1. Camera
Needless to say, every travel photographer needs at least one camera
What is the best travel photography camera? Honestly, there are a lot of different options, and a lot of them are able to take great photos, so the only way to really know what's right is for you to think about your shooting preferences and do some serious research.
On the one hand, make sure your camera is portable enough to carry around the world while providing powerful enough image quality to make stunning photos. It sounds like a daunting task, but you can find entry-level mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and even small, lightweight, and photo-take-and-shoot cameras (which won't break the bank either).
Of course, there are also professional-grade cameras that meet the requirements, but the price is much higher. Professional travel photographers tend to use high-end mirrorless and DSLR cameras, which range in price from $1,500 to $5,000. One advantage of these cameras, in addition to its crazy low-light capabilities and high megapixel counts, is the (usually) powerful weather seal. If you're planning to shoot in rain, snow, wind and sand, or waves, weather sealing is very beneficial. It might even be a must-have feature.
If you are not sure if a particular camera is right for you, the author strongly recommends that you rent it before purchasing it. There are a lot of great online rental companies (you can also find face-to-face rental companies locally). Take the camera for a day or three, go out and take a few photos and see what you think. You may end up feeling frustrated, or you may fall in love – but after a few hours, you'll know if it's worth buying.
By the way, when you're ready to buy, shop around. Don't forget that you can always buy a used camera; these cost only half, but are usually in good condition.
2. Lens
Usually, cameras only come with a low-quality lens, or they may be "body only", which means you need to buy the lens separately.
Lenses do vary greatly, so the authors recommend that you carefully consider your travel photography lens choices. For example, a wide-angle lens will give you a completely different result than a telephoto lens. A large-aperture lens allows you to shoot in very low light, although you will pay for it in money, size and weight.
First, you need a workhorse lens that can be used for most travel photography. It should offer a good focal length range, should be relatively lightweight, and should provide good optical quality. The author recommends a 24-70mm lens, which is perfect for shooting everything from landscapes to travel portraits. (In fact, you can get away with it by simply buying 24-70mm lenses; they're truly versatile!) ）
However, if your budget allows, the author recommends that you add a telephoto lens to complement your workhorse lens. For example, the 70-200mm lens is ideal for capturing more compact landscapes, architectural details, and even large (or tamed) wildlife.
Over time, you can always build your lens series further by adding macro or fixed-focus lenses, but if you can start with 24-70mm lenses and 70-200mm lenses, or even just 24-70mm lenses, you'll be in great shape.
Here's a list of basic shots that the author carries with him on every trip:
- 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom
- 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom
- 50mm f/1.2 fixed focus
- 100mm f/2.8 macro
3. Tripod
Beginner travel photographers may not like the idea of buying a tripod – after all, it can be expensive, cumbersome to transport, and can slow down your shooting speed – but here's the thing:
A tripod is one of the most valuable travel photography gear you will have. In fact, ask any travel photographer to name their favorite accessory and they'll most likely say tripod.
What makes a tripod so special?
On the one hand, without a tripod, you can't take photos that require a slow shutter speed. Stabilization is great, but you can't take extra-long exposures with IS at night; try it, and you might end up with a series of blurry photos.
Yes, a tripod does slow you down, but it's usually a good thing. A tripod means you can spend more time thinking and creating than just rushing around.
There are plenty of amazing tripods, and which one you choose depends on personal preference, budget, and weight capacity. Most travel photographers use carbon fiber tripods because they are both stable and lightweight.
Now, when you look at the tripod, you might notice a lot of cheap options — ranging from $200 to $500 — and you're wondering: Why can't I get one of them?
Well, you can, but they usually weigh up to a ton. You might think that 7 pounds doesn't sound like much, but try carrying a 7 pound tripod throughout the day (along with your camera, lenses, and accessories) and you'll want to pay more for lighter models.
If you find a cheap tripod that weighs less than a ton, it can be very unstable. Do you really want to rely on something cheap and fragile to prop up your expensive camera? In the author's opinion, you should always choose the best tripod you can afford. In any case, it will last a long time and is well worth the initial investment.
4. A camera bag
A tripod is probably the most important travel photography accessory you have, but camera bags are close behind, so be sure to buy something that's quality, durable, and comfortable.
As you will see, camera bags are often overlooked, but they can not only keep your device safe in transit, but they can also store your device while you take a photo at your destination. They protect your precious cameras and lenses from sand, rain and snow and ensure you stay comfortable walking or hiking from one place.
There are many camera bags to choose from, which vary in size, durability, comfort, accessories, and cost. You'll need to choose a package that's right for you, and as your experience gets richer, you may want to buy different packages for different scenarios.
5. Little things
At this point, you have a camera, lens, tripod, and bag, which means you've bought all your commodities. But there are some additional items that the authors have not yet mentioned. The author is talking about:
- Camera battery
- Memory card
- Lens cleaning kit
All of these projects are essential, so let's tackle them all at once.
First, the camera battery: when you buy a camera, it comes with a rechargeable battery, but at least it might be wise to invest in one more. The last thing you want to do is go out and take pictures when the battery is faulty. Spare parts always come in handy. (Note: Mirrorless cameras have a particularly poor battery life, so if you shoot without mirrors, you may need two or three spare batteries.) ）
Next, you need to buy a memory card that is the right size. Cost will be a factor here, but keep in mind that RAW files take up a lot of space, so if you're planning to shoot in RAW format, you'll definitely need extra. Depending on your shooting style, you may fill up with a 64 GB card in a day or two, so bring two, three, or more cards with you for safety.
Finally, you'll want a lens cleaning kit. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated; you might just buy a brush and a lens cloth. But no matter what your destination is, you'll need to wipe away dust, debris, and dirt from your lens glass, and if you have the right cleaning kit, you won't have to worry about damaging your device.