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What’s in my travel camera bag?
Headed to the beautiful islands of the Caribbean? Or planning a trip somewhere else around this amazing planet? Not sure what photography gear to pack or even what bag to use? Every trip, I research potential shooting locations and go through all my equipment to see what I should bring. Obviously, the studio gear stays home, but even the small stuff can add up! I keep track of what I packed, what I used, and what just took up space.
CAMERA BAGS
Think Tank Airport Airstream Roller Bag My favorite roller bag because it meets all international guidelines. It’s compact, holds a ton of stuff, and is as tough as nails. The front pocket expands to hold the laptop bag. The only downside is that it holds so much stuff for its compact size that you have to watch the airline’s weight limit. We had an issue with that on Aer Lingus. It has been discontinued, but Think Tank offer some new roller bags of comparable size. Read about it here.
Think Tank Photo Airport International This roller bag is pretty big and is only making it on road trips this year. I cannot imagine lifting this bag fully loaded into the overhead compartment. But if you have a lot of gear, and a good upper body workout routine, this is an excellent choice.
For travel of any distance, I prefer to take a large tote bag, the Longchamp Le Pliage with the long handles, and pop my gear in that for every day treks. That way, you don’t look like a photographer, but have your gear available. It will also hold everything else you need, maps, money, sunglasses, etc. I also have a Billingham Hadley Large Canvas Shoulder Bag which is a classic bag with easily accessible pockets which is larger than the Speed Freak and has the classic look I love. I purchased the Billingham in 2008 and it’s still going strong! I loved it so much, I purchase the small Hadley in red and the Hadley One in navy!
Think Tank Artificial Intelligence Laptop Bag with Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro I use this bag for work as well as travel. It’s Think Tank, so it’s built like a tank. There is a back pocket for legal pads or folders and a generous front pocket to hold all those pesky cords and external drives. It slides into the stretchy pocket on the front of the Airport Airstream for travel.
Think Tank Speed Freak Carryon Bag A gift from my husband, this is a great walking around bag. It holds a DSLR with lens and another lens or two, depending upon length. There is a nice front pocket which will hold filters and wipes, and two generous side pockets to hold flashes or extras.
CAMERAS
Fujifilm GFX 50R with Fujinon GF 50mm f/3.5 WR
Once this camera was discontinued, a lot of good deals were available. After selling a few film cameras and lenses I wasn’t using much, I was able to get a used camera and the 50mm lens with a Fuji rebate. I’m just beginning to learn the ropes, but I really like what I’m seeing.
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Camera with Canon EF to R Control Ring Adapter
After nearly 10 years with my 5D Mark II, it was time for an upgrade. I am stunned at how beautiful my EF lenses are on this body, and I’m sold on mirrorless cameras.
My backup, collecting a bit of dust given the mirrorless options.
LENSES
I rented this lens for our trip to Ireland in 2011, and finally got it used at a reasonable price and in great condition. This lens was essential to capture the details inside the churches we visited with its wide angle and low light capability.
Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm f.2.8 ZE (82)
Perfect for landscape photography and capturing the night sky, this Zeiss lens focuses like a dream, although it is manual focus. Since returning to film photography and shooting manual focus lenses, I don’t mind manually focusing, and the image quality of this lens is outstanding. It is a solid lens and is a bit heavy, but this might just replace my 35L in my travel bag. Time will tell. Filter size is 82mm.
Canon 24mm f/1.4L II (77)
I rented this lens twice and finally found it at a great price to justify the purchase. It’s not as sharp as the Zeiss, but has autofocus, making it perfect for walking around a new city and capturing things in a snap.
Canon 35mm f/1.4 L (72)
I am gravitating toward primes and the 35L became my walkaround lens for travel. The 35mm focal length on a full frame camera is pretty comparable to your natural field of view. Filter size is 72mm.
Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L (77)
This was my first L lens and I have never regretted the purchase. It weighs a ton (roughly 2-1/2 pounds) but my wrist soon adapted. It was responsible for the majority of my shots while traveling, although now I’m leaning toward traveling with primes. It’s a great event lens to get group shots or zoom in for a nice portrait. Filter size is 77mm.
