As travel photographers for the past 20+ years, we are always open to suggetions as to what gear is the newest and greatest (not to speak of what is the lightest!)
When it comes to travel photography, your gear can make or break the quality of your images. Though some individuals believe that camera equipment doesn’t matter, photographer Clifford Oto clarifies that having the right gear can make a world of difference. He states you’ll need a sturdy tripod that can steady your camera as you use slow shutter speeds and small apertures to capture landscapes as you travel. Meanwhile, if you want to take a picture of a building from the ground, you’ll need to switch to a wide-angle lens to create a distortion.
In short, experienced photographers understand that they need certain equipment to capture images in the best way possible. So, if you’re planning to get into travel photography, here are some must-haves to have on hand:
CAMERA
When choosing a camera, it’s important to consider whether its features and weight are suitable for traveling. The good news is that there is a wide selection of cameras to choose from. But travel photographers usually bring a set of lightweight cameras so they can take diverse shots without being weighed down by their gear. For instance, the Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera weighs 660g, but it provides advanced optical technologies and supports different types of lenses. Meanwhile, the Sony Alpha a7 III Mirrorless Camera weighs 650g. Plus, it has extraordinary sensitivity and enhanced image processing systems. Consider what type of photographs you want to take on your trip. Do you want close-ups of nature or wide, sweeping shots of the landscape? Figuring this out will help you pick the best camera for you.
LENS
After choosing your camera models, you need to consider the lenses you want to bring. Lenses can take up a lot of space and add to the weight of your gear. This is why you need to choose the ones that are most suitable for your preferred subjects. To illustrate, this list of camera lenses recommends the Canon 24 mm f/2.8 STM as a small prime lens that is optimal for crisp and bright images of people, landscapes, and streetscapes. On the other hand, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM lens is suitable for difficult lighting conditions and better depth of field control, making it great for fast-paced and precise shots in even low-light conditions.
TRIPOD
Tripods are a must for travel photographers since they can provide stability while you’re using slow-speed exposure or even telephoto lenses. However, travel photographers need to look for lightweight yet sturdy tripods that will be easy to carry around as you explore different areas. For instance, carbon fiber tripods are a bit on the expensive side but are lighter inbuilt, and sturdier than most tripods. On the other hand, aluminum tripods are a bit on the cheaper side, but you’ll be sacrificing the sturdiness. You also need to look into tripod heads, since they can affect the attachment of your camera to your tripod.
PROTECTIVE GEAR
Anything can happen while you’re on the road, which is why you need protective gear to keep your camera safe. If you’re going to a location with cold weather, you need to pay special attention to your camera equipment so you can keep it warm and dry when shooting outdoors. This guide to cold weather photography emphasizes that you need a waterproof camera cover to protect your gear against snow and rain. An airtight hard case can also prevent your camera, lenses, and batteries from taking damage while outdoors since extremely low temperatures can damage your gear. Finally, camera holsters or camera bags serve as safe storage for when your cameras aren't in use. Just be sure to pack them snugly to prevent any mishaps.
When it comes to traveling photography, you'll need the right gear to get the best quality for your shots and to protect your equipment as you take photos outdoors. For more tips on travel photography check out our articles. Our resources will help you find the best gear, locations, and tips for your next shoot.
©Joanne DiBona
