Written by Jeremy Findlay (above) | Sponsored by Roy’s Audio Video Unlimited
Fall is in full swing here in the north. We can see it in the dipping evening temperatures, the slow changing of the colours and the influx of hunters (the American variety chasing caribou and muskox, and the Japanese variety chasing the Northern Lights).
Autumn is a unique and exciting time for photographers in the north. We are treated to the best of all possible worlds; stunning sunsets (without the bugs), dancing aurora (without the frostbite) and amazing landscape shots abound. To properly capture them, however, you need the right gear. Here is a short rundown on my list of landscape photography essentials:
CAMERA
Your camera should, at a minimum, allow you to adjust your shutter speed, aperture, ISO and other manual settings. Cell phone cameras have come a long way in recent years, but they just don’t offer you the control necessary to capture aurora or sunsets properly. The Sony A6000 is a great combination of portability and power. It boasts an APS-C sensor, blazing fast 11 frames per second burst mode for action shots, over 30 lenses to choose from and at $699.99 it won’t break the bank. For those who want to up their game, the Sony A7 full-frame line up is stellar. I own the A7 and absolutely love it!
LENS
A good wide-angle lens is a must for landscape photography. One of the best bang-for-your-buck lenses on the market today is the Tokina 11-16mm. It has an extremely wide aperture of F 2.8 (allowing lots of light to enter the lens) and takes great shots every time. Available for Canon, Nikon, and some Sony cameras, this is a go-to lens at $749.99 – $799.99. For the more budget conscious, Rokinon offers ultra-wide 12mm lenses starting at $569.99
TRIPOD
Even without a few cups of coffee flowing through your system no one is steady enough to hold a camera perfectly still for more than a fraction of a second. A good tripod is another essential piece of gear for any landscape photography. The Vanguard AltaPro 263 is a photographer’s dream. The unique articulating arm lets you frame your shots at any angle you can imagine. $219.99 gets you a tripod sturdy and versatile enough to handle almost any camera out there. For the hikers in the crowd, Optex offers the “Trident” at $149.99 which folds up small enough to fit into your backpack, but still stands 1.4 meters tall when extended. Those of you using mirrorless cameras the Slik 143 is a less expensive option at $49.99
These tips should help you ensure you don’t miss any amazing shots because of a lack of proper equipment. If you want to learn more about gear or shooting techniques, come on down to Roy’s Audio Video for a chat. Be sure to ask about the photography classes we offer to help you grow as a photographer and finally get those shots you’ve been dreaming of!
