Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials

We need landscape photography essentials, though as landscape photographers we are quite fortunate, a camera, a few lenses, filters and tripod and we are pretty much all set to go. I know, from experience, that there is often a temptation to buy additional equipment in the belief that it will produce better photos or make you a better photographer.

To a degree this is true but I would only consider adding to the list of landscape photography essentials when necessary. Only buy the very best equipment that your budget will allow, this is particularly true of lenses.

We will probably have to carry our photo gear to our preferred location and being weighed down with an abundance of photo gear could make the journey tiring and uncomfortable. So my advice, bearing in mind we need to carry our landscape photography essentials is to travel as light as possible. Think carefully about what is required for a particular landscape photography shoot.

List of my Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials

Personally I have always used Canon but of course this is very much an individual choice. Whilst the latest SLR camera and lenses have many features there are some that I consider to be landscape photography essentials.

1. Control of exposure

We do not want to have to rely on the cameras Auto Mode and need to be able to choose a Manual or Aperture Priority setting as required depending on the circumstances.

2. Depth of field preview

For landscape photography work this is a must. It enables the lens to be closed down to your selected aperture to see a preview of the depth of field. It takes a little time to get used to using the preview because at f16 for example it will appear very dark at first. However, be patient, let your eyes adjust to the low light level and the preview will appear brighter making it easier to see and assess the depth of field.

3. Camera Spot Meter (or Hand Held Meter)

I prefer to use the spot meter exposure setting for most of my photography as it offers a greater degree of exposure control, it does take practice and time to become confident in its use but it is well worth the effort.

4. Electronic Remote or Cable Release

This is extremely useful as it will prevent camera movement when the shutter release is pressed.

5. Mirror Lockup

Extremely beneficial as it enables the mirror to be raised early ensuring vibrations dissipate before the shutter opens. Best used in conjunction with the cable release and can also be combined with the use of the Self Timer.

6. Lenses

For me landscape photography covers everything from grand sweeping views to smaller details so a camera system that offers a range of quality lenses is important.

7. Tripod

A sturdy tripod and head with a range of movements from high to low level. Essential to hold the camera rock solid.

8. Polarising Filters

Used for saturating colours, improving skies and cutting through reflections on water, damp leaves and rock.

9. Neutral Density Graduated Filters

A set of three in 1, 2 and 3 stop strengths. Essential for controlling the dynamic range (contrast) of the scene. It is possible to do this by using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) technique but for most of my landscape work I still prefer using filters.

10. Neutral Density Filters

Available in various strengths, I normally carry ND filters with a 2 and 5 stop strength. Perfect for reducing the amount of light reaching the sensor and thereby slowing the shutter speed, can be used for creating movement in a scene, for example blurred water.

So there are my Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials, all we need now is to combine the above with a strong camera bag or rucsac to protect our valuable equipment and we are ready to head out into the great outdoors for an enjoyable and rewarding day of landscape photography.

Why not add a comment listing your Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials.

Canon’s Flagship EOS 1D Mark IV – Photography

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 19, 2010 – EOS 1D – The excitement of Super Bowl XLIV was viewed by millions, making it the most watched program in American television historyi. Several professional photographers captured every moment of the action using Canon’s latest professional digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D Mark IV. With initial camera shipments beginning less than 6 weeks before the game, Super Bowl XLIV was the first major sports event where professional photographers had an opportunity to see for themselves how the EOS-1D Mark IV camera would perform. After the game, Canon U.S.A. chose to interview four of these professional photographers regarding their use of the EOS-1D Mark IV camera and from their comments, it is clear that for these photographers, the EOS-1D Mark IV camera aced its first big test.

Canon celebrates 50 millionth EF lens manufacture

Canon is celebrating the production of the 50 millionth EF lens for its EOS range of cameras, marking over 20 years of innovative technology and drive to provide photographers with the best quality products.

This landmark was achieved during the manufacture of an EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM (pictured) and illustrates a story that has seen Canon achieve the production of over 10 million lenses in just under two years.

The story began in 1987 with the birth of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has since seen many groundbreaking advances in technology:

· 1987 saw the first lens with an Ultrasonic Motor – EF 300mm f/2.8L USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers
· In 1995 Canon introduced the worlds first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer – EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM for sports and wildlife enthusiasts
· In 2001 the first lens to incorporate Canon’s multi layered diffractive optics elements – EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM for professional sports and wildlife photographers on the move
· 2008 saw the first lens to use Canon’s SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) – EF 24 mm F/1.4L II USM for professional landscape photographers
· Then in 2009 the world’s first lens with Hybrid IS – EF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM for close ups was launched
· Most recently in 2010 Canon has launched the new high-quality, telephoto zoom lens the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM for all types of professional photography

“Today’s announcement shows an immense achievement in our ability to grow and adapt to reach this impressive target in such a short space of time,” said Kazuyuki Suzuki, General Manager, Lens Products Marketing Management Division.

“We are proud to support so many photographers of all abilities through our extensive range of DSLRs, including the recently launched 7D designed to create a whole new photographic experience.”

Canon currently offers the world’s most extensive range of D-SLR lenses with over 60 models currently available across the globe. In the coming years, Canon will continue to promote technical innovation, from optical design to electronics and production engineering, with the aim of further contributing to the creation of a new photo culture.

Should you upgrade to a Canon 5D Mark II ?

As a long time and very satisfied Canon 5D user it is hard not to be tempted to make the switch to the recently released Canon 5D Mark II. There are many reviews for this camera online but this one by Complete Digital Photography is in my opinion the best I have read to date, it is very informative and clearly presented.

This is the first of a two part review and having read the first part I am really looking forward to reading part two of the review.