I get a lot of questions on Instagram and my blog about what camera I use and how I take all my travel photos, so I thought I’d lay out all my travel photo gear for y’all!
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Travel Photo Gear: Cameras
Canon Rebel SL2
This is my newest camera that I got from Precision Camera right here in Austin (also available on Amazon). Its super lightweight which makes it great for traveling. It has 24.2 megapixels sensor for really great quality high-resolution images. It’s got a sweet touchscreen that makes adjusting settings easy.
My favorite part though is definitely the Wi-Fi feature — through the Canon app, you can send the photos straight from your camera to your phone no matter where you are! Which makes posting to Instagram a lot easier when on the road. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a high-quality camera for a great price (under $600)!
Travel Photo Gear: Camera Lenses
When it comes to DSLR cameras, it’s all about the lenses. I have 5 lenses for my camera and an additional fisheye/macro attachment.
The 18-135mm lens is perfect for nearly any situation, especially when traveling because it has such a wide range zoom. I don’t have to worry about bringing multiple lenses as much now! I bought my lens pre-owned at Precision Camera and highly, highly recommend them. Took the below pictures on it, you can see it works for a variety of different situations:
This 75-300mm telephoto lens has fantastic zoom capabilities! It’s great for capturing things really far away and creating a lovely depth of field. I use this for wildlife (obviously haha) or getting fine details.
A wide-angle lens is essential for travel! I use the Canon EF-S 10-18mm and it takes really great landscape photos, I used it a lot on my trip to New Zealand, The Great Ocean Road, and Utah Road Trip!
This 40 mm pancake lens goes all the way down to an f 2.8 so creates a great blurred background for portraits.
Note: They no longer make the 40, but the 50mm goes to an f 1.8.
My Canon EF-S 24mm lens also goes down to an f 2.8 so has great blurred backgrounds, but can capture a little more in the frame than the 40 mm pancake I have. I also really like this one for portraits or product shots!
The Macro and wide angle/fisheye lens attachment screws on to the end of my other lenses. To be honest, I don’t use these all that much, but, they can create some cool, artsy effects.
UPDATE: I have since retired this lens, but it is still an awesome one for anyone just starting out or needing an all-around basic, go-to lens!
This lens is great for everyday use, is super versatile, and good in most situations. This has been my go-to lens for years.
Travel Photo Gear: Drone
DJI Spark Drone
I finally bit the bullet and got myself a drone! After much deliberation and research, I decided to get the DJI Spark.
Trying to decide if a drone is worth it? Check out this post.
I am so happy with it! It’s so small, super lightweight, and very easy to use! I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great beginner drone. I suggest the “Fly More” package because it comes with extra batteries, a controller (super necessary), and a carrying case!
Just look at the amazing photos I got in Mexico:
I absolutely love my Pacsafe Camsafe Backpack! It is perfect for travelers because the safety features are amazing. The fabric and straps are made of eXomesh and are slash-proof. There are RFID blocking pockets that protect from scan scam. The zippers have a clip lock, making it difficult for pickpockets. It also has a front chest clip for comfort and security.
The bag itself holds most DSLRs with a lens and 2-3 additional lenses. The website says it holds fewer, but I was able to get my camera and all lenses in just fine (granted the pancake lens is quite small)! There is an easy access zipper on the side that lets you take lenses in and out. The back has really comfy padding. Even with all my gear in it, the weight didn’t feel too heavy at all. There is also a space for a tripod or drink bottle.
You can get it on their website or on Amazon! PS – they don’t just make camera bags, they make all kinds of anti-theft bags including luggage, purses, wallets, and more!
Travel Photo Gear Accessories
Extra Batteries
If you traveling, these will be a lifesaver. There have many times when I wasn’t able to charge my camera battery from the day before, and my back-up saved me.
Tripod
Tripods are necessary for any low light or long exposure settings. I have a Vanguard Espod CX 204AP and it’s been great for me.
I also use it when I’m traveling on my own to get photos of me, like the one below:
Lens Filters
I have a couple different lens filters that I use. The first is a polarizer. It’s great for cutting out glare and reducing reflection.
The next is a UV protector. It reduces UV light and helps eliminate a blue-ish cast in photos.
The last filter I have is an ND (Neutral Density) filter. This is for more advanced photography, but basically, it allows you to take longer exposures in brighter light.
Cleaning Tools
An assortment of brushes and cleaning cloths are always handy. Mine all came in the kit I bought my wide angle lens with.
Memory Cards
It’s always good to have a couple of these. I just got a Lexar 64 GB that holds thousands of RAW photos, it’s great. I also have a couple smaller GB SanDisk ones as well. I’d say it’s worth it to get at least a 32 GB card.
Wireless Timer Remote
I use my wireless timer remote mainly for time lapses and self-portraits. Because it’s wireless, you can set your camera up on a tripod and simply press a button on the remote to take a picture — perfect for solo travelers!
Lens Hood
This is another accessory that came with my 10-18 mm lens kit. To be honest, I didn’t really know what this did before getting it, just thought it looked cool haha! But it helps with reducing lens flare (which I actually kinda like sometimes) and protects the lens (the main reason I use it). You can buy one cheaply on Amazon, just be sure to check the size of your lens, it’s not one size fits all!
Amazon offers a good accessories kit for $15 that includes lens filters, a lens hood, an extra lens cap, and a cleaning cloth!
Travel/Adventure Action Cameras
Lightdow LD4000 1080P HD Sports Action Camera
I am always so excited to tell people about this camera! Coming to Australia I knew I wanted an underwater camera but was about to take a serious pay cut from my last job so wanted a cheaper option than a GoPro. GoPros are awesome cameras, but I was able to find an alternative on Amazon that I absolutely LOVE — and it’s only $50 USD! I took some really great pics on the Great Barrier Reef and in Fiji.
GoPro
Thanks to my friend Taylor (awesome videographer), I now have a GoPro as well! I haven’t had a chance to use it yet, but am bringing it with me on my skiing trip!
Other Travel Photo Gear/Cameras
My dad saw this on my Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers and got it for me for my birthday! I’m still learning to play with it, but it definitely can add some fun to your travel pics!
iPhone
The quality of iPhone photos continues to amaze me! You don’t necessarily need a big fancy DSLR camera to take amazing travel pictures, an iPhone is a great option, and way more convenient to carry around.
Especially with the iPhones (And many other smart phones) now having portrait mode, it’s amazing!
Note: I don’t take every single thing with me whenever I travel, I cater it to where I’m going and what I’m going to be doing. No need for me to bring a portrait lens if I’m going to be shooting only landscape and vice versa!
So there ya have it! A rundown of all the travel photo gear I use. If you have any other questions on gear or even travel photography in general, just drop me a note here or on Instagram 🙂
xx Chels
Great article! Especially love the suggestion of the cut proof backpack. I just use a lock on my regular backpack but never thought of going cut proof!
Ah thank you! Yeah the backpack is seriously great, would absolutely recommend to anyone!
Really great post! Very interesting and useful to see what you use. Thanks for sharing with us!
Great share! Thank you for the tips!
No problem 🙂
The difference between the filters is interesting to see!