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My Travel Photography Gear Guide
As a professional travel photographer for over 12 years, one of the most common questions I receive is about my travel photography gear. Although my camera bag may seem overwhelming, it is essential for my profession. Most aspiring travel photographers will need only a fraction of this gear. Therefore, I recommend considering a few kit suggestions for beginners at the end of this guide.
Travel Photography – Cameras
I started my journey as a photographer using a Canon AE1. However, as technology advanced, I made the switch to Sony due to their superior mirrorless technology and impressive range of native lenses.
Sony a7R III: Main Camera Body
Having used Sony cameras and lenses for seven years, I can attest to their durability in the field. My main camera body is the Sony a7R III, paired with a backup Sony a7R II. While I am considering an upgrade to the Sony a7R IV, both my current cameras are performing exceptionally well.
Carrying two camera bodies is crucial. It avoids lens changes and provides a backup in case of equipment failure. I carry a long lens on one shoulder and a wide lens on the other to be prepared for any scenario.
Main Travel Camera Lenses
Sony 16-35mm F/2.8 GM – Wide Angle Lens
The Sony 16-35mm F/2.8 GM lens is my go-to for travel photography, ideal for landscapes and cityscapes.
Cheaper Option – F/4 16-35mm
If you’re focusing on landscape photography, consider the F/4 16-35mm lens, which is a great budget-friendly choice.
Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM – Medium Zoom Lens
The Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM lens is versatile, serving both landscape and portrait needs effectively.
Cheaper version – 24-70mm F/4
The 24-70mm F/2.8 or the economical 24-70mm F/4 version offer great versatility for travelers.
Sony 70-200 F/4 G – Telephoto Lens
The Sony 70-200 F/4 G lens is lightweight, offers great image quality, and is perfect for a wide range of photography scenarios.
Specialty Lenses
Sony 200-600 F/5.6-6.3 – Super Telephoto
The Sony 200-600 F/5.6-6.3 lens has become essential for wildlife photography, particularly in challenging environments.
Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 – Ultra Wide Lens
The Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 is excellent for astrophotography, offering great sharpness at an affordable price.
GoPro Hero 9 – Action Camera
The GoPro Hero 9 is invaluable for capturing adventures in locations where carrying larger cameras isn’t feasible.
GoPro Accessories
To maximize the potential of your GoPro, consider these essential accessories:
Sony RX100 VII – Point and Shoot Camera
The Sony RX100 VII is an exceptional compact camera, perfect for travel photography.
DJI Mavic Pro 2 – Camera Drone
For aerial shots, I use the DJI Mavic Pro 2, known for its portability and excellent quality.
My Camera Bags
Shimoda Explore 40 – Adventure Camera Backpack
The Shimoda Explore 40 offers comfort, organization, and durability for my photography gear.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2 – Small Camera Bag
This bag is ideal for quick trips where minimal gear is needed.
My Camera Tripods
Gitzo GT2532 Mountaineer Series 2 Carbon Fiber– Travel Tripod
I recommend the Gitzo Mountaineer Tripod for its lightweight design and stability.
Joby Gorilla Pod 3K – Small Tripod
The Joby Gorillapod provides a lightweight and versatile option for remote areas.
Camera Filters for Travel
Formatt-Hitech Filter System – ND and GND Filters
Investing in a quality filter system like Formatt-Hitech enhances landscape photography by allowing for better exposure control.
Camera Accessories
Black Rapid Sport Breathe – Camera Strap
The Black Rapid Strap is comfortable and versatile for travel photography.
Vello Shutter Boss II – Intervalometer/Remote
This device is great for long exposures and reduces camera shake.
Spare Batteries
Always carry spare batteries for each camera to avoid missing important shots.
Memory Cards
Using Sandisk Extreme Pro ensures reliability and speed for high-resolution images.
Card Reader
The SanDisk Extreme PRO SD UHS-II USB-C Reader is fast and easy to use.
Portable Hard Drive
Backing up photos is vital, and I rely on the Macbook Pro 15″ and Samsung X5 Portable SSD for storage.
Camera/Lens Rain Covers
OP/Tech USA Rain Sleeves are essential for protecting gear in adverse weather conditions.
Camera and Lens Maintenance
LensPen Cleaning Tool
An essential tool for keeping lenses clean and clear while on the road.
Air Blower
This is crucial for keeping the camera sensor free of dust.
Camera Kit Suggestions
For most travelers, carrying an extensive gear kit is impractical. Here are two camera kit recommendations:
The Bare Bones Camera Kit for Travel Photographers
- Sony RX100 VII – A lightweight, durable compact camera
- Joby Gorillapod – A small, lightweight tripod
- 64GB Sandisk Memory Card
The Enthusiast Camera Kit for Travel Photographers
- Sony a6100 – Interchangeable lens mirrorless camera
- Sony 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 lens – Versatile focal length
- Peak Design Travel Tripod – Lightweight and durable
- BlackRapid Cross Shot Breathe – Comfortable camera strap
- 64GB Sandisk Extreme Pro – Reliable memory cards
- Peak Design Messenger Pro V2 – Spacious camera bag
This travel photography gear guide serves as a valuable starting point, helping you to build your own kit for years of successful photography adventures.
