Quick Take
Outdoor photographers know packing the right gear can be the difference between getting the shot and missing it since running back home for a forgotten lens or accessory really isn’t always possible on a shoot.
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Introduction
A list of equipment for outdoor photography should be pretty varied since “outdoor” photography includes a wide range of photographic areas and interests. This list is broken down into different types of equipment and offers some insight into each piece of gear’s uses.
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List of Equipment for Outdoor Photography
Cameras
DSLR camera and backup or point-and-shoot and backup (should always have a backup in case of equipment failure)
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Lenses
- extreme wide angle zoom or lens (landscapes, unusual perspective images) 12-24mm
- wide angle lens or zoom (landscapes) 20-35mm
- telephoto lens or zoom (tight compositions, wildlife) 70-200/300mm and/or 400mm
- teleconverters (extend the reach of long lens for wildlife) 1.5x, 2x
- macro lens, diopters or extension tubes (insects, plants other macrophotography)
Weather gear
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- camera rain coat (bad weather)
- rain gear for photographer (bad weather)
- ground tarp (laying on the ground for bug’s eye view, emergency shelter)
- rope (for using tarp as a tent or lean to)
- chemical heat packs
- cold weather clothing
Support
- ball head or some other type of tripod head depending on your preference
- cable release tripod (long exposures, moving water)
- plamp (keeping plants steady)
Gear for carrying equipment
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- backpack (carrying gear)
- chest pouch (easy access to main camera and lens so you don’t have to remove backpack every time you want to take a shot)
- belt pouch system (can carry additional lenses and a water bottle for easy access)
Filters
- polarizing filter (clean up reflections, add contrast)
- GNDs and NDs (light control)
- intensifier (intensifies specific colors)
Lighting
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- flash unit(s)
- better beamer or other flash extender (increases the range of the flash unit)
- collapsible 5 in 1 reflector (light control, plus can be used as a background for small plants and objects)
Misc. gear
- GPS system, Eyefi wifi or geotagging system
- extra batteries (camera, flash, gps)
- field guide as appropriate
- Trekking poles or hiking staff
Emergency gear
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- energy bars
- water
- water purification tablets or purification system
- satellite phone
- signal mirror
