Cheat sheet · Landscape & nature

Camera settings for landscape photography

Maximise depth of field and dynamic range: low ISO, f/8–f/11, a tripod and focus near the hyperfocal distance.

ModeAperture priority or Manual
Aperturef/8–f/11f/5.6–f/8 on MFT
ShutterAs meteredTripod lets it go long
ISOBase (64–200)
FocusHyperfocal / ⅓ into scene
MeteringEvaluative, check histogram
FormatRAW
Quick start: Maximise depth of field and dynamic range: low ISO, f/8–f/11, a tripod and focus near the hyperfocal distance.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 14. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/8000 stoo brighttoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/2000 s1/8000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/5.61/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 stoo bright
f/81/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/111/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s1/8000 s

Step by step#

  1. Scout at midday, return at golden hour.
  2. Compose with a strong foreground.
  3. Focus at the hyperfocal distance or focus-stack.
  4. Bracket if the sky is much brighter than the land.

Gear checklist#

  • Tripod
  • Polariser
  • ND grad or ND filters
  • Wide-angle zoom

Pro tips#

  • A polariser deepens skies and removes glare from water and foliage.
  • Overcast days suit forests and waterfalls.

Common mistakes#

  • Stopping down to f/22 — diffraction softens everything.
  • Shooting only at eye level.
Sunset photographyExpose for the sky, protect highlights and keep shooting 20 minutes after the sun dips for… Silky waterfallsShutter speeds of 1/4–2 s give silky water while keeping texture; overcast light helps.… Daytime long exposureA 10-stop ND turns 1/60 s into 16 s: smooth seas, streaking clouds and empty streets.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for landscape photography?

Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: As metered · ISO: Base (64–200). Maximise depth of field and dynamic range: low ISO, f/8–f/11, a tripod and focus near the hyperfocal distance.

What gear do I need for landscape photography?

Tripod, Polariser, ND grad or ND filters, Wide-angle zoom.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources