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Essential Camera Equipment for Wildlife Photography
Essential Camera Equipment for Wildlife Photography
by Keenan Hursh
Wildlife photography can be an incredibly challenging but rewarding pursuit that requires a delicate combination of skill, knowledge, and the right equipment to capture truly special and unforgettable moments. Of course, a good camera and lens combination can get you started in the right direction but there is a whole list of other camera accessories and gear that can help you take your wildlife photography to the next level.
From weather and environmental hazards to keeping your camera clean to reducing blurriness or light flares in your image, there are so many factors that can affect your experience. Of course, there are many accessories you should have on all photography excursions, but today, to keep this list relatively short, we will be specifically focusing on accessories and gear that are especially useful in wildlife photography.
By bringing this equipment with you and by knowing how to properly use these accessories you can increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. So, let’s get into it. Here are some of the most essential accessories and equipment for wildlife photography.
From weather and environmental hazards to keeping your camera clean to reducing blurriness or light flares in your image, there are so many factors that can affect your experience. Of course, there are many accessories you should have on all photography excursions, but today, to keep this list relatively short, we will be specifically focusing on accessories and gear that are especially useful in wildlife photography.
By bringing this equipment with you and by knowing how to properly use these accessories you can increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. So, let’s get into it. Here are some of the most essential accessories and equipment for wildlife photography.
Cameras
We’ll start off with cameras. When it comes to wildlife photography, having a fast and powerful camera body makes a world of difference. You will ideally want a high resolution (30-50 MP), full-frame sensor so that you can capture maximum detail and resolution and retain the option to significantly crop your images if you need to.
In addition, having a fast camera that is capable of quickly tracking and focusing on subjects with high-performance autofocus capabilities is a must. Many modern cameras utilize artificial intelligence to track moving subjects and can specifically identify and focus on eyes.
Having a quick burst mode is also crucial when shooting fast moving wildlife like birds. Many modern cameras can utilize an electronic shutter which can capture faster bursts than mechanical shutters, sometimes up to 30-40 frames per second.
We’ll start off with cameras. When it comes to wildlife photography, having a fast and powerful camera body makes a world of difference. You will ideally want a high resolution (30-50 MP), full-frame sensor so that you can capture maximum detail and resolution and retain the option to significantly crop your images if you need to.
In addition, having a fast camera that is capable of quickly tracking and focusing on subjects with high-performance autofocus capabilities is a must. Many modern cameras utilize artificial intelligence to track moving subjects and can specifically identify and focus on eyes.
Having a quick burst mode is also crucial when shooting fast moving wildlife like birds. Many modern cameras can utilize an electronic shutter which can capture faster bursts than mechanical shutters, sometimes up to 30-40 frames per second.
Lenses
With lenses in wildlife photography, you really want some high-quality glass that will get you up close and personal with your subjects.
A telephoto lens is an essential piece of equipment for any wildlife photographer, and you will ideally want something over 200mm.
If you want flexibility, then a solid zoom lens such as a 100-400mm or a 150-600mm is a good option.
If you want the highest quality sharpness and image quality than a super-fast prime lens such as a 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 will work well. There are benefits and drawbacks to both zoom and prime lenses so think about what you specifically need as a photographer and go from there.
With lenses in wildlife photography, you really want some high-quality glass that will get you up close and personal with your subjects.
A telephoto lens is an essential piece of equipment for any wildlife photographer, and you will ideally want something over 200mm.
If you want flexibility, then a solid zoom lens such as a 100-400mm or a 150-600mm is a good option.
If you want the highest quality sharpness and image quality than a super-fast prime lens such as a 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 will work well. There are benefits and drawbacks to both zoom and prime lenses so think about what you specifically need as a photographer and go from there.
Tripods and Monopods
Now that you have a camera and lens that will help you capture your subject you will want to reduce the odds of adding motion blur or shake to your image. If you have a fast moving, small subject that is far away you will need to keep your camera as still and steady as possible. This is where tripods and monopods come into play.
Tripods have 3 points of contact and do an excellent job of stabilizing your camera and lens but they can often be heavy and burdensome to carry with you, especially if you’re walking long distances.
Monopods are often much lighter and easier to manage but aren’t quite as steady as tripods. If you’re tracking moving objects a monopod is often a good choice or make sure you have a nice tripod head that allows for fluid and easy rotation. A gimbal head is also a good choice for panning and tracking wildlife, but it will weigh considerably more than the typical ballhead.
Now that you have a camera and lens that will help you capture your subject you will want to reduce the odds of adding motion blur or shake to your image. If you have a fast moving, small subject that is far away you will need to keep your camera as still and steady as possible. This is where tripods and monopods come into play.
Tripods have 3 points of contact and do an excellent job of stabilizing your camera and lens but they can often be heavy and burdensome to carry with you, especially if you’re walking long distances.
Monopods are often much lighter and easier to manage but aren’t quite as steady as tripods. If you’re tracking moving objects a monopod is often a good choice or make sure you have a nice tripod head that allows for fluid and easy rotation. A gimbal head is also a good choice for panning and tracking wildlife, but it will weigh considerably more than the typical ballhead.
