What to pack for Iceland (by season)

Wondering what you’ll need to bring to Iceland? 

With its diverse landscapes, experiences, weather, and terrain, one of the most important things to do for an enjoyable time in Iceland is to have the right gear! Whether you’re traveling the Ring Road, staying in Reykjavik, vanlifing around Iceland, or heading out on a guided tour, check out my packing lists below to help you prepare.

Year-Round

• Sandals - if you’ll be visiting the hot springs you’ll probably want something else to keep your feet happy other than your hiking boots.

• Swimsuit - important for the hot springs! Some spas offer swimsuits for rent in case you forget yours.

• Towel - a quick-dry, thin, microfiber towel will come in handy when visiting natural hot springs and will save you a few bucks at some spas which charge for towels.

• Personal Water Bottle - Always stay hydrated and avoid single use plastic. You can fill up in all taps and most rivers in Iceland!

• Power adapter and/or converter - Iceland has standard European outlets (two rounded prongs). If your electronics do not have the same prongs you’ll need an adapter at the very least. An adapter only allows for different shaped prongs to plug in. If you’ll be bringing electronics suited for 110 - 120 volts ONLY (ie - North American hair dryers, curling irons) then you’ll need a converter. Always check your devices before plugging them in. Some hotels have USB ports which don’t require an adapter or converter. Your rental car will likely have a USB port as well.

• Drivers license - most rental car companies do NOT require an international drivers license but be sure to bring your license if you’re renting a car or van.

• Passport - ESSENTIAL! And, make sure your passport will not expire more than 6 months after your scheduled return date. Passports expiring sooner than that may cause problems at the passport control/immigration desk in the airport.

• Charging cables

• Waterproof phone case - a simple waterproof pouch to carry your phone in the hot springs and lagoons will allow you to take photos of the gorgeous scenery without worrying about your phone getting wet. This can also be handy if you’re exploring in the rain.

• Personal items - toiletries, medications, glasses, etc. Consider bringing your own pain relievers and cold medicines as well. Pharmacy hours are limited and some common health issues will require a prescription. Many hotels have soaps and shampoo but it’s not always reliable.

• Sunglasses - if you’re anything like me, you’ll be driving a lot in Iceland! Sunglasses will be your best friend no matter the season!

Winter (November - March)

Iceland in the winter is ICY! Of course you’ll need to be prepared with warm layers including a hat and gloves and you’re an avid winter sports person, you should already be familiar with many of these items. However, if you believe that you’ll only need winter gear for your trip to Iceland and won’t ever use it again, consider renting gear from IcelandCover Outdoor Clothing Rental or Iceland Camping Equipment Rental (both based in Reykjavik).

• Coat/parka - it’s important to stay warm and dry, so bring a good jacket. Waterproof/weatherproof with an adjustable hood and sleeves is great. And, the longer the better.

• Pants - both insulated ski/snow pants or waterproof hiking pants work great. Think of your pants as your jacket for your legs - warm and dry. (I do not recommend wearing jeans unless the weather is nice or you’ll be indoors)

• Warm mid-layer - dress like the locals in an Icelandic wool sweater or a comfy sweatshirt. Try to stay away from cotton though as it doesn’t dry very quickly. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be dining and doing indoor activities with your mid-layer exposed. For exceptionally cold and windy days, fleece leggings work great between your base-layer and waterproof pants.

• Thermal base-layer - opt for quick drying, non-cotton, thin & warm shirt and leggings. Active wear/long-sleeved workout gear is often a good choice.

• Beanie

• Gloves - warm, windproof & waterproof. If they have touch screen capability, that’s even better.

• Socks - wool hiking socks, calf-length or higher. Compression socks can be great too for the plane ride over and if your feet tend to swell when standing or walking for long periods of time.

• Scarf or balaclava - sometimes you’ll want everything but your eyes covered so a scarf or balaclava helps cover whatever your coat misses.

• Microspikes/crampons/Yaktrax - highly recommended but often forgotten for winter trips to Iceland. You’ll find that many walking paths and trails, no matter how heavily trafficked, can be packed with ice and snow. Microspikes will help you traverse the ice with more confidence and fewer falls.

• Hiking boots - proper hiking boots that are waterproof and have good traction are essential. Choose boots with good ankle support, especially if you’ll be doing more than the main sights.

• Snow Boots - use these for walking in DEEP snow or if your hiking boots aren’t keeping your feet warm.

