Essential photography gear for landscape, black and white, wildlife, and macro photography

The ‘Gear in the Wild’ series: Photography gear

Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories through images. As a passionate photographer and avid backpacker, I’ve learned that the right gear can make all the difference when capturing breathtaking landscapes, dramatic black and white shots, the beauty of wildlife, or the intricate details of macro subjects.

The best camera is the camera you have!

Here, I’ll share my essential photography gear, including tips and tricks to elevate your photography game, whether you’re out on a rugged backpacking adventure or in a serene landscape.

BUT, remember, the best camera is the camera you have! Don’t feel like you have to have the biggest and flashiest. Full disclosure: I got my gear in 2014 after winning $25,000 in gift certificates to Best Buy.

Key photography gear for different photography styles

Whether you’re shooting vast landscapes or tiny insects, every genre of photography requires specific gear to achieve the best results. Here’s an overview of the gear that I swear by for each of my primary photography styles:

Landscape photography gear

When it comes to landscapes, the goal is to capture expansive scenes with as much detail and clarity as possible. Here’s what I use:

• Camera body: A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera is essential for maximum detail and dynamic range. For me, both my Nikon D810 and D7200 have been perfect for wide-angle shots and capturing those vivid skies. While these cameras are readily available, new and used, they have been replaced with the Nikon D850 and the D7500.
• Lenses: A wide-angle lens (between 16mm and 35mm) is ideal for most landscapes. Both the NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED and Tamron 24x70mm f/2.8 are my go-to because they deliver crisp, sharp images with minimal distortion. The Tamron 24×70 is a fraction of the price of the Nikon lens and offers great quality.
• Tripod: Stability is key for capturing long exposures, especially at sunrise or sunset. A lightweight yet sturdy tripod made of carbon fiber or aluminum is a backpacker’s best friend. I bought an Oben about 10 years or so ago and it’s still going strong.
• Filters: For those dramatic skies or to soften the light, I rely on ND (neutral density) filters and polarizers. They help me get the perfect exposure and enhance contrast in the scene.

Black and white photography gear

Black and white photography allows you to focus on light, shadows, and composition. Here’s what I rely on:

• Camera body: As with landscape photography, a full-frame camera is ideal, but the key here is how you shoot. I prefer shooting in RAW for the flexibility in post-processing.
• Lenses: For black and white photography, sharpness is crucial, and a prime lens like the [insert lens model] produces beautiful contrast and detail. The NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a great choice. It’s lightweight for backpacking and incredibly sharp for B&W textures.
• Post-processing software: I currently use Lightroom and Photoshop for editing my black and white images, adjusting exposure, contrast, and details to make the subject pop, but also use Gimp, Darktable, and RawTherapee. I just happen to gotten a free subscription.

Pro tip: Move to Gimp, Darktable, and RawTherapee. These are very powerful and free. Of course, they come with a learning curve, so here are a few videos. Get practicing now.

Wildlife photography gear

Wildlife photography demands speed, precision, and the ability to bridge the gap between you and your subject without causing a disturbance. To capture crisp shots of animals in motion, your gear must prioritize fast autofocus (AF) and focal length reach.

• Camera body: While I use the Nikon D810 and D7200, the key is a high frame rate and responsive tracking. If you are looking for the modern equivalent, the Nikon D500 or D850 offer world-class AF systems. They’re not as good as a D5 or D6 but they get the job done.
• Lenses: A telephoto zoom lens is non-negotiable. I rely on the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for maximum versatility and the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 for low-light situations like dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Binoculars & monopod: Holding a heavy telephoto lens for hours is exhausting. I use a Celestron binocular set for scouting and a lightweight monopod to stabilize my shots. This setup allows for much more mobility than a tripod when tracking a moving animal.

Macro photography gear

Macro photography is about revealing the hidden textures and “life-size” details of the natural world. Success here depends on managing depth of field and ensuring your subject is perfectly illuminated.

