Wildlife Photography Gear List
Written by Antonio Cala.
Last updated on October 15, 2023
When it comes to taking pictures of animals in the wild, having the right photography equipment is really important. This article gives you a clear list of the gear you need for wildlife photography.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced wildlife photographer, this guide covers everything you should have, like your camera, long lenses, and even things to help you blend in and stay comfortable when photographing animals in their natural environment.
Check List
Before we dive into the specifics of which camera models and accessories you should pack for your photography trip, let’s start with a general overview of what to bring.
Not all photography gear is created equal. Some items are absolutely crucial, some are incredibly handy, and some are purely optional, depending on your personal preferences.
In the following checklist, we’ve categorized things into three groups: must-haves, very useful items, and nice-to-haves. While we recognize that certain gear may fall into different categories for different individuals, we are confident that this list will provide you with a practical and overall understanding of what photography equipment to consider for your upcoming 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
Action Camera
LENSES
Macro Lens
Telephoto Lens
Normal Lens
Teleconverter
Wide Angle Lens
TRIPODS
Tripod
Gimbal Head
Small Tripod
Ground Pod
Bean bag
FILTERS
CPL Filter
UV Filter
ACCESSORIES
Backpack
Headlamp
Flashes and Diffusers
Binoculars
Capture Clip
WP Memory Card Case
Audio Recorder
Lightweight Photo Blind
Seat Pad
Lens Cover
SPARES
Extra Batteries
Extra Memory Cards
TOOLS
Sensor Cleaning Kit
Lens Cleaning Kit
Power Bank
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
Choosing the right camera for wildlife photography can be tricky. Wildlife photography demands specific features to capture fast-moving animals effectively. Look for cameras with quick autofocus, a fast burst mode, and a tough build for outdoor use.
While there are cameras for wildlife photography available at different price points, you need to be more careful when selecting one. Whether you’re photographing birds in your backyard or going on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, the best wildlife photography cameras will help you capture clear and stunning wildlife images every time.
Second Camera
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
Using two cameras is safer because you never know when something will go wrong. It’s best if both cameras have the same mount and use the same type of battery. This way, your backup camera can use all your accessories if the main one stops working.
Some camera brands have models with different strengths. For example, one may be better at high-resolution pictures but slower, while the other is faster but has slightly lower resolution. Instead of thinking of them as “main and backup” cameras, see them as tools with different lenses that work together.
Action Camera
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
In situations where you would hesitate to take your main camera, an action camera comes in very handy.
Although the image quality isn’t as good as a regular DSLR or mirrorless camera, it’s better having some photos instead of none. This camera is used for underwater shots, time-lapses, and slow-motion videos. While the GoPro is a well-known choice, there are plenty of other options to consider.
Lenses
Macro Lens
- Must Have
There are essentially two main options to consider. You have macro lenses with longer focal lengths, typically around 100mm, and wide-angle macro lenses, about 15mm.
The first type, with longer focal lengths, is more commonly used and allows you to capture traditional macro shots with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
The wide-angle macro lenses capture more of the surroundings and context, but they require you to get very close to your subject.
Telephoto Lens
- Must Have
You have flexibility when selecting your primary telephoto lens, with options ranging from 400mm to 800mm. Finding the right balance between cost, maximum aperture, and focal length can be a challenging decision.
Opting for a top-tier selection such as a 400mm f/2.8 will result in a significantly higher price tag and increased weight compared to, for example, a 500mm f/5.6.
If you’re working within a budget, alternative options from third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron are also available.
Normal Lens
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
It may come as a surprise how frequently standard lenses find utility in wildlife photography, particularly for capturing images of close-up wildlife such as snakes, lizards, or documenting your travels.
Teleconverter
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
A teleconverter is a tool that can make your telephoto lens zoom in closer, usually by a factor of 1.4 to 2.0. While this might sound like a great idea, using a teleconverter has downsides. It can make your lens let in less light, which affects the image quality.
The more you zoom in with the teleconverter, the more these issues become noticeable. Thankfully, newer teleconverters are usually better than older ones, so if you need one, it’s best to go for a more recent model.
Wide Angle Lens
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
In wildlife photography, wide-angle lenses aren’t used much, but it’s a good idea to keep one handy just in case. For this purpose, it’s recommended to carry either a lightweight f/4 zoom lens or a lightweight f/1.8 prime lens, but not both at once.
The decision depends on how bright or dim the environment is. Zoom lenses are versatile, but if you’re in a dark place like a forest, the f/1.8 lens is better because it lets in more light.
