Perhaps the most frequently asked question we receive is, “Which lenses should I bring?” or “Which lenses do you recommend?” Some even ask if they should buy a new camera or lenses for the tour or workshop.
We know photographers can sometimes feel insecure about their gear. But don’t worry! We don’t make any judgements!
Many of our clients use kit lenses and point and shoot cameras and even a few have used drug store disposable cameras. No matter what someone brings, as long as it’s fully functional, everyone always has just as much fun. We will design the tour to the gear you already own and feel like bringing.
In fact, we don’t recommend you buy new equipment just for your trip. You should only travel with equipment you have owned for a while and had a chance to test, use frequently and have gotten familiar with. There’s nothing worse than going on a trip and coming back without any decent photographs because you used untested gear or used incorrect settings due to unfamiliarity with it.
Ok, ok. I get it. My equipment doesn’t matter but I’m stubborn and still want to know what’s ideal so I can get new stuff for my trip…
Well, if you have cash to blow or already have a good selection of gear then we recommend bringing a couple zoom lenses which cover all focal lengths from 14 or 24mm and up to 200mm. If you would like to photograph birds or wildlife we suggest you also bring more high-powered telephotos and teleconverters.
More specific recommendations:
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Here’s all the point and shoot camers we recommend.
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or here’s the ideal DSLR lenses for DSLR and SLR cameras:
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Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF DX Nikkor Zoom Lens AND Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Telephoto Zoom Lens OR Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens AND Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Lens
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Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens AND Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens OR Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens AND Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
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It wouldn’t hurt to bring the following, if you already have it:
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Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II Nikkor Super Telephoto Zoom Lens
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300mm or 400mm Super Telephoto
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Teleconverters
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Macro lens
Where to Purchase Gear
If you’re buying online, we recommend Amazon.com (but not third parties; only buy if it “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com“) B&H Photo or Adorama.
Similar Posts:
- What should I bring on a tour or to a workshop?
- Should I upgrade my DSLR? The whens and whys of upgrading.
- Can I use some of your equipment?
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- What do you normally bring along on Tours and Workshops?
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