1. Primary Camera Body: Nikon D850
I’ve used the Nikon D8 series as my primary camera body for the past six years, and it’s never let me down. The Nikon D850 is the latest version released by Nikon. It has a massive 45.7-megapixel sensor with a max ISO of 25,600. This is perfect for capturing extremely sharp details, even in low light conditions.
2. Backup Camera Body: Sony AR7 III
When it comes to back up cameras, The Sony A7R III is my top choice. Not only is it compact and lightweight, but it also has one of the best camera sensors out there. Some other impressive features include the built-in image stabilization, advanced 653 A/F detection points, and 4K video recording.
3. Lenses
Wide-Angle Lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Telephoto Lens: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Prime Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens
As a landscape and travel photographer, my general rule of thumb for lenses is to carry as few as possible. After much trial and error, I’ve learned that having just these three lenses are usually enough to get the job done.
The Nikon 14-24mm is my favorite for capturing vast and beautiful landscapes. For photographing subjects in the distance, the Nikon 70-200mm is my go-to lens. Finally, the Nikon 50mm is the perfect mid-range lens that offers excellent versatility and depth of field.
4. Tripod: Benro Mach3 / Manfrotto Carbon Fiber with Horizontal Column
My main tripod is the Benro Mach 3 Carbon fiber tripod. This tripod is durable and very easy to use. The other tripod I use is the Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod with Horizontal Column. This tripod is great for experimenting with different perspectives and angles.
5. Platypod: Platypod Max
A platypod is a great piece of equipment to have for those times when a tripod is not allowed, to big to use, or if you want to get extremely close to the floor.A platypod is a metal plate that allows you to attach your camera and tripod head. This plate acts as a miniature stand and tripod that you can position nearly anywhere.
It comes with a strap and four screwable legs which offer ultimate support and creativity when you are shooting.
6. ND Filters
When purchasing an ND filter, you have two options: a variable or fixed ND filter. When traveling, I like to carry a variable ND filter and two larger fixed ND filters.
Variable ND Filter: Tiffen Variable ND Filter
I use the Tiffen Variable ND Filter with 2-8 stops of light reduction. This ND filter is specially designed for wide-angle lenses and does not experience vignetting when used with ultra-wide angle lenses as other variable ND filters do. It is also built with color core technology, which eliminates any color cast the ND filter may cause.
Fixed ND Filter: Breakthrough 10 Stop ND Filter / Breakthrough 15 Stop ND Filter
I also typically carry a 10 stop and 15 stop reduction filters with me. These filters are useful if I have to use extremely long exposures during the day.
The Breakthrough ND Filter works exceptionally well with wide-angle lenses and produces very little color cast or vignetting even at large ND filters.
7. Circular Polarizing Filter: B+W HTC Kaesemann CPL
Using an ND filter will help you get rid of distracting light and reflections in your image. I use the B+W CPL, which is made of high-quality brass metal and glass optics. Also, I like this CPL because it has a low profile, which doesn’t affect me as I shoot.
8. L-Bracket: Really Right Stuff/ Arca-Swiss Compatible Fusion L-Bracket
I can’t live without this one. Having an L-bracket makes using a tripod so much easier, efficient, and flexible.
My very first L-bracket is the Really Right Stuff L-Bracket. I still have that to this day. It is a well made L-bracket and very easy to use.
I also the Arca-Swiss Compatible Fusion L-Bracket, which has developed new technology around the L-bracket. It has two revolutionary features that no other L-bracket on the market offers. The first is that it’s extendable and adjustable so that you can make it fit perfectly to a variety of cameras. Second, it has an extendable feature that allows the sidebar to fold down for easy access to all your ports. This is a huge bonus because many L-brackets, including Really Right Stuff, block your camera’s side ports.
9. Remote Shutter Release: PIXEL Wireless Shutter Remote
A remote shutter release can be extremely beneficial when shooting travel and landscape photography. This is especially true when you have set your camera at low or uneven angles to capture your composition. It’s also useful for avoiding camera shakes, as well as taking self-portraits.
