For landscape photographers, having the right equipment is everything. You want gear that is lightweight, rugged, and easy to travel with. Multipurpose gear that has a variety of practical applications when you’re out in the field never hurts either. If you are a landscape photographer or buying a gift for one, we have some great product recommendations for every budget.
$5-$50 Gifts
1. Multitools are a photographer’s best friend, especially out in the field. Vello’s COOLTOOL is a low-profile, convenient gadget that tightens and secures your gear. Featuring a combination of a 4mm hex wrench and a large-slotted screwdriver, this nifty little guy can be easily attached to your keyring, so it never gets lost.
2. When working on varied terrain, you might want to carry a Bubble Level to make sure your camera is always aligned. This level conveniently mounts on the hot shoe of any standard 35mm SLR camera and is great to have on hand for a day of landscape shooting.
3. Working in the cold might be a bit of a drag without some photography gloves. Consider Freehand’s Thinsulate Gloves, which are fortified with insulation, waterproof, and windproof backing to keep your hands toasty. The open fingertip design makes accessing small camera buttons easier than wearing normal gloves, while the silicon grip will prevent your camera from slipping. Perfect for those days when you’re shooting in snow or sleet.
4. Sensitive optical glass can get dirty while in the field and requires some good ol’ TLC to get the best shot. Having a lens-cleaning kit on hand is always a good idea, but especially so when working under the elements. This ZEISS cleaning kit features dry and wet cleaning tools to do spot touch-ups or intensive cleaning jobs.
5. If you’re a seasoned landscape photographer, you probably already have protective gear for your precious cameras and lenses. Why not extend that protection to your memory cards with a card case? Available in a variety of configurations for different kinds of memory cards, this Ruggard case features a durable polycarbonate exterior shell and a molded-rubber lining. You will be thankful for that weather-proof seal and crush resistance next time you’re in a pinch.
6. The overall functionality of your tripod might be affected while shooting in very hot or cold climates. This is where LegCoat Wraps come in handy. These soft, neoprene wraps attach to the upper part of your tripod’s legs to provide protection and comfort while being handled. Even if you work in moderate climates, the wraps provide a nice padding that makes lugging your tripod around more pleasant.
7. Speaking of tripods, it never hurts to have a set of leg spikes or rubber feet while shooting outdoors. You might consider Gitzo’s Retractable Spiked Feet, which double as a set of rubber feet for convenient all-terrain shooting.
8. To withstand the rough-and-tumble of landscape photography, consider adding a few equipment wraps to your gear kit. These wraps are great if you want to thoroughly protect your lenses, or if you want to lighten your load by forgoing a bulkier padded case. Wraps can accommodate all kinds of gadgets, so you might be better off with one than without.
9. Whether you are shooting at night, navigating an area with poor visibility, or accidentally stayed out too long, it never hurts to have a flashlight in the field. Pelican’s 1920 LED Flashlight is a reliable choice, with low and high light output options to use depending on your task. Its lightweight aluminum-alloy construction makes this gadget easy to carry, while its IPX7 rating makes this flashlight water resistant up to 3.3' deep.
10. If you are venturing out for an extended shoot outdoors, you might consider snagging a Solar Charger Power Bank to keep your gear running as long as you need. This power bank features a built-in solar panel and can recharge your phone up to six times on a single charge. You can also use it to charge up your camera’s batteries or other devices. Its rugged construction and IP44 waterproof rating make this power bank a reliable companion under variable weather. Of course, having a standard battery pack never hurts, either.
$50-$100 Gifts
1. If you want to capture those silky-smooth waterfalls or seascapes, you are going to want a good neutral density filter. This option from Tiffen is a tried-and-true must-have, with sizing options ranging from 52mm to 82mm.
2. Comfort is a major factor when you are out in the field, which is why it is important to have a functional backpack. If you’re looking for a roomy option with customized storage options, you might consider USA GEAR’s S17. With large accessory storage and an adjustable interior, this backpack is a great option for landscape photographers with a medium-sized carry. The compatible rain cover is included, which will come in handy should you get caught in the rain.
3. Speaking of covers, it never hurts to have a solid camera cover to protect your gear from the elements. LensCoat’s RainCoat is a great option, deflecting all kinds of elements while keeping your camera accessible. This cover is designed for use with body and lens combinations of up to 15" in length, while the closure system enables a precise fit without inhibiting your photography.
4. For photographers working in the cold, the nifty DSLR Parka Cold and Rain Protector is an alternate camera sleeve that will also keep your hands warm and dry. This sleeve will accommodate DSLR cameras with up to a 400mm lens, hood, and speedlight attachments. Featuring a water-resistant and windproof nylon outer shell and a fleece interior, this sleeve will protect and warm your camera for prolonged winter shooting.
5. For landscape photographers working on a tripod, a good shutter release is the key to shake-free imagery, executing long-exposure techniques, and successful nighttime work. Boasting a variety of useful shooting modes and intuitive LED indicators, this Vello wireless remote will take your landscape photography to the next level.
