Intro to Rainforest Photography Equipment
Nature photographers usually treat this diverse realm of photography with an arsenal of lenses to capture the wide range of subjects. While you won’t need 40 pounds of equipment for this introductory course, we do have a few recommendations that will permit you to take full advantage of the opportunities this workshop presents. The ability to change lenses is a must for nature photographers wishing to acquire lenses as their interests expand into a new area of nature subjects.
DSLRs provide the versatility of in-camera adjustments necessary to meet the challenging light of the rainforest. While more sophisticated point-and-shoots have RAW capture and complete control over camera function, they lack the ability to reach beyond the limitations of the lens permanently fixed to the camera. One important feature of a DSLR is the ability to accommodate a wide range of lenses from extreme wide angle to very long telephoto lenses. These lenses are available from both the camera manufacturer and third party manufacturers. The other advantage of a DSLR is that it can be replaced with a more sophisticated camera body in the future while retaining compatibility with the lenses you have already acquired. Finally, modern DSLR camera bodies have little shutter lag, which means that you are able to capture the action right as it happens.
This trip is designed to provide an opportunity to explore a wide range of rainforest subjects, from grand landscapes to intimate close ups of flowers, with birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians in between. This equipment list provides a recommendation of what you will want to bring along for this workshop. While you won’t need the specific lenses we recommend, something in the range will be beneficial. In addition to the lenses available from the manufacturer of the camera you own, independent manufactures such as Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina also provide quality lenses at generally lower prices. If you have any questions regarding the gear you have or plan to purchase, feel free to contact Dennis or Greg discuss it. To learn what your instructors have in their bags and why, see What’s in Greg’s Bag and What’s in Dennis’ Bag. And be sure to check out Greg’s Rainforest Photography Gear Guide.
Minimum Recommended Equipment List
DSLR Camera Body One is adequate but it always a good idea to have some means of back up if something catastrophic occurs, either another DSLR compatible with your lenses, or a point and shoot. You may not need to purchase a second camera; perhaps you can borrow one from a friend.
Wide angle lens – something in the range of 18mm for APS-C sensors or 24mm for full frame sensors. Some zoom lenses that are popular are 17-85mm, 18-55mm 18-135mm, 17-40mm and many others.
Telephoto lens – something in the 300mm range. A zoom lens that extends to this range is handy. There is a wide range of options for lenses in the 70-300mm range. If you really want to cut down on the equipment you carry, one participant in the past was very successful with a single lens that spans the range of 18-270mm. A popular lens, the 70-200 f4, with a 1.4x teleconverter would also be suitable.
Flash A shoe mounted flash that is compatible with your camera is necessary. We’ll be using flash for many reasons from brightening dark areas of a subject to highlighting areas in landscapes. It doesn’t have to be the most powerful flash compatible with your camera, or even the same manufacturer as long as it is compatible with your camera.
Tripod Long exposures are often required in the rainforest and a solid camera mounting makes sharp images possible. A tripod is a must and it must be solid enough for the camera and lens you use. You’ve spent good money on your camera, so you don’t want to skimp on a tripod and head!
Remote Release Either a cabled or wireless remote release for you camera is useful. While you can get by without one by using the delayed release timer that most cameras have, it is not always convenient since your subject can move after you press the shutter button. Cabled releases are inexpensive, and there are many inexpensive wireless options available too.
Camera Manual There are a lot of camera models out there. Please, PLEASE, PLEASE bring your camera user manual with you. It is the only way that your instructors may be able to help you solve a camera set up or operating issue if we are not familiar with the model camera you have.
Additional Recommendations
Off Camera Flash Cable When using flash as a main source of light, the best results come when you can get the flash off-camera to create textures and shadow. An off-camera cord is an inexpensive way to do this. We recommend sticking with your camera manufacturer’s cable but there probably will be some good third party options available at your local camera store.
Close Up Capability The best option is a macro lens of either, 50mm, 60mm or 100mm but it is not the only option to get a lens to focus closer. For other options to get closer to your subject see Close Up: Tools and Techniques.
Extension Tubes These extend the space between the lens and the camera, allowing the lens to focus closer. Canon and Nikon make their own, but by far the better (more versatile and less expensive choice) are the Kenko extension tubes which come as a set of three different lengths. They permit any lens to focus closer, so if you don’t currently have a macro lens, and don’t plan to purchase soon, this is a great alternative and it will work with all your lenses.
Bird lens While this is not required to have a successful trip, if you are interested in bird photography you’ll eventually need a bird lens. Greg uses a 300mm f2.8 with 1.4X teleconveter and Dennis uses a 500mm F4 lens. These are big expensive lenses and not necessary for the beginning nature photographer. Lower cost alternatives include the Canon 300 f4, Nikon 300mm f4, Sigma 150-500mm, and Tamron 200-500mm lenses.
Flash bracket
Flash modifiers / softbox /reflector
Reflector / diffuser
Batteries, battery charger
Spare camera battery, charger
Rain cover or trash bags.