The book starts out by talking about a basic kit for getting decent photography results. First you have to start out by choosing a digital camera. If you are a more serious photographer, a 10-40 megapixel 25 mm format DSLR with a full-frame sensor. This full frame sensor will retain the actual lens focal length. Once you have acquired a basic camera and lens, the very next thing you'll need is a tall and independently adjustable tubular leg tripod. One of the most expensive, yet necessary purchases for good wildlife shots is a good super-telephoto lens. This will allow you to take pictures of wildlife at a distance, but still produces extremely detailed up-close shots. For landscape shots it is good to have two or three lenses between 18mm and 200mm. If you are interested in shooting macro shots, extension tubes can be purchased relatively cheap and can be added onto wide angle lenses (landscape) to produce some very detailed up-close shots when long-distance is not an issue.
The next section in part one is all about choosing the best tripod. This is just about as important as camera and lens selection. When looking for a tripod, make sure you find one that when the legs are fully extended, the view finder of your camera will be at eye level. The head (sometimes not included) can add up to five inches of height. The center column can helpful in shooting landscapes or can be removed for shooting macro shots. Tripod heads can be purchased in the form of ball-and-socket heads or gimbal heads depending on the maneuverability that you are looking for. Lighter tripods are suggested for shooting in the field because of the distance you will have to carry all of the equipment. Good features in tripods are quick-release platform, carbon fiber construction, independently adjustable legs, and should be able to support your heaviest camera/lens combination plus about five pounds.
The third section talks about super-telephoto lenses. If your camera has a full-frame sensor, any super-telephoto lens shorter than 500mm is too short and anything longer than 600mm is too long. Zoom telephotos are becoming increasingly popular as well, giving you more versatility. Nikon and Cannon are the leaders in high quality lenses. Glass APO, LD, UD, ED and especially DO designated lenses limit and even eliminate blurring of the color spectrum (chromatic aberration). Image stabilized/ vibration reduction lenses are particularly useful for telephoto lenses because it reduces image blur due to the vibrations. Auto-focus lenses can be convenient for fast paced shooting, but can hinder specific effects that you want. Water resistant lenses can be very helpful as well for shooting in any weather.
"Working in the Field" is the title of the next section of part one of my book. A good vest is very important for hiking through the wilderness. Vests allow for accessories to be easily accessible and provides a way to carry everything without as much strain as carrying a separate camera bag. As with anything else, duct tape is a very handy and cheap item that should be in your vest. Even with water resistant equipment it is a good idea to have some plastic bags handy for unexpected downpours.
When shooting in the winter, it is especially important that you are well equipped and ready to deal with the elements. As 70% of heat is lost through your head, it is important to have some warm headgear like a fleece-lined Gore-Tex had with ear flaps. Breathable waterproof boots, moisture-wicking underwear, zippered sweater with a turtleneck collar, bib overalls, parka outer shell, and a heavy pair of Gore-Tex fleece-lined gloves are also recommended. Utilizing layers with zippers allows for quick ventilation in case of unexpectedly warmer conditions. Lithium batteries provide the best performance in cold conditions. When transitioning between extreme temperatures (taking equipment from outside to inside), put your entire vest and camera gear into a large plastic bag to avoid condensation buildup inside such components.
Citations:
Fitzharris, Tim. National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography Digital Edition. Buffalo: Firefly, 2008.
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