10 ways to capture nature

1 YOUR ESSENTIAL GEAR

Six essential bits of kit you need for shooting wildlife and nature

LONG LENS

You can photograph wildlife with a wide-angle lens, but a telephoto is essential for getting images of shy animals that won’t come close – or dangerous ones you don’t want too close. A telephoto zoom in the 100-400mm range is ideal, giving you both flexibility and reach.

MACRO LENS

Although your telephoto lens is surprisingly good for photographing plants such as orchids, if you want to be a flora specialist, a true macro lens that gives you 1:1 ratio image reproduction will ensure that even the tiniest plants and insects are within your shooting range.

TRIPOD

Holding a heavy lens all day is not fun, especially if you’re sitting in a hide. A sturdy tripod with a head designed for a long lens will certainly take the strain, and means you’re ready at a moment’s notice if that illusive animal puts in an appearance. For macro lovers, a flexible tripod that