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If you want to take landscape shots that few, if any, photographers have managed to take before you need to get off the beaten track and out in the wilderness. Exploring landscapes where few people have been is exciting and exhilarating however you are going to have to ark the car, get your hiking boots on and get walking.
It is impossible to take all your photography equipment when you’re out on a hike, unless you are built like an ox that is, therefore you will have to make a compromise, streamline your gear and carry just the essentials, which are:-
It is impossible to take all your photography equipment when you’re out on a hike, unless you are built like an ox that is, therefore you will have to make a compromise, streamline your gear and carry just the essentials, which are:-
Camera
The camera is down to personal preference and different people will have different views and opinions. I like to use a full frame camera for my landscape photography, and since I knew I would be doing a bit of hiking with it I wanted the smallest and lightest full frame dslr camera I could find, and that ended up being the Canon 6D.
The Canon 6D is heavier and bigger than my previous travel camera, the (now old) Canon 450D, but it is full frame and smaller and lighter than my Canon 7D. It is also the smallest full frame Canon camera currently available, so it is the best choice.
For an honest and unbiased write up about the Canon 6d check out the "Pros and cons of the Canon 6d"
Buy the Canon 6d from Amazon.com (US citizens) or buy from Amazon.co.uk (UK citizens)
The camera is down to personal preference and different people will have different views and opinions. I like to use a full frame camera for my landscape photography, and since I knew I would be doing a bit of hiking with it I wanted the smallest and lightest full frame dslr camera I could find, and that ended up being the Canon 6D.
The Canon 6D is heavier and bigger than my previous travel camera, the (now old) Canon 450D, but it is full frame and smaller and lighter than my Canon 7D. It is also the smallest full frame Canon camera currently available, so it is the best choice.
For an honest and unbiased write up about the Canon 6d check out the "Pros and cons of the Canon 6d"
Buy the Canon 6d from Amazon.com (US citizens) or buy from Amazon.co.uk (UK citizens)
Lenses
Most of my landscapes are taken with a wide angle lens, and my lens of choice is the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS USM. I was going to buy the 16mm – 35mm f2.8L lens but the f4 version is smaller, lighter and just as sharp. Okay, it doesn’t have an f2.8 aperture but then when it comes to shooting landscapes I never shoot that wide so such a wide aperture is a bit of a mute-point, in my opinion.
If you are like me, and want to travel light but still have a professional grade wide angle lens to capture stunning landscapes the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS us definitely a lens you should consider. I can’t rave about this lens enough……. It is sharp, the colours are bright and vivid but not overly saturated, it is tough and durable, it is relatively light (as I have already mentioned) and it is affordable too. Yep, this is one awesome lens.
As well as the 16mm – 35m I also take a canon 70mm – 200mm f4L IS USM lens for when I want to zoom in a little closer for a tighter shot. My dream landscape tele lens is the Canon 70mm – 300mm f4.5 – 5.6L lens however this lens is a real beast. It is big and it is very heavy and not suitable to my style of landscape photography at all.
The Canon 70mm – 200mm f4L IS is smaller and a lot lighter. Okay, it hasn’t got the 300mm long end, but it’s a compromise I am willing to make to have a more travel friendly lens. My 70mm – 200mm f4L lens is superb as it is tack sharp with awesome image quality. In addition to this it is tough, durable and weather sealed so it is great for the outdoors.
Most of my landscapes are taken with a wide angle lens, and my lens of choice is the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS USM. I was going to buy the 16mm – 35mm f2.8L lens but the f4 version is smaller, lighter and just as sharp. Okay, it doesn’t have an f2.8 aperture but then when it comes to shooting landscapes I never shoot that wide so such a wide aperture is a bit of a mute-point, in my opinion.
If you are like me, and want to travel light but still have a professional grade wide angle lens to capture stunning landscapes the Canon 16mm – 35mm f4L IS us definitely a lens you should consider. I can’t rave about this lens enough……. It is sharp, the colours are bright and vivid but not overly saturated, it is tough and durable, it is relatively light (as I have already mentioned) and it is affordable too. Yep, this is one awesome lens.
As well as the 16mm – 35m I also take a canon 70mm – 200mm f4L IS USM lens for when I want to zoom in a little closer for a tighter shot. My dream landscape tele lens is the Canon 70mm – 300mm f4.5 – 5.6L lens however this lens is a real beast. It is big and it is very heavy and not suitable to my style of landscape photography at all.