Spring (April & May)

The beginning of April is still pretty much winter in Iceland but the days are getting longer and longer and the snow is starting to melt. This means muddy trails so good waterproof boots are more important than ever. If you’re coming at the beginning of April err on the side of warmth. If you’re coming at the end of May, you can get away with fewer and lighter layers.

• Jacket/Coat - it’s important to stay warm and dry, so bring a good jacket with a light but warm lining. Waterproof/weatherproof with an adjustable hood and sleeves is great.

• Pants - waterproof hiking pants work great. Think of your pants as your jacket for your legs - the main goal is to stay dry.

• Warm mid-layer - dress like the locals in an Icelandic wool sweater or a comfy sweatshirt. Try to stay away from cotton though as it doesn’t dry very quickly. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be dining and doing indoor activities with your mid-layer exposed. For exceptionally cold and windy days, fleece leggings work great between your base-layer and waterproof pants.

• Thermal base-layer - opt for quick drying, non-cotton, thin & warm shirt and leggings. Active wear/long-sleeved workout gear is often a good choice.

• Beanie

• Gloves - warm, windproof & waterproof. If they have touch screen capability, that’s even better.

• Socks - wool socks will help to keep your feet dry. Or, opt for compression socks which can be great for the plane ride over and if your feet tend to swell when standing or walking for long periods of time.

• Scarf or balaclava - sometimes you’ll want everything but your eyes covered so a scarf or balaclava helps cover whatever your coat misses.

• Hiking shoes/boots - proper hiking shoes or boots that are waterproof and have good traction are essential. Choose boots with good ankle support, especially if you’ll be doing more than the main sights.

• Sneakers or casual shoes - having an alternative shoe to wear when you’re driving, shopping, or walking in the city will be really nice. 

• Netted hat - you’ll look so silly but everyone who doesn’t have one will be jealous. Biting midges are abundant around the lakes in May and June, especially in Mývatn (North Iceland) and a netted hat will allow you to still enjoy the area without the nuisance.

Summer (June - August)

Summer in Iceland does NOT mean relaxing on the black sand beach in your tiniest bikini. But, you’ll have the best weather Iceland has to offer and you may even get by with a t-shirt! However, it can still be rainy and windy so you’ll still need to be prepared to stay warm and dry.

• Jacket - bring a lightweight or lightly lined waterproof jacket. A hooded jacket is extra handy and be sure it isn’t too tight - you’ll still need to have a layer or two underneath.

• Pants - waterproof hiking pants work great. Think of your pants as your jacket for your legs - the main goal is to stay dry.

• Mid-layer - light sweaters, cardigans, or sweatshirts

• Base-layer - opt for quick drying, non-cotton, thin shirt and leggings. Active wear/ workout gear is often a good choice.

• Beanie - yes, the summer wind can still make you shiver! Bring a beanie to help control heat loss and your hair!

• Socks - thinner wool socks will help to keep your feet dry. Or, opt for compression socks which can be great for the plane ride over and if your feet tend to swell when standing or walking for long periods of time.

• Hiking shoes/boots - proper hiking shoes or boots that are waterproof and have good traction are essential. Choose boots with good ankle support, especially if you’ll be doing more than the main sights.

• Sneakers or casual shoes - having an alternative shoe to wear when you’re driving, shopping, or walking in the city will be really nice. 

• Jeans or casual leg wear - for going to restaurants, walking around the city on a dry day, etc.

• Netted hat - you’ll look so silly but everyone who doesn’t have one will be jealous. Biting midges are abundant around the lakes in May and June, especially in Mývatn (North Iceland) and a netted hat will allow you to still enjoy the area without the nuisance.

• Sleeping eye mask - summer in Iceland is BRIGHT! On the longest day of the year there is less than 3 hours of “darkness”. Bring a sleep mask to help you get a good night’s rest!

Autumn (September - October)

The autumn colors of Iceland are stunning and it’s a wonderful season to visit. Although the days are getting shorter there are still plenty of awesome things to do and see. Be aware that autumn storms can often be just as severe as winter storms so come prepared for a variety of weather conditions. 

• Jacket/Coat - it’s important to stay warm and dry, so bring a good jacket with a light but warm lining. Waterproof/weatherproof with an adjustable hood and sleeves is great.

• Pants - waterproof hiking pants work great. Think of your pants as your jacket for your legs - the main goal is to stay dry.

