17 Essential Accessories for Landscape and Travel Photography

Hand holding a graduated neutral density filter to show the effect on a sunset over water
Photo: Ancapital/Envato Elements

Whether you’re capturing a beautiful sunset or the vibrant street scenes of a bustling city, having the right accessories can make all the difference in your photography. This article explores helpful accessories that every photographer should consider adding to their kit. From enhancing image quality to ensuring your equipment’s safety, these tools will elevate your photography game significantly, and make your life easier.

👉 There’s no denying that photography can be an expensive hobby. Of course, the cost of all these accessories adds up. Don’t feel like you need to have them all to capture photos you’ll love. These accessories are helpful, but not having them shouldn’t prevent you from taking amazing photos. This list is intended to point out the things you might want to purchase whenever you’re able.

1. Sturdy, Lightweight Tripod

A tripod is a landscape photographer’s best friend. It stabilizes your camera, allowing you to take sharp photos even in low light conditions when using a slow shutter speed.

A good tripod should be durable enough to withstand various weather conditions but light enough to carry around during long hikes or when traveling. Carbon fiber tripods tend to be both lightweight and sturdy.

2. Weather-Sealed Camera Bag

Protecting your gear is paramount, and a weather-sealed camera bag ensures your equipment stays dry and safe. Look for bags with customizable compartments to fit various lenses and accessories. You can choose from different styles based on your personal preferences.



3. Polarizing Filter

Effect of a polarizing filter on trees and the sky
Photo: claudiodivizia/Unlimphotos

A polarizing filter is indispensable for landscape and travel photography. It reduces glare from reflective surfaces like water or glass and enhances the colors of skies and foliage. This filter can make your photos pop with richer, more saturated colors and improved contrast.

4. Neutral Density Filters

Neutral density (ND) filters are perfect for long exposure shots, helping you capture stunning effects like silky-smooth waterfalls or motion blur in clouds. By reducing the amount of light entering the lens, ND filters allow for longer exposure times even in bright daylight.

You can buy ND filters in different strengths, which impacts the amount of light that gets through the filter. Stronger filters allow for slower shutter speeds. You can start with one (a 3-stop ND filter is a good starting point) or get a kit with several different strengths.

5. Graduated Neutral Density Filters

Hand holding a graduated neutral density filter to show the effect on a sunset over water
Photo: Ancapital/Envato Elements

Graduated neutral density filters balance the exposure between the sky and the landscape. This filter darkens the sky without affecting the landscape, helping to avoid blown-out skies and underexposed landscapes. They’re especially helpful around sunrise and sunset when the foreground may be much darker than the sky.

There are several different types of graduated neutral density filters. Some are rectangular and fit into a holder attached to the end of your lens. There are filters with soft transitions and others with hard or abrupt transitions. With a set of graduated neutral density filters in your camera bag, you can choose the right run based on the specific situation.

6. Lens Hood

3 lens hoods
Photo: norgal/Unlimphotos

A lens hood helps prevent lens flare. It’s especially useful when shooting in bright sunlight or near reflective surfaces. Most lenses come with a compatible lens hood, but third-party options are also available if needed.

7. Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release helps minimize camera shake during long exposures or when using a tripod, allowing you to capture sharp, shake-free images. Wired and wireless options are available, with brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offering compatible models for their cameras. Third-party options are also available, but make sure they’re compatible with your camera before buying.

8. Lens Cleaning Kit

Lens cleaning kit: blower, brush, solution, cloth, and lenses
Photo: AlexGrec/Unlimphotos

Keeping your lenses clean is vital for maintaining image quality. Depending on the weather and where you’re shooting, it can be challenging to keep the lens clean.

A lens cleaning kit typically includes a blower, brush, microfiber cloth, and cleaning solution. You should always have this kit in your camera bag because you never know when you’ll need it. Disposable lens wipes are also helpful.

9. Spare Batteries

Having spare batteries on hand is crucial, especially if you’re in a remote location or out in the field for a long day. Different weather conditions can affect battery performance, so carrying fully-charged extras is wise.

10. Portable Power Bank

The last thing you want is for your batteries to die when you’re about to take an epic shot. A portable power bank helps to ensure that you’ve always got batteries that are charged and ready to go.

11. Spare Memory Cards

Hand holding a memory card
Photo: Rawpixel/Envato Elements

If you’re like most landscape and travel photographers, you take A LOT of photos, and those photos take up space. Carrying spare memory cards ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

12. Weatherproof Memory Card Case

Protect your spare memory cards from the elements with a weatherproof case. These cases keep your cards organized and safe from moisture, dust, and physical damage.

13. Protective Rain Cover

A protective rain cover shields your camera and lens from rain and snow, allowing you to continue shooting in adverse weather conditions without putting your gear at risk. Look for covers that are easy to put on and take off, with clear windows for viewing your camera controls.

14. Flashlight or Headlamp

Hiker with a headlamp in a dark forest
Photo: Rawpixel/Envato Elements

A flashlight or headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark or setting up gear before sunrise or after sunset. Headlamps with red light modes are especially useful as they preserve your night vision.

15. GPS App

A GPS device or app will help you find where you’re going and avoid getting lost. Safety is always the top priority, and a GPS app can help keep you safe while traveling or in remote places.

16. Notebook or Notes Apps

Keeping a notebook or using a notes app on your smartphone helps you document shooting locations, camera settings, and scouting notes.

17. Microfiber Towels

Microfiber towels are versatile tools for cleaning and drying your gear and yourself. It’s a good idea to have a few clean, dry towels in your car or camera bag for whatever might come up. When you need them, you’ll be glad you have them.

You Don’t Need Everything Right Away!

While this list might seem daunting, remember you don’t need to acquire all these accessories immediately. Start by investing in the essentials that suit your current needs and gradually build your kit as you can afford it.