The Canon 70mm – 200mm f4L IS is smaller and a lot lighter. Okay, it hasn’t got the 300mm long end, but it’s a compromise I am willing to make to have a more travel friendly lens. My 70mm – 200mm f4L lens is superb as it is tack sharp with awesome image quality. In addition to this it is tough, durable and weather sealed so it is great for the outdoors.
Sample photos using the Canon 16 - 35 f4L IS lens
Buy the Canon 16 - 35 f4L IS lens from Amazon.com (US citizens) or buy from Amazon.co.uk (UK citizens)
Filter holder and filters
Filters are an essential bit of kit for landscape photographer and although there are several different types available to the landscape photographer you really don’t need a huge and extensive collection when travelling light.
The filters I take with me on my hiking photography trips consist of a hard edged and soft edged 2 stop ND grad and a 10 stop ND filter. I also take a screw in variable ND filter for those occasions when I don’t need to use a ND grad as well.
I find the 2 stop ND grad is my most used ND grad, and whilst there are times when I wish it would be a little stronger and other times when I wish it could be a little less strong, on the whole I am happy with the way it balances the land and sky.
I know there are many people out there who are of the opinion you don’t need ND grad filters because you can achieve the same effect in the digital darkroom, but I am not one of them. Firstly, I like to get it right in camera as much as possible (and then make minor tweaks with my photo editing software) and secondly, my Photoshop skills aren’t up that standard, and I have no intention of getting them there either. I am a photographer not a digital artist therefore my passion is the camera and not the computer.
I like taking long exposures and I never leave home without my 10 stop ND filter, the effects of which cannot be re-created in the digital darkroom. I use a square ND filter so I can use it with an ND grad as well should I need to.
The 10 stop ND filter I use is the Zomei 100mm (Check out the Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter) and I have to say that I am very impressed with it. The Zomei filter is good quality, there is no colour cast and it gets the job done. It is no better or worse than the more popular Hitech and Lee 10 stop filters, however at a fraction of the cost of these the Zomei is top value for money and gives the biggest bang for your buck.
The CPL filter is another filter many landscape photographers use, however I am in two minds about them. I like the boost a CPL filter adds however I find that they produce unnatural looking skies with uneven saturation. The other thing I find is CPL filters are not great when using a wide angle lens, and since I use an ultra-wide angle lens for almost all of my landscape photography a CPL creates a lot of issues and problems I need to overcome, so I seldom bother. I have found that when travelling light four filters suit me fine.
Filters are an essential bit of kit for landscape photographer and although there are several different types available to the landscape photographer you really don’t need a huge and extensive collection when travelling light.
The filters I take with me on my hiking photography trips consist of a hard edged and soft edged 2 stop ND grad and a 10 stop ND filter. I also take a screw in variable ND filter for those occasions when I don’t need to use a ND grad as well.
I find the 2 stop ND grad is my most used ND grad, and whilst there are times when I wish it would be a little stronger and other times when I wish it could be a little less strong, on the whole I am happy with the way it balances the land and sky.
I know there are many people out there who are of the opinion you don’t need ND grad filters because you can achieve the same effect in the digital darkroom, but I am not one of them. Firstly, I like to get it right in camera as much as possible (and then make minor tweaks with my photo editing software) and secondly, my Photoshop skills aren’t up that standard, and I have no intention of getting them there either. I am a photographer not a digital artist therefore my passion is the camera and not the computer.
I like taking long exposures and I never leave home without my 10 stop ND filter, the effects of which cannot be re-created in the digital darkroom. I use a square ND filter so I can use it with an ND grad as well should I need to.
The 10 stop ND filter I use is the Zomei 100mm (Check out the Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter) and I have to say that I am very impressed with it. The Zomei filter is good quality, there is no colour cast and it gets the job done. It is no better or worse than the more popular Hitech and Lee 10 stop filters, however at a fraction of the cost of these the Zomei is top value for money and gives the biggest bang for your buck.
The CPL filter is another filter many landscape photographers use, however I am in two minds about them. I like the boost a CPL filter adds however I find that they produce unnatural looking skies with uneven saturation. The other thing I find is CPL filters are not great when using a wide angle lens, and since I use an ultra-wide angle lens for almost all of my landscape photography a CPL creates a lot of issues and problems I need to overcome, so I seldom bother. I have found that when travelling light four filters suit me fine.
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Remote shutter release
Okay, I appreciate I could use the camera’s self-timer and leave the remote shutter release at home but I prefer to use a cable. Besides, the cable is small, light and doesn’t take up much room so the additional weight and bulk it adds to my camera bag is minimal.
