Essential Gear for the Traveling Photographer
You may be packing for a short road trip into the countryside or preparing for a dream overseas adventure. However, finding the perfect balance between packing all the necessary camera equipment you may need and not completely overloading your luggage can be challenging.
If you are new to the world of photography and unsure where to begin, it is best to consult with the experts for guidance before making any purchases. Contact your local photography retailer, like C.R Kennedy Photo Imaging, for tips and advice before settling on your perfect choice.
Camera
The nature of your trip and how much emphasis you plan to put on photography will largely influence the camera you choose to travel with. If you have yet to purchase a camera for your travels, you may find it more useful to rent a camera for a day or two to test whether it is right for you. Depending on your location, you can find online or in-person rental companies.
If or when you are in the market for a new camera, it is best to shop around to find the best deal. Many secondhand cameras are in excellent working condition and will have a far more affordable price tag.
Linkhouse
Lenses
Depending on how you initially purchase your camera, it will typically come with just one low-quality lens or be sold as ‘body only,’ meaning you will need to buy a lens separately. Lenses make a massive difference in the quality and composition of a photo, making it crucial to carefully consider the type of lens you will need to capture the images you want.
A wide-angle lens will deliver drastically different results than a telephoto lens, while wide-aperture lenses help to shoot in very low light, although you will pay more in money, size, and weight. If your budget or luggage allowance only allows for one travel lens, select a ‘workhorse’ lens, which can be used for all your photography needs. It should offer a varied range of focal lengths, be lightweight, and provide good optical quality.
Tripod
A tripod is one of the most invaluable gear items you can include in your photography kit. Without one, you won’t be able to take photos that require slow shutter speeds despite the advancement of image stabilization technology. While you may think lugging a tripod around can slow you down, the extra time allows you to properly think about the shot you want to compose instead of aimlessly snapping away. Considering the general weight of photography equipment, it is best to invest in a more expensive, durable, but lightweight tripod.
Your tripod will serve as the foundation for many great shots, but it may be worthwhile extending your setup by including a remote release. While you can rely on your camera’s built-in timer, a dedicated remote will help you eliminate the risk of a camera shake, which could easily ruin the perfect shot. Removing the need to touch your camera when capturing a shot is especially crucial when working with slow shutter speeds for the perfect exposure.
External Hard Drive
Having the ability to capture your travels in lifelong images is a dream for any photography enthusiast. But that dream can quickly become a nightmare if something tragic happens to your memory cards. It is in these moments that you will thank yourself a hundred times over for incorporating an external hard drive into your kit.
When you return home from a day of shooting, you can instantly transfer all your images onto your hard drive, giving you peace of mind that your photos are safe and freeing up memory space for a new day of adventures. Because of the haphazard nature of traveling, it is strongly recommended that you invest in a durable, sturdy, and shock-resistant hard drive that can withstand a few bumps along the way.
Memory Cards
When deciding on the correct amount of memory cards to take along on your trip, there are a few things to consider. You need to factor in the length of your trip, your personal shooting style, the megapixels your camera operates with, and the general capacity of the memory cards you are using.
Those who enjoy long stretches of shooting or are fans of burst mode need a sizeable amount of storage space to hold their images. But don't just consider the quantity of your cards. Spend the extra money to invest in high-quality memory cards and durable memory card cases to shield your precious cargo from harsh environmental elements.
Camera Bag
When deciding on the ideal camera bag to carry your valuable items, you need to prioritize durability and comfort. Not only are they responsible for safekeeping your camera equipment while traveling, but they also hold everything you will need once you reach your destination.
Whether you are scaling snow-capped mountains, covering vast desert terrains, or braving the wet weather for the perfect shot, your camera bag must ensure your equipment stays well protected while remaining comfortable for carrying between locations.
Extra Batteries
A camera cannot function without batteries. Just as you would never leave for a trip with just one memory card on hand, you should never rely on just one battery to get through your travels. The need for additional batteries becomes even more critical if you are not able to confidently predict if or when you may next have access to an electrical source.
Buying original batteries will be a pricey option, but for many people, it assures them of the quality they are purchasing. For warmer climates or locations where you know there will be frequent access to power, one spare set should be sufficient. However, for cold temperatures or places where charging will be more difficult, 3-5 spare batteries will keep you going.
More Travel Articles
