What’s in My Camera Bag as a Travel Blogger – 2024

I often get asked what camera and gear I use. So, instead of messaging individually, I wanted to just share what I am using for you here. Since I am a self-taught photographer, I have learned a lot over the years and gear reflects that. Therefore I am including my beginner gear along with what I am using now.

Camera Gear Sam holding up two cameras

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. 

Camera Body

Canon Rebel – I started with a crop-sensor Canon Rebel. The one I had t7i is no longer available, but if you’re serious about photography, I would skip the rebel stage and move right to a mirrorless sensor camera.

Canon EOS R – I used this camera for 1 year as my main camera and 3 years as a backup camera. This camera comes with 30.3 megapixels this camera is a beast and comes at a reasonable cost.

The Canon EOS R shares many of the same specs (plus) as the Canon 5D Mark IV at a better price!

I originally tested the Sony A7iii, but as a Canon user, I was used to the Canon colors, menus and this particular model has a very very slow buffer. I sold this camera, because while it has a good autofocus, Canon now has cameras on the market that just blow this cameras autofocus away.

Canon EOS R6 – This has been my main camera for the past 3 years. It is truly a great camera and, with 20 mp, shoots really well in low light.

If you have the extra money, I just rented the Canon EOS R6 II (24mp) for a safari, and the autofocus on that camera was really so, so, so incredible. The only downside of this camera is that it has a lower megapixel count. This really doesn’t matter if you are only uploading your photos on social media or online in general. The only time the megapixels will matter more is if you plan to crop your photos a lot and make very large prints. Since the Mark ii version came out, it is a little harder to find the original version.

Sam in Alaska holding the Canon R6 with the 100-500 lens.
Sam in Alaska holding the Canon R6 with the 100-500 lens.

Canon EOS R5 – If you need more megapixels, going with the EOS R5 will be the way to go. Since I also photograph wildlife, I will be upgrading to the Canon EOS R5 Mii that is about to be released with higher megapixels and better autofocus from my current R6. My R6 will become my backup camera as well as the camera I use in low light since it performs better.

I usually do not recommend kit lenses. Just get the body and below are the lenses I use and recommend.

GoPro Hero 12 – You don’t need the newest Go Pro, but I did recently upgrade my Hero 7. I think these work great for underwater and even vlogging.

Drone: I also have a DJI Air 2 drone. It is pretty outdated compared with the current set-up and I don’t get to use it too often because of drone laws. I think if I were looking to buy a drone right now I would go with one of the minis, making it easier to travel with.

Lenses

Canon RF 24-70 mm F2.8 L is USM – For travel photos, this is the main lens I use. more than 80% of my photos are taken with it.

Sam in Lagos Portugal

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens – I don’t use this lens as much anymore, but I really like this lens for doing any more portrait-like photography since it is a 1.8f prime lens.

Close-up of Ice Cream
Taken with the 50mm

Canon RF 70-200 f/2-8– I don’t use this lens as often unless I am taking photos of wildlife or I want to really compress the background. I love this lens though. I couldn’t imagine not having it in my camera bag. With a 2.8 aperture, this lens also works great in low light conditions as well as blurring out the backgroud.

3 elephants drinking water.
Taken with the 70-200

Canon RF 100 – 500 f/4.5-7.1 – This is my go-to lens for my wildlife photography. It takes incredibly sharp shots and gives me the reach I need while still being able to pull in for closer shots. An alternative to this lens would be the Canon RF 100-400, which is a little more budget-friendly.

Close up Lion.
Taken with the 100-500

Camera Accessories

Manfrotto Befree travel tripod – I don’t use my tripod too often, but when I don’t have my husband’s help, having my tripod is a necessity. I really like this one and I’ve had it since 2020.

LowePro Fastpack 250 – I first purchased this camera backpack for our two-month journey through Europe and Asia. I needed a bag that could be used as a carry-on for my toiletries and as a camera bag. Now, this backpack has been my go-to ever since because it can fit all of my camera equipment and other items that I would often carry in a handbag.

The only drawback is that, due to its size and weight, I don’t want to carry the backpack around as much in the destination. To solve this issue, I got this BAGSMART Camera Bag and I really like it.

Hard Drives—You will need something to back up all your photos with, and hard drives are the way to do it. Your computer will not be able to store all your photos after a few years. Trust me, I learned the hard way. I use the Lacie rugged hard drives, and when traveling, I bring a smaller Sandisk Sold State Drive to back up my photos on the go.

Additionally, I always carry at least 1 extra camera battery with me, and at least 2 extra SanDisk SD cards. Since I want fast buffering, I go with the Sandisk Extreme Pro. 

Camera Clip and Strap – I really like the Peak Design camera straps and clips. I have this clip for my backpack, the wrist holder (my new favorite), and a regular camera strap. I like how easy they all are by clipping on and off.

If you have more camera and gear questions, feel free to reach out to me. I love talking about cameras and gear!

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