Tripods
Tripod
- Must Have
In wildlife photography, a dependable tripod is an essential tool to have in your gear. The top tripods for wildlife photography not only stabilize your camera, ensuring sharp and high-quality images, but they also offer flexibility for shooting at various angles and heights.
Make sure you take into consideration the tripod’s size and weight, especially if you plan to carry it while traveling or hiking. Additionally, pay attention to the load capacity to ensure that the tripod can support your heaviest camera and lens combination.
Gimbal Head
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
A high-quality gimbal head is a fantastic asset for managing a heavier camera setup. It effectively suspends the camera, lowering its center of gravity and enabling you to effortlessly hold it in any desired position, even when the tilt lock is loosened.
This feature is particularly beneficial as it provides an extremely stable and unwavering foundation for capturing smooth panning shots, even when working with ultra-heavy telephoto lenses.
Small Tripod
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
Alongside your standard camera tripod, it’s advisable to include a mini tripod in your kit.
These mini tripods have versatile applications, such as supporting flashes, mounting audio recorders, and facilitating activities like creating time-lapse videos with a smartphone.
Ground Pod
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
Lowering your camera to the eye level of wildlife is often crucial for capturing captivating, intimate images with a pleasingly blurred background. This technique is especially effective when photographing birds and small animals.
However, achieving this lower perspective while maintaining a stable shooting position can be challenging. Traditional tripods typically don’t provide sufficient height adjustments for this purpose, and even if they do, they can be cumbersome to discreetly reposition as you approach your subject.
That’s where a ground pod comes in, offering a solution to this dilemma.
Bean Bag
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
A photography bean bag is a bag filled with beans or similar material that you use to steady your camera while taking photos. It’s widely used during safaris, but you can use it in different scenarios.
You can place this bag on a window frame or on top of your vehicle if you’re standing and looking out from a pop-up roof. It helps you keep your camera pointed in the right direction without straining your arms.
Additionally, using this bean bag allows you to take photos with slower shutter speeds, which can be useful in certain situations where there’s not much light or your subject is moving.
Filters
CPL Filter (Polarizer)
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
Wildlife photography typically doesn’t heavily rely on filters. Some photographers do carry a circular polarizer along with step-up rings, but they tend to use them only in specific situations, such as when their subject is on the water in bright lighting conditions.
In most cases, unless you have a specific photo concept in mind, it’s not common for wildlife photographers to allocate space in their gear bags for filters.
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 shooting from a boat, a UV filter can simplify the task of maintaining photos free from intrusive water droplets.
Accessories
Backpack
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
The perfect camera bag for wildlife photography should be comfortable, spacious, convenient, and protective.
It should be lightweight, with a waist strap for weight distribution, padding, and airflow for comfort during hikes.
The bag should have room for camera gear, extra clothes, and snacks, with customizable compartments and side pouches for water bottles. Quick access to your gear is vital, so look for bags with easy flip access, a reasonable number of compartments, and a tripod holder for long hikes.
Lastly, it should protect your gear from the weather, with options like rain covers or water-resistant materials.
Headlamp
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
When shooting wildlife at night, a headlamp is essential. Make sure you get one with red lighting, so you can check your location on the map or take things from your backpack, without distributing any animals.
Flashes and Diffusers
- Must Have
Our Recommendations
Off-camera flash is a common practice, particularly in macro photography and nighttime wildlife capture.
When shopping for an off-camera flash, it’s advisable to opt for one with a built-in receiver. These units offer greater convenience since you simply connect the control unit to your camera, and you’re all set to begin shooting.
Binoculars
- Very Useful
Binoculars are essential for wildlife photographers. They allow photographers to observe animals from a safe distance without disturbing them, which is crucial for capturing natural behaviors.
Binoculars also help in scouting for potential subjects, saving time and effort. Additionally, they assist in assessing lighting and composition before taking photos, ensuring better results. Overall, binoculars are invaluable tools for enhancing wildlife photography.
Camera Clip
- Very Useful
Our Recommendations
How many pictures have you missed because your big camera was inside your bag and it took too long to take it out. Not anymore.
The Capture 3.0 camera clip is by far the most secure, convenient and accessible way to carry your camera while adventuring outside searching for wildlife.
Audio Recorder
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
Some people like the opportunity to record the sounds of nature at the locations they visit.
In the morning when it’s still in deep darkness or while you’re shooting, are good times for the stereo microphones record the forest dawn chorus.
Photo Blind
- Nice To Have
Our Recommendations
Using a portable hide is a smart way to attract wildlife for your photos. Tracking animals in the wild can be tough because they often don’t want to be found.
Instead of chasing them, focus on hiding yourself using good hide and camouflage gear that helps you blend in with the surroundings. This way, you can capture great wildlife shots without scaring the animals away.
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.
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