Top 5 Travel Camera Gear Essentials
As a photographer and videographer that is constantly on the road, yet still wanting to capture the highest quality images and videos possible, I have shifted to only taking the very essential items along with me in my camera bag. Travelling light is crucial for documenting demanding hikes and climbs, and this list will help to get the gear out of the way to focus on what really matters: Capturing great images and videos!
Top 5 Travel Camera Gear Essentials
1 | Sony a6400
What better way to start than with the camera body itself! I personally like to take a lightweight, small camera body when travelling as this creates more space in my bag and isn’t as worn on my shoulders.
Taken with the Sony 6300 + Sigma 18-35 F1.8.
My travel camera of choice is my beloved Sony a6300, but there’s a new version (a6400) that has the same form factor but is more suited to vlogging and selfies with its flip-out screen. This camera body is super lightweight and absolutely packed with all of the specs and features that I need for travel photography and filmmaking, It features a 24MP APS-C sensor, RAW image format and 4K video. And all of that packed into a tiny form factor, perfect!
Here are a couple of other options for the small form factor, feature-packed camera bodies:
2 | Sigma 18-35mm F1.8
The lens that I shoot 90% of my work with is the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8. While this isn’t the smallest of lenses, it is widely known as one of the best for the price point. It offers a decent range and a constant aperture of F1.8, so you know you’re in good hands to get that beautiful bokeh! Not to mention the sharpness of this lens is great even with the aperture wide open. Overall this is a perfect lens for both photo and video, I never leave for a trip without this lens in my bag.
3 | Lowepro Flipside 350 AW Backpack
Now that you’ve got the camera body and lens sorted, you’re going to need something to safely and efficiently keep it in during those travel days and adventures.
In all of my searching for the “perfect” hiking camera bag, the Lowepro Flipside 350 AW comes pretty close. It offers a 15L capacity, including 3 main sections:
A dedicated, modular space for camera gear, lenses and other equipment. On top of this
A separate space perfect for snacks, raincoats and any other hiking essentials.
It also includes space for a 10” tablet or small laptop.
All in all, I think this backpack offers features and space that are perfect for travelling light and storing camera gear safely.
There is also a larger model of this backpack available for those who need more space:
4 | ZOMEI 72mm Variable ND Filter
Having an ND filter is essential, especially for the travel filmmakers out there. The ZOMEI Variable ND Filter is a great budget option for throwing in your bag for trips. It’s variable, meaning that you don’t have to carry more than one filter for different levels of ND, just turn this one and you’re good to go, perfect for saving space!
5 | Peak Design Capture Clip
Often on trips, I find myself either getting my camera in and out of my bag every 10 minutes or just carrying it in my hand the whole time. The Peak Design Capture Clip fixes this issue. It’s an extremely functional clip that can attach to a bag strap or belt and mount your camera on for easy access via a quick-release plate. Say goodbye to missing those once-in-a-lifetime shots due to fumbling around to find your camera!
So that’s my 5 travel camera gear essentials. I hope you found this article useful and it gave you some ideas for downsizing your gear selection for traveling, let me know your camera gear essentials in the comments below!
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