photography equipment list

Here is my recommended gear list for quality landscape photography. While it is Sony-focused, I am not any brand’s fanboy. After researching and testing the Sony sensor, I found it best suited to the subtleness and contrasts of my landscape photography.

Since retiring from full-time pro corporate photography, I have purchased a Fujifilm GFX 100 medium format kit for my fine art and landscape work. This comprises the GFX100 body, 110mm, 45mm and 23mm lenses.

I ran a pro, multi-camera Canon system for my commercial work and Sony for my fine art landscapes for several years. Then, I used Sony for both. I have seen excellent reviews of Canon's mirrorless range, and Canon lenses are outstanding.

While I used Nikon for many years when I shot film, I moved to Canon to go digital because of their full-frame sensors. Nikon only offered cropped sensors to begin with.

As our photography improves, more capable cameras can enhance our pictures. Large, wide-dynamic range sensors and sharp, high-contrast lenses will also help. But they won't make us more creative.

Buy the largest, most modern sensor you can afford for landscape work. Look for two to three quality prime lenses. I prefer one around 18mm, another around 35mm - 50mm and another around 135mm - 200mm. I would also be happy with a 70mm - 200mm zoom in place of a prime telephoto.

Landscape photography doesn't need fast glass. Sharp, contrasty f2 - f4 lenses with low chromatic aberration will save you money.

Avoid super wide lenses with bulging front elements. They look sexy but are hard to compose with. And, once your composition technique is sorted, any pics after that will look the same. Not to mention the hassle and expense of setting up a filter system for them.

Always remember that any camera gear is only as good as the eye and creative mind behind it. Owning the 'best' camera will not make anyone the best photographer.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with gear questions or suggestions.

Cameras

• Fujifilm GFX 100 Medium Format Body

• Sony A7 III Body (24 Megapixel)

• Sony A7r III Body (42 Megapixel)

• Sony A7r IV Body (61 Megapixel)

Lenses

• Fujifilm GF23mmF4 R LM WR

• Fujifilm GF45mmF2.8 R WR

• Fujifilm GF110mmF2 R LM WR

• Sony Full Frame E-mount SEL35F28Z: Buy at AmazonSony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T FE OSS: Buy at Amazon

• Sony SEL2470GM FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM

• Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

• Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS

• Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS

• Sony SEL1635GM FE 16-35 mm F2.8 GM

• Zeiss Batis 2.8/18 Wide-Angle

• Zeiss Batis 2/25 Wide-Angle

• Zeiss Batis 1.8/85 Portrait

Gimbals

• DJI OM 4, 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal

• DJI Ronin SC Pro Combo Kit

• Syrp Genie Mini Motion Panning System

Accessories

• Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L Backpack

• Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478D-U Light Mete

Tripods

• Sirui W-1204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Sirui AM-284 + A-10R Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod

• Benro Aluminum Video Monopod Kit w/ 3-Foot Articulating Base, S4 Video Head (A48FDS4)

• Manfrotto Geared Head 410 Accurate Junior Geared Tripod Head

• Acratech GPs Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, Panoramic Head, Supports 25 lbs

Filters

• Nisi V5 Pro 100mm Filter Holder Kit 86mm Landscape NC CPL

• ND Nisi 100mm x100mm 10 stop

• ND Nisi 100mm x100mm 6 stop

• Nisi Soft Graduated Neutral Density Lens Filter (Soft IR GND(4) 0.6 100x150)

Speedlights / Location Flash

• Godox V860II-S TTL Sony Flash Speedlite

• Godox TT350-S TTL Sony Flash Speedlite

• Godox AD 200 Pro

• Godox X1 T-S Transmitter