Summer is the busiest season in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, but this is the season when visitors are less impacted by extreme weather. The only hangup for wildlife photographers is getting away from the crowds — a feat achieved best through early rises and hiking. In this post, we break down top recommendations for what to pack for gear and clothing for summer photography travel to Yellowstone.
Photography Gear
When it comes to preferences for cameras and lenses, there is no set answer for what to take to Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (which includes Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park). After all, each photographer has their own idea of how and what they want to shoot. That said, the following recommendations align with commonly preferred approaches to wildlife in Yellowstone and what I generally bring to this region of the Northern Rockies in the summer.
Camera Bodies
My go-to camera body for Yellowstone and wildlife photography in general is a Sony A1. Sony now makes an A1 II that offers some new features, but I like the A1 (and would like the A1 II) because it’s a full-frame, mirrorless, high megapixel, fast sports body that checks every box I could possibly want for wildlife photography. One main reason I want a higher MP body is for the ability to crop while maintaining good resolution. There are days that the animals are simply so far that the composition I might want can only be achieved with significant cropping. Additionally, I like photographing individual aspects of animals such as a bison eye or bear claw. A good telephoto lens and a high MP camera can go a long way. And I would much rather crop than compromise aperture with adding a teleconverter. Because it’s good to have a second body on hand, I also bring a Sony A7R V and/or a Sony A7 IV. (Note: Sony now makes an A7 V that would also be excellent.) For me, the A7R5 is slower than the A1 but offers more megapixels. The A7 IV (and A7V) offers the fewest number of megapixels but is excellent at low light.
For Nikon users, comparable bodies would be the Nikon Z8 (which is a 45.7MP camera that can reach up to 20 frames per second raw). The Nikon Z6 III offers 24.5 MP and up to 20fps raw).
And while there are many more outstanding cameras to consider, we’ll keep this list to the big three (Sony, Nikon, Canon) and end with Canon. The Canon R5 and R5 II are phenomenal fast, high megapixel mirrorless bodies that best compare to the Sony A1 and Nikon Z8. The Canon R1 is Canon’s flagship camera and is a great option (with fewer MPs but higher frame rate and other features), and the like with Sony and Nikon, there are a variety of other options that would also make for great cameras for photographing wildlife. If I shot Canon, the R5 II would be my go-to body.
Lenses
Sony
A lens with good reach goes a long way with wildlife. For birds, a long lens can be essential. And to prevent from disrupting animal behavior and keeping safe from animals such as bears, keeping a distance is imperative. For me, prior to using the Sony 600mm f/4, the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G lens was the lens for me in the Park. That range of 200-600 can cover a wide variety of situations, and in many instances, this lens is less restrictive than a 600. Sometimes with the 600, animals are closer or move closer, and I am stuck at 600. Another favorite for many is a 400mm f/2.8; however for my needs and for travel, I use a 300mm f/2.8. This is a great lens that costs less than a 400 and can be well-paired with a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter. Note: Be sure to have a good lens foot for these larger lenses.
Many wildlife photographers have a 100-400 in their kit. Having a 70-100 f/2.8 and a 300mm f/2.8 means the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 usually stays at home for me, but Sony now has a 100-400 f/4.5 that is very compelling. In addition to these long lenses, I like to be prepared for scenarios in which the animals are farther away or even not present at all. A tough day of finding animals might easily turn into a landscape day. A 16-35mm f/2.8 lens can cover a variety of needs, and a 24-70mm f2.8 can be great to have along as well. And if those bigger lenses above are too big, a 70-200mm f/2.8 (especially with a teleconverter) is another excellent option.
Nikon
For Nikon users, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 lens can cover a wide range of focal lengths and be great as a (nearly) all-purpose lens for wildlife photography at a moderate price. The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens is an impressive lens that includes a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that enables photographers to easily switch to a 800mm f5.6 — a very cool feature. This is an outstanding piece of glass. Similarly, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens offers a lower aperture than the 600mm but also includes a built-in 1.4x teleconverter to easily switch this lens to a 560mm f/4. Nikon excels in the long lens department. Again, do be sure to have a lens foot for these lenses.
Also for consideration: A NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 and a NIKKOR Z 70-200 f/2.8 (especially with a teleconverter) can be excellent lenses for landscape and wildlife photography. The 70-200 is always a good lens to have on hand for photographing mountain peaks.
Canon
The Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 lens covers a broad range of focal lengths and is moderately priced though it doesn’t have some of those lower apertures that can be great for speed and blurring backgrounds. This lens is not ideal for those seeking the best bokeh. Canon also offers an RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 that has lower f-stops. For those looking to go (very) long, Canon has an RF 800mm f/5.6 lens, and for a little less reach (which might be better in most situations), Canon has an RF 400mm f/2.8 and an RF 600mm f/4 lens that are ideal for wildlife photography — especially for bears, wolves, and other animals that you’ll want to stay a little further away from.
As for smaller lenses, Canon’s RF 15-35mm f/2.8, the 24-70mm f/2.8, and their 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses are great to have for the same reasons as the similar Sony and Nikon offerings.
Clothing, Apparel, Boots, Baselayers
While through much of the year, many are intimidated by weather in the Northern Rockies, people often take the impact of summer weather for granted. Summer can being huge temperature fluctuations that require serious considerations for layering. Some favorite apparel items are listed below.
Gloves
While I almost always have a system from The HEAT Company on hand (literally) during most seasons, I generally just pack a liner in the summer. The Heat Company Merino Liner Pro gloves are great for chilly mornings, especially when camping at altitude. The Merino Liner Pro gloves are a warm liner glove with an outstanding fit with great grip and the ability to use with camera touchscreens. If you are shooting in a wet and humid location, these gloves might not dry as fast as you would like, but in the Rockies, they generally dry fairly quickly.
The sun in the Rockies can burn quickly. And if you are near ponds or other water sources that nurture mosquitos, some coverage goes a long way. For sun protection and a layer between me and the bugs, the Patagonia Sun Gloves are easy to pack and great to have if you need them.
Baselayers
For baselayers, Patagonia is generally an outstanding option, and you’ll find that preference in the items below. (Note: While Patagonia is what I wear, this list should offer guidance, as some other companies offer comparable products.)
When I layer, I generally opt for items that have hoods. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is a preferred piece when it’s hot outside. This long-sleeved hoody is so lightweight, I generally wear this instead of a t-shirt. In fact, I rarely go with anything else as a first layer. This hoody is not only extremely light, it dries quickly, is very breathable, and I like having my arms, head, and neck covered at times.
When it’s cooler out, the Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody is a warmer technical top that is breathable and designed for function. I often wear this over the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody as I like having two hood weight options between two tops at one time.
As for baselayer bottoms, I like the Patagonia Capilene Midweight Bottoms for cool days. It often gets pretty hot in the summer, so my only leg layer might be the pants I wear that are named below.
For keeping covered and even keeping warm, neck gaiters such as the Patagonia R1 Daily Neck Gaiter or the Patagonia Micro D Gaiter are great options. Neck gaiters can get toasty, so consider the Patagonia Sun Mask or a Buff for when it’s hot, and be careful to not overheat.
Socks
Sock choices are a big deal for me most seasons. In the summer, I am less concerned about a sock system. If doing a bit of hiking, I’ll want to make sure I’m wearing socks that dry fast and are a layer to prevent blisters or skin rubbing from shoes or boots. Smartwool, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Balega, and Darn Tough are among many great brands to go to for socks.
Headwear
Hats in the summer can be a matter of personal preference. A light beanie can be great in the morning and evenings. A cap is my preference in general for hot days.
Jackets
The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody is a favorite for many in the mountains. This jacket is windproof, water-resistant, and very lightweight and packable. It almost has no impact on my load when traveling or in the field, so it often comes with me. The Black Diamond Access Down 1.0 Hoody is comparable and even offers some stretch on the sides. Similarly, the Black Diamond First Light 1.0 Stretch Hoody is lightweight, comfortable, and has some good stretch to it. More and more, I am opting for jackets and pants with stretch. Less restriction and more mobility go a long way in the field.
Surprise storms can have a big impact on a day. I often have a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket with me. I like this jacket because it packs easily and can even be a lens cover in a pinch, but it might feel like the material is a little tight to skin when very wet. Also, the zipper is not waterproof, so if it’s raining hard or there is some spray from being on a boat, some water might come through a little bit.
Pants
For a slightly heavy and more durable pant in the summer, the Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants are windproof and water resistant and generally perfect, but in a hard rain, that water resistance is pretty limited, and these pants can absorb water. When it’s hot, the Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers are outstanding, though they might be a little tight for those with thicker thighs. The Black Diamond Sequence and Notion pants are outstanding.