Bean Bags
While we’re on the subject of stabilizing your camera and lens, another option is a bean bag. These are very similar to what hunters or target shooters use while shooting rifles or other firearms and the exact same principles apply. Bean bags are very flexible and versatile options for stabilizing your gear and are often used when capturing photos from vehicles or on uneven terrain. They can be heavy and awkward to carry however, so if you’re hiking maybe consider a tripod or monopod.
While we’re on the subject of stabilizing your camera and lens, another option is a bean bag. These are very similar to what hunters or target shooters use while shooting rifles or other firearms and the exact same principles apply. Bean bags are very flexible and versatile options for stabilizing your gear and are often used when capturing photos from vehicles or on uneven terrain. They can be heavy and awkward to carry however, so if you’re hiking maybe consider a tripod or monopod.
Camera Bags
When it comes to wildlife photography, you need a bag or backpack that can protect your gear while also providing easy access to your equipment. Look for a bag or backpack that is durable and has plenty of compartments for organizing your gear.
You’ll ideally want something made from weather resistant material and with an included rain cover. You may also be shooting with multiple lenses so make sure you have enough padded compartments to hold all your glass and accessories. We recommend f-stop packs.
When it comes to wildlife photography, you need a bag or backpack that can protect your gear while also providing easy access to your equipment. Look for a bag or backpack that is durable and has plenty of compartments for organizing your gear.
You’ll ideally want something made from weather resistant material and with an included rain cover. You may also be shooting with multiple lenses so make sure you have enough padded compartments to hold all your glass and accessories. We recommend f-stop packs.
Remote Shutter Release
Another way to eliminate or reduce camera shake is to use a remote shutter release. This is a remote that connects to your camera and allows you to accurately control the shutter without physically touching the camera itself. I don’t find myself using these very often with wildlife photography as we're photographing moving subject and/or shooting handheld. But, if you're photographing a slower or stationary subject, a remote shutter release can help reduce camera shake.
Another way to eliminate or reduce camera shake is to use a remote shutter release. This is a remote that connects to your camera and allows you to accurately control the shutter without physically touching the camera itself. I don’t find myself using these very often with wildlife photography as we're photographing moving subject and/or shooting handheld. But, if you're photographing a slower or stationary subject, a remote shutter release can help reduce camera shake.
Polarizing Filters
A polarizing filter can help to reduce glare and reflections in your photos, which is especially useful when shooting around water or foliage. It can also enhance color saturation and improve image contrast. It's important to choose a polarizing filter that is compatible with your lens and that has a high-quality optical coating to prevent distortion and loss of sharpness. I almost always use a polarizing filter for the previously mentioned reasons, and it also provides a layer of protection to the front element of your lens.
A polarizing filter can help to reduce glare and reflections in your photos, which is especially useful when shooting around water or foliage. It can also enhance color saturation and improve image contrast. It's important to choose a polarizing filter that is compatible with your lens and that has a high-quality optical coating to prevent distortion and loss of sharpness. I almost always use a polarizing filter for the previously mentioned reasons, and it also provides a layer of protection to the front element of your lens.
Battery Grips
When you’re out in the field and far from any source of electricity, having multiple batteries is an absolute must. One way to achieve this with added benefits is to use a battery grip. A battery grip can extend the life of your camera's battery, which is especially useful when shooting wildlife and it allows for an additional grip option when holding your camera. If you shoot portrait a lot or find yourself rotating your camera 90 degrees, then this is a great piece of equipment for you.
When you’re out in the field and far from any source of electricity, having multiple batteries is an absolute must. One way to achieve this with added benefits is to use a battery grip. A battery grip can extend the life of your camera's battery, which is especially useful when shooting wildlife and it allows for an additional grip option when holding your camera. If you shoot portrait a lot or find yourself rotating your camera 90 degrees, then this is a great piece of equipment for you.
Rain Covers
When you’re out in the wilderness capturing images, weather can be very unpredictable. It might start raining or snowing out of nowhere or a thick fog or mist can roll in. These weather events can often add spectacular elements to your photos and can create dramatic settings. In order to continue shooting in said conditions you’ll want to keep your camera safe and dry. Most modern cameras come with some degree of weather sealing but to be extra safe you should always carry a rain cover. These allow you to continue to use your camera in extreme weather and get the shot.
When you’re out in the wilderness capturing images, weather can be very unpredictable. It might start raining or snowing out of nowhere or a thick fog or mist can roll in. These weather events can often add spectacular elements to your photos and can create dramatic settings. In order to continue shooting in said conditions you’ll want to keep your camera safe and dry. Most modern cameras come with some degree of weather sealing but to be extra safe you should always carry a rain cover. These allow you to continue to use your camera in extreme weather and get the shot.
In conclusion wildlife photography is a tricky game but having the right equipment and setting yourself up for success will allow you to capture incredible moments. Make sure you’re prepared next time you go out and best of luck on your wildlife photo adventures!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
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
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.