What’s the Best Camera for a Costa Rica Photography Tour?
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “What camera should I bring on your tours?” … well, I’d probably have enough for another lens.
Here’s the thing, I’m a big believer in the saying, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” In other words, don’t stress about chasing the perfect model or obsessing over specs you’ll never use. The right camera for you depends on your style, your skill level, and the kind of photos you want to bring home.
That said, Costa Rica does have its quirks, and your gear should be ready for them. Here’s what I tell folks.
Weather Resistance and Durability
This is the tropics — humidity, sudden showers, and the occasional bit of jungle grit are part of the deal. In the rainy season, you might get drenched while a toucan laughs at you from a branch. In the dry season, you’ll probably be fine, but a weather-sealed body and lens can still save you from heartache. Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus all make rugged models that can take a little abuse.
Weight and Portability
We’re not doing a marathon, but you will be moving from shady forest trails to riverbanks to cliff-top viewpoints. Carrying a heavy DSLR and three big lenses will start to feel like you’ve brought a dumbbell to the jungle. A lightweight mirrorless camera with a good travel zoom means you’ll be ready for anything without needing a massage at the end of the day.
Lens Versatility
If you can only pack one lens, make it a flexible one. A 24–105mm (full-frame) or an 18–135mm (APS-C) covers everything from wide jungle waterfalls to close-up sloths. If birds are your thing, add a 100–400mm and thank me later. And remember under the canopy it’s shady and light levels can drop fast, so a lens with good low-light performance is a big plus.
Autofocus and Speed
Costa Rican wildlife is not in the habit of posing for portraits. Monkeys swing, birds dart, and frogs leap. A fast autofocus system with subject tracking will massively boost your chances of coming home with tack-sharp shots instead of blurry “trust me, that’s a toucan” photos.
Budget Considerations
You don’t need to remortgage your house for a flagship camera. Many mid-range models today are absolute powerhouses with brilliant image quality, high ISO performance, and smart autofocus features. The most important thing is knowing how to use your camera before you get here.
My Pick for Most Folks
A weather-sealed mirrorless body, a mid-range zoom, and if you’re serious about wildlife a telephoto. This setup will cover just about everything we’ll see, from misty waterfalls to scarlet macaws in flight.
And honestly? I’ve seen some beautiful shots taken on an iPhone especially with apps like Halide that don’t squash the life out of your images. One day, I’m expecting someone will join the tour armed with only a phone camera. That’s a story waiting to be told.
So bring the gear that feels right for you, pack a little curiosity, and get ready Costa Rica will do the rest.
Next Blog
One thing I discovered a few years back was the value of the presets on your camera — those funny little 1, 2, and 3 settings between program, auto, and manual. I always considered them a crutch, even in professional shooting situations. “I don’t need no stinking canned settings.”
But I was wrong (wait, what?). Turns out, they make wildlife photography much easier and give you a better chance of getting the shot you want.
In my next blog, I’ll explain exactly how I use them and why you might want to start.
Love Photography? Fancy an Adventure? Need to justify a new lens?
Join us for a curated, photo adventure in Costa Rica, where every day brings new opportunities to capture once-in-a-lifetime shots. From lush jungles to incredible wildlife, you’ll discover challenging and inspiring photographic moments.
For those new to photography, we’ve included dedicated time to discuss workflow and Lightroom editing techniques. With accommodation, meals, internet, local transport, and even a few cold beers (or wine) included, all you need to bring is your camera and a sense of adventure. Click for more details.
