We get a lot of questions about our camera kit for travel photography. Everyone has a kit that works for them, but over the years, we’ve become pretty happy with our well-tuned selection of items.
We’ve selected items for their versatility, most notable is our camera selection, a Fuji X-T3 with a 16-80mm F4 zoom lens that is equivalent to the classic 24-105. We have several different camera models we carry with us for various trips and photography styles.
Camera Bodies
Fujifilm X-T4
Mirrorless | 26.1 MP | APS-C Sensor | 4K 60 FPS H.265
Pros
- Excellent Image Quality
- Superb Build Quality
- Fuji X Mount Lens Selection
- Image Stabilization
- Fantastic Video
- Large Battery
Cons
- APS-C Camera
- There Is Better Autofocus
For a travel camera that looks as good as the images it captures, the Fuji X-T4 is an easy choice. The build quality on this mirrorless camera is excellent, with reliable weatherproofing and retro dials that make manual shooting intuitive. It is easily the best ASP-C camera on the market and gives a run at some of the full-frame cameras in function.
The Fuji X-T4 has a superb autofocus function and image capture due to its cutting-edge 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor. It can shoot up to 30 frames per second with its electrotonic shutter and 15 fps with the mechanical. Video is where the camera shines, as the stabilization is excellent. It can shoot video in 10-bit color and the modern codec of H.265.
In form, the camera feels great in hand and features dual card slots, a rotating screen, and multiple dials. The EVF is brilliantly bright, and the rear LCD looks sharp. APS-C cameras are great for travel as they utilize more compact lenses. Fuji delivers an excellent line of razor-sharp lenses for an affordable price compared to full-frame lenses.
The camera is a great stills camera and an excellent video camera, but even better at switching back is forth between the two formats. If you are interested in shooting videos and stills, this is the perfect travel camera. The Fuji X-T4 is the camera we use for work as professional writers and content creators.
Shop For Fujifilm X-T4
Canon 80D
This is our wildlife camera in our repertoire. It also happens to be a tremendous camera and one of the best mid-range cameras on the market. As a longtime fan favorite, the 80D provides outstanding subject tracking, continuous autofocus even when in video mode, and excellent low light performance. The Canon EOS 80D is still used by many photographers today, not only for its phenomenal image quality but also for its durable weather-sealed body. I have beaten mine into a pulp.
With its long body life and rugged exterior, this camera is sure to be working for you all throughout the day and be the perfect travel companion for years to come. Due to its age, the 80D does not shoot in 4K like most of the newer cameras on the market. It does, however, offer a mic input making the 80D more video-friendly. The Canon EOS is one of the most reliable, high-quality cameras money can buy. Once bought you will quickly see why this camera is constantly found on top-ten lists around the web.
Sony RX100 V
We have the RX100 V, which has one of the fastest fps in the world for still images (24 images a second), it contains a one-inch sensor, and shoots 4k video. The built-in lens is also plenty fast enough opening to a 1.8F stop and it has image stabilization for video.
You can also gain full manual control with an ability to shoot RAW images even with the RX100 base model that retails for under $400. This produces terrific photos, and when it comes to compressed images on a blog or Instagram you’ll hardly notice the difference between them and a full-frame camera.
In my opinion, it is one of the best cameras for travel. You don’t need a ton of accessories just a memory card with a lightweight tripod and you’re done. To further the point it fits in a pocket, we picked this camera up because we can take it on hikes, snowboarding, and into sensitive areas without drawing any attention. It’s phenomenal and the amount of camera that Sony packed into such a small product is amazing. We’ve now owned about a dozen cameras all across the board and one of my favorite cameras has been this one.
Lenses
Fuji Lenses
Fujinon XF16mm F1.4 R WR
Fujinon XF 16-80 F4
Fujinon XF 18-55mm
Fujinon XF 55-200mm
Canon Lenses
Canon EF-S 10-18mm
Canon EF 40mm
Canon EF 24–105mm
Tamron SP 150-600mm
Camera Support
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
This is an awesome daypack and backpack that works well for travel and everyday life. We love the gear we have from Peak Design and it’s all exceptionally high quality. Their Everyday Backpack provides a level of accessibility, organization, and quality we’ve seen in no other backpack so far. What makes it stand out is the backpack feels ready to take on everyday life in addition to your photography needs.
It starts off with the top access which uses a patented MagLatch technology that pretty nifty in use and makes for quick access. Access is not limited to the top as both sides open for quick access to your bag that can be section via padded interior sleeves similar to a camera bag.
The side pocket also comes with a plethora of pockets and storage that makes for easy organization. For travel, the tuckaway straps and integrated luggage carry system to make it easy to slip on top of a roller suitcase. The backpack is now my go-to travel backpack and makes it on every trip.
Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW
This is the latest addition to our collection of backpacks, and I couldn’t be more stoked on the bag. The camera bag is purpose-built for those who shoot photos and videos in the harsh elements, precisely winter conditions such as climb or ski. It’s one of the best backpacks for photographers, but it does come with a high price tag. Since it is designed for harsh winter elements, the build quality, and design are excellent.
I love that the bag opens from the backside that allows you to comfortably throw the backpack on the ground and reach for gear without fear of the bag tipping of getting gear wet. It also has side and front straps designed to carry a snowboard, skis, ice axes, or hiking/ski poles (massive win for our snowboard season)
Peak Designs Travel Tripod
After years of waiting, we finally got our hands on the coveted Peak Designs travel tripod. This baby is taking the tripod world by storm. Why? Because of it’s innovative and lightweight design making it perfect for traveling and packing up small. It’s definitely the best carbon fiber tripod for travel out there.
What makes this lightweight tripod so great? It’s compact and folds up incredibly small, lightweight at only 3.44 lbs, has impressive stability, and can fully deploy in under 10 seconds. Hence, you never had to worry about missing a shot. I also love that it’s mobile-ready, and has a particular device to hold your cell phone on it, just in case you would instead take a phone photo!
At $600, it’s not cheap; they also have a more affordable aluminum model for those on a budget. Because of the size and how small it folds up, the Peak Designs tripod is ideal for our outdoor and travel pursuits.
PolarPro Variable ND Filter
Control over the amount of the light that enters the lens of a camera allows for greater photo manipulation. For landscape photographers and videographers ND filters have become commonplace in order to achieve lower shutter speeds and better images.
Previously that meant a wide range of filters for varying light conditions. Now variable neutral density filters allow for the strength of the ND to be adjusted with a twist.
PolarPro designs exceptional filters that are cut from quartz for superior optical performance and scratch resistance. Photographers can choose from a 2-5 stop VND or a 6-9 VND to enable exceptional control for photographs.
LaCie Rugged 4TB USB-C
Macbook 15″ Pro Retina
Where to Buy Your Camera?
We shop for almost all of our photography needs on B&H Photo. They’re easily the best camera shop in North America and have been working with professional film, video, and photography needs for decades.
They’re responsible for handling the equipment of major feature films, Pulitzer prize photographers, and everyday consumers like ourselves. Their support is tremendous and knowledgeable. On top of all that, they offer free two shipping, so forget ordering camera gear on Amazon and putting more money in Jeff Bezos’s pocket!