Canon 50mm f/1.2L (72)
Some love it, others hate it, but there is no dispute that this lens renders a look which is unmatched by the many other 50mm lenses on the market. It’s the heaviest of the Canon 50mm lenses, but compact, and easy to use as your go-to lens which stays on your camera. Filter size is 72mm.
Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZE (72)
If you can handle manually focusing your lenses, you should really check out Zeiss lenses. The image quality is outstanding, and you can get some of their older designs at awesome prices. This lens and the 21mm listed above are perfect examples of that. Filter size is 72mm.
Canon 135mm f/2 L (72)
This is my favorite lens for portraits. It has a gorgeous bokeh. Filter size is 72mm.
Canon 200mm f/2.8 II (72)
When I need a bit more reach, this one does the trick. It works with the 1.4x extender as well, taking me to 280mm.
This little gem gives me a bit more reach when needed. The 135mm with the 1.4x extender becomes a 189mm lens. It is small (2.8 by 1.1 inches) and lightweight (7.9 ounces), so you can always have it with you and avoid the necessity of bringing the 200mm f/2.8 L lens. It is only compatible with fixed focal length L lenses 135mm and longer, and on the 70-200/2.8L, 70-200/2.8L IS, 70-200/4L, and 100-400/4.5-5.6L. You also lose a stop of light, so keep that in mind. However, when you need a bit more reach, it’s a great accessory to have.
An incredibly compact lens that makes medium format portable.
Fujinon GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR (82)
Once the GF 20-35 was released, the used market was flooded with these lenses at bargain prices. Check out the used lenses at BH Photo or KEH for some incredible buys on this lens!
FLASH & TRIGGERS
Profoto A10 with transmitter for Canon & Profoto A1, transmitter for Fuji, Clic Grid & Gel Kit (20 degree Clic Grid, Half & Full CTO Clic Gels), 10 degree Clic Grid, Clic Creative Gel Kit (Rose Pink, Peacock Blue, Yellow), Scarlet, Blue, Half Plus Green, Light Lavender and Jade Clic Gels, OCF Adapter, 1.3′ Square Softbox and Grid, 3′ Octabox and Grid, Clic Snoot, and Clic Barndoors.
Triggering off-camera flash was unreliable with my new Canon EOS R while using my old flash triggers. Now I understand why people love Profoto. It’s simple and it works. Profoto takes the frustration out of firing your lights and makes it fun again. The Clic system makes changing gels and grids super fast and easy. They just snap on with magnets. The OCF Adapter allows you to use the OCF light shaping tools with your A series flashes. And to have a flash with a modeling light is a true pleasure. It gives you the control of a studio light in the portability of a speedlite.
Pocket Wizard PlusX Transceivers
I purchased these to use flash with my old film cameras. They are super simple in design and work flawlessly.
Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Light
This is not the most powerful LED light, but it does what I need it to. I use it for adding a bit more light in dark situations, as a video light, as a focus light, and as a beach flashlight when we’re making our way home after dinner. It runs on 4-AA batteries and can slide into the hotshoe on the top of your camera for convenience.
FILTERS
ND Filters
Hoya 72mm Variable Neutral Density Filter
Hoya 77mm Neutral Density x400 Filter (9 Stops)
Breakthrough Photography 82mm X4 ND 10-stop Filter
Breakthrough Photography 82mm X4 ND 6-stop Filter
Singh-Ray 37mm Mor-Slo 5-Stop Filter
I love ND filters. They are super handy when you want to make waterfalls, streams, and other bodies of water look silky smooth. They will also cut the light so you can get a shallow depth of field shot even in the super sunny Caribbean. The x400 gives you 9 stops of density. The variable ND is the most handy because you can dial in the light to exactly where you want it.
Cokin BPW400 Wide Angle Filter Holder for P Series
Singh Ray Daryl Benson 0.9 Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter
Singh Ray Galen Rowell 0.6 Soft-Edge Graduated Neutral Density Filter
Singh-Ray Galen Rowell Graduated Neutral Density 1.2 Soft-Edge Filter
I am new to the P filter thing, but one of my goals is to take better landscape shots. These filters allow you to properly expose the foreground against a bright sky and have the exposure correct across the board. The Galen Rowell is a soft edged ND filter for use when I’m trying to get both the sky and the foreground properly exposed. I have both the 2-stop (0.6), and the 4-stop (1.2). The Daryl Benson filter is what I call a sunrise/sunset filter. This 3-stop ND filter has the deepest density at the middle, gradually lightening as you move outward. The filter allows you to perfect the exposure when the sun is prominent at a flat horizon in your images.
