When traveling with a camera, the excitement of capturing new scenes often clashes with a fundamental question: what do I bring, and what do I leave behind? Traveling light is essential, but leaving the wrong gear at home can mean missing the perfect shot. After years of experience (and a few mistakes), I’ve found my balance in preparing the ideal travel kit. Here’s what I always bring with me.

The heart of every photography trip is, of course, my camera, a Canon R6 MkII. As for lenses, my go-to kit includes:

• 70-200mm Telephoto – Perfect for distant details, compressed portraits, and landscapes with depth.
• 24-70mm Versatile Lens – A great all-rounder for most situations.
• 15-35mm Wide-Angle – Essential for landscapes, architecture, and immersive interior shots.
• (Optional) 50mm Prime—This lens is small, bright, and versatile. I sometimes bring it for more spontaneous shots.

Aside from lenses, I always pack:

• (If Possible) DJI Drone(s) — I have one for every occasion! DJI Neo, DJI Mavic Mini, and a DJI Air 3.
• ND Filters (Neutral Density) for long exposures in bright light.
• Graduated ND Filters for balancing exposure in high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds.
• Big Stopper Filter (10 stops) for extreme effects on water and sky.
• Tripod – A robust and steady one (Manfrotto). A must for night photography, landscapes, panoramas, and long exposures.
• Chargers & Batteries – You can’t do much without them.
• SD Cards – The more, the merrier!
• Remote Controller – To handle long exposures without vibrations.

I don’t always bring everything. When traveling to a city, the wide-angle and 24-70mm are my main choices. If I’m heading into nature or on a dedicated photography trip, the telephoto lens becomes crucial. For long exposures, I know I can’t go without filters and a tripod, while if I expect to shoot macro or close-up details, the 100mm macro is a smart choice (even though I once regretted not bringing it!).

Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Here are three situations where I ran into trouble:

• Forgetting the filter adapter ring, forcing me to hold the filters manually in front of the lens.
• Breaking my Big Stopper while traveling prevented me from taking the long exposures I had planned.
• Choosing not to bring the 100mm macro, only to find the perfect subject that I couldn’t capture properly.

Every mistake teaches a lesson, and now I always prepare a checklist before leaving.

Transporting equipment is another critical aspect. My camera and lenses always stay with me in my carry-on backpack, while the tripod and secondary accessories go in checked luggage. I’ve considered using sealed hard cases for shipping my gear, but the risk of theft or loss makes me hesitate. Even with insurance, losing everything would mean compromising work, assignments, or personal projects. That’s why I prefer the compromise of keeping at least the essentials with me.

Traveling with a camera is always a balance between practicality and security. Bringing too much means unnecessary weight, but leaving the wrong gear behind can ruin the opportunity for an unforgettable shot. My advice? Plan ahead, research the destination, and learn from your mistakes. Because nothing is more frustrating than standing in front of the perfect scene without the right equipment.

👉 Want more photography insights? Subscribe to my blog to get exclusive content and updates.

👉 Explore more articles on photography, videography, and music on my website.

👉 Check out my latest projects and photo galleries!

#CameraGear #TravelPhotography #PhotographyEssentials #PackingForTravel #TravelGear #PhotographyTips #PhotoEquipment #BestTravelCamera #WhatToPack #PhotographySetup