When we travel, the first thing we pack is our camera gear! Not only because we’re photographers but because capturing everything is so very important to us. I remember flipping through scrapbooks of my childhood photos that my mom carefully organized for us. Seeing images printed is one of the most important things, so we always get albums printed from our trips. Taking high-quality photos of those trips makes printing the album so much more fun!

So, if you’re planning a trip somewhere, whether it’s in the States or internationally, let us help you narrow down what gear to bring!

Practicality

One of the most important things to consider when packing your travel camera gear is what you will actually use. Will you have focal lengths that overlap? How much space do you have to carry gear? How heavy do you want your bags to be? Do you really need a lens with an f2.8 aperature? I usually consider, too, what I am photographing. If I am traveling for a wedding or portraits, I know I will bring my 28-70 f/2 lens. If I am traveling to photograph landscapes, my main lens will be my 24-105.

Weight

Can you rent gear where you are going? Some camera stores let you rent gear, so this can help cut down on weight if you can rent your favorite lens where you are going. This also prevents an accident from happening to your own gear versus borrowed gear, which usually includes insurance coverage when you rent it.

Another thing to consider is how much gear you can take where you are going. Especially when traveling internationally, you may not always be able to take your full kit. For example, Mexico only allows 2 cameras per person to pass through customs. If you have more than that, you are fined an expensive fine, and your gear is usually confiscated, or you have to talk to immigration about why you have so much gear. We almost lost our gear in Mexico because of this when we traveled one time for a wedding!

Flying

This is kind of already covered above, but think about whether you are flying. Can you pack what you want in a carry-on? If your carry-on is too big, you may be forced to check your bag. Do you have a way to keep it with you to avoid that? Never EVER check camera gear, as it will most likely be broken by the time you land!

Our Gear List

When we’re traveling, unless it’s to photograph a wedding or elopement, we try to go as light as possible! This is what we typically bring while traveling:

• Canon r5 body
• Canon r6mkii
• Canon 50 1.8
• Canon 16-35 f4
• Canon 24-105 f4
• Canon 100-500 4.5-7.1
• Drone (Mavic Mini)

We bring one camera body for each of us, our favorite trio, and one lens with a low aperature in case we want to take headshots, product photos, or a portrait session. If we’re traveling for video, we usually include these, or swap out a Canon body for a Sony body:

• Sony a7iv
• Sony a7v
• Sony 50 1.2 GM
• Sigma 35 1.4
• Sony 24-105

We, of course, include a few extras like these items as well:

• Circular Polarizers
• ND Filters
• Small Rig Cages
• Extra batteries
• Extra SD & CF Express cards
• Camera cleaning kit
• Lens straps
• Tripods (big and handheld)
• Charging cords
• Lens hoods

I am a huge proponent of using lens hoods when traveling and photographing, especially because I do not use plain UV filters on my lenses. Some photographers will argue against this, but I’ve never had good results with UV filters. They either add haze or glare to my images, or soften them unnaturally, and I really don’t like the look. They are good for protecting your lens if it falls, but I prefer to use a lens hood to protect the front element from accidental swings, bumps, or scratches.

That’s it! I hope this gave you a good idea of what to take with you while traveling and how to choose the best gear!

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