Black & White Filters
Cokin P Black & White Filter Kit
Circular Polarizers
Breakthrough Photography 58mm X4 Circular Polarizer
B+W 67mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating
B+W 72mm Kaesemann XS-Pro Circular Polarizer MRC
B+W 77mm XS-Pro Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating
Singh-Ray 77mm Thin Lighter Brighter Neutral Circular Polarizer
B+W 82mm Circular Polarizer with MRC Coating
Singh-Ray 37mm LB Neutral Circular Polarizer
Circular polarizers are pretty essential when shooting around so much water. It cuts the reflected light and glare, maximizing your capture. Don’t leave for the islands without one. Be mindful with wide-angle lenses that it can cause uneven darkening of the sky at certain times of the day due to the position of the sun in the sky. Avoid using the circular polarizer or significantly dial back the polarization if shooting when the sun is low in the sky. I like to have one on each lens I travel with.
Color Correction Filters
Hoya 72mm 85 Color Conversion Hoya Multi-Coated (HMC) Filter
The 85 filter adds warmth to the image. I purchased it to use when shooting Cinestill 800T in daylight to warm things up!
Night Sky Filter
Breakthrough Photography Night Sky Filter (82mm)
I’m excited to try this filter out when shooting the night sky in the Caribbean. The idea behind the filter is that artificial light pollution ranges between 570 to 610 nanometers on the visible light spectrum, and can reduce starlight definition by up to 50%. You might notice that orange color cast when you shoot the night sky. This filter is designed to block those wavelengths, brightening your sky and better defining the stars.
Accessories
52mm to 67mm
58mm to 67mm
Breakthrough Photography Step Up Rings
62mm to 77mm
72mm to 77mm
72mm to 82mm
77mm to 82mm
I love the Breakthrough Photography Step Up Rings. The grooves on the sides make them easy to attach, and more importantly detach.
SUPPORT
Gitzo GM5561T Carbon Fiber Monopod
As part of my mission to get better landscapes, I started working on the support structure for my camera. Knowing that a tripod is not going most places, I purchased a Gitzo monopod, getting this with a great price and a nice Gitzo rebate. It is solid as a rock and light as a feather. The locks on this thing open and close like butter. They are not cheap, but wow, you will love it!
This all-terrain foot for the monopod was purchased with the idea that I will be messing around in a lot of sand.
Really Right Stuff MH-01 Monopod Head with lever release
People talk about Really Right Stuff, and now I know what they mean. Now I know why people buy these even though they never go on sale or have other rebates or promotions. Their stuff is solid and perfectly machined. The operation is smooth and once you’re locked in, your camera is not going anywhere. I purchased the lever release plate which is a dream. It’s super easy to open and close. I am a Really Right stuff fan!
Gitzo GT0532 Mountaineer Tripod
After my Fancier tripod took a dive, taking my beloved 24-70mm f/2.8 with it to the floor (resulting in about $450 in repairs), it was necessary to replace it. I spent a lot of time researching tripods to find one that met my needs in terms of weight and stability, but was still light enough for travel. I settled on the Gitzo GT 0532. This tripod had the newest Carbon eXact tubes, which were narrower and stiffer and could bear more weight than it’s predecessor in the “0” series. At 1.07kg (2.35 pounds), it was still light enough to carry. For more on why I chose the Gitzo GT 0532, read my review here.
Really Right Stuff BH-30 Ballhead
The Really Right Stuff ballhead is just as amazing as the monopod head. I opted for the compact ballhead for travel. Once mounted, there is no sag and no jiggle. This ballhead is rock solid.
Edelkrone has some really innovative designs for videographers, and the FlexTILT Head 2 is one of the most creative I’ve seen. This is a head which works with all their other products, allowing you to elevate, pan, and tilt your camera to optimize your shot. The beauty of the FlexTILT Head 2 is that it can be used as a travel tripod, folding down to a compact 4.1 x 3.3 x 1.1″ / 105 x 85 x 27 mm. It holds up to 5.5 pounds (2.5kg), so I can support my camera and lens, positioning the device to support the load.
