Wildlife photography is a captivating pursuit that allows us to immerse ourselves in the untamed beauty of the animal kingdom. The excitement of capturing elusive creatures in their natural habitats, observing their behavior, and freezing those spontaneous moments in time is a thrilling experience. To embark on this wild photographic journey, it's crucial to be equipped with the right tools and accessories that can enhance your skills and enable you to capture the essence of wildlife in its purest form.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 must-have accessories that, in my opinion, every wildlife photographer should consider adding to their kit. These accessories go beyond being just tools; they become your reliable companions in the pursuit of that perfect shot out in the wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife photographer or just venturing into this exhilarating realm, these 10 accessories are sure to elevate your excitement and elevate your photography to new heights.

Of course, you can still capture decent wildlife images with just a camera and a lens, but if you aspire to push your creative boundaries and unlock a world of possibilities, these accessories can make a significant difference. Let’s take a look at 10 must-have accessories for every wildlife photographer!

A Sturdy Tripod

With the incredible capabilities of modern cameras and lenses, I find myself using a tripod less and less when photographing wildlife, but this is still a very helpful tool that I never leave at home. With Super IBIS and optical stabilization, I can typically shoot most scenes handheld, but when I need a tripod I’m always glad I have one with me.

A tripod can act as the backbone of many wildlife photography opportunities. These nifty devices create stability for capturing sharp, clear images, especially in low light conditions or when using telephoto lenses with a lot of magnification. If you’re shooting over 600mm it’s never a bad idea to use a tripod.

Another great reason to use a tripod is simply to reduce the fatigue and stress on your body. Wildlife lenses and cameras can be quite heavy and after holding them for a while it’s easy to get tired or fatigued. Some people also struggle to steadily hold their gear and can involuntarily shake their camera/lens. Tripods can help to eliminate camera shake, ensuring the details in your shots are as vivid and sharp as the wildlife you're photographing.

A Telephoto or Super-Telephoto Lens

Another keystone to capturing great wildlife images is a lens that can get you up close and personal with wildlife. Having a decent telephoto or super telephoto lens will make a world of difference. Anything reaching 400mm is good but if you can get closer to 600mm this will open up even more opportunities.

Invest in a quality wildlife lens with a longer focal length to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. A telephoto lens with image stabilization is ideal for capturing wildlife behavior from a safe distance and you’ll be amazed at some of the images you’ll be able to capture.

Check out this article if you want some advice on how to capture tack-sharp images with a telephoto lens and check out this article to learn about the key differences between zoom and prime lenses. 

A Rain Cover for Your Camera and Lens

Wildlife photography often involves waiting patiently for the perfect moment, regardless of the weather. Sometimes you may be outside on a beautiful summer day but on many occasions, you may encounter inclement weather and precipitation. A rain cover ensures your camera and lens remain protected from unexpected rain or snow, allowing you to focus on capturing extraordinary wildlife moments.

I have come to find that some of my favorite wildlife shots were captured in harsh or intense weather. Having particles in the air and an overall stormy or dark atmosphere can lead to stunning and powerful images.

Lens Filters

I find myself using lens filters quite a bit more in landscape photography, but that being said, there are plenty of reasons to use them in wildlife photography as well. Just like in landscape photography, lens filters can play a crucial role when photographing wildlife in a diversity of conditions. Consider using UV filters to protect the front element of your expensive telephoto lenses. Polarizers can be great for reducing reflections from water, snow, or foliage.

Regardless of what you’re shooting or where you are it’s never a bad idea to have some filters with you just in case you decide you need one. As usual, it’s better to be over-prepared to give yourself the opportunity to capture a great shot.

A Wildlife Oriented Camera Bag with Rain Protection

Another essential accessory for any style of photography is a quality camera bag. Look for one with padded compartments, easy accessibility, and an integrated rain cover to safeguard your gear in unpredictable outdoor environments.

For wildlife photography specifically, make sure you get one that can easily and securely hold all your gear. You’ll likely have larger lenses with you so be sure whatever bag you get can accommodate these big and heavy telephoto lenses. You could also consider getting one with a camouflage pattern or more neutral colors so that you don’t stand out amongst the landscape.

A Gimbal Head for Your Tripod

If you’re going to be using a tripod you might as well get a gimbal head too. Achieving smooth and stable movements while tracking wildlife is essential. A gimbal head for your tripod allows you to pan and tilt your camera effortlessly, ensuring you capture dynamic shots of animals in motion without any jitters and without holding the weight of your camera and lens. Gimbal tripods are great for capturing wildlife images and even better if you plan to shoot any videos.

Camouflage Clothing and Gear

Of course, this isn’t necessary but having some sort of camouflage can assist in preventing the unnecessary disturbance of wildlife. By blending into your surroundings with camouflage patterned clothing and gear you can become less noticeable enabling you to get more natural shots of your subjects. This enhances your chances of observing natural behavior without causing undue stress to the animals.

Of course, in contrast, if you’re photographing potentially dangerous animals like predators it’s probably a good idea to make sure they are aware of you so that you don’t surprise them. When I’m photographing grizzly bears, moose, elk, or other potentially dangerous animals I want to make sure they are fully aware of my presence in the area. In these instances, I might not wear camouflage at all.

Binoculars

Another great accessory that many photographers might overlook is a nice pair of binoculars. A pair of high-quality binoculars is a must when it comes to the initial search for wildlife from a distance. They help you identify potential subjects and plan your shots, enhancing your overall wildlife photography experience.

I have a very small pair of Zeiss binoculars that are about the same size as my camera body and I always bring them with me whenever I’m out photographing wildlife. I hardly notice them in my pack and they’re a great tool.

Extra Clothing

Wildlife photographers often find themselves in varying weather conditions. Carrying extra clothing, including warm layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable hiking footwear, is essential for your comfort and safety. Being prepared for changing weather ensures you can focus on your photography rather than your discomfort.

I always bring an extra pair of socks, breathable and moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid layers, and wind/water resistant outer layers. Regardless of the time of year or where I am I like to be over-prepared just in case.

Extra Food and Water

And, similarly to clothing, having extra food and water is never a bad idea either. Long days in the field require sustenance to keep your energy levels up. Extra food and water ensure you remain nourished and hydrated, enabling you to explore, create, and capture the beauty of the natural world without interruption. Staying well-fed and hydrated enhances your stamina and concentration and sets you up for success.

You never know, an outing that was only supposed to be an hour or two could lead to an entire day out if you find some incredible wildlife subjects. Make sure you have more than enough water and bring extra food as well.

Conclusion

Wildlife photography is an exhilarating journey into the heart of nature's wonders. The thrill of searching for wild animals and maybe capturing great images of them is unparalleled. Equipping yourself with the right accessories ensures you're ready to capture those fleeting moments, protect your gear, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of wildlife photography.

These accessories are not just tools; they are your allies in creating images that tell the untold stories of the animal kingdom. May your wildlife photography adventures be filled with success and unforgettable moments!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com