I'm starting to realize that identifying and photographing benchmarks requires some extra tools. I'm just starting out to formulate my kit, and your needs may be different depending on the kind of station you are recovering and the part of the country you're in. That said, here's my list:
(a) GPS - actually, not really required. Most descriptions are adequate without reference to GPS, but it might help you navigate to the general area.
( Tape measure - often descriptions include distance from nearby landmarks. 50-100 feet would probably be idea, but even a normal household 12' model will be of help. (When all else fails, remember that for many people a good stride is about 3' or one meter. You can pace it off.)
© Long bladed screwdriver - preferably an old one, to poke the ground to discover benchmarks that have been grown over by vegetation
(d) Compass - locations are often given in terms of distance and direction (e.g., 12.5 feet south of the culvert)
(e) Pruning shears - to cut back vegetation grown over your benchmark.
(f) Gardener's gloves - for cleaning up the benchmark
(g) Small brush or wisk broom - to remove debris from benchmark area
(h) Water and rag - I wouldn't use anything stronger, but these things are meant to be out in the rain, so surely plain water can't hurt. Sometimes taking a photo when the water has only partly evaporated will make the stamping more visible.
That's my list with less than a week's experience in the Benchmark recovery business. I'd be happy for other suggestions to add to the kit.