
UV Filter
ACCESSORIES
Backpack
Remote Shutter Release
WP Memory Card Case
Lightning Trigger
Camera Rain Cover
GPS Camera Attachment
SPARES
Extra Batteries
Extra Memory Cards
TOOLS
Sensor Cleaning Kit
Lens Cleaning Kit
GPS + Maps for Navigation
Power Bank
Planning App
What To Bring
In this section we will go deeper into each of the items from the list and explain why they are important and why you should bring them.
We will also recommend specific models depending on budget, personal preferences and location where the pictures will be taken.
Cameras
Primary Camera
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
Selecting the ideal camera for capturing breathtaking landscapes may seem like a daunting task, but in reality, the demands of landscape photography are not as high as one might think.
In fact, you can work wonders with a more budget-friendly camera, especially if you’re not printing enormous images.
Techniques like image blending, such as panoramas and averaging, can help you maximize image quality.
While high-resolution 45-megapixel full-frame cameras or even 100-megapixel medium format cameras are a photographer’s dream, they are not essential for achieving outstanding landscape shots.
Our recommendation is to opt for a camera with at least a micro four-thirds sensor boasting 16 megapixels or more. For an even better result, consider a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, or go for the pinnacle of performance with a full-frame camera packing 30+ megapixels or more.
Some advanced cameras offer valuable features like sensor shift or focus stacking, which can simplify landscape photography, but it’s worth noting that they are not absolute necessities.
Second Camera
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
When embarking on a landscape photography expedition, one should always ensure that a second camera accompanies them.
Opting for a lightweight, perhaps even pocket-sized, camera is a practical choice for added convenience during the journey. In the unpredictable world of photography, every camera has its lifespan, and no one would want to find themselves empty-handed in the midst of a critical shoot.
In such a pinch, even a trusty smartphone can serve as a viable backup if it meets the photographer’s requirements.
For those seeking a dedicated backup camera, there are excellent options available that combine portability and performance. Cameras like the Fuji X100V, Ricoh GR III, or Sony RX-100 offer compact forms and built-in lenses.
Drone
- Nice To Have
In recent years, some of the photographer’s most cherished images have been captured using a DJI Mavic Pro 3 drone.
For those looking for a similar yet more budget-friendly alternative, the newer DJI Air 2S stands as an excellent choice, also equipped with a 1-inch type sensor – a feature deemed by many as the minimum requirement for achieving top-tier landscape photography.
It’s essential to acknowledge that drones do not enjoy universal acclaim, and rightfully so, they’re restricted in numerous areas where their operation could significantly enhance photographic opportunities, such as many National Parks.
Nevertheless, there remains a multitude of locations where drone photography is both legal and inconspicuous, revealing awe-inspiring landscapes from a unique perspective.
While drones are far from being an absolute necessity in a photographer’s toolkit, they undeniably offer the potential to capture extraordinary shots that are otherwise unattainable through conventional means.
Lenses
Wide Angle Lens
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
Wide-angle lenses, the darlings of landscape photographers, usually start at 24mm and go even wider.
But here’s the thing: while these lenses are super popular and great for sweeping vistas, some folks get a bit too carried away with them.
It’s like they think the secret to jaw-dropping landscape shots is always going as wide as possible to stuff everything into one frame. Well, it’s not that simple.
Wide-angle lenses are awesome for making foreground stuff pop, but they’re not the only ticket to amazing landscapes. There’s a whole world of possibilities out there, and you don’t always need to go wide to capture something stunning.
Normal Lens
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
In the world of photography, a “normal lens” usually falls in the range of around 28mm to 70mm when we’re talking full-frame equivalents.
Now, these lenses sometimes get a bit of a bad rap in landscape photography circles. They’re often seen as not as flashy as wide-angle lenses or not as zoomed-in as telephoto lenses. But you know what? Normal lenses have this cool knack for capturing scenes just as they are, no fancy tricks or extremes needed.
Over time, as a photographer’s journey unfolds, they often find themselves appreciating the simplicity and natural vibe of normal lenses more and more. These lenses can really help bring out the true beauty of a landscape in a laid-back, unforced way.
