Don't let anyone tell you gear doesn't matter. It does. It might not be the only thing that goes into getting good images, but it's certainly a big factor. But not all the gear you need has to be bodies and lenses. Here, learn about five purchases you can make to transform your landscape photography overnight.
I once got up one winter's morning here in the south of Japan to go and shoot some rockpools nearby my home. It was about 2 degrees (Celsius) outside and my body was absolutely freezing. I could barely see in front of me as I walked because of the steam coming out of my nose and mouth, then when I got to my desired destination, disaster struck. The tide was a little too high for me to see where I was walking, which meant my hiking boots were no match for the slippery rocks. I tried a couple of times but had to abandon my plans mid-trek because I was slipping all over the place and feared for my gear and my personal safety. That experience quickly taught me that necessary gear comes in all shapes, sizes, and dollar costs.
And that brings us to this great video by Henry Turner, in which he discusses five things you can buy to immediately improve your landscape photography. Considering what I wrote above, I think his first tip's the most valuable: get appropriate clothing, including footwear. Following that day, I went out and bought some fishing boots with little spikes on the soles. Wow, what a brilliant investment they were as they allowed me to walk across the slipperiest of rocks without a worry in the world. Turner also discusses lenses other than wide-angles, as well as filters, among other things. He's always entertaining, so give the video a look and let me know what you think are essential purchases for landscape photography.
Great fuss over trivial matters.... :>(
I hope you're sitting down:
1. Outdoor clothing
2. Longer focal-length lenses
3. ND and polarizing filters
4. Tripod
5. Post-processing software
That and he had some tea. There, you owe me 18 minutes of your life.
You're scholar and gentleman, cheers
Some below have been at it awhile but some will view and need the info, listen and watch a couple of times!
I have been through many cameras and even today have a top of the line, in my book, but you grow with each.
If you are just starting out no matter the camera but the lenses that are forever so think full frame or APS-C or Full Frame camera collect the lenses for that maker and model type. I suggest also a camera with IBIS, I went Sony mirrorless in 2014 with a A7S (no IBIS) but the A7/R/SM2 do have IBIS still sell new in some places but more used so lower prices also the Mod 2's if you find one check to see if it has on camera apps no longer for sale but still downloadable if you know the owner maybe bought and can download. I suggest the APS-C E 10-18mm f/4 OSS (15-27mm in 35mm) but can be used in Full Frame at 12-18mm. The Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom Lens with Optical SteadyShot and with a press of an assigned button for APS-C you get 36-360mm (center of sensor). for a camera the A7RM2 you have bracketing 5 at +/- 3EV but 3 at +/- 2EV you can do hand holding no tripod needed these and spare battery/charger lens/sensor cleaning kits etc. will fit in a over the shoulder tear drop bag with two compartments one for camera and lens and other lens + extra things.
1. Antelope Canyon 3 at +/- 2EV at 12mm. unheard of in 2017
2. Jacksonville Fl. Beach using E 10-18mm at 12mm FF with A7S 2015
3. FE 24-240mm at 360mm out on a path in a swamp.
4. A7RM2 has a setting on dial for panorama hand held or on tripod this on tripod at Grand Canyon 2017