Tripod
A full size tripod suitable for landscape photography is large, heavy and cumbersome. Consequently, you will find they start to make you ache after a short time, and there is nothing worse that aching bones and muscles full of lactic acid when you’re miles from the car and have to carry your tripod. Trust me, it is not a nice feeling.
Fortunately you can now buy travel tripods which are not only tiny when collapsed (mine closes down to just over 30cm), very light (just under a kilo, which is several times lighter than my “proper” tripod) but will also extend to around five and a half feet, which is pretty good. Okay, there is a compromise in that travel tripods aren’t as sturdy as standard tripods, but providing you keep it out of the elements (read wind) as much as possible a travel tripod will get the job done.
When I looked in to buying a travel tripod I had a look at several different models and, after doing a bit of research and spending hours at my local camera shop with my landscape set up opted for the Manfrotto Befree, and I have to say I have been more than happy with my purchase.
The Manfrotto Befree is an excellent travel tripod and one that I would highly recommend. Okay, so it isn’t the cheapest travel tripod on the market but it is worth spending a bit more and getting the photo than being tight and ending up with blurry photos. I mean, why miss the potential photo of a lifetime for the sake of saving a few pounds?
The Befree is small and light enough to take everywhere, it is quick and easy to set up, it is fully adjustable, it is rock solid (providing it isn’t too windy of course), it is tough and durable, and it will provide years of service.
The Manfrotto Befree has enabled me to capture tack sharp photos of the Eiffel tower at sunrise, long exposures of Lake Garda, photos of the Venetian canals at sunset, photos of the painted ceiling in St James’s cathedral and many other photos I would never have been able to capture if I didn’t have a tripod with me. The Befree has allowed me to photograph my travels and create photos I am proud of.
Buy the Manfrotto Befree tripod from Amazon.com (US citizens) or buy from Amazon.co.uk (UK citizens)
Remote shutter release
Okay, I appreciate I could use the camera’s self-timer and leave the remote shutter release at home but I prefer to use a cable. Besides, the cable is small, light and doesn’t take up much room so the additional weight and bulk it adds to my camera bag is minimal.
Tripod
A full size tripod suitable for landscape photography is large, heavy and cumbersome. Consequently, you will find they start to make you ache after a short time, and there is nothing worse that aching bones and muscles full of lactic acid when you’re miles from the car and have to carry your tripod. Trust me, it is not a nice feeling.
Fortunately you can now buy travel tripods which are not only tiny when collapsed (mine closes down to just over 30cm), very light (just under a kilo, which is several times lighter than my “proper” tripod) but will also extend to around five and a half feet, which is pretty good. Okay, there is a compromise in that travel tripods aren’t as sturdy as standard tripods, but providing you keep it out of the elements (read wind) as much as possible a travel tripod will get the job done.
When I looked in to buying a travel tripod I had a look at several different models and, after doing a bit of research and spending hours at my local camera shop with my landscape set up opted for the Manfrotto Befree, and I have to say I have been more than happy with my purchase.
The Manfrotto Befree is an excellent travel tripod and one that I would highly recommend. Okay, so it isn’t the cheapest travel tripod on the market but it is worth spending a bit more and getting the photo than being tight and ending up with blurry photos. I mean, why miss the potential photo of a lifetime for the sake of saving a few pounds?
The Befree is small and light enough to take everywhere, it is quick and easy to set up, it is fully adjustable, it is rock solid (providing it isn’t too windy of course), it is tough and durable, and it will provide years of service.
The Manfrotto Befree has enabled me to capture tack sharp photos of the Eiffel tower at sunrise, long exposures of Lake Garda, photos of the Venetian canals at sunset, photos of the painted ceiling in St James’s cathedral and many other photos I would never have been able to capture if I didn’t have a tripod with me. The Befree has allowed me to photograph my travels and create photos I am proud of.
Buy the Manfrotto Befree tripod from Amazon.com (US citizens) or buy from Amazon.co.uk (UK citizens)
Lens cloth and lens pen
There is nothing worse than taking several photos only to find, once loaded up on the computer, that the images are covered in marks because of dust, dirt and finger prints. I have been caught out with this before, therefore I make sure my lenses and filters are immaculate at all times.
