Are you drawn to the beauty of nature and wondering what gear you need to start landscape photography? I remember asking myself the exact same question when I bought my first DSLR.
In this article, I’ll share the simple choices I made when I started, along with the essential gear that helped me capture the landscapes I love.
Which camera brand and kit should you choose
Before anything else, you’ll need to choose a camera brand. Canon, Nikon, and Sony are the most popular options among both beginners and professionals. Each brand has its own strengths, but one important thing to keep in mind is that lenses are usually not compatible between brands. For example, a Canon lens won’t fit on a Nikon camera body.
Some third-party brands like Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina also produce lenses compatible with multiple systems. These are often more affordable while still offering excellent image quality, making them a great option when you’re starting out.
When I was choosing my first camera, I spent some time comparing features and prices online. I narrowed it down to two kits, one from Canon and one from Nikon. After trying them in a store, I chose Nikon simply because I preferred the way the buttons and screen were laid out. It’s a very personal decision, so go with the one that feels intuitive in your hands.
I chose a camera and lens kit because it was more budget-friendly. You can also buy the camera body and lens separately, but beginner kits are often a great way to get started and learn the basics.
Lenses: the key to shaping your images
While the camera body influences the resolution of your images, it’s the lens that truly shapes the final result. Most entry-level cameras come with a kit lens, which is a great way to get started. But investing in a better lens can transform your photography in subtle yet powerful ways:
➡️ More light: high-quality lenses let in more light, making it easier to shoot handheld in low-light conditions such as forest shade, cloudy weather, or early morning.
➡️ Sharper images: better optics result in crisper details and improved overall image quality
➡️ Creative depth: a good lens helps you control depth of field and isolate your subject when needed
For landscape photography, some of the most commonly used focal lengths include:
➡️ 14–24mm (ultra wide-angle): ideal for immersive compositions, strong foregrounds and dramatic perspectives
➡️ 24–70mm (standard zoom): a versatile lens that adapts to a wide range of scenes and compositions
➡️ 70–200mm (telephoto): perfect for isolating details, compressing layers and simplifying complex landscapes Over the years, this focal range became one of my favorite tools for landscape photography. I recently shared 6 examples showing how I use a 70–200mm lens to capture atmosphere, light and depth in different landscapes.
After about a year with my entry-level Nikon, I chose to invest in a professional lens instead of upgrading my camera body. It was the right decision for my budget, and the improvement in image quality was immediate and noticeable.
Over time, I also realised that each focal length doesn’t just change the framing, it changes the way you see a landscape.
Second-hand gear: save money without sacrificing quality
Buying second-hand photography gear is a smart way to save money while still accessing high-quality lenses and camera bodies. Many specialised stores offer pre-owned equipment that has been checked, cleaned and sometimes even comes with a warranty. This allows you to buy with confidence, knowing the gear has already been tested.
It’s also a great way to experiment without too much pressure. You might want to try a new lens before investing in a brand-new one, or explore a different focal length to see how it fits your style. If it doesn’t suit you, you can usually resell it later with very little loss.
Tripod: a must-have for landscape photography
A tripod is almost essential for landscape photography, especially when shooting in low light or using long exposures. It keeps your camera perfectly steady and allows you to use slower shutter speeds without losing sharpness.
My first tripod was very cheap and broke after just a few months. I then invested in a mid-range Manfrotto model, which lasted more than fifteen years. Today, I use a Peak Design tripod and absolutely love it. It is sturdy, compact and easy to carry, which makes it an ideal travel companion for landscape photography.
When choosing a tripod, look for one that feels stable, is light enough to carry on hikes and fits within your budget. Brands like Gitzo, Benro and Vanguard also offer great options depending on your needs.
Camera filters: simple tools to shape light and reflections
Filters are simple accessories that can bring a lot of creativity to your landscape photography. They allow you to control light and reflections directly while shooting, rather than relying only on editing afterward. Here are two types I recommend if you’re getting started.
➡️ Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens. This allows you to use longer exposure times, even in bright conditions. For example, you can photograph a waterfall and turn the flowing water into a soft, silky texture.
➡️ Polarizing filters reduce reflections and glare, especially on surfaces like water or glass. When photographing a river, a polarizing filter can help you see through the surface and reveal the rocks or riverbed, as long as the water isn’t too deep. It also enhances contrast in the sky, making clouds and colours stand out more vividly.
Choosing the right camera bag
To carry your gear comfortably, a reliable camera bag makes a real difference, especially if you spend time hiking or exploring.
I recommend trying different models in a store to see what fits your body and your way of working.
ur needs.
➡️ Comfort matters: choose a bag with good back support if you plan to walk long distances
➡️ Keep it practical: make sure it fits your essentials without being too heavy
➡️ Think about conditions: weather-resistant materials are a real advantage in changing environmentsaterials to protect your gear in all conditions
Over time, I realised that the best camera bag is simply the one you don’t notice while walking, allowing you to focus fully on the landscape around you.
My gear: tools I use for landscape photography
Here is the gear I rely on to capture landscapes with depth, emotion, and detail.
Cameras
➡️ Nikon Z8
➡️ DJI Mini 3 Pro
Lenses
➡️ Nikkor Z 14–24mm f/2.8 : My go-to wide-angle lens for immersive compositions, strong foregrounds and dramatic perspectives
➡️ Nikkor 24–70mm f/2.8 : A versatile lens I use to explore a scene and adapt to different compositions
➡️ Nikkor 70–200mm f/2.8 : My favourite lens for isolating details, compressing layers and simplifying complex landscapes
➡️ Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR : Perfect for wildlife and more distant or abstract scenes
Tripod
➡️ Peak Design Travel Tripod : Lightweight, compact and reliable, ideal for long exposures and travel
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 on water and in the sky
➡️ Kase Wolverine Revolution magnetic filter system (ND8, ND64, ND1000 + CPL) : For my ultra wide-angle lens, I use a magnetic filter system designed specifically for lenses like the 14–24mm. It allows me to switch filters quickly depending on the light and shooting conditions.
What I love most about this system is how fast and intuitive it is to use in the field. When the light changes quickly, I can adapt in seconds without missing the moment.
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
Final thoughts
Starting landscape photography can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need the most expensive gear or a perfect setup to begin capturing the beauty around you.
What truly matters is learning to work with what you have, developing your eye, and staying curious about light, textures and composition.
Take your time when building your kit. Invest gradually, based on your style, your needs and the places you feel drawn to explore. The more you practice, the more you’ll understand what really matters to you out in the field.
In the end, gear is only a tool. What shapes your images is the way you see a scene, the way you simplify it, and the way you connect with the moment.
And most of all, enjoy the moment. Happy shooting!
Published on January 12, 2025 by Jennifer Esseiva
