My Favorite Travel Photography Gear as a Travel Blogger
Whether you are an avid traveler or new to traveling, everyone wants to take amazing travel photos. After over four years of traveling, I’ve gone through many iterations of travel photography gear, cameras, and lenses. I started only using my iPhone X, then upgraded to a beginner’s DSLR, and now I am using an upper mid-range Mirrorless camera. While I haven’t ventured into drones (yet!), it is next on my radar.
So if you’re interested in getting started or even upgrading your gear, keep reading to learn my choices for travel photography gear!
Disclaimer: I only recommend products I absolutely love, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. Please consider using the link to support my blog! You can read my full privacy policy here.
Cameras for Travel Photography Gear
For Photography
Literally, the most essential item in your travel photography gear is your camera.
While I am by no means an expert photographer, I do have my opinions and preferences. If you want to learn more about any gear I mention, check out the Fro Knows Photo website or his YouTube!
Recommendations for Beginner Photographers
This entry level DLSR is super budget friendly, and great if you want to see how much you like photography before diving off the deep end. Note that if you want to go the mirrorless route in the future, the lenses for this camera will not fit without an adapter.
While this camera is more expensive, it is mirrorless, which IMO is the better purchase as this is where most of the new development in camera technology is.
My Current Gear (Intermediate/Enthusiast)
Canon EOS R6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
This camera has 20 MegaPixels, 4K video, dual memory card slots, and subject tracking. It’s also lightweight at only 1.5 lbs, and if you have small hands like me, you will be able to grip it comfortably. This camera has been worth every penny, and I’ve been impressed with every photo, from the beautiful photos of the sunrise over the Danube in Budapest to the epic wildlife shots I took in South Africa.
For Video
I’ve also taken many great videos on my Canon EOS R6, though the sound quality is not great if you are looking to do voice-overs.
I also take a lot of videos with my iPhone 13 Pro Max, always on 4k and 60fsp. I have so many great videos from our safari on my phone, including one where an elephant walked right up to our room. Sometimes, there’s just no time to grab the serious travel photography gear!
Lenses for Travel Photography Gear
No matter how great of a camera you have, you must have good lenses too for your travel photography gear! I have several and I have also rented lenses for specific trips too. If you don’t have the money to spend on a good lens for a specific trip, definitely check out rental options. They are affordable, even with insurance. It’s also a great opportunity to test out an expensive lens to see if you actually like it. I’ve only listed the Canon RF lenses since they are the ones I have used most.
For Cities
St Peter’s Dome in Vienna, Austria
Canon RF24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM
This is my go to travel lens! It is versatile for many types of travel photography, whether you are trying to capture landscapes, portraits, or cityscapes.
This is the better option of these two lenses because you have much better low light opportunities. If you love to shoot blue hour or nightscapes, this is the one you should choose.
For Landscapes
Sunset over Kruger National Park
Canon RF15-30mm F4.5-6.3 is STM
A lens great for all landscapes, you are sure to capture every epic view!
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L is USM
This is the better of the two lenses, again because it has a lower aperture which allows for better low light shots.
For Wildlife
Kudu in Kruger National Park
Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM
I rented this lens when we went on Safari, and I will probably buy it before our next one! Peep the little bird about to ride the Kudu into battle above.
Accessories for Travel Photography Gear
Tripods
This tripod is compact and made from aluminum, easily fitting into a water bottle pocket on a standard backpack. One day I will get the carbon fiber version, though! Until then, this is a staple in my travel photography gear.
Bags
While it is not the most breathable bag (hello soaked back during European summers!), it is versatile and carries everything I need for a weekend trip. It even has a strap for your tripod!
This is perfect for walking around a European city all day. It is light but holds your camera, lens, batteries, SD cards, and money!
Miscellaneous
SD Cards are your essentials after the camera. These write quickly enough for travel photography and are durable. I’ve used the same ones for about two years now, which means I probably need to buy more before these fail on me… brb!
I love the buttons that stay attached to my camera, allowing me to change from strap to wristlet or secure it to my tripod.
There is nothing worse than your camera dying mid-shot on safari! I carry at least two spare batteries if I am going to be out all day. Besides a camera, lens, and SD card, this is the bare minimum for any travel photography gear.
Final Thoughts on My Favorite Travel Photography Gear
Having the right travel photography gear is essential for capturing beautiful images and memories of your travels. Photography, like travel, is an expensive hobby, but IMO, worth every penny! Let me know in the comments what your go-to gear is, and if you are Team Nikon, Canon, or Sony!