As a matter of course I thoroughly clean all lenses and filters before I leave the house, and this ritual involves using an air rocket and lens solution to get rid of all marks. When I am out on location I make sure I carry a lens pens and lens cloth, both of which are very small and light items but very useful, to make sure I can keep my lenses and filters dirt, dust and smudge free. Even though the air rocket is light it is a big and bulky item that takes up a lot of room in my bag, therefore I leave it at home.
When it comes to travelling light to take landscape photos you will have to make some compromises. It would be nice to take a sturdy tripod, a filter to cover every situation, a super tele lens to zoom in ultra-close etc. but it simply isn’t viable. I find my minimalist kit adequate and I have managed to capture some landscape shots I am very happy with, which I would never have captured if I had all my kit with me because I wouldn’t have bothered to go for a walk.
There is nothing worse than taking several photos only to find, once loaded up on the computer, that the images are covered in marks because of dust, dirt and finger prints. I have been caught out with this before, therefore I make sure my lenses and filters are immaculate at all times.
As a matter of course I thoroughly clean all lenses and filters before I leave the house, and this ritual involves using an air rocket and lens solution to get rid of all marks. When I am out on location I make sure I carry a lens pens and lens cloth, both of which are very small and light items but very useful, to make sure I can keep my lenses and filters dirt, dust and smudge free. Even though the air rocket is light it is a big and bulky item that takes up a lot of room in my bag, therefore I leave it at home.
When it comes to travelling light to take landscape photos you will have to make some compromises. It would be nice to take a sturdy tripod, a filter to cover every situation, a super tele lens to zoom in ultra-close etc. but it simply isn’t viable. I find my minimalist kit adequate and I have managed to capture some landscape shots I am very happy with, which I would never have captured if I had all my kit with me because I wouldn’t have bothered to go for a walk.
Related reading
If you enjoyed this article below are some links to other landscape photography articles you may find interesting. Please feel free to check them out and take a look.
Best wide angle lens
Wide angle lenses are the go to landscape lens and most landscape images are captured using a wide angle lens. If you shoot a Canon camera “The best wide angle landscape lenses for Canon cameras” may well be the ideal read for you.
Tele lenses for landscape photography
As well as wide angle lenses you also need a tele lens in your landscape photography kit, as explored in “Tele lenses for landscape photography”.
Super zoom lens
It may seem strange but I always carry a super zoom lens on my landscape photography trips, just so I don’t miss any opportunities. Want to know more? Take a look at “Always carry a super zoom lens”.
When to use a big stopper
In order to get the most out of a 10 stop neutral density filter you need to identify when, and more importantly when not, to use one. For some tips and tricks on this take a look at “When to use a big stopper”.
Best filter holder for long exposures
In order to capture long exposures you need the right sort of equipment. Trust me, buy the wrong equipment and your long exposures will suffer. For the best filter holder for long exposure photography take a look at the “Best filter holder for long exposures”.
Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter
The Lee big stopper 10 stop neutral density filter is expensive, however there is a cheaper alternative that gives very impressive results that are on par with those you can get with the Lee filter. This cheaper alternative is the Zomei 10 stop ND filter and if you want to see how it performs you need to take a look at the “Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter”.
If you enjoyed this article below are some links to other landscape photography articles you may find interesting. Please feel free to check them out and take a look.
Best wide angle lens
Wide angle lenses are the go to landscape lens and most landscape images are captured using a wide angle lens. If you shoot a Canon camera “The best wide angle landscape lenses for Canon cameras” may well be the ideal read for you.
Tele lenses for landscape photography
As well as wide angle lenses you also need a tele lens in your landscape photography kit, as explored in “Tele lenses for landscape photography”.
Super zoom lens
It may seem strange but I always carry a super zoom lens on my landscape photography trips, just so I don’t miss any opportunities. Want to know more? Take a look at “Always carry a super zoom lens”.
When to use a big stopper
In order to get the most out of a 10 stop neutral density filter you need to identify when, and more importantly when not, to use one. For some tips and tricks on this take a look at “When to use a big stopper”.
Best filter holder for long exposures
In order to capture long exposures you need the right sort of equipment. Trust me, buy the wrong equipment and your long exposures will suffer. For the best filter holder for long exposure photography take a look at the “Best filter holder for long exposures”.
Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter
The Lee big stopper 10 stop neutral density filter is expensive, however there is a cheaper alternative that gives very impressive results that are on par with those you can get with the Lee filter. This cheaper alternative is the Zomei 10 stop ND filter and if you want to see how it performs you need to take a look at the “Review of the Zomei 10 stop ND filter”.
Photography ramblings video playlist that may be of interest
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