The Pixel Wireless Shutter Remote is compatible with many different cameras and functions both as a wireless and wired shutter release. My favorite part about this shutter release is the LCD on the control and 230-foot wireless reach.
10. Lens Cloth: Microfiber Cloth
I always carry a lens cloth whenever I am shooting. It is always good to wipe your lens clean pre-shoot to make sure there are no smudges or dust that can affect the quality of your images.
Microfiber lens cloths are also great when you are shooting outdoors and your camera inadvertently gets wet or dirty. With a microfiber cloth, you can easily clean your camera gear before it gets damaged or difficult to clean later.
Always bring more than one microfiber cloth. I usually carry between 3-4 in my bag. One for cleaning my lens, one for cleaning dirt and water, and two more as a backup. These cloths are typically small and thin so you shouldn’t have an issue bringing several in your camera bag without taking too much space.
10. Hard Drive: Seagate External Hard Drive
I always bring an external hard drive with me when I am on a shoot. This gives me the ability to quickly back-up my photos on location and have an extra back up before I even leave my shoot.
I recommend getting an SSD or solid-state drive because they are faster and lighter. They are a bit more expensive so if you are trying to save money a traditional hard drive will work just fine.
A hard drive with 1 TB of storage is more than enough to back-up more than the one-trips worth of photos. If you plan on using this as a permanent secondary back-up I suggest opting for something a bit larger.
11. Memory Card Holder: Kiofraoto Water Resistant & Antishock Card Holder
Memory cards can easily get chipped or bent, so it is prudent to store them safely in a protective memory cardholder. The Kiofrotto is excellent because it comes in a variety of different sizes, holds various types of memory cards, and it’s waterproof/shockproof.
12. Rain Cover: Ruggard DSLR Parka
As an outdoor photographer, a rain cover is an essential part of my camera gear list. I like the Ruggard DSLR parka because it is durable and easy to use.
13. Head Lamp: Toon Rechargeable LED Headlamp
I always keep a headlamp in my camera bag for those early mornings or late night trips. It is also handy if I ever need to use artificial lighting in my composition. This headlamp in also allows you to adjust the brightness for added control over your exposure.
14. Travel Adapters: World Travel Adapter Kit by Ceptic
Travel adapters can be a life-saver when you are traveling. The World Travel Adapter Kit by Ceptic is a universal adapter, meaning it allows you to connect to nearly all outlets around the world. It also features two A/C ports and two fast-charging USB ports, allowing you to charge up to four devices at once.
15. Portable Charger
If you’re a landscape or travel photographer, I highly recommend you carry at least one portable charger. I prefer to bring two different portable chargers with me, but just having one is typically enough for most photographers.
With A/C Adapter: RAVPower 27000mAh
This portable charger has an A/C outlet and is great for two reasons. First, not all chargers are compatible with a USB, so its a good idea to have an A/C outlet available. The second is that portable chargers with A/C adapters typically have a much larger power supply than smaller ones.
The RAVPower 2700 mAh features two USB ports and a USB-C port, which enables you to charge up to 4 devices at one time. It’s also durable and powerful at 2700 mAh.
Slim and Portable: TININ Mini Portable Charger
The TININ portable charger is the perfect small and fast, portable charger. It has a whopping 10,000 mAh, yet it can fit in the palm of your hand. Although it is small, it can give five full charges of a camera battery or 3-4 full charges on a smartphone. This portable charger also has two fast-charging ports and an LED display, so you know exactly what percent you have left on your charger.
16. Camera Bag: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
I am a fan of this bag. It’s roomy, customizable, and stylish. I love how the design makes it easy to store and access your gear. You can pull your bag over one shoulder and access either side of the pack. Also, the bag is designed with separate storage compartments to keep all your gear organized and safe. It also has waterproof fabric and a hardshell exterior making the perfect bag for travel and outdoor photography.