Telephoto Lens
- Very Useful
While telephoto lenses have long graced the realms of wildlife and sports photography, they are now increasingly finding a place in the expansive vistas of landscapes.
In the world of landscape photography, telephoto lenses are not a prerequisite, but they undeniably bring a unique perspective to the table. For those starting out, possessing a wide, normal, or telephoto lens can lay the foundation for captivating landscape shots.
Tripods
Tripod
- Must Have
While a few landscape photographers may argue that tripods have become obsolete, their significance remains undeniable. Despite remarkable advances in high ISO performance and the emergence of specialized post-processing methods, such as image averaging, capable of rescuing handheld shots in challenging lighting conditions, tripods offer more than mere image quality enhancement.
They facilitate the application of advanced techniques like panoramas and HDR, enabling photographers to achieve remarkable results.
Beyond these technical advantages, tripods serve as indispensable tools for meticulous composition adjustments, even in the brilliance of daylight.
It’s crucial to recognize tripods are evolving rapidly, with the emergence of sub-$200 carbon fiber options that deliver both stability and durability. But more than what specific model to choose, the important thing is to get one in the first place.
Tripod Head
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
In the world of landscape photography, there are two go-to choices: the ball head and the geared head. The ball head is like the lighter, budget-friendly sibling that’s surprisingly sturdy, while the geared head is the precision champ for those who don’t mind splurging a bit.
But no matter which you go for, you can’t use a tripod without a head, so find the one that vibes best with your style. Your perfect shot depends on it!
L-Bracket
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
When it comes to mounting your camera on a trusty tripod, the usual move is to slap on a little lens plate beneath your camera. But here’s the catch: it often makes shooting vertical photos a tad clunky, especially with most tripod heads.
The remedy? Swap that fussy plate for an L-bracket. These nifty contraptions snugly embrace your camera, making vertical and horizontal attachments equally breezy. Say goodbye to awkward adjustments and hello to smooth shooting!
Panorama Nodal Slide
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
For all the panorama enthusiasts out there, especially those wielding wide-angle lenses, a useful companion for your tripod is the trusty nodal slide.
This handy contraption lets you effortlessly glide your camera back and forth on your tripod head, ensuring that the elusive “nodal point” of your camera system rests dead center over the tripod head.
The perk of this precision? Say goodbye to parallax issues in your panoramas – no more squabbles between objects as you capture each frame of your sweeping vista.
Tripod Leveling Base
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
In the world of photography, it’s pretty common to deal with a slightly tilted tripod, especially when you’re not on flat terrain. Even with that little bubble level on your tripod, leveling those legs can be a bit of a slow dance.
It’s not usually a big deal for your regular landscape shots, but when you’re stitching together a multi-image panorama, that tilt can mess things up.
The fix? Get yourself a leveling base for your tripod. It’s this handy gadget that goes right under your tripod head and lets it move a few degrees in different directions, so your camera stays perfectly level even if the tripod legs aren’t cooperating.
This way, you can smoothly capture multi-image panoramas without any annoying tilts messing up your shots. If panoramas are your jam, we’d totally recommend grabbing a leveling base.
Spiked/Claw Tripod Feet
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
A popular tripod add-on involves swapping out the regular rubber feet. The most common replacement option is spiked feet, which excel at gripping sand. Another choice is clawed feet, designed for better traction on wet or icy rocks.
Some photographers bring these along when they plan to do lots of seascape photography on sandy beaches. They’re handy to have, though not absolutely necessary.
Filters
CPL Filter (Polarizer)
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
A polarizing filter is a must-have for landscape photographers. It works wonders by reducing reflections, making foliage and water look much better.
Plus, it can darken and enrich the sky, which can be done later on a computer but is simpler when you’re out in the field.
ND Filter (Neutral Density)
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
ND filters act as a tool that permits extended exposure times when necessary. This effect can also be replicated by merging shorter-exposure shots in software such as Photoshop.
Most people don’t often run into situations where they really need them. They’re usually happy with the regular camera settings and don’t often want extra motion blur from long exposures. Still, they carry an ND filter, even though they don’t use it as much as expected.
Graduated ND Filter
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
A graduated ND filter is a specialized tool with one end that’s dark and the other end that’s clear, creating a smooth transition in a gradient from one side to the other.