• Warm mid-layer - dress like the locals in an Icelandic wool sweater or a comfy sweatshirt. Try to stay away from cotton though as it doesn’t dry very quickly. Keep in mind that you’ll likely be dining and doing indoor activities with your mid-layer exposed. For exceptionally cold and windy days, fleece leggings work great between your base-layer and waterproof pants.

• Thermal base-layer - opt for quick drying, non-cotton, thin & warm shirt and leggings. Active wear/long-sleeved workout gear is often a good choice.

• Beanie

• Gloves - warm, windproof & waterproof. If they have touch screen capability, that’s even better.

• Socks - wool socks will help to keep your feet dry. Or, opt for compression socks which can be great for the plane ride over and if your feet tend to swell when standing or walking for long periods of time.

• Scarf or balaclava - sometimes you’ll want everything but your eyes covered so a scarf or balaclava helps cover whatever your coat misses.

• Hiking shoes/boots - proper hiking shoes or boots that are waterproof and have good traction are essential. Choose boots with good ankle support, especially if you’ll be doing more than the main sights.

• Sneakers or casual shoes - having an alternative shoe to wear when you’re driving, shopping, or walking in the city will be really nice. 

Optional

If you have these items already and/or you have room in your luggage consider bringing this stuff too.

• Rain suit (pants & jacket) - a lightweight, easily packable rain suit like Frogg Toggs can be really helpful for really wet weather and walking behind waterfalls (hello, Seljalandsfoss)! A rain suit is most useful in the warmer months.

• Walking poles - on proper hikes, especially those that are steep like Hengifoss and Svartifoss, walking poles can be super helpful in limiting the strain put on your joints. 

• Cash - almost every place in Iceland accepts payment via credit card. However, there are some hot springs and hiking areas that operate on the “honesty system”. Having cash will be helpful for those times. And, you can spend your leftover cash at the airport or bring it home as a souvenir. You can easily get some cash at the ATMs near baggage claim at the airport but be aware of your bank’s fees.

• Portable device charger - having an option to charge your devices on the go will help you stay connected and able to take photos all day long. This will be especially helpful in the colder months when devices tend to lose their charge quickly.

• Extra bag - something as simple as a reusable grocery bag or a packable duffel bag will help you stay organized. Use it as a pantry for vanlifing, a dirty clothes hamper, or as extra luggage to hold your souvenirs on your way home.

• Selfie-stick or tri-pod - having a way to take photos in a variety of compositions in the most remote locations is great for capturing all of your experiences in unique ways.

The key takeaway regardless of which season you’ll be visiting Iceland is WATERPROOF and  WINDPROOF. Much of your time in Iceland will be spent outdoors and since Iceland’s weather is notoriously wet and windy, you’ll be grateful to have gear that keeps you comfortable in unfavorable conditions. With the right gear (especially your outer layer) you’ll be able to explore in the rain, snow, wind, and the occasional sunshine.

Top 5 activities in Iceland

Iceland has so many things to do and it can seem overwhelming what to pick. There’s endless nature to see and an abundance of tours and activities to join. I have tried most of what’s on offer in Iceland and I’ve found that I keep going back to the same five tours over and over again. These are the must do’s if you ask me but you don’t need to do any other. So here you go, my top 5 activities to book for your Iceland trip:

1. Katla Ice Cave

There’s not many places in the world where you can visit as magical ice caves as Iceland. The caves in the glacier of Katla are open year-round which is a huge benefit, but they are also super impressive. The drive in there goes through an incredible desert/moon landscape and then you reach the glacier. You’ll be equipped with crampons and a helmet and then you can go explore the caves and tunnels carved into the ice. A really incredible experience!

Book with Katla Track and use the code: ASASTEINARS for discount!

2. Ride the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is famous for its five gaits. This makes them very comfortable to ride and also beginner friendly. If you’re in Iceland, I highly recommend trying horseback riding. It’s a great way to see nature and get a feel for Iceland. My favorite place to go riding is on the south coast with Mr. Iceland. He’s a real-life Viking that lives with his horses and takes super well care of them. He will take you riding along a river and down to the black beach. He’s also one excellent chef so don’t miss out on booking a dinner with him after the riding tour.

Book directly with Mr Iceland. He also has a super cute cabin if you need accommodation and don’t miss out on his speciality lamb dinner!

3. Whale Watching

I love whales and seeing them in real life is something you just can’t miss. Iceland is home to over 20 whale species, for example, Orca, Blue Whale and Humpback whales. The Humpback is the most common and can be spotted all over Iceland. What’s really nice is that the waters directly outside Reykjavik have a lot of whales. So all you need to do is to go down to the harbour, hop on a boat and go see these gentle giants. I recommend to book the RIB express trip for best chances to see the whales.

