Photography Gear I Use & Recommend

Over the years, one of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What camera do you use?” But the camera is really only one small part of creating an image.

My photography has taken me from underwater springs in Florida to waterfalls, mountains and dark-sky locations, with plenty of very late nights spent chasing the Aurora and Milky Way. Along the way, I’ve learned which pieces of equipment I can truly rely on in the field.

I created this page to share the photography, night-sky, hiking and travel gear I personally use and recommend. I’ll continue adding to it as my adventures—and my gear—evolve.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

🌌 Night Photography Gear

Night photography has taught me that the camera is only part of the equation. When I’m standing along a dark shoreline waiting for the Milky Way or watching the sky for the Aurora, a sturdy tripod and a few carefully chosen accessories become just as important.

K&F Concept 63” Travel Tripod

This has become one of my favorite lightweight options when I don’t want to carry my larger professional tripod. I use it with my phone, especially when I’m scouting, traveling or photographing at night.

A tripod makes an enormous difference with night photography because even the slightest movement matters during a long exposure. It’s lightweight enough that I’m actually willing to carry it with me—which, in the real world, is pretty important!

👉 View the K&F Concept Travel Tripod on Amazon

🔦 Red-Light Headlamp

A good headlamp is one of those small things I never want to be without when I’m photographing at night. I need my hands free for the camera and tripod, but I also need to be able to safely see where I’m walking and find equipment in my bag.

I especially like having a red-light option for night photography. It lets me see what I’m doing without hitting everything around me with bright white light while my eyes are adjusted to the darkness.

This rechargeable headlamp is lightweight, has multiple lighting modes and comes as a two-pack—which is also handy when I’m out photographing with my family. 

👉 View the Rechargeable Red-Light Headlamp on Amazon

🌌 Lens Warmer / Dew Heater

Dew can end a night-photography session surprisingly quickly. When I’m outside for hours photographing the Milky Way or waiting for the Aurora, moisture can begin forming on the front of the lens—even when everything seemed perfectly clear earlier in the evening.

A lens warmer gently keeps the lens warm enough to help prevent condensation from forming. It’s a small piece of equipment, but on long, cool or humid nights it can save an entire photography session.

👉 View the Lens Warmer on Amazon

🐾 Wildlife Photography Gear

Night photography is only one part of what takes me into the field. Living in Florida gives me incredible opportunities to photograph wildlife as well, and that requires a somewhat different set of equipment.

One of the things I value most in wildlife photography is being able to observe and photograph an animal from a respectful distance. My Nikon 200–500mm lens gives me that reach and has become an important part of my wildlife photography kit.

Camouflage & Protection for My Nikon 200–500mm

A 200–500mm lens is a substantial piece of equipment to carry through the field, so I also want to protect it.

I use this camouflage lens cover specifically designed for the Nikon 200–500mm. It helps the large lens blend more naturally into the surroundings while adding another layer of protection against moisture, dust and the everyday bumps and scratches that can come with photographing outdoors.

Florida weather can change remarkably quickly, and many of my wildlife adventures take me through wooded and sometimes wet environments. This is one of those simple accessories that helps me feel more comfortable taking my equipment where the photographs are.

My next adventure will take me out in search of Florida black bears, so this lens—and its camouflage protection—will be coming with me. 🐻📷

👉 View the Camouflage Lens Cover on Amazon

More Adventures, More Gear to Come

This page will continue to grow as my adventures take me to new places. I’ll be adding more of the photography, night-sky, hiking and travel gear that I actually use along the way.

For me, the gear is never the most important part of photography—it’s simply the tool that helps me capture what I’m fortunate enough to experience. The real magic is being out there, sometimes in the middle of the night, waiting and watching nature put on the show. ✨

Zsuzsanna Luciano
Master Photographer
The Art of Conservation