Every photographer has camera gear that they refuse to leave at home. Normally these are generic accessories that can apply to a multitude of photography genres. Then there are accessories specifically designed for outdoor and travel photographers. These items are more niche and, over the years, have become must-have outdoor photo accessories for those who are often exposed to erratic weather conditions and other hazards.
Best Outdoor Photo Accessories
Carson DustBlaster Air Cleaning Tool with Dust Block Tip
Why We Chose This: Any photographer who has shot outside on a windy day will say that you should always having an air blower in your bag. That’s why the Carson DustBlaster Air Cleaning Tool is the first item on this list.
Keeping your camera clean is not only essential to maintain its shape and value, it also makes sure you never miss that perfect shot. There is nothing worse than capturing an image and feeling confident about it, then later reviewing the file to find out you had multiple pieces of dust or dirt on the lens glass. If you aren’t careful, you will eventually have to send your camera in to the manufacturer for cleaning.
Instead, always have an air blower in your bag. The DustBlaster will blow ambient air from inside the blower. It provides 15% more air volume than the leading competitor. It’s also made out of silicone rubber, so it won’t degrade like natural rubber. It comes with a strap clip that attaches to your camera bag for convenience and portability.
Learn more about cleaning your camera at What Should be in Your Camera Lens Cleaning Kit.
Peak Design Leash Camera Strap
Why We Chose This: As a travel and outdoor photographer myself, I often find the need to use both of my hands to navigate a landscape. A camera strap is helpful for those moments when you just don’t have enough hands to hold your camera safely.
Having a camera strap is pretty common, but most of us don’t always have a need for one. It can sometimes get in the way during those moments when it’s unnecessary. The Peak Design strap is intended for those shooters. It has an anchor system which attaches to your camera loops. You can then easily attach or detach your strap from those anchors. Each of the anchors can hold up to 200 lbs, so your camera isn’t going anywhere!
Nightstick NSP-4616 Low-Profile Dual-Light Rear Safety LED Headlamp
Why We Chose This: If you are an outdoor or travel photographer, there is a good chance that you will be in the dark at some point. Whether it’s before sunrise or after sunset, or during an astrophotography shoot, a reliable headlamp is an important accessory.
The Nightstick headlamp is designed to have a low-profile shape that is normally meant for fire helmets and hard-hats that have a face shield. Although, they can also work well for hiking and photographing in dark places. The spotlight and floodlight are rated at 250 lumens in high mode and 125 lumens in low mode, which is plenty of light for the trails. Dual switches are mounted on the front and provide quick access to illumination modes and On/Off switch. It has an adjustable tilt-head and battery pack on the rear which uses three AA batteries.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Why We Chose This: Along with your dust blaster, you need a durable and reliable cleaning cloth in your pack. Adorama has a cleaning cloth made from an ultra fine microfiber that is strong and generates no particles or residue. It is ultra soft so there is no need to worry about scratching your gear.
It is excellent for cleaning cameras, lenses, smartphones and any other electronics with screens.
Pelican 0915 Memory Card Case
Why We Chose This: What is arguably the most important yet fragile piece of gear in a photographer’s backpack? Memory cards. A memory card case can keep your cards safe and clean, which is just as important as keeping your camera safe.
Pelican is widely known for protecting expensive gear and equipment with their waterproof cases, and this memory card case is no exception. The outside is made from Polycarbonate which is thermoplastic used in engineering, and the case itself is slightly smaller than your smartphone so you can fit it just about anywhere.
Vanguard VEO Active 46 25L Camera Backpack
Why We Chose This: Choosing the right backpack can be tough. The market has never been more saturated by backpack brands, but Vanguard has proven to produce durable, dependable backpacks for outdoor photographers.
This backpack is designed with hiking in mind. It comes in four different sizes so there is generally a pack for every type of traveler. These sizes include, 17L, 25L, 35L and 45L. The packs can be configured for a number of combinations of camera and personal kit. The camera compartment consists of a removable inner bag with a zipped front and smart dividers. The Active Series incorporates a built-in USB interface for quick charging when you add a power bank of your choice.
Peak Design Capture
Why We Chose This: There is nothing worse than missing a shot because you had to take your pack off and get your camera out. The Peak Design Capture Clip is meant to ensure that you never miss that shot again.
Having quick access to your camera is convenient and efficient. I have the Peak Design Capture on my camera pack at all times, as I prefer not to use a camera strap. The Capture makes your camera immediately available and simultaneously out of the way. The Capture uses Peak Design’s signature clip, which can also be used on their tripods, so moving your camera from one piece of gear to the next can be done in seconds. The clip/plate can also be used with most Arca-Swiss systems. You simply attach the Capture to any strap under 2.5” and go. This piece of gear is perfect for avid hikers who want to capture moments on their adventures.
LensCoat RainCoat Rain Sleeve
Why We Chose This: Although most cameras have some sort of weatherproofing these days, water on your glass and gear in general can make it unusable at times. Having a rain sleeve like the LensCoat RainCoat Sleeve can prevent moisture from coating your camera and allowing you to get the shot even in the worst of conditions.
The LensCoat Rain Sleeve provides protection for your camera and lens from the elements like rain, snow, dust, sand and other elements when shooting in outdoor environments. The sleeve covers all of your kit without hindering you from changing settings or perspectives. The RainCoat goes on quickly and easily. It is versatile through the use of cinch straps, allowing you to adjust the length of the cover and keep it tight around your lens. You can access your camera through the rear opening and the lens through the hook and loop bottom closure.
Hoya 77mm HRT Circular Polarizer Filter
Why We Chose This: If you are an avid outdoor photographer, you simply have to have a polarizing filter. This filter will eliminate reflections and emphasize color in harsh light. The Hoya 77mm HRT Circular Polarizer is a great option with stellar reviews.
It uses a high-rate transparency polarizing film that passes more visible light through the filter while still filtering the same amount of polarized light. The glass of the filter has ultraviolet absorbing properties making the HRT combination UV/circular polarizing filter. By rotating the outer ring of the filter, the change of effect can be seen by looking through the filter via the viewfinder or LCD screen. Photographers who often photograph the sky, running water, or other elements that may see visible sunlight will find this filter to be incredibly useful.
Canon BR-E1 Wireless Remote Control
Why We Chose This: Shooting landscapes sometimes involves opening your shutter to allow for a more narrow aperture. While cameras these days have amazing IBIS, you still need to mount the camera on a tripod and either use a timed shutter or a remote shutter release like the Canon BR-E1 Wireless Remote Control.
This remote is tiny enough to never notice it in your bag. It’s also wireless so you never have to untangle another random wire around your gear. The controller is compatible with Bluetooth enabled cameras for wireless focusing, still shooting, and video recording. You can also control zooming by using the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1. Its operating distance is any direction up to 16 feet. Simply connect this remote to your camera and start shooting.
Conclusion
Being an outdoor photographer can be complicated. You are constantly dealing with unpredictable conditions, weather, and other complications related to travel. Having the right gear can not only make your life easier, but also make you a better, more efficient photographer.