Book with Special Tours use the code: ASASTEINARS for discount!

4. Kayak with Icebergs

If you make it all the way to the glacier lagoon you just have to try kayaking in it. All year around there’s icebers breaking off from the glacier tongue and floating out into the lagoon. Together with ice Guide, you can rent a kayak and paddle out into the lagoon. You’ll be able to get close up to the icebergs and silently float around in the lagoon, a super fun activity to do!

Book with Ice Guide

5. Dive in Silfra

Silfra is located just 45min from Reykjavik and is a super unique diving and snorkeling spot. Silfra is located on the rift between two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and North American. They drift apart by 2cm each year and create a crack. In this crack comes up the clearest glacial water you can imagine. The sight is above 100m and it feels like flying when you snorkel on the surface. The tour is available year-round and I recommend the snorkeling tour

Book with Freedive.is

Iceland Travel Tips

Welcome to Iceland

If you are reading this you’re probably planning a trip to Iceland. That’s super exciting and I know you will have an amazing time here. Iceland is so unique and has so much to see, you can’t really go wrong. One place is more amazing than the other.

When you plan your trip to Iceland there are many things to be aware of. I have written this guide to try to help you as much as possible so that you have a great time when visiting my home country.

How to Travel

I travel Iceland year-round and I always make sure to have my own vehicle. Since you’ll be going between many different stops, it’s best to be able to travel at your own pace. If you are up for it I also recommend not staying more than 2 days at the same accommodation. In my opinion, it’s more fun to move around a lot to see as much as possible.

Rental car

I mostly travel by car. In winter always drive a 4x4 with studded tires, that’s super important. The rest of the year 4x4 isn’t as important unless you plan to drive into the Highlands. If you’re driving the ring road and to the most popular areas, a 2-wheel drive is all fine.

My preferred rental car company is Blue Car Rental. They have great jeeps for winter and lots of options for regular cars for summer. Click this link for 5% discount automatically applied at checkout.

Camper van

In summer I love to travel by camper van. It’s so easy to always have your bed, kitchen and home with you on the road. There are lots of great campsites all over Iceland that always have showers and toilets. It definitely works to travel by van all year around but the experience is of course best when it’s warm outside and you can sit in the grass outside to cook breakfast.

The best campervans of Iceland are from CampEasy, book yours here.

When to travel

Iceland is great to visit all year round. Each season has its perks. Here are the main things to think about when you decide to visit Iceland and select when to go.

Winter

In winter Iceland can be absolutely beautiful. When the landscape is snow-covered and it’s beautiful winter days. However, it can also be very stormy with closed roads and canceled tours. So you need to be more flexible and follow the weather forecast in winter.

In the North is almost always snow. However on the south coast, it can be snow but it can also be raining, you never know until you arrive.

Also, keep in mind that winter has short days. In December the sun rises at 11 am and sunset is at 4 pm. So you have less time to explore and I think it’s important to have a cozy cabin or hotel to stay at because you will end up spending the evening inside.

It’s definitely possible to drive on your own, but you have to make sure you have a 4x4 car with spike tires. I would never drive anywhere if I don’t have that. Also, make sure to check road conditions at https://www.vegagerdin.is/. They will say if roads are closed so always check before you drive.

Spring

Spring in Iceland starts in April and then the days are getting much longer. It can be snowing all the way up until May but this is rare. It’s still not very warm so pack winter clothes. I like spring because it’s less busy than summer but you can still be outside with long days and do many hikes and activities. April and May usually have quite stable weather so it’s good for road trips.

You should note that Iceland isn’t getting green until early June.

Summer

This is when Iceland turns lush green and becomes super beautiful. The purple lupin fields start in June and the puffins arrive as well. It’s the best time for whale watching and hiking. The weather is usually nice and warm but it can always be raining. Temperatures can be up to 20C in the daytime and colder at night.

June is probably my favorite month since it never gets dark. During summer solstice the sun doesn’t set and it’s this amazing pink glow for hours at night.

Autumn

This is September-November. I really like this time of year as the pace in Iceland calms down, and days are a little shorter. Weather is usually good in early autumn but there is always the occasional storm to watch out for. This is usually the best time of year to see northern lights as they are strongest in September - October. It’s also fewer people in Iceland and you can get better rates on hotels and car rentals.

