What’s the best DSLR Gear for Landscape Photography?

What’s in my bag?

Nothing is more interesting to a photographer than what’s in another photographer’s bag. Gear selection tells a lot about the artist and each photographer has their own preferences.

My gear is both top quality and minimal. I try to get my shots with the least amount of gear but also with the best. This combination makes my treks enjoyable and comfortable.

I’ve listed only the gear I use. I might add that I also carry my pharmacy which includes lip balm, insect spray and sun protection, but that’s about it. If necessary I’ll carry some extra memory cards and batteries but even with the D850 super high resolution I can usually get by with very few extras.

My Top camera pick – Nikon D850

I really think the Nikon D850 is now the pinnacle of landscape DSLR cameras. There is nothing lacking in the D850. I realize that some have gone mirrorless, with Sony being the top contender, but I don’t like the way Sony sensors record images. To me they look cooked. I may even evolve to mirrorless myself sometime in the future but at that time would probably go to FujiFilm Medium Format. In the forseeable future – 3 – 5 years, I’ll stick with the D850.

My Top Picks for landscape lens

Nikon 14-24 2.8

Wide angle for a full frame camera, the Nikon 14-24 2.8 is a superb lens. Expensive and solid. This is as good as primes and as good as it gets. I wish it was smaller and allowed for regular filters but life and photography is one big compromise and the 14-24 is the best wide lens available. 

Nikon 28-300 3.5-5.6

This is a superb sleeper. I know of top professional landscape photographers who swear by this lens and only use this lens and the 14-24 wide angle. Two lens – superb quality and simplicity. You can add a macro if you need but, outside that, this is all you need.

The only filters I use is the NiSi Circular Polarizer and their 3 stop Neutral Density (to slow down water movement.)  These filters are super thin and of top quality glass.

All my other camera gear

Tripod Head

I’ve used Really Right Stuff for over 20 years. They are the best!  Their top ball head, the BH-55, with level, is superb. A bit heavy but it provides solid control over the camera and feels good. If you’re really packing light you can try their BH-40 LR.  It’s a small investment, but it will last a lifetime, and then some.

L Bracket

As much as I love RRS, their prices for L brackets are just way too much. Here’s an L Bracket I’ve been using which is much less expensive and of excellent quality. Hightly recommended.

Tripod

I’ve used virtually every type of tripod and have never been more content than I’ve been with the Feisol Tournament CT-3342. It’s solid, has only two joints which makes for quick set up and take down, and is reasonably priced. This is not a cheap knockoff but a solid, well make professional tripod to which I highly recommend.

Wireless Shutter Release

The SMDV RFN-4s is a must for easy shutters without any movement. There are other ways around this, but I’ve found this to be quick and easy. Priced right, I wouldn’t be in the field without it.

Camera Bag

Bags are so personal and I’ve sure owned my share. I might suggest you really look at the Think Tank Sling bag. It’s easy to fit all the gear above in, carry and attached to the tripod as ballast if needed. I hate to see photographers carrying backpacks, placing them on the ground, moving their tripod and then running back to pick up their backpack. I guess I just look for ease and convenience and the Sling Bag offers that. I really recommend this bag.