Edelkrone’s HeadONE is a pan and tilt motor which can be used with the Edelkrone app to easily create smooth video or time lapses. The app is super easy to use and flawlessly connects all other motorized Edelkrone devices like the dollies and sliders.
Edelkrone Tilt Kit for HeadONE
With this kit and two HeadONEs, you have simultaneous pan and tilt motion, controlled by your Edelkrone app.
Edelkrone’s DollyONE is a motorized tabletop dolly which can move in linear or circular patterns, controlled by the Edelkrone app. It can be combined with the HeadOne and/or FlexTILT Head 2 to create smooth video and timelapses.
And incredible holiday deal at B&H brought this last piece into my Edelkrone setup. The plan is to try some milky way or night sky time lapses with the slider and HeadONE. We’ll test that out in Anguilla – let’s hope for clear skies!
Edelkrone StandONE All Terrain Foldable Camera Stand
This compact little device works like a tabletop tripod (although with four legs), and is completely adjustable to meet the terrain. It will work to support the slider and HeadONE system for those night sky time lapses.
UNDERWATER
Olympus TG-3 and TG-4 Waterproof Digital Cameras
I previously used the GoPro Hero 2 with dive housing, tripod mount, wrist housing, LCD BacPac, Wifi & remote, anti-fog inserts, and batteries. I won this in GoPro’s “Everything We Make” Sweepstakes in 2012. It was super fun to use on our trip to the BVI, but unfortunately, the waterproof housing leaked on our trip to Eleuthera, and it’s now history. I replaced it with the Olympus TG-3 Waterproof Digital Camera. It is a point-and-shoot, and does not shoot in RAW, but it’s small, goes anywhere, is super easy to clean, and has controls which are intuitive for DSLR user. None of those silly menus to keep clicking through like on the GoPro. A few months back we picked up the Olympus Tough TG-4 which upgrades from the TG-3 with RAW capture. Check out our review and comparison between the TG-3 and TG-4 here! Both are still going strong with annual seal replacements. See how to maintain your underwater camera here. I recently picked up the Hoya 40.5mm NXT Circular Polarizer Filter – Low Profile Aluminum Frame![""]("//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=myirietime-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B009I3MMDS")
Ewa-Marine UB100 Underwater Housing
This model accommodates DSLRs with lenses having filter sizes up to 82mm. I planned to use it with the Canon EF-S 10-22mm on the 40D, so it was perfect. I have used bags for underwater shooting and have had minimal success. They tend to be flimsy. This bag was not. Not only was it manufactured with a double-laminated PVC, it has a glass optical port for better image quality. The bag is constructed to fit your hand to access the controls, so you don’t feel like you are fighting the bag. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great compromise between the hard cases which will cost you thousands and the $25 bags which will cost you much more when you have to replace your camera gear. For my full review of the Ewa-Marine UB100, read my review here.
Sea to Summit 4L Lightweight Dry Sack
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag,Yellow,35-Liter I love, love, love Sea to Summit bags. The 4L Dry Sack held my DSLR and 24-70 f/2.8 L so I had no worries on our boat trips. The big 35L bag held my fins, mask, snorkel, and sunscreen. The top rolls down and snaps closed, creating a handle. Great bags!
MISCELLANEOUS
Sekonic L-358 Light Meter with RT-32CTL Radio Transmitter Module
Having a light meter takes all the guesswork out of the proper exposure, especially in tricky backlit or super bright situations. It overcomes the limitations of the camera’s light meter so you can nail it every time. If you use it with the RT-32 CTL radio transmitter, you can trigger your flashes on your Pocket Wizards to get the perfect flash portrait.
Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder with Redhead Wind Screen
This is a great portable audio device. For $100 (or less), you get far better sound that the on-board microphone in your DSLR. Given the wind on the beach, don’t forget your Redhead Windscreen. Capture the sounds of the waves, the music, and the voices of those around so you can remember all the great times you had.
