Digital camera equipment is constantly evolving and improving.

If you are looking to make the most of your aviation photography, here are our recommendations of the best camera equipment to use.

Camera Bodies

The best cameras for aviation photography needs to have all of the modes needed for different situations, such as Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. You should also look for a camera with spot metering mode and manual exposure correction. Compact cameras with long zooms don’t tend to have these options, but the following DSLRS do:

Canon EOS 80D

A camera that will yield great pictures without the huge prices of pro bodies like the 5D. The 80D offers the latest technology, such as Wi-Fi, intelligent viewfinder, and the ability to shoot video. It also packs a punch with 24.2 Megapixel pictures and continuous shooting mode. [More Information]

Canon EOS 1300D

Recommended as a mid-range Canon DSLR. The 1300D is lightweight at only 690g and supports Wi-Fi. [More Information]

Nikon D750

A high end Nikon camera that offers the goods. With 24.3 Megapixels and the ability to shoot 1080p video, it is a good all-round professional camera. [More Information]

Nikon D3200

A good Nikon mid-range SLR capable of good results at an affordable price. The D3200 offers 24.2 Megapixels and a decent 3 inch LCD screen. [More Information]

Camera Lenses

Picking the right lens for your aviation photography needs to reflect the kind of shots you’ll most likely be taking, and there are many great lenses at affordable prices. For good all-round results in any spotting location, you’ll need a lens that goes up to 400mm. A longer focal length will give you more options, but will add to the price, so think carefully. Here are our recommendations:

Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

This is the updated version of a highly respected lens for Canon cameras. It is compact and easy to carry around, but perfect for telephoto lengths, with image stabilisation built in and a coating that reduces glare. [More Information]

Canon EF-S 55-250 mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

A more affordable option for Canon cameras which still includes image stabilisation and a 250mm focal length and good f-stop range. A lower range of 55mm makes it useful for closer shots, too. [More Information]

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

One of the best telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon cameras, this Nikkor 80-400mm produces great results on moving and distant subjects. [More Information]

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

Finally, at the mid price range this lens with vibration reduction still reaches 300mm making it perfect for most aviation photography tasks when viewing from a distance. [More Information]

Whatever camera and lens you choose needs to make sense to your budget and the type of pictures you like to take. There are many compact and lower price SLRs and lenses out there which still do a great job and let you take perfectly acceptable pictures. The options listed above are for those serious about the hobby and in the right hands will produce good results.