Travel photography is a wonderful way to capture the essence of new places, cultures, and experiences, but achieving the perfect shot requires more than just a good eye. Travel photography equipment is essential to ensure your photos come out crisp, vibrant, and perfectly composed, no matter where your travels take you. But with so many options out there, how do you know what to bring? In this guide, we'll explore the must-have equipment for travel photographers. Before diving in, here are some things to consider:
What to consider when packing travel photography equipment?
When packing and shopping for new gear, there are a few important factors to consider. Travel photography, by nature, requires a lot of movement. Therefore, the lighter your load, the more convenient your experience will be. Achieving that perfect shot may require trekking through rugged terrain or spending time camping, and your back will appreciate you opting for lighter or fewer items. Save the heavy gear for studio work. Now, let’s dive into the must-have essentials for any photographer heading on an adventure abroad.
What to carry: Essential gear for travel photography
It is advised to carry a camera, tripod, battery, filters, hard drives, and accessories like a camera bag, cleaning kit, rain cover for your travel photography. Read on to build your travel photography equipment list.
Camera
The first essential item you'll need is your camera. There are various options available to suit different budgets. Some professionals opt to bring two cameras: one equipped with a wide lens and the other with a telephoto lens, allowing them to be ready for any situation without having to switch lenses. However, if you have a clear idea of the types of photos you want to capture, choosing the right gear becomes simpler. For instance, a large DSLR camera with extra lenses is perfect for capturing sharp images in low-light conditions, but it can be quite heavy. Keep in mind that your camera is merely a tool; elements like composition, lighting, and focus are in your hands to create a truly remarkable shot.
Tripod
The best tripod for travel photography should be lightweight yet durable enough to handle the wear and tear of travel. Carbon fiber models tend to be pricier but offer greater strength, lighter weight, and easier portability. On the other hand, aluminum tripods are less robust but more budget-friendly, making them a practical choice for those watching costs. Just don't expect it to last after many trips or get too attached to it.
The Moman CA70 Carbon Fiber Tripod is a lightweight option, weighing just 1.6kg (3.5lb). This tripod is one of the lightest carbon fiber models available, offering a compact design. It extends up to 174cm (68") and compresses to just 47cm (18.5"), making it easy to pack and store in your backpack. What's even better is that it’s priced at only 179 USD, making it a more affordable choice compared to other carbon fiber tripods on the market.
Battery
This piece of travel photography equipment is crucial, especially for extended photoshoots or traveling. The last thing you need is to lose power while capturing an incredible moment. It is advised to carry a spare camera battery. Even if you take a second battery, the last thing you want is to have to stop shooting because you run out of juice, so a charger is still a must. And if you are going abroad, always make sure to pack an adaptor as well!
Carrying a V-mount battery for travel photography can be a good idea, especially if you're using power-hungry equipment like high-end cameras, lights, or other accessories that require a significant power source. V-mount batteries are known for their high capacity and reliability, which can be crucial for extended shoots or when traveling to locations without easy access to charging points. However, keep in mind that V-mount batteries can be bulky and may add weight to your gear. Be sure to check airline regulations for carrying them, as they might have specific restrictions on battery types due to safety concerns.
The Moman Power 99, in this case, is a good choice. With a 99-watt-hour capacity, it stays just below the 100-watt-hour limit often allowed by airlines, making it perfect for travel photographers. A key feature is its two D-Tap ports, which can power extra devices such as lights or monitors and also allow for recharging the battery. Additionally, it includes two USB ports hidden beneath a small rubber cover at the top, adding even more functionality.
Filters
Here are a few types of filters that are commonly used in travel photography:
UV Filters: This travel photography equipment is essential for film cameras to prevent photos from developing a blue tint. Even for digital photographers, a UV filter is a valuable investment, protecting your lenses from long-term damage, which is crucial given the high cost of lenses.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters: If you're shooting in bright daylight, an ND filter is a must. It reduces excess light to avoid overexposure, making it especially useful for achieving effects that require a wide aperture or slow shutter speed.
Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL): This filter helps reduce sun flares and enhances color and contrast, particularly with greens and blues. It simplifies post-processing, which is particularly beneficial if you're new to editing or need to save time.
Multiple hard drives (HDD) and memory cards
Carrying a spacious, portable hard drive is essential for any trip. Raw digital photos consume significant storage, and relying on local WiFi for cloud backups abroad is unreliable. Transferring images from your camera’s memory card to a laptop or a portable hard drive with at least 1TB of space can prevent future hassles. Just make sure to choose a durable option, as hard drives can be easily damaged by drops, dust, or liquid exposure.
The same principle applies to memory cards. Pack several high-capacity, fast cards to handle unexpected failures. Faster cards enable you to capture rapid or burst shots effortlessly and speed up the transfer process when moving files to long-term storage. Focus on shooting now and sorting through your photos later. Faster cards enable you to capture rapid or burst shots effortlessly and speed up the transfer process when moving files to long-term storage. Shoot now, sort later.
Travel photography accessories
Accessories don’t mean optional, so make sure not to forget these essential items:
Camera Bag: A good camera bag is one of the most vital pieces of gear. It should be comfortable, lightweight, durable, and capable of holding all your equipment. Different types of bags offer unique benefits depending on the situation. For instance, a large bag might be ideal for hiking and carrying extra gear, but it could be less practical in crowded urban environments.
Cleaning kit: Your camera gear is an investment, and it’s essential to take proper care of it to maximize its lifespan. Travel photography exposes your equipment to various environmental elements, so using the right cleaning materials is crucial to avoid causing any damage. A basic kit doesn't need to be cumbersome. A compact pouch can carry all the essentials, including microfiber cloths for cleaning your lens, a rocket blower to remove stubborn dust, and a small brush to clean the nooks and crannies of your camera body.
Rain Cover: To protect your camera from unexpected weather, a rain cover is a wise addition. Think of it as insurance for your gear, shielding it from water damage. A basic rain cover will suffice in most cases and is generally inexpensive, easy to use, and made from water-resistant materials like nylon or polyethylene. These covers often include a clear panel for viewing your settings. If needed, you can also improvise by using a trash bag secured with rubber bands in a pinch.
FAQs about travel photography gear
How to travel with photography equipment?
If you're flying, keep your most valuable camera with you in your carry-on rather than checking it. You can't predict how your bags will be handled, so it's safer to have all your gear with you. The last thing you want is for your luggage to get lost if you decide to check it.
Can you take camera gear on a plane?
Yes, most camera equipment for travel photography is allowed on planes, but it’s essential to check for any specific restrictions beforehand. For instance, some countries may prohibit large tripods on board, as they could potentially be used as a weapon, while others have no issue with them. Be sure to review the regulations in advance to avoid having your gear confiscated.