Northern Lights season

Northern lights are visible from September to March. They are amazing when you catch them but can be unpredictable. So be aware that it’s not certain you will see them even if you travel in this period. The main things to think about to see them are to have clear skies and stay away from light pollution in the cities. To read more about how to see the northern lights, see this blog.

Where to travel

I get asked so often where is best to travel. It’s of course a very hard question to answer but I’m gonna try to break it down here by area:

Reykavik & Reykjanes

Reykjanes peninsula is where the airport is so you will naturally arrive here. The top attraction is Blue Lagoon Iceland which I highly recommend. There are also some unique geothermal areas and this is also where the volcanic eruption was in 2022.

Reykjanes is the capital of Iceland and is well worth a visit. However, if you are traveling to Iceland I would always recommend prioritizing nature above city life. Nature is really what makes Iceland unique and why you should come. So spend 1-2 days in Reykjavik if you want to but then go explore the countryside.

South Coast

This is the one area you shouldn’t miss. Most spots you have seen in Iceland are located here. The best way to get here is to rent a car or campervan and drive on your own. It’s accessible all year around so the season doesn’t matter. To cover the full south coast you need 3-4 days. Then you get to see majestic waterfalls, large glaciers, black beaches, and deep canyons.

Golden Circle

The golden circle has become very famous and popular for good reasons. The Geysir is very unique. In my opinion, it’s sometimes too touristy with big parking lots and lots of people. I recommend going here but don’t spend more than a day. If you need to prioritize then do the south coast instead.

East fjords

This is as far away as you get from Reykjavik. There’s a lot to explore here and crowds are a lot less. I love this area of Iceland but it’s a far drive. If you drive the circle (which I think you should) then you will be passing through the East Fjords.

North

The north has the best mountains and if you are into skiing this is where to go. I go here in late winter to ski, both in Iceland’s biggest ski resort, but also ski touring on my own. Myvatn and Husavik are in the north which is well worth a visit. You pass through here if you do the ring road.

Westfjords

This is the most remote area of Iceland and not that many tourists come all the way here. It’s an incredible area and it really feels remote. The towns are small, the roads bumpy and the views stunning. The westfjords have a lot of hot springs and often you’re all alone in them. If you have some extra days, it’s perfect to extend the ring road trip with 4 days in the Westfjords.

Snaefellsnes

This area is quite close to Reykjavik and perfect for a day trip or one overnight stay. You can cover most of it in 24h and the main attraction is the famous Kirkjufell. I don’t come here that often since it’s more driving and fewer spots compared to the south coast.

Highlands

All other areas in Iceland more or less follow the coast. The middle area is called the Highlands and they can be super fun to visit. However, they can also be very hard to access. In general, there’s no service, no supermarkets or hotels. So you are entirely on your own here.

You also need a 4x4 vehicle and ideally with a snorkel since some roads have river crossings. Before you go in here, make sure you know what you’re doing and are well prepared. Also, make sure you check the weather forecast as it can change fast.

My travel recommendations

Depending on how much time you have in Iceland, here are the areas I recommend focusing on. This can of course vary based on interest but for moth Iceland travelers this is how I would recommend spending your time:

• 1-2 days: Reykjavik & The Golden Circle

• 3-6 days: The South Coast & Reykjavik

• 7-10 days: Drive the full ring road

• 10-14 days: Ring road + Westfjords or Highlands

Iceland Travel Guide

I have created a travel map with all of my best stops across Iceland (including secret hot springs). If you are visiting this will help you so much in finding activities that fit you the best. Take a look at it here.

Activities vs Exploring on your own

There’s so much to do in Iceland and it’s just impossible to do it all. I highly recommend fitting some tours in during your trip but pick the ones you. They always take a bit of time to do so you want to have a nice mix of exploring on your own and doing tours.

I have 5 favorite tours that I keep doing over and over again. They are all unique to Iceland and I can promise you will love them. They are:

• Visit an ice Cave: Book with Katla Ice Cave

• Whale Watching: Book with Special Tours in Reykjavik

• Ride Icelandic horses: Book with Mr Iceland (use code ASA2023)

• Kayak in the Glacier Lagoon: Book with Ice Guide

• Snorkeling in Silfra: Book with FreeDive Silfra

As a little bonus to you, I have set up a discount code for each one of them. If you use the code, you will get 5-10% disount depending on which tour you book. The code for all these trips are: ASAPROMO.

