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Best Travel Photography Tools
A camera is a big investment, but it’s also an important one if you’re an avid traveler. Every story you tell, from the
warm beaches of Hawaii to the cold tundras of Northern Europe, can be made even more compelling through good
photography—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Whether you take photographs as a personal keepsake or share them with the world, it’s a great opportunity to develop your talents. Perhaps someday you’ll even get recognition for your work as a travel photographer—a title which comes with many of its own perks. Can you imagine getting paid to explore the world?
If you’re interested in living the dream, hone your skills by reading more about the most essential tools every photographer should add to their arsenal.
Digital Camera
Brands like Sony, Fujifilm, and Canon are all moving away from the bulky DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) cameras of old to give travelers a more lightweight experience. The newer mirrorless camera doesn’t sacrifice quality for compactness—most models have a maximum video quality of 4k and 25fps and photo
resolutions that range from 26-62 MP. Mirrorless cameras can cost anywhere from $700 to $6,000. A
relatively affordable option is the Fujifilm X-T30 which, for $899, combines both video quality and resolution for still photography.
If you’re hoping to capture your next adventure from a more unique perspective, opt for a lightweight travel drone. Travelers will benefit from the DJI Mavic Mini, which can capture high-quality videos, while weighing in at a meager 249g.
Lens
Enhance the quality of your photos by choosing a lens that can capture your subject in all its glory. Landscape photographers should go for a wide-angle lens, which is designed to fit large areas into a single frame. Telephoto lenses, on the other hand, can put faraway subjects into focus.
If you’re looking for something more versatile, a standard lens can be adjusted to accommodate different kinds of
photography. It’s usually best to choose a lens that matches the brand of your camera; but if you want to explore other options, there are many viable third-party lens brands to choose from, including Sigma, Tamron, Samyang, and Tokina.
Tripod
For anyone interested in advanced photography techniques, one of the best tripods on the market is the highly portable Manfrotto Element Traveler Big. Though extremely lightweight, this travel tripod can hold heavier cameras with its 17.6 pound maximum load. In addition, its twistable leg locks ensure maximum stability. At $150, it’s also more affordable than most tripods on the market.
Want to try your hand at astrophotography? On your next expedition to the north, a tripod like this is absolutely essential to capture that perfect image of the Northern Lights!
Camera Bag
It goes without saying that you need a place to store all of your equipment. Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack has won many awards in innovation, making it a top choice for a reliable camera bag. Everything about it appears to be designed for maximum benefit to the user, from sturdy panels that keep gear protected, to configurable dividers and an easily accessible array of pockets that help you organize all your equipment. Regardless of the make or model, a camera bag will help keep all your equipment safe from the elements.
Extras: SD Cards and Batteries
Photographers looking for extra photo space can benefit from the Lexar Professional 1066x SDXC UHS-I SILVER Series SD cards, which have read speeds of up to 160MB per second and write speeds of up to 120MB per second. This allows them to quickly process photos and videos of the highest quality, including Full HD and 4k videos. Lexar’s cards can also protect your files from damage-induced data loss given their durability against water, shocks, and vibrations.
If your camera supports USB connections, you can use the Belkin Pocket Power 10K portable battery to keep it charged on the go. Packing 10,000 milliamperes per hour, this portable battery can last up to 48 hours—a mega convenience for those lacking access to a traditional power source.
When we travel it is important to capture those truly unforgettable moments. These memories fade with time unless we can find a way to immortalize them. With the way that technology is moving forward, there has never been a better time to hone your digital photography skills. Capturing these moments will provide a lifetime of memories that you can look back on for years to come. The best part is, there are so many entry-level options to help get you started, making it easier than ever to come off looking like a professional. So what are you waiting for?