Choose the right equipment

Your guide to essential gear

The old saying “The best camera is the one you have with you” doesn’t really apply when it comes to wildlife photography. For this job, you certainly need to have the right tools...

1 Camera

For the best results, you’ll need to use an interchangeablelens camera, either DSLR or mirrorless. The narrower field of view of a crop sensor is not a disadvantage (see p50).

2 Telephoto zoom

If you already own a medium-focal-length zoom, like the 70-200mm pictured above, you can use it for wildlife by extending its range with a teleconverter. (See page 50.)

3 Super-telephoto lens

This kind of optic covers a wide range of focal lengths and is ideal for shooting from hides. Long lenses such as a 100400mm zoom are a popular choice for wildlife photography. The lens pictured is a Sigma 60-600mm (reviewed on p127).

4 Spare battery pack

Don’t risk being unable to get the shot. Zoom lenses are quite partial to power, so it’s wise to have two batteries on you for a day’s photography.

5 Binoculars

Light and portable, bins are ideal for locating your subject without having to look through the camera viewfinder.

6 Spare memory cards

High-speed shooting while tracking wildlife means you’ll have lots of image files to store.

7 Anti-static lens cloth

Keeps your lens dust- and smear-free and ready for action.

8 Tripod

Make sure your sticks and head can take the combined weight of your camera and lens.

9 Shutter release

Eliminate the likelihood of camera shake when you shoot subjects from a fixed position.