Recommended Camera Equipment

Make sure you bring the right gear to capture every moment of your once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition in Alaska. Learn what equipment is recommended and why a trip with Alaska Wilderness Charters is an unbeatable experience.

While your camera equipment will likely differ, you should consider bringing the following:

Camera

A good camera should be effortless to use, making it easier to capture the photos you have in mind. So, what camera should you get?

• When shopping around for a camera, there are two excellent options: DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Both offer superb image quality. The difference lies in their physical design.
• DSLRs feature an internal mirror that reflects light directly into their optical viewfinder, giving precise previews of your shots.
• Mirrorless cameras sacrifice this preview capability but benefit from being lighter and more compact.
• A camera with at least 20-50 megapixels will be ideal.

Lenses

Choosing the proper lens is one of the most important decisions a photographer can make. Different lenses offer distinct capabilities, allowing you to capture landscapes, wildlife, and more in stunning detail. With DSLR or mirrorless cameras, photographers have access to versatile systems that let them quickly swap lenses depending on what they are shooting, making it easier than ever for photographers of all levels!

Prime lenses

• 24mm
• 50mm
• 85mm
• 300mm
• Macro

Zoom lenses

• 24-70mm
• 70-200mm
• 100-400mm 
  

Drones

Why should you use a drone for photography and video? Besides capturing awesome images, drones are a blast to fly. New pilots should learn the FAA regulations before taking flight.

• DJI Mavic 4
• DJI Mavic 3
• DJI Mini 5
• DJI Air 4

Camera bag

Camera bags are easy to select. Picking a good one is mostly a matter of common sense—if a backpack or shoulder bag is comfortable and holds and protects your equipment well, go for it. The ideal camera bag will not only keep all your gear, but also have extra room for a water bottle and a snack. And a rain layer.

• Camera backpack
• Camera shoulder bag

Memory cards

Memory cards are an integral part of any photographer's toolkit. The most seasoned travel and wildlife photographers will always have large-capacity cards, such as 64GB or 128GB, when traversing remote areas where they can only transfer images once they reach their destination. Fast memory cards also offer several advantages, including reducing camera "buffering" so that longer bursts of photos can quickly be taken in one session—critical for capturing those fleeting moments like whales breaching!

Filters

Filters go in front of your lens and alter the light your camera captures. They’re an essential part of good photography. You should learn about and consider purchasing the following:

• Neutral Density (ND) filter
• Graduated (ND) filter
• Polarizing filter
• UV haze filter

Tripod

Tripods are essential for many photographers, but their importance depends on your interests. Sports photographers, wedding photographers, or wildlife photographers may use a tripod less often.

• Carbon Fiber 3-section
• Carbon Fiber 4-section
• Aluminum 3-section
• Aluminum 4-section

Software

Most photographers will end up editing their photos. So, what software should you get? Many photographers use Adobe Lightroom since it’s a robust editing program. Adobe Photoshop is a must for strongly retouched photos and commercial work. But, for many photographers, it’s overkill.

• Adobe Lightroom
• Adobe Photoshop
• DxO PhotoLab