Essential Gear for Travel Photography

As you prepare for your next travel photography field trip, are you packing the right gear to cover your needs? In this premium video lesson, nature photographer David Johnston takes you through the process of choosing the proper equipment.

In his job, David journeys throughout the United States and internationally. That’s why choosing the exact right gear is important for his travel photography. Second to his camera equipment, he considers the tripod the most essential item, and he always uses it unless he is on the move and photographing wildlife. He carries a travel tripod because it’s lightweight and compact. For a travel photography camera, David uses a compact mirrorless model with a wide angle lens.

For your own photography, it’s important for you to carry a 17-28mm zoom lens for its range. For terrain challenges, you will also need a telephoto lens to reach the further distances you can’t achieve by hiking. If you want to get even more compact, you could carry only an all in one travel lens like a 24mm-15mm or an 18MM-255mm. As for filters, David cautions about packing too many. He suggests an ND filter and a circular polarizer for noon-daylight.

For travel photography, the camera bag is most essential, David believes. A good camera bag can fit into an airplane overhead storage bin. It should house all your gear for easy access in the field. For his own work, David likes the 45 liter padded model with rear access and also including an outside pocket for his laptop and another pocket for his tripod. When you’re going through airport security, it’s wise to have easy access to these items.

Join Outdoor Photography Guide’s professional photographer David Johnston who shows you how to enhance your travel photography by packing the proper gear for your next adventure.