You can also read more about each tour here and why I think they are the best of Iceland.

I really hope you’ll have a great trip to Iceland!

Ása

My Camera Gear

I spend more than 200 days per year out shooting. Most of these are in Iceland and I don’t sit inside just because it’s a rainy day. Needless to say, my camera gear is being used a lot and has to always work. There’s no time for malfunctioning gear, I constantly have a new project coming up. 

On top of that camera gear is expensive. The last camera I bought was a Canon 1dx Mark II. It cost me $7000 brand new. After having it only a few months I one day went to the diamond beach in Iceland. It’s a beautiful beach where icebergs from the nearby glacier of Vatnajökull frequently wash up on the shores. Standing close to the water I tried to capture an amazing pink sunset through a hole in one of the icebergs. Fully focused on the shot I didn’t notice the wave coming in and splashed through the hole I was filming. Both myself and the camera got soaking wet. Sadly the camera never recovered so there was only one thing to do, buy another one.

That 1dx has been with me now for 2 years and worked great. Hundreds of days of shooting has definitely taken its toll on it but it still works great. However the standard of cameras has improved significantly so I felt it was time for an upgrade. The Canon R5 just looked too tempting.  

This time, instead of buying a new camera myself, I turned to Wedio. This Denmark based startup offer long term rental off just about any camera equipment you can imagine. I have shot on camera gear rented from Wedio for the last 6 months and it has been so easy. Their cameras are fully insured so I never have to worry about them. In addition to that they also have an amazing stock of extra gear so whenever I need extra lighting or special lens for a shoot I turn to them for backup. 

Financially Wedio is a great way to have the best camera equipment possible without having to pay the full price. I daily walk around with $20k worth of camera gear in my backpack so it’s a lot of money for a starting photographer. 

On top of that Wedio also works as a marketplace for renting your gear out to local photographers around you. I have never used it because I need by gear on a daily basis. But if you have some days you know you wont need it they offer the possibility to rent it out and make cash back. The beauty of it is that the short term rentals are priced higher than your long term so you have the possibility to make all your money back and essentially have a camera for free. 

When  it comes to choosing a camera I have always been a Canon girl. In my opinion they make the best cameras. I especially like the colours you get with them and it fits my editing style the best.  

Their flagship model used to be the 1dx, it’s a beast built to handle any condition. It’s a big piece that can feel a bit heavy, but on the other hand it’s possible to operate it in Icelandic winter wearing warm winter gloves. The large buttons has saved me from freezing my fingers off many times. Being able to operate it with gloves on is so important.

It is also the perfect sports and wildlife camera. If I go ski touring this is the one that comes with me and also every time I shoot wild life. I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s something so easy about its UX and always getting shots in focus, no matter how fast the subject moves. It’s a dream to shoot with. It also has a battery life like no other camera, it can last for days at a time without recharging!

Recently however I also got the R5 from Wedio. I had been looking at it for a while and was really intrigued by its size but also performance. Continuous shooting in RAW and 20fps is insane. It is also fantastic to film with and can do up to 8k. Since I got this one my filming has really improved and I’m getting more film projects than ever.  

In terms of lenses I shoot on the following:

-       Canon 16-35 f2.8

-       Canon 24-70mm f2.8

-       Canon 70-200 f2.8

-       Canon 50mm f1.4

-       Sigma 24mm f1.4

-       Canon 2x extender 

It’s a lot of gear but I find myself using all of it. The 2x extender is one of my favourite investments and should be a given for most photographers. It cost about $400 and turns my 200mm lens into a 400mm. That’s an extremely cheap way to get an amazing tele lens, buying a 400mm would cost at least 10x as much and takes up even more space in the camera bag. I have used it so much when shooting whales and puffins.  

On top of that I can also highly recommend getting ND filters for filming. It makes the shots look way more cinematic and professional. The rule of thumb is to have shutter speed twice the frame rate. Most of the time I shoot in 50fps which means that I need a shutter of 1/100. In order to keep a low f and get a soft shot, an ND filter is essential.

For NDs there’s two ways to go, either variable or fixed. I went for the PolarPro VND by Peter McKinnon. Some say the variability lowers the quality which might be true but in my experience the useability way outweighs that. To be able to just spin the filter and get the perfect exposure is perfect for the type of on the go shooting that I do. Always out, always ready to capture.  

So now you know a little about me and my gear. If you are just getting into photography, I highly recommend checking out Wedio for gear. Try out some options to find what suits you and then rent what you need.