Are you interested in photography, especially landscape photography, and wondering what kind of camera to buy? In this article, I’ll share how I made my choices when I decided to invest in my first DSLR camera (body + lens) and offer tips for choosing your gear.
Which brand and camera kit should you choose?
To start, you’ll need to decide which brand you want to work with: Nikon, Canon, or Sony are the most popular choices for beginners and professionals alike. Each has its unique strengths, and while switching brands later is possible, it’s worth noting that lenses and bodies from different brands are often incompatible. For instance, a Canon lens won’t work on a Nikon body.
However, some third-party lens brands, such as Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina, make lenses that are compatible with multiple camera brands. These can be excellent options if you’re looking for high-quality lenses at a lower price point.
When choosing my first camera, I researched online to find camera and lens kits that fit my budget. I narrowed it down to one Canon and one Nikon model that had the features I needed. After trying them in a store, I chose Nikon because I preferred the layout of the buttons and the screen. This decision is highly personal—go with the brand that feels most comfortable to you.
I opted for a camera body and lens kit because it was the most budget-friendly option for a beginner. While you can buy the body and lenses separately, kits are often more affordable and perfect for learning the basics.
Lenses: the key to stunning shots
The camera body determines the resolution of your images, but the lens significantly affects the quality of your photographs. Kit lenses that come with entry-level cameras are great for starting out, but professional lenses can elevate your photography with:
➡️ More light: Better lenses can handle low-light conditions more effectively.
➡️ Sharper images: Higher-quality glass results in crisper and more detailed photos.
➡️ Beautiful bokeh: Professional lenses create a smoother and more artistic background blur.
Popular lens options for landscape photography include:
➡️ 20mm (wide-angle): Ideal for sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies.
➡️ 24-70mm (versatile zoom): Great for a variety of compositions.
➡️ 70-200mm (telephoto zoom): Perfect for isolating details like peaks or trees.
After a year with my entry-level Nikon, I invested in a professional lens rather than upgrading my camera body. This decision fit my budget and noticeably improved the quality of my photos.
Second-hand gear: save money without sacrificing quality
Buying second-hand gear is an excellent way to save money and access professional lenses or camera bodies. Many stores offer pre-owned equipment with warranties, giving you peace of mind.
Second-hand purchases are also a great way to try a lens without committing to a high price tag. If you don’t like it, you can resell it with minimal financial loss.
Tripod: a must-have for landscape photography
A tripod is almost essential for landscape photography, especially for long exposure shots or low-light conditions.
My first tripod was very cheap, and it broke after just a few months. I then invested in a medium-quality Manfrotto tripod, which lasted me over 15 years. However, now I use a Peak Design tripod, and I absolutely love it! It’s sturdy, compact, and perfect for traveling—an ideal companion for landscape photographers.
When choosing a tripod, look for one that strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability. Other reliable brands include Gitzo, Benro, and Vanguard, so you have plenty of options depending on your budget and needs.
Camera filters: creative tools for every photographer
Filters can help you get creative and enhance your landscape shots. Here are two types I recommend for beginners:
➡️ Neutral density (ND) filters: These reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing you to take longer exposure photos, even in bright conditions. For example, you can capture a waterfall and make the water look smooth and silky.
➡️ Polarizing filters: These reduce reflections and glare, particularly on surfaces like water. For instance, if you photograph a river, a polarizing filter can remove the reflection so you can see the riverbed, provided it isn’t too deep. This filter also enhances the sky’s contrast, making clouds and colors pop.
Remote shutter release: sharper long exposures made easy
In landscape photography, long exposures are often used to capture motion, like the flow of a river or the softness of a waterfall. A remote shutter release is invaluable for two reasons:
1️⃣ It allows you to take exposures longer than 30 seconds, which is the maximum duration most camera bodies support.
2️⃣ It prevents camera shake by letting you trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera. This ensures sharper images, especially when combined with a tripod.
Choosing the right camera bag
To carry all your gear, you’ll need a reliable camera bag. I recommend visiting a store to try different models and find one that fits your needs. Here are some tips to consider:
➡️ Look for a bag with good back support, especially if you plan on long hikes.
➡️ Make sure the bag is large enough to fit all your essentials: camera body, lenses, filters, extra batteries, and a tripod.
➡️ Choose a bag made from durable materials to protect your gear from weather and rough conditions.
Take your time when selecting a camera bag—it’s worth investing in a high-quality one that can handle all your adventures.
My gear: tools I use for landscape photography
Here’s the gear I rely on to capture stunning landscapes:
Cameras:
➡️ Nikon Z8
➡️ Nikon D810
➡️ DJI mini 3 pro
Lenses:
➡️ Nikkor 20mm f/2.8 : ideal for wide-angle shots, perfect for dramatic skies and expansive views.
➡️ Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 : a versatile lens for general shooting needs.
➡️ Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 : my go-to for capturing distant details with stunning sharpness.
➡️ Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR : perfect for wildlife and distant landscapes.
Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod : lightweight, durable, and perfect for long exposures.
Filters:
➡️ Hoya ND Filters (8ND, 64ND, 1000ND) : great for long exposures, from subtle motion blur to dramatic effects.
➡️ Hoya Polarizing Filter : ideal for removing glare and enhancing colors, especially for water and skies.
Accessories:
➡️ Rollei Wireless Remote Shutter Release for Nikon : a must-have for sharp, shake-free long exposures.
Camera bag:
Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW Green Line : sturdy, spacious, and designed to keep all my gear safe and organized, even on tough hikes.
Published on 12.01.2025 by Jennifer Esseiva