What to Bring on a Nature Photography Tour

Camera and lenses

• A telephoto lens (roughly 300–600 mm full-frame equivalent) for birds and canopy mammals.
• A macro lens or close-focusing lens for frogs, insects and flowers, mainly on night walks.
• A wide or standard zoom for landscapes and forest scenes.
• A phone adapter for digiscoping through a guide’s scope. Many guides are happy to help.

Light and support

Forest interiors are dark, so you will often shoot at high ISO. A monopod is easier on narrow trails than a tripod. On night walks, follow the guide’s rules on lighting; a diffused, low-power light is kinder to animals than a bright flash, and some guides will ask you not to use flash at all.

Humidity and rain

• A rain cover for camera and lens
• Silica gel packs and a dry bag
• Microfibre cloths for condensation, especially when leaving air-conditioned rooms
• Spare batteries, since cold, wet highlands drain them faster

Clothing

Wear muted colours, quiet fabrics and closed shoes with grip. Long sleeves and trousers help with insects and vegetation.

Etiquette

• Never move, bait or handle an animal for a photo.
• Give space; back off if an animal shows stress.
• Share the scope and the view on group tours.
• Follow park rules about drones, which are restricted in national parks.

Photo-focused tours

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