Sometimes I spend way too much time color correcting, never really being sure I have it right. The X-rite ColorChecker Passport is always right, and it’s convenient to carry anywhere.
Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket (for CF cards)
Think Tank Pee Wee Pixel Pocket Rocket (for SD cards)
It’s no mystery – I love Think Tank Photo. They make great bags and accessories, and the Pixel Pocket Rocket is used every single time I shoot. It holds all my cards, and when I have filled a card, I flip it over and slide it back in. My cards are easy to find, and organized. It’s the best $20 you’ll spend.
Works flawlessly for long exposures.
It was a good move to go to rechargeable batteries. Eneloops are the best. They hold the charge and are easy to recharge.
Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite Camera Straps
I love the Peak Design system, and now have anchors on all my cameras so that I can click into and out of a strap when needed. The anchors also have a color changing system to warn you if the anchor material is wearing thin so it can be replaced before failure.
FILM KIT
I have devoted an entire website to film photography, so be sure to check out Film Road Trip! My film camera collection has grown considerably since I first wrote this post. I recently sold a few cameras through my Etsy store, so watch it for future items.
Hasselblad 500CM with 80mm f/2.8, waist level finder, and A12 back (25th Anniversary Edition)
I’m glad I pulled the trigger and bought this camera when I had the chance. I’ve seen it lately for double what I paid, and mine is in perfect condition with the original box and literature. It’s true that you never really understand what all the hoopla is about with Hasselblads until you shoot one. I had a strap made by Tap & Dye for this camera, antique tan with crimson stitching, which is beautifully made and highly recommended.
Hasselblad Sonnar CF 180mm f/4 T* Lens (B60)
Fuji GW690 II
The so-called “Texas Leica” is big, but not heavy. It’s easy enough to hand hold and create those big 6×9 negatives!
Mamiya 6
The nearly-perfect medium format camera for travel. If it had autofocus it would be perfect, but you can’t have everything, right?
Mamiya 50mm f/4 (58 mm filter size)
In my opinion, this lens is the best of the bunch and is used probably 90% of the time.
Mamiya 75mm f/3.5 (58mm filter size)
Mamiya 150mm f/4.5 (67mm filter size)
Mamiya 645 Pro TL
This was my first medium format camera and it’s worth the purchase to be able to use the 80mm f/1.9 Mamiya lens. It has interchangeable backs which is nice to change film to suit the situation. Everything breaks down to pack up nicely. It’s not heavy, but it is robust in size, and the clunk of that shutter means everyone around you knows you just clicked the shutter.
Mamiya 80mm f/1.9 (67mm filter size)
The fastest medium format lens and my favorite of the 645 lenses I own. I bought a second copy for my daughter because I loved it so much.
Mamiya 45mm f/2.8 (67mm filter size)
Mamiya 110mm f.2.8 (58mm filter size)
Mamiya 150mm f/3.5 (58mm filter size)
Mamiya 210mm f/4 (58mm filter size)
Automatic Rolleiflex 4×4 (Baby Rollei)
A bit of a shelf queen given the difficulty getting 127 film, but it is really beautiful. There are a few film options at the Film Photography Project.
This is my first pinhole, and I’ve only run a few rolls through it to date. When I get the hang of it, I’ll post some images.
Canon EOS 1v
There is a reason that Canon made this for so many years. It is an incredible camera with a robust build, and with everything you could ever want in a film camera. Tips for buying one here.
Canon EOS 7n
New to me when it was released, I keep it on hand because it’s super simple to use and I have a sentimental attachment.
Canon A-1
Canon AE-1 Program
Canon FD 20mm f/2.8 (72mm filter size)
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 (52mm filter size)
Olympus XA-4
Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter (Mamiya 645 Lens to Canon EOS EF) This allows me to use my Mamiya lenses on my Canon film and digital bodies with the EF mount.
Kipon Hasselblad to Fujifilm GFX Adapter This adapter allows me to use my Hasselblad lenses on my Fujifilm GFX 50R.
Kipon Mamiya M645 to Fujifilm GFX Adapter This adapter allows me to use my manual focus lenses from the Mamiya 645 system on my Fujifilm GFX 50R, including the wonderful Mamiya M645 80mm f/1.9.
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