6. If you are looking to camouflage your lens for unobtrusive landscape and wildlife photography, you might consider a lens skin with a natural pattern. LensCoat manufactures many lens skins for different kinds of camera lenses, offering protection from weather, bumps, and minor nicks. Landscape-specific photographers can benefit from the thermal barrier that makes lenses easier to use in cold temperatures.
7. Humidity can become a big problem when you are shooting landscapes. While you can expect some blurry photos, prolonged exposure can cause fungal growth and water damage that your gear might not recover from. This is where a dry case comes in handy. This case features a built-in hygrometer to monitor the interior humidity levels, and is weather sealed against dirt, dust, and moisture.
8. If you are a serious landscape photographer, you might consider splurging on a higher-end flashlight for your photographic endeavors. Nitecore’s P20iX Rechargeable Flashlight can run up to 350 hours on a single charge, and features one-touch strobe activation in every setting.
9. Having a light pack is an important part of landscape photography if you plan to hike or travel long distances. It never hurts to have a compact tripod, and this one can easily fit into a backpack. Designed for smaller ensembles, this travel tripod can support up to 9 lb of equipment and reaches a maximum height of 51.6" via integrated twist locks. There are many amazing travel tripods out there, so be sure to browse and find the best one for your needs.
Above $100 Gifts
1. We’ve already highlighted a great neutral density filter, but if you’re willing to splurge, you might consider snagging a Digital ND Filter Kit for your next landscape photography outing. This complete set of filters is prepared to take on a variety of lighting situations, whether you decide to use them individually or stack two together. This is a great option if you are looking for more control and creativity with your landscape photography.
2. To add a little more comfort to your workflow, think about bringing a PhotoPod to protect yourself and your gear from the elements. This weatherproof pod features clear zippered PVC panels and three camera slots, providing 270° viewing angles to get you your best shot every time.
3. There are many useful filters available that work well for landscape photography. If you already have an ND filter, perhaps you could add a Polarizer Filter to your gear kit. Designed to reduce reflections, glare, and haze, this circular polarizer is a game-changing accessory if your landscape photos have been looking dull or washed-out.
4. Serious landscape photographers need a serious backpack to match. Lowepro’s Powder Backpack 500 AW is a great option, designed to take anything an adventurous photographer can dish out. This beast features a dedicated equipment pouch that can hold a two-DSLR camera kit with a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, and a 70-200mm lens, or a mirrorless camera kit with three to five lenses. Hiking poles, skis, and even a snowboard can be conveniently harnessed, while other gear can be stored in a multitude of thoughtful compartments. Of course, this bag is weather resistant and includes a seam-sealed cover for heavy rain.
5. If you are traveling great distances as a landscape photographer, it never hurts to have a solid travel case to transport your photography gear safely. SKB’s iSeries 2011-7 Case is a great option, featuring Think Tank dividers, a lid organizer, an automatic ambient pressure-equalization valve, and so much more. The watertight, dustproof outer shell makes this case tough against the elements, while its carry-on size means you can board a plane or pop it in the car worry-free.
6. For most landscape shooters, mixed lighting can make achieving the right exposure a little tedious. Sekonic’s L-858D-U Light Meter is a great remedy, with handy functions including a 1° spot meter that produces readings of different regions in a scene.
7. As drones become smaller, lighter, and less expensive, think about adding one to your kit the next time you head out to shoot landscapes. DJI’s Mini 4 Pro is a compact, lightweight option for new users, and we recommend the kitted option with an RC2 remote. Its integrated camera features a 1/1.3" sensor with 4K HDR support, dual native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture, and large 2.4μm pixels. With the ability to capture raw stills at up to 48MP, up to 34 minutes of flight time, and a bevy of creative features to utilize, this is a great option for a landscape photographer looking to complement their traditional workflow.
8. Travel tripods are worth splurging on in general, especially when you’re a landscape photographer. Gitzo’s GT1545T is a great example of this, with carbon-fiber construction that maximizes its overall thin profile. Weighing 3.2 lb, this 4-section tripod features an Arca-type compatible ball head and a load capacity of 22 lb to handle all kinds of jobs.
9. When photographing a landscape, sometimes you want to get off the tripod to get the best shot. In these moments, Platypod’s eXtreme Camera Support is a nifty gadget to have on hand. This low-profile platform allows you to set up a large tripod head, camera, and lens on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. While you can attach it to a tree or a rock for a distinct angle, you can also place it on the ground to get an expansive wide-angle shot. This camera support is also a great alternative if you are shooting landscape in an area that doesn’t allow tripods.
10.You can never have too many camera lenses, and you might consider treating yourself to a nice wide-angle or telephoto lens. Gifting a lens can be a bit tricky if you have no prior photography knowledge, so gift givers might want to ask their recipient what kind of lens they would like before making a big purchase. You can also refer to our landscape photography lens buying guide to brush up on the basics.
11. The studio side of landscape photography is easy to overlook with all the preparation for field work, but it is just as important. Photo imaging software is a great gift for almost any photographer and is available in a variety of flavors for most workflows and budgets.
Did we leave out your favorite landscape photography accessory? Let us know your top recommendations in the Comments section, below.
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