The purpose of this filter is to be able to position it in a way that darkens the sky in your photo while keeping the ground unchanged, thereby helping to prevent overexposed highlights in the sky.
While it’s possible to replicate the effects of graduated ND filters through post-processing techniques like HDR or image blending, many photographers still prefer achieving the desired effect with a single in-camera shot. Some simply favor the distinct look that a graduated filter imparts over the results obtained through HDR processing.
Like it happens with the ND filters, many photographers carry them, even though they don’t use it as much as expected.
UV Filter
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
When shooting in gusty, sandy settings, your lens’s front element might endure scratches, even if you’re following all the best practices. In this situation, a UV filter can act as a protective shield, absorbing potential damage.
Additionally, modern high-quality UV filters often come equipped with water-repellent coatings, a feature lacking in many lenses. For those contemplating waterfall or seaside photography, a UV filter can simplify the task of maintaining photos free from intrusive water droplets.
Accessories
Backpack
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
When it comes to carrying a camera for landscape photography, particularly when using a tripod, the best choice is a backpack. However, not just any backpack will do the job effectively.
Most camera backpacks designed for this purpose lack comfort during long hikes and are not designed to distribute weight optimally. They are good for day trips, but not so much for longer adventures.
We consider the “hiking” camera bags are the bare minimum for extended backpacking trips. Another option, is to get a proper hiking backpack (like Osprey packs) to carry your camera equipment.
Remote Shutter Release
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
The primary purpose of a remote shutter release is to extend exposure times beyond the typical 30-second limit on most cameras. It also serves to minimize camera shake that can result from manually pressing the shutter button.
Nonetheless, in contemporary cameras, many offer exposure times longer than 30 seconds, like Nikon cameras with the “Time” exposure mode. Additionally, you can achieve shake reduction by using a self-timer or exposure delay mode, which only requires a brief two-second wait before the photo is captured.
Lightning Trigger
- Nice To Have
A lightning trigger is an external device that attaches to your camera, specifically engineered to capture rapid lightning events, ensuring you don’t miss any ideal shots.
This specialized unit comes with features and functions tailored for this purpose. It can function as a separate standalone device or be remotely controlled.
Rain Cover
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
While we’ve labeled rain cover as nice to have, it really depends on where you take photos. If you’re often shooting in rainy places like waterfalls or during heavy monsoons, a rain cover becomes a must-have. But for other landscape photographers, it may not be necessary at all.
GPS Camera Attachment
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
Certain photographers appreciate having location data for their landscape photos, either for memory’s sake or to facilitate future visits.
If it matters to you, there are GPS accessories for most cameras that can tag each photo’s metadata with its location.
Tools
Sensor Cleaning Kit
- Must Have
Camera sensors tend to accumulate dust at the most inconvenient times. Usually, a rocket blower does the trick in removing those pesky dust particles from their camera sensor.
If that’s not effective, using a sensor gel stick or a wet cleaning solution might help depending on the extent of the dust issue.
While dust specks can often be removed during post-processing without too much trouble, dealing with them in dozens or even hundreds of trip photos can be a significant annoyance.
Lens Cleaning Kit
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
Lenses tend to accumulate dust and grime more quickly than cameras, and though it’s not a major concern, it can still result in undesirable effects.
This is particularly evident when capturing photos in wet conditions or in the vicinity of a waterfall, where you can’t avoid getting some water droplets on your lens. In such situations, it’s advisable to have an absorbent lens cloth on hand to keep your lens clear.
Power Bank
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
For charging camera batteries or your phone in the middle of nowhere, a pre-charged power bank doesn’t weigh much, packs small and charges enough to easily last a week without issue.
Planning Apps
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
One can find photography apps for almost every imaginable aspect of the craft these days.
A few favorites for landscape photography include OptimumCS for hyperfocal distance calculations, Photopills for sun tracking, and The Photographer’s Ephemeris for shoot planning.
It’s advisable to explore weather apps as well, and if one intends to use a drone, a map app for understanding legal restrictions can be quite useful.
About the Author
Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.
They visited 150+ countries, cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.
Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.
Antonio Cala
Co-Founder of Adventure Fix