• Camera body: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high megapixel count works great for capturing intricate details, such as textures on flowers or the wings of insects.
• Lenses: To achieve true 1:1 magnification, I recommend the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S (for mirrorless) or the NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8G for DSLRs. The 105mm focal length is the “sweet spot” because it gives you enough working distance so you don’t scare away insects. )
• Precision lighting: Because macro lenses often have a shallow depth of field, you’ll need to stop down your aperture (f/11 or f/16). This requires more light. A Ring Flash or LED panel is essential to wrap light around your subject and eliminate the harsh shadows often cast by your lens.
• Stability: Even the slightest vibration can ruin a macro shot. Using a tripod with a macro rail allows for the tiny, incremental adjustments needed to get the focus tack-sharp on a flower’s stamen or an insect’s eye.

Additional gear I recommend for backpacking photographers

As a backpacker, weight and portability are always a consideration. Here are a few additional pieces of gear that make backpacking with my camera gear easier:

• Camera backpack: A comfortable, lightweight camera backpack works or supplement what you already have with some backpack inserts that ensure my gear stays organized and protected during hikes. I already had several bags to include actual camera bags but sometimes, a backpacking trip may take a few days or weeks even
• External batteries and power bank: Long shooting sessions require extra power, and carrying an Anker power bank, which allows me to stay charged during remote shoots. Using a power bank may require a little extra setup if you don’t have a camera that charges via USB (my Nikons do not). Watch the video below to help you.
• Weather protection: A weatherproof camera cover is essential for unexpected rain or snow. I use the Altura camera cover to keep my gear safe.

This video will guide you through how to USB charge with a dummy battery.

Also see, these related posts:

• Tips on cold weather photography and how to protect your gear
• Appalachian Trail gear list
• Properly sizing and fitting backpacks
• How to properly layer for your winter backpacking trip
• Save money. Buy a better tripod the first time.

Tips for maximizing your photography gear

• Keep it clean: Dust and dirt can easily accumulate during outdoor shoots. Always bring a lens cleaning kit and microfiber cloth to maintain the clarity of your lenses and sensors.
• Plan your shots: The best landscapes, wildlife encounters, and macro details often require patience. I always check the weather forecast and plan my shoots during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting.
• Invest in quality gear gradually: Photography gear can be expensive, but don’t feel the need to purchase everything at once. Start with the basics, and gradually build up your gear as you hone your skills.
• Learn your gear inside out: Know your camera settings and how to adjust them quickly in different environments. The more familiar you are with your equipment, the better you’ll be at capturing the perfect shot.

🎒 The backpacker’s photography checklist

• [ ] Camera body + Spare battery
• [ ] Primarylens + Microfiber cloth
• [ ] Circular polarizer (CPL Filter)
• [ ] Lightweight carbon fiber tripod
• [ ] Weatherproof rain shell (Altura)
• [ ] Power bank and Cables

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best camera for landscape photography?

A: For landscape photography, I recommend using a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera with good dynamic range. My favorite is the [insert camera model] because it captures rich colors and details, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Q: Are the Nikon D810 and D7200 still good for landscapes in 2025?

Absolutely. While the Nikon D850 is its successor, the D810 remains a powerhouse for landscape photography due to its 36.3MP sensor and incredible dynamic range. The same for the D7200. It’s still plenty powerful enough.

Q: What is the best lightweight tripod for backpacking?

A: For backpacking, I recommend a carbon fiber tripod like the Oben series. It provides the necessary stability for long exposures while keeping pack weight under 3 lbs.

Q: Do I need a tripod for wildlife photography?

A: While a tripod can be useful for some wildlife shots, especially for long exposure or stationary subjects, I prefer using a monopod or shooting handheld for flexibility and speed.

Q: How do I achieve sharp macro shots?

A: Sharpness is key in macro photography. Use a tripod for stability, ensure proper lighting, and shoot at a small aperture (like f/8 or f/11) to increase depth of field.

Q: Can I use a zoom lens for landscape photography?

A: Yes, you can. Zoom lenses are versatile and great for landscapes, especially when you’re exploring varying compositions. However, a prime wide-angle lens typically gives sharper results with less distortion.

Q: How do I protect my gear while backpacking?

A: Protection is crucial when backpacking with photography gear. Use a padded camera bag or protective cases, and always carry rain covers or weatherproof gear to shield your equipment from harsh conditions.

Conclusion

The right gear can make all the difference in how you capture the world through your lens, whether you’re shooting sweeping landscapes, delicate macro shots, or wildlife in action. As a backpacker and photographer, I’ve learned that while the gear is important, knowing how to use it effectively and being prepared for various conditions is just as crucial.