Are you a photography enthusiast who enjoys taking nature shots? Maybe you’re looking to get started with landscape photography. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Capturing the best images possible starts by being prepared before you go. For this reason, we’ve created this outdoor photography equipment list that will help you to prepare before you hit the trails.
At The Adventure Junkies, we’re here to help you enjoy your time spent in the great outdoors. This list will help you get started if you’re going out for a few hours, or even the day. If you’re planning to drive to your destination, you can bring as much gear as you’d like; but if you’re hiking to scenic locations, you’ll want to keep weight in mind and pack as light as possible. For overnight –or longer journeys, take a look at this hiking packing list.
HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at how you can get the most out of this list. Next to each item that’s recommended for you, you’ll see a few categories. Here’s what it all means.
PURPOSE: What the item is used for. This will give you a brief insight into why you may need this piece of gear.
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: While essentials will vary depending on the type of outing you’re planning, we’ve ranked the items in terms of what you will most likely need for most outings.
PRICE RANGE: This will give you a good idea of how much each item will cost.
LOOK FOR: This will give you some insider’s tips on what to look for.
OUR PICK: This is our top choice based on quality and value.
LEARN MORE: This links to an article on choosing the best piece of gear.
1. CAMERA AND LENSES
CAMERA BODY
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Amazon
PURPOSE: To capture images
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $500-$2000
LOOK FOR: A high-quality DSLR or mirrorless option
OUR PICK: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
LEARN MORE: Landscape Photography Cameras 101 >>
16-35MM LENS
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Amazon
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $500-$1500 (Approximately)
LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens which works with your camera model
OUR PICK: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
70-200MM LENS
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Versatile outdoor photography
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $400-$600 (Approximately)
LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens that works with your camera model
OUR PICK: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4
LEARN MORE: Landscape Photography Lenses 101 >>
75-300MM LENS
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Capturing wildlife
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $70-$600 (Approximately)
LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens that works with your camera model
OUR PICK: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6
LEARN MORE: Wildlife Photography Lenses 101 >>
2. ADDITIONAL CAMERA GEAR
POLARIZER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Ideal for improving color saturation and reducing glare
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30-$300
LOOK FOR: A circular polarizer that rotates to adjust the effect
ND FILTER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Long-exposures, gently blurring water and clouds
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30-$300
LOOK FOR: A multi-coated filter to reduce flare issues
OUR PICK: Hoya 77mm HMC ND8 Multi-Coated Neutral Density Filter
GND FILTER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Capturing landscapes that require different exposures for the sky and foreground
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $30-300
LOOK FOR: A high-quality filter
OUR PICK: Tiffen 52mm Neutral Density Filter
MEMORY CARDS
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Record images
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $10-$70
LOOK FOR: A memory card with enough room for your high-quality images. Bring spares.
OUR PICK: SanDisk 128GB
TRIPOD
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Amazon
PURPOSE: To steady your camera for long-exposures and to ensure tack-sharp images
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depending on the type of photography you will be doing
PRICE RANGE: $20-$2000 (Approximately)
LOOK FOR: A lightweight, carbon option if you’re going to be hiking
OUR PICK: Manfrotto 190 Go! Alu-Stativ
LEARN MORE: Travel Tripods 101 >>
SPARE BATTERIES
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Amazon
PURPOSE: For keeping your camera charged
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $40-$80
LOOK FOR: Batteries that hold their charge for longer. Bring spares.
OUR PICK: Nikon Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Choose one that fits your camera model)
3. CARRYING GEAR
BACKPACK
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Carrying your gear
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $80-$400
LOOK FOR: A high-quality option that’s comfortable and roomy
OUR PICK: Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro
DRY BAG
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Helping to keep your camera waterproof
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No
PRICE RANGE: $40-$200
LOOK FOR: One that’s been rated highly
OUR PICK: Travelon Waterproof Pouch Dry Bag
4. FOOD AND WATER
FOOD
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeping up your energy while you’re out
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $5-$50
LOOK FOR: Bars with a good balance of protein and carbs
OUR PICK: KIND Healthy Whole Grains Granola Snack Bars
LEARN MORE: Freeze Dried Food 101 >>
WATER
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeping well-hydrated
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $15-$60
LOOK FOR: BPA-free water bottle
OUR PICK: Takeya Originals
5. CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS
COMFORTABLE CLOTHING
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Maintaining a comfortable temperature
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20-$200 (Approximately)
LOOK FOR: Moisture-wicking material such as Merino wool
OUR MEN’S PICK: Woolx Men’s Merino Wool Tee
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Woolx Women’s Merino Wool Tee
LEARN MORE: Outdoor Clothing Guide >>
HIKING SHOES
PURPOSE: Supporting your feet while you’re trekking around
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $80-$150
LOOK FOR: Breathable, lightweight, comfortable, good grip
OUR MEN’S PICK: Merrell Men’s Moab Ventilator
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze
LEARN MORE: Hiking Shoes 101 >>
RAIN JACKET
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Keeping dry in case of sudden showers
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $30-$200
LOOK FOR: A waterproof, lightweight jacket
OUR MEN’S PICK: Multifunctional Waterproof Raincoat
OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Multifunctional Waterproof Raincoat
LEARN MORE: Rain Jackets 101 >>
SUNSCREEN
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Amazon
PURPOSE: Preventing sunburn
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20-30
LOOK FOR: An option that offers both UVA and UVB protection
FIRST AID KIT
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Amazon
PURPOSE: In case of injury or accident
ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes
PRICE RANGE: $20-$50
LOOK FOR: A lightweight kit that includes essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. Also pack medicine for headaches, stomach problems, and muscle cramps.
OUR PICK: Coleman All Purpose 27 Piece First Aid Kit
LEARN MORE: First Aid Kits 101 >>
READ MORE
For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Cameras for Wildlife Photography
Lenses for Wildlife Photography