Boots and Shoes
Boots and shoes are subjective. I recommend going tall and waterproof with an athletic fit (if possible). A good sole and grip is essential. The La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX boots are excellent, as are many of their waterproof or water resistant shoes.
Miscellaneous Gear
Tripods
There are many different tripods to fit a variety of needs for photographers. For wildlife photography, a tripod that is light enough to not weigh you down and is strong enough to hold heavy lenses is what you’ll need to look for. The Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod and the Sirui W-2004 Waterproof Aluminum Alloy Tripod are great options, with the carbon fiber option as a lighter, but more expensive choice. It is nice to cut weight on hot days.
Filters
One of the biggest challenges in the summer is harsh light. Filters are key for much of the day when the sun is a challenge. A selection of neutral density and polarizing filters can help manage this light. With filters, it is important to go as nice as possible. Cutting costs on filters can mean putting lesser quality glass over a nice lens. It might be better to go without a filter than diminish the glass with a poor quality filter. Go with the best options out there if you can.
Gimbal
There are many great-looking and high functioning gimbals out there now. For wildlife photography, I like the Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II with Quick Release Base. It is strong, easy to use, and has a nice smooth motion when set properly. Note: It is a bit heavy.
Sunglasses
Good, quality polarized sunglasses can really help you see and reduce eye fatigue. Smith and Costa are among a number of top brands. The Smith Embark and Smith Venture sunglasses offer side shields that block light from the side, which can be very useful. There is often so much sun and so much glare in the summer, that sunglasses are vital. Protect your eyes with good sunglasses.
Backpacks and Packs
For carrying camera and other gear in the field, and especially in the mountains, I highly recommend f-stop backpacks. The Mountain Series packs have gone with me to mountain destinations all over the world. I currently use the f-stop ANJA 37L DuraDiamond, the TILOPA 50L DuraDiamond, and the SHINN 80L DuraDiamond backpacks. When I am solo and on most trips, I use the TILOPA. If I am guiding or need more than one big lens with me, I go with the SHINN. I have put these packs through a lot, and they are durable and tough while remarkably comfortable to wear for hours and hours on end. These packs have an endless number of features, but their comfort and ability to withstand weather and more are at the top of my list of reasons to go with one (or all) of these packs.
Drinkware
One of the most important items you can have with you in the mountains is water. Camelbaks are easy and convenient and can often be incorporated into your pack. A Katadyn BeFree filter packs easy and can get you water in a pinch or if you are hiking near a good water source. The YETI Yonder bottles are fairly lightweight.
Trekking Poles
As photographers, and especially as wilderness photographers, we carry heavy loads on uneven terrain, and we frequently need to hike to get to our subject. In the summer, hiking trails are more accessible than during snowy months, and hiking might be the best way to get away from summer crowds. Trekking poles are great for keeping balance and hopefully decreasing fatigue. The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles are excellent. The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a bit lighter but also nearly twice the price. That weight reduction may very well be worth the extra expense.
Headlamp
I won’t go many places without a headlamp, even if it’s just in the glove box of the car. For photographers, they are useful for everything from sorting through gear at low light to being a light source when hiking. In the summer, headlamps are especially valuable for when I’m hiking into or out of a spot and want to shoot during the best light. My favorite headlamp is the Fenix HM50R. This headlamp offers good brightness and distance and a rechargeable battery. There are other features, but the rechargeable battery is what makes this the preferred lamp, especially for travel or multiple days in the outdoors. The Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp is also a good option. Rechargeable is the way to go.
Multi-tool
The Leatherman Skeletool has come through when things go wrong. Good for gear fixes. Don’t bring them on your carry-on. I’ve made that mistake and had them taken.
Other
For the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, you’ll need bear spray. It’s important. You can’t fly with it, but many stores and even gas stations around the parks carry it. You can also order it and have it waiting for you at your destination.
When photographing wildlife, and especially with big files from these high megapixel cameras, it is easy to blow through batteries and SD cards. Pack extra batteries and cards, and be certain your cards are fast enough to take on high burst rate shooting sessions. You can never have enough lens wipes, and a lens cover can be key in a downpour. Lastly, always consider safety and safety communications. I use a Garmin inReach Mini 2. It is a very lightweight and compact satellite communications tool with an easy-to-access SOS function. Better safe in the wilderness. Garmin now makes an inReach Mini 3 Plus with more features.
— Tim Harden
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