Discovering the world of travel photography equipment goes beyond typical camera gear. These handy, sturdy pieces of gear not only assist in capturing your adventures but also play a crucial role in enhancing your shots during the editing process.
Dreaming of a simple scenario where all my photography equipment sits neatly on a shelf in my room, with multiple camera bodies. Numerous lenses, and an abundance of camera accessories. However, as a travel photographer. I must be cautious about the equipment I carry, as more gear means a heavier load to bear.
In today’s digital era, a significant portion of photography equipment is digital. The post-processing of travel photos is just as vital as selecting the right equipment for capturing them. Surprisingly, some of the best travel photography equipment is as lightweight as the laptop I carry.
In light of this, here are 14 essential items that should find a place in every travel photographer’s kit, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable photography experience.
Photography Equipment: Optimal Gear for Travel Photography Adventures
Photography Equipment: Revolutionary X4 Circular Polarizer Lens (CPL)
When it comes to essential photography equipment for travel, filters are a must-have, especially after securing a camera body and the right lenses. Among the myriad of filters available, the first one worth investing in is a circular polarizing lens, commonly known as CPL.
In simple terms, a circular polarizer alters the way light interacts with your lens, resulting in a distinctive visual impact. This lens is particularly valuable for eliminating reflections in photos, especially when capturing scenes with highly reflective surfaces like the sunlit ocean. Additionally, it enhances colors, making them more vivid and vibrant.
For shooting in bright daylight, a CPL is indispensable as it redirects sun glare away from the camera, preventing it from entering the lens. It proves beneficial for photographing any surface prone to producing reflections.
While using filters may sometimes compromise sharpness and alter color or white balance (known as a color cast). Post-processing tools like Luminar Neo and Adobe can easily rectify these issues. However, I prefer getting the perfect shot straight from the camera.
Breakthrough’s X4 CPL stands out for its sharpness and absence of visible color cast. Despite being a relatively new player in the filter market, their product quality is evident. I have one of these filters for each of my lenses, and they remain steadfast for 99% of my photos.
It’s worth noting that Breakthrough filters are slightly pricier than others, but, as with any photography equipment for travel, you truly get what you pay for.
Photography Equipment: Formatt Hi-Tech Elia Locardi Signature ND Filter Collection
Formatt Hi-Tech stands out as the top choice for excellent neutral density filters, a crucial part of your photography equipment. Especially if you’re into capturing long exposure shots—a fundamental aspect of landscape photography.
Neutral Density (ND) filters have a straightforward purpose: they decrease the amount of light entering the lens. This allows you to keep the shutter open for a more extended period without overexposing your image. Whether you’re aiming for those smooth waterfall shots, capturing the serene surface of the ocean, or tracing light trails from moving cars, an ND filter is a must.
On the other hand, a Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filter features an ND filter on the top half of the glass while remaining fully transparent on the bottom half. This proves especially handy for photographing sunsets or landscapes where the sky may become overexposed while the foreground remains underexposed. Placing the GND along the horizon darkens the sky, ensuring a more evenly exposed photo.
Formatt Hi-Tech offers two filter lines the standard filters and the superior Firecrest line. The Firecrest filters, leading in quality and construction, utilize carbon-neutral coatings to minimize color cast. The glass is also bonded for added durability.
While you could purchase each filter separately, the Elia Locardi Signature Edition kit, a perfect addition to your photography equipment, includes the essential Firecrest filters:
- Ultra 4-stop ND
- 100mm Filter Holder
- Ultra 10-stop ND filter
- 82mm Ultraslim polarizer
- Ultra ND Soft Edge Grad 0.9
Photography Equipment: CapturePRO Camera Clip by Peak Design
The CapturePRO Camera Clip from Peak Design is a standout in my collection of travel photography equipment.
Peak Design is known for crafting some of the most well-designed camera accessories, ranging from bags to straps to clips. The CapturePRO Camera Clip is a unique mount that easily attaches to your belt or the front strap of your backpack. It securely holds your camera body or an extra lens, allowing you to fasten and lock your camera lens included directly to your body. This hands-free solution is not only practical but also the only other viable alternative I’ve come across aside from a shoulder strap.
What sets the Capture Clip Pro apart is its ability to keep your camera precisely where you want it, always within arm’s reach and more reliable than any traditional strap. It’s a game-changer for hassle-free camera management during your photography adventures.
Photography Equipment: Leash Camera Strap by Peak Design
The CapturePRO is great, but it can’t replace a camera strap. Every photographer must have one, and while the regular straps that come with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras do the job, there are much better choices available in the world of photography equipment.
