Photoequipment for Travellers: Camera(s), Lenses, Bags, Backpacks and Accessories
Which Photoequipment for Travellers is best?
The question “which photoequipment a travellers is best?”, We have been asked this question more than once and have come to the conclusion that the “one” photoequipment for everything a traveller needs does not really exist.
For this reason we have listed the photoequipment taken on each trip in our travel reports, so that you have a good overview of what should and should not be taken with you.
In order to give a full overview of our – meanwhile quite extensive – photo equipment, we have added it below and where possible it is also linked, so that you can find out technical details, prices, etc. quickly. Depending on the destination, we then use the below “toolkit” and buy and sell one or two in between. The list here is always up to date.
Our Cameras: Point and Shoot and DSLR
GoPro8
Until recently our beloved Nikon P7800 (12MP) stood here. She can do everything a big DSLR can do but the optical quality, especially video, can’t keep up anymore, so we replaced her with a GoPro8 with accessories, especially to be able to record videos quickly and easily and if necessary to take snapshots.
D500
The Nikon D500 is our “middle one” in DX format. We like this little and light sister of the D850 and if you do not mind the DX format, there is hardly anything better on the market.
D850
The Nikon D850 is our flagship and above all in terms of weight. With the 24-70mm lens attached you easily carry 2.2kg in your hand. But if you look at the pictures later, it is quickly forgotten, because they are of absolute top quality and certainly the current standard for full-frame DSLRs.
DJI Mavic Mini Flight Combo
For aerial photos and videos we have bought the DJI Mavic Mini. We recommend to buy the “Flight Combo” right away, because you get a charger, 2 additional batteries and much more for a small extra charge. It has a max. resolution of 2.7k, but weighs less than 250gr and is therefore neither subject to identification nor registration, as for example in the USA. If you also want to buy a drone, then think about the liability insurance, if drones are not covered in your normal insurance.
Our Lenses:
There is not much to say about the lenses. Most commonly we use the zoom lenses, especially the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm. But that is probably the case with most people. For commissioned work, the fixed focal lengths are used more often and in Wildlife clearly the big telephoto lenses.
Our Tripods and Heads:
Like many others before us, we also started with a cheap tripod and ended up feeling very sorry for it. If you decide on a tripod, you should adapt it to the equipment and spend a little more. We chose Manfrotto, Benro and Sirui. Of course, Gitzo is first class, but you often pay for the name. Sirui offers similar quality and is much cheaper.
Our Backpacks, Bags and Trolleys:
Is there the “all-rounder” for every occasion? The answer is clearly no! If we e.g. traveling in the city and just want to take the camera without large accessories and “fast” to be ready to photograph, then the Allegra 30 Manfrotto is still our measure of things. But in the evening you also notice what you have carried around all day on your shoulder. In the Allegra fits even a Prof DSLR with the Tamron 150-600 (!).
Lowepro Runner 450 AW, Tenba Roadie Roller and Flipside 400 AW II
If you go on a safari and have to get everything to Africa first, then the Tenba or Lowepro Runner 450 AW is ideal. But in your destination you do not want to run around with it all the time, so you need another bag or backpack, like the Flipside 400 AW II from Lowepro.
Each trip has its own rules
You have to think about your bags all the time. We have come to terms with it and can cover everything now with the mix of bags, trolleys and backpacks we have.
In addition, we have a Jack Wolfskin Photo Pack for mountain tours, which unfortunately can not be bought anymore.
Lowepro Runner 450 AW - close to perfection
If you want to name one of the backpacks the “all-rounder”, then it’s actually the Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW. His capacity is almost limitless and he is of top quality. Unfortunately, he also packed a decent weight, which has to be towed. That’s why we bought the trolleys. The Tenba is absolutely great and fits all camera formats.
Lowepro Flipside 400 AW II - the great "add on" or ideal for short trips with little gear
The Lowepro Flipside is newly added and is also great, as in this relatively “compact” backpack and with a little trick a professional DSLR fits (for example, D850 with batterygrip and 24-70mm lens attached). At the moment we mainly use the Lowepro Runner 450 AW and 300AW to store the equipment.
Our Filterset, Laptop and other stuff:
Laptop and back up hard drive are included in every big tour. The filter set we have used rather less, but it’s fun, under the right conditions. As memory cards for the cameras, we use almost exclusively SanDisk SD and everything from 4-128 GB. Here is the development so fast that we do not list these extra. Same for little accessories, such as bellows, lens cloths, Beanbags, power strips, adapters etc.
A final advice on photoequipment for travellers:
Photoequipment for Travellers does not always have to be new. We also bought some accessories used. But you should know it well. We also recommend you for larger purchases to go to your expert photo store. We have never regretted that.