Putting it All Together
So far we’ve discussed the pros and cons of the three commonly used formats to consider for a travel photography kit. We’ve also talked about field of view and lens choices based upon your goals and how your artistic vision sees the world. I’m using my Fuji kit as an example.
This suggested list covers just about everything I think. All four parts of this series will be pinned together as a completed article in the Travel Tips section of this site.
The Gear List
1- One or two camera bodies, your choice. We usually have two or three bodies between the two of us when we travel. Some people like to cover the camera name with black tape to draw less attention to the camera. This may work but most people will see you coming a mile away. Your appearance and demeanor are much more important in putting people at ease.
2- Lenses. The number of lenses depends on your photography style, vision and needs. My selection changes depending on where I’m going and what I’m doing but generally a wide prime or wide angle zoom in the 16-35mm range, fast normal prime and a short tele portrait style lens or tele-zoom, usually 70-200mm. Longer focal lengths are only brought along for a specific purpose.
3- Filters. Polarizing filter at a minimum. Neutral density and graduated neutral density filters are optional. Buy some step down rings so you can use them on all your lenses if necessary. I like using clear UV filters on all my lenses, entirely optional. I’d rather clean dust and spray off a filter than a front lens element. If they get scratched you can throw them away and replace them easier than having a lens repaired. Buy the best quality you can afford.
4- Camera batteries, accessory grip and charger. Take more batteries than you think you’ll need. They may fail or be lost. A camera without a battery is a not something you’ll want to experience. Take a battery charger with USB and cigarette lighter adapters. I number all my camera batteries and cycle through them in order so they have equal wear.
5- Camera strap. I go back and for the between the sling style Black Rapid straps, simple leather straps and basic black cotton Domke straps. Whichever I use depends on where I’m going and what I’m doing. Either way, I use something bland because I don’t want to draw attention to myself.
6- Memory cards. Bring enough large cards of the best quality so that you won’t need to reformat or delete any images until after you get home. Back up all your images on at least two different storage devices before you delete anything.
7- Hard Drive. Bring a large enough portable hard drive that you will be able to store all your images taken on your travels without deleting anything. Buy the best quality you can afford. The size of the files from cameras have gotten really big and eat up tons of storage. My current travel hard drive is a LaCie 4tb rugged RAID. These drives can fail for a variety of reasons, therefore don’t delete anything from your memory cards until you are home and have at least two back ups. I had my hard drive Thunderbolt connector break in India last year, disaster was avoided because I had enough memory cards to keep all my images and continue shooting until I got home. LaCie replaced the drive under warranty, no questions asked.
8- Laptop. You can get by with a tablet instead of a computer but you’ll wish you hadn’t. I took a tablet on our overland trip from Istanbul to Beijing a few years ago. I regretted not bringing my computer. Personal choice.
9- Cables and power adapters. Cables to charge all your devices and cables to connect your camera to the external hard drive, charger, laptop or however you have your stuff set up. We always bring a couple of power strips to plug all our devices into. Great in hotel rooms, airports and trains. Mine has USB ports as well. Be sure to bring outlet adapters that work in the countries you’ll be traveling to. Plug the power strip into the adapter and you’re good to go.
10- Cleaning supplies. Blower and brushes. Be careful not to transfer the dirt from the exterior of your camera and lenses to the interior more sensitive areas. Bring microfiber cloths for things like the viewfinder, LCD screen, lenses and filters. I also keep a Buff or cotton bandana in my bag to cover my camera and the front of my lens in really dirty, dusty environments, it helps a lot.
11- Tripod, monopod, sandbag and cable release. Completely optional depending on your photography goals. Don’t forget the camera plate or L bracket that attaches your camera or lens to the tripod head.
12- Tools. Keep it simple. I always travel with a Leatherman Juice and bit kit. During plane travel it stays in the checked luggage. Choose the tools that work best for your particular needs.
13- Camera bag. A huge topic unto itself. It’s easier to carry all your gear in a backpack than a shoulder bag but it’s easier to get to your gear in a shoulder bag or fanny pack. Generally I use my backpack while I’m transporting my gear and a nondescript shoulder bag when I’m walking around and to need to get at things quickly.
14- Flash, bounce and reflectors. Entirely optional depending on your style. Bring batteries.
15- Hand sanitizer and camp soap. Keeps your hands clean and for washing the various cloths, Buffs and bandanas.
16- Hat and sunglasses. Personal preference but you’ll be a lot more comfortable if you bring them along.
17- Bandana or Buff for wiping down your gear and yourself. Also useful for covering your neck from the cold and sun and mouth and nose from the dust. Besides, they look cool, bring a couple.
18- Head lamp and extra batteries. Useful when it’s dark and keeps your hands free. Will help you spot the tiger tracks.
19- Something to read. A guide book or field guide for educating yourself in the downtime.
20- A notebook or journal and something to write with. Keep track of your experiences while they’re fresh in your mind. Come up with new ideas. Useful for keeping a shot list if you have one. A journal is something no traveler should be without, best of all they don’t use electricity and are fun to write in over coffee. See my article on keeping a travel journal.