I personally adore the Peak Design Leash. It’s an ultra-thin, super-light strap crafted from incredibly durable material. Adjusting it is a breeze, and thanks to their patented “clip-on, clip-off” system, taking off the strap when you don’t need it is as easy as pie. Plus, because it’s so compact, you can simply tuck it into your pocket when it’s not in use.
Photography Equipment: BeFree Compact Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod by Manfrotto
My entire set of travel photography equipment revolves around two key factors—size and cost. The Manfrotto BeFree Compact Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod meets both criteria effortlessly.
Weighing just 2.4 pounds (1.1kg) and folding down to a mere 15.75 inches (40 cm), it’s incredibly suitable for travel. Unlike many tripods that are bulky, heavy, or both, the BeFree Compact breaks away from that norm.
Priced at around $265 USD, it not only fits easily into a standard suitcase but also slides into the water bottle pocket of most backpacks available. It’s unbelievably convenient to carry. I’ve been using this tripod for four years now and have never thought about switching to anything else.
When it comes to the cost and convenience combo, this tripod is unbeatable in my photography equipment collection.
Photography Equipment: GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Tripod by Joby
When you’re in need of a quick and handy tripod, the Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom has you covered. It’s a compact 9.8 inches (25cm) in length and can support up to 6.6 pounds (3kg).
You can use it as a small standalone tripod for unique perspectives, or wrap its flexible legs around railings, poles, or fences to get just the right angle.
As popularized by Casey Neistat, it’s also great for shooting videos and especially useful for self-facing vlogs.
Please note: To complete your photography equipment, you’ll need the Joby Ball Head, available for $25.
Wireless Intervalometer by Vello – ShutterBoss 4
Vello’s ShutterBoss 4 is a top-notch intervalometer, a must-have in your photography equipment toolkit.
Firstly, as a wireless intervalometer, it acts as a remote shutter for your camera. This comes in handy for capturing travel photos with yourself in the frame. Just set up your camera on a tripod, hide the remote switch in your hand, and press the button the secret to taking your own pictures on the go!
Secondly, for long-exposure photography, an intervalometer is essential. Even if your camera is on a tripod, pressing the shutter with your finger can introduce camera shake, leading to blurry photos. To ensure crisp long-exposure shots, it’s crucial to minimize camera movement. With a wireless intervalometer, you can press the shutter button without touching your camera.
Setting a two- or 10-second timer is an option, but the ShutterBoss is often the most effective and foolproof solution.
Lastly, intervalometers offer a broader range of exposure options than many advanced cameras. For instance, if you want to capture star trails by taking one photo automatically every 30 seconds for an hour, an intervalometer is indispensable. Similarly, for a five-minute long-exposure (assuming you have ND filters), which many cameras might not allow, an intervalometer is your solution.
Tablet and Stylus Set by Wacom – Intuos Photo
Enhance your photo editing game with the Wacom Intuos Photo Tablet a game-changer in your photography equipment lineup! When it comes to retouching or making precise local adjustments, using a mouse falls short. The level of control you get with a pen, however, is unmatched.
With the Wacom Intuos Photo Tablet, a pressure-sensitive drawing pad, making those detailed adjustments becomes a breeze. Want to brighten a specific area of your photo? Just draw it in. Need to desaturate your shirt’s color without affecting anything else? Just draw it in!
These nuanced edits can be quite challenging with a mouse, but the Wacom tablet makes them incredibly simple. It might take a bit to get used to initially, but once you’re comfortable with it, you’ll find yourself wondering. How you ever edited photos without this essential piece of photography equipment. I certainly did!
SD Cards by Lexar and Sandisk
Photography equipment, including your camera, GoPro, and drone, benefits from reliable memory cards, and both Lexar and Sandisk stand out in quality. Many travel photographers have strong preferences, but I find both brands to be equally excellent.
However, it’s crucial never to rely on just one SD card for each camera. Ensure you have extras available in case you fill one up during an extensive day of shooting, and you still have more moments to capture!
I recently experienced a situation while flying over Oahu, Hawaii in a helicopter when I ran out of space on my memory card. Fortunately, having an extra one on hand allowed me to swiftly swap them out and continue capturing amazing shots.
For those who engage in substantial shooting, I recommend carrying multiple 32GB or 64GB cards. Additionally, having extra SD cards serves as a vital part of your backup solution. Losing your camera is one thing, but losing your photos is even worse. Therefore, always ensure your photos are on an SD card until they’re backed up in at least two other places.
Rugged Mini Hard Drive by LaCie
Never worry about running out of space on your computer’s hard drive having an external drive is a must in your photography equipment kit.
