Successfully capturing the magnificence and majesty of a vast vista in an image can be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences for a photographer. However, the pursuit of that perfectly composed landscape shot will be decidedly more successful if you have the right equipment. While landscape photographers don’t have nearly as much gear requirements as portrait or fashion photographers, there are a few must-have items if you really want to take your landscape photography to the next level.
Buying photographic gear can be a little overwhelming, especially if you are relatively new to the field. This is why we put together a concise, easy-to-follow list of the top 10 essentials every aspiring landscape photographer should have.
@willemfosterphoto
1. The Camera Body
To produce landscape photos of the epic persuasion, you need a camera body that allows you to shoot in Aperture Priority so you can choose the correct focal ratio for the situation. Choosing one in the range of f/8 to f/16 will allow for sharp focus throughout the depth of field. A lower ISO is better (100 or 200) as it reduces noise and graininess.
2. Wide Angle Lens
The versatile wide angle lens will deliver great perspective with wide, true fields of view. Aim for a minimum focal length of 18mm for a full-frame camera. Since you will mainly be shooting landscapes in f/8 or more, try to purchase a lens with a max focal ratio of f/4.
3. The Tripod
Many of the most captivating landscape photos are captured during sunrise or sunset. A time known as “Golden Hour” due to the dramatic lighting and shot opportunities it provides. Cloudy weather can also make for a very dramatic photo of otherwise mediocre scenery. Under these conditions, available light is relatively low which means that a longer exposure will be needed. A camera cannot be steadily handheld for this period of time, making the tripod an essential addition to the landscape photographer’s arsenal.
@ryan_cumming
4. Hot Shoe Bubble Level
These levels can be quickly and easily mounted to your camera’s hot shoe connection and ensure perfectly horizontal horizons. When shooting with a wide angle lens, the smallest alignment inaccuracy can impact the resulting photo quite significantly. A hot shoe bubble level guarantees precision every time. Some tripods will even come complete with one built in.
5. Remote Shutter Release
The risk of camera shake, which is quite high when doing long exposure, can be greatly reduced by releasing the shutter without touching the camera.
6. Neutral Density (ND) Filter
An ND filter will limit the amount of light allowed to pass through the lens, allowing you to have a much longer exposure. Darker filters, such as 6 stops or 10 stops filters, will allow for very long exposure times of about 1 minute. These super long exposures are able to capture cloud movement, for example, and result in breath-taking images.
7. Graduated Neutral Density Filters (ND Grads)
When shooting in bright daylight, the sky will be a lot brighter than the landscape. If you set your exposure according to the sky, your landscape will be silhouetted and, if you set your exposure according to the landscape, your sky will be blown out. ND Grads are dark on the top and clear at the bottom which allows for darkening of the sky without affecting the landscape.
8. Polarising Filters
A must-have due to its ability to enhance blue skies and reduce glare reflection of water, glass and mirrors, a polarising filter will immediately elevate your landscape photography by boosting contrast and making the scene appear to be quite vivid.
@drawing_with_lights
9. Quick Release Tripod Head
Allows for the quick and easy attachment and detachment of your camera from the tripod.
10. The Camera Bag
Landscape photographers regularly brave the trickiest terrains and uncomfortable conditions in the pursuit of great photographs. Protect your investment but protecting your gear with a high quality, compact and secure camera bag. Look for one with ergonomic design features and enough storage to store all your gear and accessories.
If you have any other questions about gear specifically needed for or beneficial to landscape photography then speak to one of our consultants in store or online. We’re keen to help you snap those magical vistas and get the coveted “oohs” and “aahs” your photos deserve!