As a former IT technician, I’ve witnessed the risks of hard drive crashes, whether due to poor build quality or accidental drops. Being a traveling photographer, my gear goes through a lot, and LaCie produces. Drives designed to endure the toughest conditions, appropriately named, isn’t it?
These drives, which are actually Seagate drives on the inside, offer top-notch quality from one of the best hard drive manufacturers. Encased in rubber, each drive absorbs the impact of drops and wear and tear.
Available in sizes ranging from 1TB to 4TB, depending on your shooting habits and storage needs, LaCie has you covered. Especially for video, which takes up more space, having sufficient storage is crucial.
Personally, I travel with about 10TB of these reliable hard drives in my photography equipment, ensuring I never miss capturing those precious moments.
Backblaze Data Backup Service
Ensuring the safety of your photos is as crucial as capturing them with your photography equipment. Backblaze comes into play by continuously backing up your files in real time, securely storing them in the cloud.
It’s wise to keep your photos in at least two places. If you lose them in one, having a backup in another is essential.
After transferring photos from my SD card to my 4TB LaCie hard drive, Backblaze automatically backs up those photos from my hard drive to the cloud. Once I confirm the photos are stored on both my hard drive and online, I proceed to delete them from my SD card.
As an extra layer of protection, I carry a second hard drive, serving as a third backup. When it comes to preserving your precious memories, you can never be too careful with your photography equipment!
Camsafe X17 by Pacsafe
I switch camera backpacks every three months, but the one that has truly stuck with me is the Pacsafe Camsafe. I own both sizes 17 liters and 25 liters depending on the size of my photography equipment.
What sets the Camsafe line apart is not only its anti-theft features (like lockable zippers and puncture-proof fabric) but also its design. It’s not just a bag for photographers; it’s a bag crafted for traveling photographers.
Unlike other bags that limit space to only camera gear, Pacsafe brilliantly designed a bag that accommodates everything. The bottom half is dedicated to camera gear (each size holds a different amount), while the top half is an open pocket for lunch, extra clothes, hard drives, electronics, or cables. It’s perfect for carrying all you need for a day or weeks of shooting, making it an ideal choice for keeping your travel photography equipment safe and secure.
Lightroom by Adobe
Adobe Lightroom stands out as the top-notch choice for editing your photos, considered the gold standard by 99% of photographers worldwide. It’s a powerful piece of photography equipment software that excels in both organizing and post-processing your images.
Originally designed for photo organization, Lightroom now boasts an impressive and highly customizable system to streamline your photo management. In recent times, it has evolved with a sophisticated set of editing tools that are user-friendly for beginners yet advanced enough for professionals.
Adobe has also introduced Lightroom CC, a mobile-friendly version of the app. This allows you to sync your photos across all your devices and carry advanced editing features in your pocket.
For just $9.99 per month, you gain full access to Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop—the essential software duo for anyone keen on mastering photo retouching.
Presets for Lightroom
Every skilled travel photographer develops a unique and recognizable style. It’s a quality I’m continuously refining. The simplest way to establish consistency in your photos is by leveraging Lightroom Presets, a valuable addition to your photography equipment.
These presets, essentially “filters” for Lightroom, not only help define your style but also save a tremendous amount of time during post-processing.
For those seeking preset packs, numerous photographers and Instagrammers sell their presets online. Consider researching your favorites and exploring available preset options for purchase.
A crucial reminder: rather than copying someone else’s style, use it as a starting point to craft something uniquely yours. As Austin Kleon wisely stated in the renowned book “Steal Like an Artist,” “Start copying what you love. Copy, copy, copy.
KUVRD’s Universal Lens Cap
If you’re someone who often loses lens caps, consider investing in KUVRD’s Universal Lens Cap (ULC) as part of your photography equipment. The ULC is designed to fit any lens with a barrel diameter between 60-150 mm, covering most DSLR and mirrorless camera lenses.
This lens cap is highly effective because it stretches to snugly fit over your lens and stays securely in place, offering protection for both the front and back ends of the lens.
The ULC is built to absorb shocks and provides defense against dust, water, and dirt. If you’re a bit rough with your lenses, especially during outdoor shoots, this cap is a must-have. Each cap is priced at $30 USD, but you can save more by bundling. A 10-pack is available for just $150 USD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right photography equipment can truly make a difference in capturing and preserving your moments. Whether it’s a reliable camera, sturdy tripod, or handy accessories like lens caps and presets, investing in quality gear enhances your photography experience. These tools not only simplify the process but also contribute to the longevity and protection of your valuable memories. So, don’t hesitate to explore and acquire the equipment that suits your needs, making your photographic journey more enjoyable and successful.
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